Weekly Bulletin

Humbly Following Jesus Christ

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Prelude Maya Negishi

Welcome and Announcements Chris Holmes

www.firstpresatl.org/give

Call to Worship (From Psalm 95)

One: O come, let us sing to the LORD;

All: Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

One: Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving;

All: Let us make a joyful noise to God with songs of praise!

One: Let us stand in body or spirit and worship our LORD and our God.

+Hymn #307

God of Grace and God of Glory – CWM RHONDDA

+Prayer of Confession, In Unison (From the Book of Common Worship) Rob Sparks Holy and merciful God, in your presence we confess our sinfulness, our shortcomings, and our offenses against you. You alone know how often we have sinned in wandering from your ways, in wasting your gifts, in forgetting your love. Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we are ashamed and sorry for all we have done to displease you. Forgive our sins, and help us to live in your light, and walk in your ways, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. (Time of Silent Confession)

+Declaration of Good News (From Psalm 145)

One: The Psalmist reminds us that, “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel:

All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Amen!

+Response #582

Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me – GLORY TO GOD

Scripture

Psalm 1:1–6 (OT, page 463)

John 17:6–19 (NT, page 105)

One: This is the Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Sent and Sanctified

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

Communion

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 #300

We

Are One in the Spirit – THEY’LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS

+Charge and Benediction

+Postlude

GATHER

Gathering Music

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Call to Worship

+Songs

#307

Thomas Bara

Welcome Ben Fletcher

God of Grace and God of Glory – CWM RHONDDA

#475

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing – NETTLETON

+Opening Prayer

+Response #582

Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me – GLORY TO GOD

Announcements

Invitation to Children for SMILES

Chris Holmes

Children in Pre-K through 3rd Grade who would like to attend our new Sunday “SMILES” program, a time to share Bible stories while growing friendships, may depart with staff and volunteers to Room 307. Children should be picked up from their Sunday school classrooms.

2s and 3s, Room 180

Pre-K and Kindergarten, Room 178

Kids Club for 1st-3rd Grades, Room 307 9:00 A.M.

Scripture

Psalm 1:1–6 (OT, page 463)

John 17:6–19 (NT, page 105)

One: This is the Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Sermon

Sent and Sanctified

RESPOND

Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer Barry Gaeddert 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

+Song #300

We Are One in the Spirit – THEY’LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS

+Charge and Benediction

+Postlude

Prelude

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Adagio from Symphony No. 6 – Charles-Marie Widor

Welcome and Announcements Chris Holmes

Non Nobis Domine – Rosephanye Powell

Call to Worship (From Psalm 95)

One: O come, let us sing to the LORD; All: Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

One: Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving;

All: Let us make a joyful noise to God with songs of praise!

One: Let us stand in body or spirit and worship our LORD and our God.

+Hymn #307

God of Grace and God of Glory

+Prayer of Confession, In Unison (From the Book of Common Worship) Barry Gaeddert Holy and merciful God, in your presence we confess our sinfulness, our shortcomings, and our offenses against you. You alone know how often we have sinned in wandering from your ways, in wasting your gifts, in forgetting your love. Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we are ashamed and sorry for all we have done to displease you. Forgive our sins, and help us to live in your light, and walk in your ways, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

(Time of Silent Confession)

+Declaration of Good News (From Psalm 145)

One: The Psalmist reminds us that, “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel:

All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Amen!

+Response #583

Glory to God – GLORY TO GOD

We are pleased to welcome the Wake Forest University Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Chris Gilliam, to help lead us in worship.

Thomas Bara

Introit Choir

Choral Anthem

Yonder Come Day – Arr. Paul John Rudoi

Oh day, yonder come day.

Day done broke inna my soul, yonder come day.

Good mornin’ day, yonder come day.

A brand new day, yonder come day.

Oh come on child,

Hush, hush, somebody’s callin’ my name.

Hush, somebody’s callin’ my name.

Hush, hush, somebody’s callin’ my name.

Oh my Lord, oh my Lord what shall I do?

Oh day, yonder come day.

I was on my knees, yonder come day.

When I heard him say, yonder come day.

Oh come on child,

Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus.

Steal away, steal away, I ain’t got long to stay here.

