Find answers here.
Still have questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Who will be there?
At a typical Sunday worship service, you will encounter people of all ages and all backgrounds. Situated around the corner from the University of Michigan Central Campus, we have a large number of university students, faculty, and staff, as well as University Hospital staff, in our church family. As a downtown church, we also have a number of homeless and marginally-housed congregants in our fellowship. Though we are an American Baptist church, roughly half our congregation comes from other religious traditions. We are theologically diverse but progressive in our commitment to love, grace, and social justice. At First Baptist, you will meet open-minded, non-judgmental people seeking to live authentically and love unconditionally.
Who will be there?
At a typical Sunday worship service, you will encounter people of all ages and all backgrounds. Situated around the corner from the University of Michigan Central Campus, we have a large number of university students, faculty, and staff, as well as University Hospital staff, in our church family. As a downtown church, we also have a number of homeless and marginally-housed congregants in our fellowship. Though we are an American Baptist church, roughly half our congregation comes from other religious traditions. We are theologically diverse but progressive in our commitment to love, grace, and social justice. At First Baptist, you will meet open-minded, non-judgmental people seeking to live authentically and love unconditionally.
Where do I park?
Though parking in downtown Ann Arbor can sometimes be challenging, there is no better day than Sunday to find your spot! At First Baptist, we are fortunate to have 22 surface parking spaces on Washington Street, including two designated handicapped spots and three spaces marked specifically on Sundays for visitors. Right across the street is the Liberty Square parking structure, which offers free parking on Sundays. Drivers may drop off passengers at our Washington Street or Huron Street doors before parking across the street.
Where do I park?
Though parking in downtown Ann Arbor can sometimes be challenging, there is no better day than Sunday to find your spot! At First Baptist, we are fortunate to have 22 surface parking spaces on Washington Street, including two designated handicapped spots and three spaces marked specifically on Sundays for visitors. Right across the street is the Liberty Square parking structure, which offers free parking on Sundays. Drivers may drop off passengers at our Washington Street or Huron Street doors before parking across the street.
Is the church building accessible?
First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor strives to be welcoming and inclusive to all. Detailed information regarding Accessibility of the Church Building is available for review online, but feel free to contact us at office@fbca2.org if you have questions.
Is the church building accessible?
First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor strives to be welcoming and inclusive to all. Detailed information regarding Accessibility of the Church Building is available for review online, but feel free to contact us at office@fbca2.org if you have questions.
How will I know where to go?
From the moment you step into our parking lot on Sunday morning, you will be greeted by friendly volunteers who can assist you in getting to the sanctuary or anywhere else you may be headed. Greeters are ready to help you at both the Washington Street and Huron Street entrances, as well as within the building. Though worship begins at 10:00 on Sundays, you are more than welcome to arrive early and sit wherever you’d like. If you arrive after worship has begun, ushers will make sure you can easily find your way to a pew. For those with mobility issues, the Washington Street entrance will be most accessible, offering an elevator to the main floor and a ramp into the sanctuary. The ushers have listening devices and large print bulletins available for those who need them.
How will I know where to go?
From the moment you step into our parking lot on Sunday morning, you will be greeted by friendly volunteers who can assist you in getting to the sanctuary or anywhere else you may be headed. Greeters are ready to help you at both the Washington Street and Huron Street entrances, as well as within the building. Though worship begins at 10:00 on Sundays, you are more than welcome to arrive early and sit wherever you’d like. If you arrive after worship has begun, ushers will make sure you can easily find your way to a pew. For those with mobility issues, the Washington Street entrance will be most accessible, offering an elevator to the main floor and a ramp into the sanctuary. The ushers have listening devices and large print bulletins available for those who need them.
What is the “dress code” for Sunday worship?
We don’t have a “dress code” for worship. Our pastors wear robes for worship; everyone else wears whatever they choose! On any given Sunday, you will see everything from casual to dressy. Wear what feels comfortable to you and don’t feel like you need to cover up your tattoos or body piercings.
What is the “dress code” for Sunday worship?
We don’t have a “dress code” for worship. Our pastors wear robes for worship; everyone else wears whatever they choose! On any given Sunday, you will see everything from casual to dressy. Wear what feels comfortable to you and don’t feel like you need to cover up your tattoos or body piercings.
What style of music should I expect during worship?
