Support
MAY 16, 2021
Worship Service
Humbly Following Jesus Christ
8:30 A.M. WORSHIP MAY 16, 2021
Seventh Sunday of Easter Prelude
Victoria Shorokhova
Welcome and Announcements
www.firstpresatl.org/give
Call to Worship One: All: One: All: One: All: One: +Hymn
Tony Sundermeier
Welcome! We are gathered here to celebrate the great promise! Our hearts are ready to receive this good news. Jesus asked all of his friends to live lives reflecting the love of God. We are numbered among these friends! Open your hearts today. Hear God’s special word just for you! Lord, help us to be ready to receive your word and to live in your love. Friends, let us worship our God!
#353 My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less – solid rock
+Prayer of Confession Leigh Bonner Patient God, it hasn’t been easy for us to be disciples or witnesses to your love. We get caught in traps of anger, impatience, and fear. Our words and spirits become cynical and jaded. Yet, always, you are with us, guiding and guarding us. On this day in which we celebrate the ascension of Jesus into heaven, we are reminded that we are not being left without guidance. The promise of the Spirit is given, and, in that promise, we have hope and courage to become true disciples. Forgive us when we forget that! Forgive us when we act as though you didn’t care about us or about this world. We are called to be those who live the faith of hope and reconciliation, of courage and understanding. Lift us up when we have fallen, guide our hearts when we speak, for it is in the name of our risen Savior Jesus that we ask these things. AMEN. (Time for Silent Confession) +Assurance of Pardon
One: All:
God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the gift of the Holy Spirit. The proof of God’s amazing love is this: While we were sinners Christ died for us. Because we have faith in the faith of Christ, we dare to approach God in confidence. Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Alleluia! Amen!
+Response #582 Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me – glory to god
1
Scripture Romans 5:1-5 (pew Bible, NT, page 145) Hebrews 12:1-2 (pew Bible, NT, page 212)
One: This is the Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Perseverance
Sacrament of the Lord’s Table Invitation Great Prayer of Thanksgiving One: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. One: Lift up your hearts. All: We lift them up to the Lord. One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give our thanks and praise. Words of Institution Sharing in the Bread and Cup Closing Prayer and Lord’s Prayer 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. +Hymn
#840 When Peace like a River – ville du havre
+Charge and Benediction +Postlude
2
9:30 A.M. WORSHIP MAY 16, 2021
Seventh Sunday of Easter Gathering Music
Lauren Smith
Welcome and Announcements
Tony Sundermeier
www.firstpresatl.org/give
Call to Worship +Song
My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less – solid rock My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. Refrain: On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand. When darkness seems to hide his face, I rest on his unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. (Refrain)
Gary Shell
His oath, his covenant, his blood support me in the whelming flood; when all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay. (Refrain) When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found, dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne. (Refrain)
Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer Leigh Bonner 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. +Response Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me – glory to god Glory to God, whose goodness shines on me, and to the Son, whose grace has pardoned me, and to the Spirit, whose love has set me free. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.
World without end, without end. Amen. World without end, without end. Amen. World without end, without end. Amen. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.
LAUREN SMITH is a Wirth Scholarship for Music recipient 2020-2021 and is a student at The School of Fine Arts at First Presbyterian in the studio of pianist Brendan Callahan-Fitzgerald.
3
Scripture Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Children’s Dismissal to Godly Play Children 4 years old through 3rd Grade who do not wish to remain in worship may depart with staff for Godly Play. Children should be picked up from the Wirth Room immediately following worship.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
One: This is the Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Perseverance
+Song
When Peace like a River – ville du havre When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul. Refrain: It is well with my soul; it is well; it is well with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed his own blood for my soul. (Refrain)
He lives: O the bliss of this glorious thought. My sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Refrain) Lord, hasten the day when our faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll, the trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend; even so it is well with my soul. (Refrain)
+Charge and Benediction
4
11:00 A.M. WORSHIP MAY 16, 2021
Seventh Sunday of Easter Prelude
The Spring – Friedrich Burgmüller
Welcome and Announcements
Choir
Rejoice, the Lord is King – John Darwall
Call to Worship One: All: One: All: One: All: One: +Hymn
Tony Sundermeier
www.firstpresatl.org/give
Introit
Lauren Smith
Welcome! We are gathered here to celebrate the great promise! Our hearts are ready to receive this good news. Jesus asked all of his friends to live lives reflecting the love of God. We are numbered among these friends! Open your hearts today. Hear God’s special word just for you! Lord, help us to be ready to receive your word and to live in your love. Friends, let us worship our God!