Swing low, sweet chariot, comin’ for to carry me home.

Oh day, yonder come day.

Good mornin’ day, yonder come day.

A brand new day, yonder come day.

Oh come on child, yonder come day.

Day done broke inna my soul, yonder come day.

Sacrament of Baptism

Presentation

McArthur “Mac” Clay Murray

Son of Matthew Clay and Lettie Eliza Murray

Introduction

Michele Garren

Questions to the Parents Rob Sparks

Questions to the Congregation

+Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ, His only son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayer Over the Water

Baptism

Closing Prayer

Congregational Response

Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit’s sign;

with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.

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 307. Children should be picked up from the classroom following worship.

Choral Anthem

Bright Morning Stars – Shawn Kitchner Bright morning stars are rising, Day is a-breaking in my soul.

Oh, where are our dear fathers? They are down in the valley praying. O where are our dear mothers? They have gone to heaven shouting, “Day is a-breaking in my soul!” O where are our dear children? They’re upon the earth a-dancing.

Bright morning stars are rising, Day is a-breaking in my soul.

Scripture

Sermon

Psalm 1:1–6 (OT, page 463)

John 17:6–19 (NT, page 105)

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

Sent and Sanctified

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.

Call for Offering

www.firstpresatl.org/give

Offertory Anthem

Let All The World in Ev’ry Corner Sing – Ralph Vaughan Williams Let All The World in Ev’ry Corner Sing, My God and King. The heavens are not too high, His praise may thither fly: The earth is not too low, His praises there may grow.

Let All The World in Ev’ry Corner Sing, My God and King. The church with Psalms must shout, No door can keep them out: But above all, the heart Must bear the longest part.

+Offertory Response #607 (Lyrics from #606)

Doxology – old hundredth

+Prayer of Dedication

+Hymn #300

We Are One in the Spirit – THEY’LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS

+Charge and Benediction

+Choral Benediction

The Lord Bless You and Keep You – Dan Locklair

+Postlude

Allegro from Symphony No. 6 – Charles-Marie Widor

The flowers in the Sanctuary today are given to the glory of Godand in loving memory of Frank E. Richardson, Jr., Rosamound F. Richardson and Grey E. Richardson by John and Renee Richardson and family.

Honor or memorialize loved ones, or celebrate a special occasion by giving Sanctuary Flowers. For information, contact Beth Edwards at bethmedw@gmail.com

Information

Worship at 8:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.; Livestream at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

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

Thomas Bara, M. Mus.

Director of Worship, the Arts, and Organist

Brendan Callahan-Fitzgerald Song Leader

Ben Fletcher, M.Div.

Director of Youth, College, and Young Adults Ministries

Rev. Dr. Barry Gaeddert

Associate Pastor for Faith Formation and Global Mission

Michele Garren Elder

Rev. Dr. Chris Holmes Stembler Scholar and Director of Biblical and Theological Education

Maya Negishi Guest Pianist/FSA Faculty

Rev. Rob Sparks Associate Pastor for Care

2002, Gentry Publications; 2016, Galaxy Music Corporation, Inc., a division of ECS Publishing; 2005 Santa Barbara Music Publishing; 1911 Stainer & Bell Ltd; 2008, Subito Music Publishing (ASCAP); 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

Benjamin S. Bondurant, Lt. Cdr.

Maj. Jamison Bowman, Chaplain

ABE3 Gregory Bridges

Maj. Jessica Combs Brinkley

Major Steven Gordon Brinkley

Captain Ryan Dick

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

Sam Oppenheimer, Cadet, West Point

Maj. John Warren Robey

Captain Gabriel Rulewicz

Maj. General Russell Sanborn

Captain Ryan Tewell

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 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

Website: www.firstpresatl.org

Sign Up for our Email Blast: youbelong@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, bfletcher@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7727

Young Adult Ministry: Ben Fletcher, bfletcher@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7727

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

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

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

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. Dr. Tony Sundermeier, tsundermeier@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7715

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

Today in Sunday School

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFERINGS

10:00 to 10:55 a.m.

