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Humbly Following Jesus Christ

Prelude

11:00 A.M. WORSHIP JULY 6, 2025

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Prelude on O Beautiful for Spacious Skies Charles Callahan

Alvin Blount

Welcome and Announcements Tony Sundermeier

+A Litany for Independence Day

One: Lord God Almighty, who has made all people of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and peace.

All: We give you thanks for this land, for those who came before us, and for the blessings we enjoy.

One: Grant to the people of our country a zeal for justice, a heart for mercy, and the strength of forbearance—

All: That we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will.

One: When we are tempted to seek only our own good, turn us toward the common good.

All: When we grow weary of civic life, renew in us a spirit of service and hope.

One: When we confuse nation with Kingdom, remind us that our highest allegiance is to Christ alone.

All: Let our lives reflect the freedom we have in him—freedom to love, to serve, and to live at peace with all.

One: Bless our leaders with wisdom, our communities with peace, and our citizens with courage and compassion.

All: Make us mindful of the vulnerable, faithful in our responsibilities, and generous in all we do.

One: Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

All: Amen.

+Hymn #338

O Beautiful for Spacious Skies MATERNA

Music in Preparation for Worship

Simple Gifts Arr. John Carter

Call to Worship Rob Sparks

One: Come, all who are weary and hurried, all who are restless and burdened by the noise of the world.

All: We come to seek the stillness of God. To listen—not for thunder or fire—but for the quiet voice that speaks to the soul.

One: In this sacred hour, lay aside what clamors for your attention. All: We center our hearts. We open our minds. We make space for the living God.

One: “Be still,” says the Lord, “and know that I am God.” All: We come in stillness. We come in faith. We come to worship.

+Hymn #329

God is Our Refuge and Our Strength WINCHESTER OLD

+Prayer of Confession (In Unison)

God of quiet mercy, we confess that we are uncomfortable with silence. We fill our lives with noise, hurry, and distraction, afraid of what we might hear—or not hear—when we are still. We confess that we resist solitude, choosing activity over attentiveness, and control over surrender.

Forgive us, O Lord, for the ways we crowd you out. Teach us to listen for your voice in the hush of the morning, in the breath between words, in the holy space of waiting. Help us rest in your presence, and remember that you are God, and we are not. Amen. (Time of Silent Confession)

+Assurance of Pardon

One: Friends, hear the Good News: The God who meets us in silence is the same God who speaks forgiveness over our lives. Believe the Good News of the Gospel!

All: In Jesus Christ, we are not only heard, but we are also healed. Alleluia! Amen!

+Response #583

Glory to God — GLORIA

Choral Anthem Choir

I Will Be a Child of Peace — Elaine Hagenberg O Holy Father I will be a child of peace and purity for well I know Thy hand will bless the seeker after righteousness. Let holy charity mine outward vesture be, And lowliness become mine inner clothing: True lowliness of heart, Which takes the humbler part, And o’er its own shortcomings weeps with loathing. And so the yearning strong, With which the soul will long, Shall far outpass the pow’r of human telling; For none can guess its grace, Till He become the place Where in the Holy Spirit makes His dwelling. Amen.

Invitation to Children for Godly Play

Children in Pre-K through 3rd Grade who would like to attend Godly Play, a Montessori-style approach to Biblical education, may depart with staff and volunteers to Room 311, located on the 3rd floor. Children should be picked up immediately following worship.

Scripture

Sermon

Psalm 46:10 (OT, page 490)

1 Kings 19:9b-13a (OT, page 311)

One: This is the Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Chronochristic: Living in Christ’s Time Sermon Series

The Gift of Stillness: Cultivating Silence and Solitude

+Hymn #39

Great Is Thy Faithfulness — FAITHFULNESS

Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer Chris Holmes

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Call for Offering

www.firstpresatl.org/give

Offertory Anthem

Be Still My Soul — FINLANDIA

+Offertory Response #607 (Lyrics from #606)

Doxology – old hundredth

+Prayer of Dedication

+Hymn #177

I Will Come to You — YOU ARE MINE

+Charge and Benediction

+Choral Benediction

O For a Closer Walk with God William Cowper

+Postlude

Sortie Richard Knight

*Personal prayer is offered by a Stephen Minister in the Chapel.