#353 My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less – solid rock
+Prayer of Confession Keith Thompson Patient God, it hasn’t been easy for us to be disciples or witnesses to your love. We get caught in traps of anger, impatience, and fear. Our words and spirits become cynical and jaded. Yet, always, you are with us, guiding and guarding us. On this day in which we celebrate the ascension of Jesus into heaven, we are reminded that we are not being left without guidance. The promise of the Spirit is given, and, in that promise, we have hope and courage to become true disciples. Forgive us when we forget that! Forgive us when we act as though you didn’t care about us or about this world. We are called to be those who live the faith of hope and reconciliation, of courage and understanding. Lift us up when we have fallen, guide our hearts when we speak, for it is in the name of our risen Savior Jesus that we ask these things. AMEN. (Time for Silent Confession)
LAUREN SMITH is a Wirth Scholarship for Music recipient 2020-2021 and is a student at The School of Fine Arts at First Presbyterian in the studio of pianist Brendan Callahan-Fitzgerald.
5
+Assurance of Pardon +Response
One: God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the gift of the Holy Spirit. The proof of God’s amazing love is this: While we were sinners Christ died for us. Because we have faith in the faith of Christ, we dare to approach God in confidence. Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel. All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Alleluia! Amen! #581 Glory Be to the Father – gloria patri
Anthem
Let Us Love in Deed and Truth – Larry King If Anyone has the world’s goods, And sees his neighbor in need, Yet closes his heart against him, How does God’s love abide in him? Let us not love in word or speech, But indeed and in truth, By this we shall know that we are of the truth, We have confidence before our God, And we receive from him whatever we ask,
Because we keep his commandments, And do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in hi Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, And love one another.
Scripture Romans 5:1-5 (pew Bible, NT, page 145)
Kat Dimmick Umeh
Children’s Dismissal to Godly Play Children 4 years old through 3rd Grade who do not wish to remain in worship may depart with staff for Godly Play. Children should be picked up from the Wirth Room immediately following worship.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (pew Bible, NT, page 212)
One: This is the Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Perseverance
Anthem
Loving Shepherd of Thy Sheep – Phillip Ledger
Loving shepherd of thy sheep, Keep thy lamb, in safety keep; Nothing can thy power withstand, None can pluck me from thy hand. I would bless thee every day, Gladly all thy will obey, Like the blessed ones above, Happy in thy precious love. Loving shepherd ever near, teach thy lamb thy voice to hear, Suffer not my steps to stray, from the straight and narrow way. Where thou leadest I would go, walking in thy steps below, Till before my Father’s throne I shall know, as I am known.
6
Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer
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.
+Hymn
#840 When Peace like a River – ville du havre
+Charge and Benediction +Choral Benediction
Peace, God's Wonderful Peace – William Runyan
+Postlude
7
Jens Korndörfer
Finale (from Les vêpres de la Vierge)– Marcel Dupré
The flowers in the Sanctuary today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of our parents, Richard and Doris Hootman and Milton and Ruth Smith by Margy and Dan Smith. Honor or memorialize loved ones, or celebrate a special occasion by giving Sanctuary Flowers. For information, contact Beth Edwards at bethmedw@gmail.com
Notes
8
Information Worship at 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m.; Livestream at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. MINISTERS: ALL MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH PARTICIPATING IN WORSHIP LEADERSHIP TODAY Jacob Augsten, Guest Conductor
Keith Thompson, Associate Pastor for Young Adults and Youth Formation
Leigh Bonner, Director of Global Mission Dr. Jens Korndörfer, Director of Worship & the Arts, Organist
Kat Dimmick Umeh, Lay Reader
Victoria Shorokhova, Music Intern
Dr. Tony Sundermeier, Senior Pastor Dr. George B. Wirth, Pastor Emeritus PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN MILITARY SERVICE Lt. Karim Abu-Akel Captain Alexandria Miller-Anderson Lt. Col. Charles Ayers Pvt. Forrest “Woody” Bass Lt. Benjamin S. Bondurant Maj. Jamison Bowman, Chaplain
9
ABE3 Gregory Bridges Captain Steven Brinkley Captain Ryan Dick SPC Mason Fox AM3 Glenn Thomas Johnson HA Robert Louis Johnson Staff Sgt. Kevin Lee Lt. Jg. Rachel Dudley McKenzie
Lt. Troy McKenzie Lt. Wilson M. McManus Maj. John Warren Robey Captain Gabriel Rulewicz Maj. General Russell Sanborn Captain Ryan Tewell Col. Roderick G. Turner III
Welcome
CHECK-IN VIA TEXT MESSAGE First Time Checking-In Via Text? Text 1st to 313131 and then follow prompts to register Have Used Our Text Check-In Before? Text CHECKIN to 313131