Compared to many Baptist churches, we might be considered “high church.” Our worship services typically incorporate the classic liturgy of many mainline Protestant churches, and include a blend of traditional and newer hymns and anthems, accompanied by pipe organ. We love and welcome children and teenagers in worship, including in worship leadership. Our pastor preaches sermons that illuminate the Scriptures while connecting with the practical challenges and questions of contemporary life.
What style of music should I expect during worship?
Compared to many Baptist churches, we might be considered “high church.” Our worship services typically incorporate the classic liturgy of many mainline Protestant churches, and include a blend of traditional and newer hymns and anthems, accompanied by pipe organ. We love and welcome children and teenagers in worship, including in worship leadership. Our pastor preaches sermons that illuminate the Scriptures while connecting with the practical challenges and questions of contemporary life.
Is there something for all ages on Sunday mornings?
Yes! Everyone is welcome in worship, including babies and young children. We do have a well-staffed nursery (with screened, consistent childcare workers) available for those who choose to use it; children depart from worship after a children’s message for their own special activities. Following worship and a time of fellowship, we offer Church School classes for all ages, including a youth class for middle school and high school students, and multiple adult educational opportunities.
Is there something for all ages on Sunday mornings?
Yes! Everyone is welcome in worship, including babies and young children. We do have a well-staffed nursery (with screened, consistent childcare workers) available for those who choose to use it; children depart from worship after a children’s message for their own special activities. Following worship and a time of fellowship, we offer Church School classes for all ages, including a youth class for middle school and high school students, and multiple adult educational opportunities.
What sacraments does First Baptist celebrate?
In the Baptist tradition, we call these “ordinances” rather than “sacraments,” but at First Baptist, we don’t really get caught up on labels. Call them whatever you’d like – we celebrate two of them: baptism and communion. We celebrate baptism by immersion whenever someone decides to make a public profession of faith. Though we practice believer’s baptism (baptism of a person who is old enough to make this profession for himself/herself), we accept into membership those who have been baptized as infants; we do not require a second baptism. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of the month; it is open to all. Additionally, we celebrate dedicate babies and children whenever a baby is born or a child is adopted and the family wishes to dedicate their child to God.
What sacraments does First Baptist celebrate?
In the Baptist tradition, we call these “ordinances” rather than “sacraments,” but at First Baptist, we don’t really get caught up on labels. Call them whatever you’d like – we celebrate two of them: baptism and communion. We celebrate baptism by immersion whenever someone decides to make a public profession of faith. Though we practice believer’s baptism (baptism of a person who is old enough to make this profession for himself/herself), we accept into membership those who have been baptized as infants; we do not require a second baptism. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of the month; it is open to all. Additionally, we celebrate dedicate babies and children whenever a baby is born or a child is adopted and the family wishes to dedicate their child to God.
How do I get involved?
Involvement at First Baptist Church is not limited to members or long-time attenders. Participation in the ministries, classes, and initiatives at our church is a great way to connect with the congregation, deepen your relationship with God, and use your gifts to make a positive impact on our world. From greeting people as they arrive at church on Sundays, to helping resettle an Afghan refugee family or traveling to Nicaragua to work on public health needs with our mission partner there, your presence will make a difference. You can fill out a contact form to let us know your interests, and we will help you get plugged in.
How do I get involved?
Involvement at First Baptist Church is not limited to members or long-time attenders. Participation in the ministries, classes, and initiatives at our church is a great way to connect with the congregation, deepen your relationship with God, and use your gifts to make a positive impact on our world. From greeting people as they arrive at church on Sundays, to helping resettle an Afghan refugee family or traveling to Nicaragua to work on public health needs with our mission partner there, your presence will make a difference. You can fill out a contact form to let us know your interests, and we will help you get plugged in.
Can I reserve space in the church building?
Yes! In keeping with our purpose of providing a welcoming and inspiring place for seekers, believers, doers, and dreamers of all ages, several areas of our building and grounds may be reserved for use by members of the wider community. Our current Building Use Policy and Building Use Agreement Form are available online. Questions may be directed to our Office Administrator at office@fbca2.org.
Can I reserve space in the church building?
Yes! In keeping with our purpose of providing a welcoming and inspiring place for seekers, believers, doers, and dreamers of all ages, several areas of our building and grounds may be reserved for use by members of the wider community. Our current Building Use Policy and Building Use Agreement Form are available online. Questions may be directed to our Office Administrator at office@fbca2.org.