First Presbyterian Church Albemarle

06/01/2026

Some sermon highlights:
Jeremiah said, "Ah, Lord! God Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." In the novel Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis, Aslan asks Caspian if he feels sufficient to take up the role of king of Narnia, and he says, “I- I don't think so, sir, I'm only a kid.” To which Aslan says, “Good, if you had felt yourself sufficient it would have been proof that you were not.”
God promised to make Jeremiah like a bronze wall and an iron pillar. Theodore Beza, a student of John Calvin, said, “It belongs to the Church of God to suffer blows, not to strike them...But the Church is an anvil which has worn out many hammers.” We don't hit back, we love our enemies, but it is possible that that which is getting hit is stronger than that which is doing the hitting. It doesn't work out very well, for example, to try to punch a brick wall.

05/26/2026

The fruit of the Spirit are the results of someone’s labor, but not our own. They are the fruit of the Spirit’s labor in our lives. If we want holiness, if we want virtue, we have to tap into the power of the Spirit. Neither a self-help regimen nor coaching nor spiritual disciplines will be as effective at life change as simply spending more time with God through the Holy Spirit.

“If you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law.” The law can at best restrain sin. But the law cannot produce righteousness. The law can punish the ungodly, but it cannot form godly people. The law can put up bumpers to prevent gutter balls. But the law can’t help you roll a strike. But the Holy Spirit can do these things that the law can’t! When you’re bowling strikes and spares, you don’t need the bumpers up anymore, you remove them.

Bulletin: http://www.fpcalbemarle.org/Images/Bulletins/2025-12/28.p...

05/18/2026

How can you add hope into the world at times when it needs it most? If I were in Jerusalem, being besieged by the Babylonian army, I’d purchase a field. If the world were to end tomorrow, I’d plant an apple tree. If atomic bombs were being threatened, I’d pray and work. If I was imprisoned, I’d plant a garden. If war came to my country, I’d play cello in the streets.

Bulletin: http://www.fpcalbemarle.org/Images/Bulletins/2025-12/28.pdfRegister of Friendship: https://forms.gle/eKmPrzko2fHzYCP58Welcome to worship at First P...

05/11/2026

The illustration of the potter and the clay teaches us that the greatest danger in our life is not becoming marred or spoiled, for wet, pliable clay can easily be reworked; the greatest danger is becoming stiff and hardened. The greatest danger is not having sinned, but refusing to confess and repent.

Common advice today is: "Be whoever you want to be." Better advice is: "Be who you were made to be."

Bulletin: http://www.fpcalbemarle.org/Images/Bulletins/2025-12/28.pdfRegister of Friendship: https://forms.gle/eKmPrzko2fHzYCP58Welcome to worship at First P...

05/07/2026

Congrats to the scholarship recipients!

One of the first words on work in the Bible is the curse of toil that comes as a result of humanity's fall into sin. But it is not the first word! Work shows up even in the paradise of Eden. Our prayer is that these students would find work that is meaningful, rewarding, and is of service to God and neighbor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td_iEFN0TEY

04/29/2026

Join us next week as the Back to the Basics classes start back up! Taught by Pastor Joel, topics will include Presbyterian History, the Bible, the 10 Commandments, and the Apostles' Creed. All are welcome.

04/28/2026

Let us learn to embrace the unique life and calling God has given to us. Don't look at others and ask, "What about him?" What is that to you? Follow Jesus in whatever way he asks of you.

Sunday Worship Service April 26, 2026

04/22/2026

This Sunday! A free opportunity to hear some highly talented singers. Bring a friend!

04/20/2026

Like Peter, we will all be asked by Jesus, "Do you love me?" That is the central question of our faith. It's not enough to believe in God or worship God or obey God. We must love God.

Sunday Worship Service April 19, 2026

04/15/2026

Jesus calls the disciples, who were fishermen, to be fishers of men. We misunderstand Jesus’ fishing metaphor if we think through the lens of fishing with a fishing pole, something that can be done all alone. For the disciples are out fishing with nets, and this type of fishing was a team enterprise. Evangelism is not meant to be a solo sport; it is best done as part of a larger community. It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a church to make disciples.
We need a church that responds like the disciples did to Peter when he said, "I am going fishing." -> "We will go with you."

Bulletin: http://www.fpcalbemarle.org/Images/Bulletins/2025-12/28.pdfRegister of Friendship: https://forms.gle/eCV6Q3yGy3fiVDQH8Welcome to worship at First P...