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 Brazil, 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 Sign Up for our Email Blast: youbelong@firstpresatl.org Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/firstpresatl Pastoral Care: Rev. Rob Sparks, rsparks@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7763 Membership: Stephanie Lane, slane@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7757 How to Give: Peggy McCurdy, pmccurdy@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7707 Children’s Ministry: Sarah Kate Bumgarner, skbumgarner@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7709 Youth Ministry: Rachal Little, rlittle@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7751 20s/30s Young Adult Ministry: Rev. Keith Thompson, kthompson@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7719 Sunday School and Small Groups: Rev. Jamie Butcher, jbutcher@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7718 Senior Pastor’s Office: Matthew Pearson-Dawe, mpearsondawe@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7715 Arts & Music: Dr. Jens Korndoerfer, jkorndoerfer@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7731 Community Ministries: Marie Wandera, mwandera@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7746 Global Mission: Rev. Leigh Bonner, lbonner@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7723 Epiphany/Social Ventures: Rev. Rebekah LeMon, rlemon@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7714 CHILDREN IN WORSHIP Families with children are welcome at each of our services and are always invited to remain for its entirety. We believe the best way to raise a child who will continue to worship as a youth and an adult is by inviting them to worship with their church family. Additionally, children 4 years old through 3rd grade who prefer an alternative option may join us for Godly Play in the Wirth Room. CHILDCARE Professional childcare is provided for children in kindergarten and younger on Sunday mornings from 9:15 a.m. - 12:00 noon on the Nursery-Preschool hall. JOINING The next new member class, On Ramp, is June 13, 2021. Contact Stephanie Lane at slane@firstpresatl.org to register.
10
Announcements ARTS Atlanta Chamber Players Concert TODAY, May 16th, at 2:00 p.m. Concerts @ First hosts the conclusion of the Atlanta Chamber Players' 45th Season with an in-person and livestreamed concert, featuring the ever-popular Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin in a chamber version, and a stunning arrangement for cello, harp and organ of Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei. Performers include principals of the ASO and Atlanta Opera Orchestra, and Jens Korndörfer at the organ. If you haven’t already gotten your tickets, view the concert at www.firstpresatl.org/concerts-at-first. Contact Katie Patterson kpatterson@firstpresatl.org for more information.
FAITH FORMATION College Lunch with Tony & Katie Sundermeier, Sunday, May 23 after 12:30 p.m. Calling all college students, including rising Freshman for fall 2021: You’re invited to a lunch with the Sundermeiers to connect, explore ways to gather throughout the summer, and plan future opportunities. Contact Keith Thompson kthompson@firstpresatl.org to reserve your spot for lunch! Couples Group for Parents with children aged 4-8 years old Tuesday evenings in June, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Join this new group to study Philippians and connect with other parents. Contact Katie Sundermeier ksundermeier@firstpresatl.org to get more details! Limited to 8 couples. Vacation Bible School Spots remain for Vacation Bible School, Knights of North Castle! VBS will be June 28-July 1 and is open to children in rising Prekindergarten through 5th Grade. Cost is $40/pp. Register online! End-of-year celebration for Families Sunday, May 16, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Join us as we gather on the church playground for fun and fellowship! All ages welcome! Contact Sarah Kate skbumgarner@firstpresatl.org for more details. All-Church Retreat at Montreat Conference Center Friday, September 3, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Monday, September 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. The All-Church Retreat is about rest, fun, worship, and growing and connecting with our church family. This year’s schedule will be modified with safety precautions. We do hope you’ll be able to join us. Deadline to register is August 1. Visit firstpresatl.org/events/all-church-retreat for more details and to register online. Contact Lynne Wisard lwisard@firstpresatl.org with questions. VBS Volunteers needed! Monday – Thursday, June 28-July 2, 2021 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Children and volunteers will be immersed in our Knights of North Castle Vacation Bible School, with dancing, singing, crafting, recreation, and snacking through the week - all while learning important and exciting Bible stories and how they relate to our lives in the world today! VBS is open to children in Prek-rising 5th Grade. Adult volunteers are desperately needed to help us provide a safe and fun environment for this annual event. Contact Sarah Kate Bumgarner skbumgarner@firstpresatl.org to help!