20S+30S CLASS | Room 317

No Sunday School

Contact Ben Fletcher at bfletcher@firstpresatl.org

BEREAN CLASS | Wirth

Rob Sparks

Contact Bill Haley at billhaley@corplaw.net

FAITH AND LIFE CLASS | Room 332

Moncure Crowder: “Made in the Image of God”

Contact Jean Russ at jhtruss@comcast.net

HOPE FOR TOMORROW | Brides Room

Screwtape Letters: Letter Letter 5: War

Contact David McLean at sdmcleanjr@gmail.com

INTERNATIONALS CLASS | Room 327

Huber Humphrey Fellow

Contact Susan Farrar at 77sfarrar@gmail.com

NEW COVENANT CLASS | Room 156

Walter Dupree

Contact Mary Scarr at m2scarr@gmail.com

PARENTS WITH OLDER AND YOUNGER CHILDREN | Room 304

Discussion-based study for parents.

Contact Peyton Bell at peytonbell@gmail.com

CHILDREN

SMILE! | 9:00 a.m. | Pre-K – 3rd Grade | Room 307

Join our SMILE! Program offered for children who do not wish to remain in the service. We will have Bible stories, crafts, games, and more. Pick up children from their Sunday School classroom.

GODLY PLAY |11:00 a.m. | Pre-K – 3rd Grade | Room 307

Godly Play is offered during worship for children who do not wish to remain in the services. It’s a creative, imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance. 11:00 a.m. worship service.

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL

10:00 to 10:45 a.m.

TWO & THREE OLDS Room 180

PRE-K Room 178

KINDERGARTEN Room 176

CLUB 45 - 4TH & 5TH GRADE Room 310

KID’S CLUB - 1ST – 3RD GRADE Room 307

CHILDCARE AND NURSERY

8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

PRE-K Room 178

KINDERGARTEN Room 176

TWOS – THREES Room 180

INFANTS – UNDER TWO Room 187

Contact Katie Covington kcovington@firstpresatl.org with questions on Children’s Ministry.

YOUTH

Youth will be making PB&Js this morning for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. We hope you’ll join us at 10:00 a.m. in the Fifield Kitchen. Contact Ben Fletcher at bfletcher@firstpresatl.org with questions about Youth Ministry.

ARTS

Announcements

Private Music Lessons: The School of Fine Arts is enrolling. Located on the second floor of the church, the school offers private music lessons in piano, guitar, voice, strings, and woodwinds. Contact Katie Merriman at kmerriman@firstpresatl.org or 404-228-7753.

ASO Dinner and Talk: Thanks to all early responders for the May 30th Atlanta Symphony Experience. We have made our goal for acquiring group-rate tickets. However, we are able to add additional participants until May 23rd. The evening includes seats in the main orchestra section to hear a program of Brahms and Schumann, dinner, pre-concert talks in the Wirth Room, and a very special post-concert conversation with an ASO musician. Symphony tickets and dinner are $70. Dinner is $20 for those who already have concert tickets. We are thrilled to be continuing our relationship with the ASO and hope you will join us.

CARE MINISTRY

Next Stephen Ministry Training Class!

If you’re interested in becoming a Stephen Minister and wish to join our upcoming training class starting on September 16, please contact Rob Sparks at rsparks@firstpresatl.org or Katie Sundermeier at ksundermeier@firstpresatl.org to fill out the forms and discuss further details. For inquiries about Stephen Ministry, whether it’s regarding training, seeking support, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our Stephen Leaders: Barbara Beard at jfbbb@comcast.net, Jim Brown at ajasbro@mindspring.com, Rodrick Glass at rodrick_glass@yahoo.com, Geoff Goodman at drggoodman@yahoo.com, or Eliza Quigley at eliza.quigley17@gmail.com.

Older Adults Ministry Planning Committee

First Presbyterian will convene a Ministry Planning Committee for Older Adults, starting in August. If you are interested in participating, please contact Rob Sparks rsparks@firstpresatl. org or 404-228-7763.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Save the Date! It’s time for VBS!!!

