400 West Market St.
P.O. Box 966
Athens, AL 35611
Sunday Services:
8:30am - Casual & Informal
10:30am - Traditional
What to Expect at First Christian Church Athens
Thank you for considering First Christian Athens! We know that for some, visiting a church for the first time can be overwhelming and awkward. We want to ensure your visit with us is as smooth and inviting as possible. To help you on your way, we have provided detailed information about what to expect when attending our church for the first time. Welcome!
Where to Park
Visitors to First Christian are encouraged to park directly in front of the church on West Market street. However, in the event there are no spaces available, visitors may park across N. Madison Street in the parking lot, or anywhere along West Market Street.
Visitors are encouraged to park directly in front of the church along W. Market St.
Parking directly in front of the church along W. Market St.
Parking lot across N. Madison St. from FCC Athens.
Parking along Market St. and in the lot adjacent to the church.
Entering the Church
There are two main entrances to the church: the front doors and the elevator.
FRONT ENTRANCE
The primary entrance to the church is through main doors at the top of the front steps. When entering here, you will be greeted by a church Elder or Deacon and be given the bulletin for the service.
ELEVATOR ENTRANCE
A second entrance to the church is available for those needing an elevator to reach the Sanctuary. The entrance to the elevators is located on the West side of the church (to the left of the Main Entrance). A white door will provide entry to the elevator room. Instructions are available for elevator operation. You will need to go up in the elevator to reach the Sanctuary (down will take you to Fellowship Hall and the restrooms). You will exit the elevator directly into the rear of the Sanctuary. You will need to go just around the corner to meet the Elder or Deacon at the main doors and to receive a bulletin.
Early Service
Early Service is held at 8:30am each Sunday morning and has a more casual feel than the later service. All worshipers are asked to sit in the two rows of pews closest to the center aisle. Pastor Clint will preach from the floor rather than the pulpit and the service generally lasts around 40 minutes. While the nursery is available during the Early Service, children (especially loud children) are ALWAYS welcome in the Sanctuary. However, if parents become uncomfortable during the service, a cry room is located at the rear of the Sanctuary and adjacent to the Entry.
Once seated and finished greeting fellow worshipers, please take a moment to fill out the Fellowship Pad located at the end of each pew.
Communion is held as a congregation surrounding the Table of the Lord. All are welcome to participate. The body (bread) and the blood (grape juice in consideration for those in recovery) are both taken and held. The congregation participates as one: first in the body then in the blood of Christ.
At the end of Early Service, worshipers are welcome to fellowship in the Sanctuary until the start of Sunday school.
Restrooms are located on the first floor of the church. The Women's restroom is at the bottom of the stairs. The Men's restroom is located adjacent to the kitchen.
Worshipers at the Early Service are asked to sit in the pews nearest the center aisle.
Cry room located adjacent to the entry and at the rear of the Sanctuary for anyone requiring a few minutes to collect themselves.
Early Service Worshipers gather around the Table for Communion.
Second Service
Second Service is held at 10:30am each Sunday morning and is a more traditional service lasting around 70 minutes. Readings, responses, and words to hymns are displayed on an overhead projector screen to help the congregation follow along. Music during this service is accompanied by a pianist. The nursery is available during the Second Service; however, children are ALWAYS welcome in the Sanctuary. If parents choosing to keep their children with them become uncomfortable during the service, a cry room is located at the rear of the Sanctuary and adjacent to the Entry.
Worshipers are welcome to sit anywhere in the Sanctuary. Unless no other space is available, we try to keep the front pews of the church open for the children during Children's Moment and Deacons during Communion. Once seated and finished greeting fellow worshipers, please take a moment to fill out the Fellowship Pad located at the end of each pew.
Second service begins with a welcome, announcements, a hymn, a reading, a response, and a prayer. Following the prayer, the children of the congregation are welcomed forward to the pews located at the right front of the church. Parents are welcome to join their children, particularly very young children. Mrs. Harriette Rost leads children's moment with a short explanation of the day's scripture reading. This often involves props, skits, and volunteers from the congregation. At the end of Children's Moment, the children are led downstairs for Worship and Wonder. Again, children are welcome to stay in the Sanctuary with their parents if they prefer.
Communion is held every Sunday at FCC Athens. Pastor Clint and the Elders will bless the communion and Deacons will serve the congregation. All are welcome to participate. The body (bread) and the blood (grape juice in consideration for those in recovery) are both taken and held. The congregation participates as one: first in the body then in the blood of Christ.
The second scripture reading follows the offering. Pastor Clint will then give his sermon and an Invitational hymn is sung. Those who desire to join the church or ask for a special prayer are asked to go forward and join Pastor Clint at the front of the church.
At the end of Second Service, worshipers are welcome to fellowship in the Sanctuary. Pastor Clint stands at the front doors of the church to send the congregation on their way.
Restrooms are located on the first floor of the church. The Women's restroom is at the bottom of the stairs. The Men's restroom is located adjacent to the kitchen.
The congregation gathers for Second Service. Worshipers are welcome close to the Table of the Lord, but are asked to leave the front pew open for Deacons and Children's Moment.
Mrs. Harriette leads Children's Moment with a lesson connecting the weekly scripture reading with a message in a bottle.
Hymnals and Bibles are provided at each pew. A projector screen also provides the words and the Scripture reading for the congregation.
Pastor Clint bids farewell to the congregation at the end of Second Service.