Sindhu Giedd

Thank you to the Flower Guild for their wonderful ministry. The Flower Guild is on Summer Break until after Labor Day. The next flower dedication will be September 7, 2025.

To honor or memorialize loved ones, or celebrate a special occasion, by giving Sanctuary Flowers ($300), contact Bethany Galvin (bgalvin@firstpresatl.org).

To join the Flower Guild to assist with arranging and breaking down arrangements, or to help the pastoral staff with flower deliveries, please contact Rob Sparks (rsparks@firstpresatl.org) or Katie Sundermeier ( ksundermeier@firstpresatl.org).

Information

Due to renovations in Fifield Hall and ongoing construction across campus, First Presbyterian Church will offer only the 11:00 a.m. worship service throughout the month of July. Additionally, Sunday School classes will pause for the month. Worship and Livestream at 11:00 a.m.

MINISTERS: ALL MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH PARTICIPATING IN WORSHIP LEADERSHIP TODAY

Dr. Daniel Bara Director of the Choir and Orchestra

Alvin Blount Organist

Sindhu Giedd Assistant Director of Worship and the Arts

Rev. Dr. Chris Holmes Chief Ministry Officer, Stembler Scholar, and Director of Biblical and Theological Education

Rev. Rob Sparks Associate Pastor for Care

2013 Beckenhorst Press; CCS License #8223

Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier, Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George B. Wirth, Pastor Emeritus

PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN MILITARY SERVICE

Lt. Karim Abu-Akel

Captain Alexandria Miller-Anderson

Pvt. Forrest “Woody” Bass

Maj. Jamison Bowman, Chaplain

ABE3 Gregory Bridges

Maj. Jessica Combs Brinkley

Maj. Steven Gordon Brinkley

Captain Ryan Dick

SEA3 Colin Hildebeidel USCG

AM3 Glenn Thomas Johnson

HA Robert Louis Johnson

Staff Sgt. Kevin Lee

Lt. Jg. Rachel Dudley McKenzie

Lt. Troy McKenzie

Lt. Wilson M. McManus

PFC Louisa Myette

SSGT Johnny Mitchell

LTC John Warren Robey

Captain Gabriel Rulewicz

Maj. General Russell Sanborn

Col. Roderick G. Turner III

Welcome

Founded in 1848, First Presbyterian is the Atlanta church known for balancing spiritual conviction and tangible compassion. Our sermons, Sunday school classes, small groups, and courses lead people to challenge assumptions and lean into their faith. At the same time, we deeply invest in and serve the members of our congregation, the Atlanta community, and beyond. With robust and holistic ministries serving the poor and vulnerable of our city; with global partners in Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, and Kenya; and with spiritual formation opportunities for all ages, First Presbyterian Church’s purpose is to humbly follow Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining us in worship today! For more ways to connect, keep reading below.

GET CONNECTED

Website: www.firstpresatl.org

Sign Up for our Email Blast at the Bottom of Our Homepage: www.firstpresatl.org Explore Ways to Volunteer: firstpresatl.org/volunteer

Senior Pastor’s Office: Sheila Daniely, sdaniely@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7715

Pastoral Care: Rev. Rob Sparks, rsparks@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7763

Rev. Dr. Katie Sundermeier, ksundermeier@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7721

Membership: Sheila Daniely, sdaniely@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7715

How to Give: Darryl Payne, dpayne@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7706

Children’s Ministry: Katie Covington, kcovington@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7712

Youth Ministry: Ben Fletcher & Rev. Lauren Ghighi, youth@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7727

Young Adult Ministry: Ben Fletcher, bfletcher@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7727 & Rev. Lauren Ghighi, lghighi@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7751

Courses/Classes: Rev. Dr. Chris Holmes, cholmes@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7713