Camp Firelight kicks off this Summer, June 3rd - 7th! Join Counselor Sam and his faithful lightening bug companion, Lou as they learn to trust in God no matter what challenges they face. Surrounded by water, trees and rolling hills, Camp Firelight is the perfect location for every campers favorite summer activities. We hope to see you around the campfire this summer!!!!! Click here to sign up: www.firstpresatl.org/childrens-ministry

COMMUNITY MINISTRIES

Join Community Ministries for a fellowship event where we will explore the meaning of volunteering, discover various volunteer opportunities available with Community Ministries, and learn more about the individuals we serve. This event is open to anyone interested and is suitable for all ages and levels of experience. The last sessions will be held in the Wirth room on May 19 (1:30 to 3:00 p.m.).

FAITH FORMATION

All-Church Retreat -- August 30-September 2, 2024

Join the church family at Montreat Conference Center in the mountains of North Carolina. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

For all the details and to register, please visit: https://www.firstpresatl.org/allchurchretreat2024

Please contact Barry Gaeddert at bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org if you have questions.

FPC 20s & 30s Braves Game

FPC Atlanta’s 20s & 30s community is invited to cheer on the Braves as they take on the San Diego Padres on Friday, May 17th at 7:20pm! Discounted tickets are $20/person. Come kick off your summer with your FPC friends at a Braves game. Parking is on your own - carpooling recommended! Tickets can be purchased at www.firstpresatl.org/20s-and-30s. If sold out, email Ben at bfletcher@firstpresatl.org.

FPC College

Join us for FPC College Braves Night! All college students and graduated high school seniors are invited to cheer on the Braves together on May 29th at 7:20pm! Discounted tickets are $15/person. Come kick off your summer and appreciate the childhood nostalgia of being back in ATL with your FPC friends at a Braves game! Parking is on your own - carpooling recommended! RSVP online at www.firstpresatl.org/collegeministry

FPC Men’s Ministry Service Project

Saturday, May 18, 9:00-12:30

We will be partnering with Friends of Refugees (FOR) to work in the community gardenmulching, weeding, digging, planting. You can join an optional lunch afterwards for those who want to go to a nearby refugee-run restaurant.

All volunteers will be asked to sign a waiver/release of liability. Maximum of 25 men can participate. Reserve your spot now!

Sign-up is required. Contact Barry Gaeddert (bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org).

GLOBAL MISSION

Mission Market is back!

Today, May 12, and next Sunday, May 19, following worship services, give a gift to honor a family member, friend, or buy an end-of-year teacher gift. You can purchase gifts large or small that support FPC Atlanta’s global mission partners as well as local ministries with international students or refugees. Thanks for your faithful support!

YOUTH MINISTRY

FPC Youth Summer Kick-Off: Get ready to make a SPLAT-tacular entrance into summer for our Summer Kick Off on Sunday, May 19th at 5:30 p.m. in the back parking lot off Arts Center Way! Expect food, music, games, friends, and NEW MESSY WARS! From water balloons to shaving cream shenanigans, it’s going to be a blast! Come dressed in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and be sure to bring your towel for cleanup! Be sure to RSVP for dinner at  www.firstpresatl.org/youthevents

SAMARITAN COUNSELING CENTER OF ATLANTA (SCCA)

At the beginning of the year, we welcomed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Lindsay Fuson (MSN) to the team. As a prescriber of psychiatric medication to children, adolescents, and adult patients, we are thrilled to offer her compassionate and holistic approach to psychiatric medication management to the suite of services at SCCA. To learn more about her or schedule an appointment, please visit https://samaritanatlanta.org/staff/lindsay-fuson-msn-aprn-fnp-c

If you or a loved one are interested in mental health counseling or spiritual direction, please visit our website to learn more about our mission, therapists, and spiritual directors. To schedule an appointment or introductory phone call, you are welcome to complete the brief contact form on our website (https://samaritanatlanta.org/our-team) or call 404-228-7777.

Two support groups will begin this Fall in the Rooker Counseling Room at SCCA: August: support group for those who have had a loved one die by suicide (Exact dates TBD) October: Grief support group (Exact dates TBD)

Both support groups will span 6 weeks and the cost is $100 in total per group; as always, scholarships are available: It is our mission to ensure cost does not prevent you from getting the support you need. Groups will be led by Katie Sundermeier and Anne-Marie Burke. We hope you will join us. Please contact amburke@samaritanatlanta.org if you are interested or would like more information.

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.

WE VALUE

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 8,400 Presbyterian Church U.S.A. congregations.