11
Speaking of Faith with Luke Timothy Johnson This May, Chris Holmes is joined by Dr. Luke Timothy Johnson, a Robert W. Woodruff Professor Emeritus at Emory University, author and historian of early Christianity. They continue the Speaking of Faith series with discussions on the apostle Paul, spiritual formation, theological education, and the fundamentals of faith. Watch the series online by visiting: www.firstpresatl.org/speaking-of-faith Office Hours: The Psalms Sundays, May 2–23, 9:30–10:30 a.m. Join Dr. Brennan Breed, Old Testament professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, and Chris Holmes, FPC’s Scholar in Residence, for a four-week study of the Psalms. The Psalms are known as the prayer book for both Jews and Christians. They represent the full range of human emotions: joy and despair, praise and lament, fear and confidence. Explore how these religious poems function and how they can enrich the life of faith. Available on zoom and Facebook Live. Contact Chris with questions cholmes@firstpresatl.org. Faith Formation Network The Faith Formation Network is FPC’s new online platform for learning and formation opportunities. This online platform has three primary virtues: accessibility, interactivity, and flexibility. The Faith Formation Network offers high-quality content that can be accessed on a various devices on a range of topics that are all housed in one place. In addition, groups and chat features encourage interactive learning. Finally, the platform enables flexible engagement with material that can easily be adapted for individual or group study. Try out the Faith Formation Network with our upcoming class, Faith and Fiction: Flannery O’Connor, and discover the whole network of offerings and ways to connect. Contact Chris Holmes to find out more cholmes@firstpresatl.org. Faith and Fiction: Flannery O’Connor with Dr. Joshua Cohen Wednesdays, 7:00–8:30 on Zoom | 5 sessions | April 15–May 13 How does faith relate to fiction? As Jesus used parables to convey his message—and confound his audience—so modern Christian writers use narrative to dramatize the gospel. This course will focus on one such writer, Flannery O'Connor. We will read a few of O'Connor's best short stories to explore how she uses fiction to illustrate the connection between sin and self-delusion, grace and violence, and faith and embodiment. Contact Chris Holmes to register for this study cholmes@firstpresatl.org. J. Laurence (Josh) Cohen is a Marion L. Brittain Postdoctoral Fellow at Georgia Institute of Technology. He received his PhD in English from Emory University.
12
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP 2021 UPDATE: When our world and rhythm changed in early 2020, we were just preparing to start a new Epiphany journey with some local social ventures. Covid-19 made that work impossible for a time, but we are now able to reconnect with three of those ventures— Amani Women Center, Changemaker Chocolates, and Just Bakery. We are excited about the mission of these ventures and how FPC members and friends can come alongside them to support their work. You can read more about them at www.firstpresatl.org/epiphany GET INVOLVED: The Epiphany team has had initial meetings with these ventures to understand current operations and strategy and identify areas of need where Epiphany/FPC resources could potentially engage. We are looking for members or referrals to people with expertise in web development, ecommerce, digital marketing, sales channel development, delivery models, product sourcing, packaging, retail site development and improvement, and sewing. If you have this experience and would be willing to work with one of these social ventures, we need you! Please email epiphany@firstpresatl.org.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL First Presbyterian Preschool is a warm and nurturing learning environment educating children from 18 months through kindergarten. We provide children the opportunity to interact with their physical and social environment in order to understand the world and to find their place in it. We provide a play-based program within our Project Approach curriculum. Limited spaces available for 2021-22 school year. Camp spaces available for summer 2021. For more information and to schedule a tour visit www.firstprespreschoolatl.org.
SUMMER SOFTBALL Spring has sprung, the Braves are back in town, and it's time to start thinking about another summer softball season at FPC! We are planning to field two men’s teams this year in the North Atlanta Church League (www.naclsports.info). All games will be played at the Northside Drive Baptist Church field (3100 Northside Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30305). The season will run from early June until playoffs are completed, just before Labor Day. Practices will start in late May. This competitive Christian league is a great chance to enjoy fellowship, exercise and fun! Please contact Henry Grady at (404) 813-5500 or henry.grady@Truist.com or Jason Cherry at (404) 291-2868 or jcherry@flintequipco.com to get involved with this ministry. We hope you will consider joining us this summer!
13
SUMMER 2021 COMING THIS SUMMER! New Summer Sermon Series! New Daily devotional with scripture focus and reflections from our Pastors! New music experience at the 9:30 worship service! Take us with you via livestream and email this summer, and come worship at the corner of 16th and Peachtree when you are in town!
14
MISSION
First Presbyterian Church is a community of humble followers of Jesus Christ who choose, by God’s grace, to live by love, seek continual transformation, and equip all to be servant leaders in Atlanta and throughout the world. W E VA L U E
Community Spiritual home Enduring commitment Authentic diversity Love Radical hospitality Mutual care Restorative relationships Transformation Continual conversion Joyful worship Theological formation Servant Leadership Bold humility Just generosity Missional living
First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta is one of more than 9,000 Presbyterian Church U.S.A. congregations.
1328 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309 www.firstpresatl.org