Singles Ministry: Rev. Saranell Hartman, shartman@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7747

Small Groups: Rev. Dr. Barry Gaeddert, bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7718

Arts & Music: Thomas Bara, tbara@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7731

Community Ministries: Tricia Passuth, tpassuth@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7766

Jacob Ivey, jivey@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7746

Epiphany/Social Ventures: Rev. Saranell Hartman, shartman@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7747

Global Mission: Rev. Dr. Barry Gaeddert, bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7718

Women’s Ministry: Rev. Saranell Hartman, shartman@firstpresatl.or 404-228-7747

Announcements

ON THE WAY CAPITAL PROJECT

Lane & Sidewalk Closures

Hardscape construction continues around the perimeter of our campus as part of our Capital Project improvements. Temporary lane and sidewalk closures impact Peachtree Street, 16th Street, and Arts Center Way, with completion expected in July. One southbound lane and the adjacent parking lane on Peachtree is closed, but there is pedestrian access to front doors. Sidewalks around the site will also be closed, with temporary pedestrian walkways and officers in place to ensure safe access. Please allow extra travel time and follow signage. We appreciate your patience as we improve our campus for the future. Visit our website for updates and a visual overview.

Temporary Room Closures

All meeting rooms on the first and second floors of the church are closed to support ongoing Capital Project renovations. This includes rooms such as the Women’s Bible Study Room and the Archives Room, which are expected to remain closed through the end of 2025. We appreciate your patience during this important season of renewal and improvement.

ALL-CHURCH EVENTS

Save the Date: All Together in One Place

On August 3, we will kick off another program year with a special event, “All Together in One Place.” This event will take place at 9:45 a.m. in Fifield Hall. The event will feature food, fellowship, door prizes, a special video presentation and more. Stay tuned for more details.

ARTS MINISTRY

Monthly Church Tour to Highlight History, Art – Sunday, July 13th

The Arts Council will hold its second Sunday tour of the sanctuary on July 13 beginning no later than 12:15 p.m. The focus will include an in-depth look at the Sanctuary, including its architecture, history, and stained glass. Interested parties may meet in the Narthex following the 11:00 a.m. service. The tour is slated to take place between one hour and 90 minutes and a sign up is not required.

CARE MINISTRY

Grief Support Group Begins in August Tuesdays 2:00 – 3:15 p.m., August 5th - September 16th 2025

Katie Sundermeier and Rob Sparks will be leading a new grief support group beginning in August.

Reach out to Katie (ksundermeier@firstpresatl.org) or Rob (rsparks@firstpresatl.org) for more information or to sign up.

COMMUNITY MINISTRIES

“Fill-A-Bag” for Community Ministries

On July 13th and 20th before and following the 11:00 a.m. service, Community Ministries will be distributing reusable bags to be filled and returned with the requested donations and supplies.

Simply grab a bag for the Community Ministries ministry area of your choosing, fill it with the items on the included list and return it by August 31st to the donation bin located in the Smith Lobby!

FAITH FORMATION

Fore! Join SALT at Top Golf - Sunday, July 13th

Join SALT (Single Adults Living in Truth) July 13, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Top Golf Atlanta. SALT is FPC Atlanta’s community of single adults who gather to support each other, deepen faith and have fun.

RSVP to Minnie Ko, minnieko@yahoo.com.

20s and 30s Social Event at Truist Park – Tuesday, July 22nd

Join us Tuesday, July 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Truist Park as we cheer on the Atlanta Braves! This is a chance to hang out, create new connections, and enjoy a summer evening together. Use the QR code to RSVP!

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL

Parent’s Morning Out (PMO) & Camp Friendship 2025

Fall enrollment for First Presbyterian Preschool and Summer Camp Friendship is now open. Interested? Current students, siblings, PMO children and church members may register below! Secure your spots for Fall enrollment: firstprespreschoolatl.org

Click below to check out dates and register! https://tinyurl.com/camp-friendship-2025