Humbly Following Jesus Christ
Prelude
11:00 A.M. WORSHIP JULY 13, 2025
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Aria Noel Rawsthorne
Alvin Blount
Welcome and Announcements Tony Sundermeier
Choral Introit
We Gather Together — Eduard Kremser
Call to Worship
Ben Council
One: In a world of endless screens and scrolling, God calls us to be still.
All: In a culture of distraction and noise, we seek the renewing mind of Christ.
One: Fix your eyes on what is true, not what is trending.
All: We lift our eyes to the Light of the world, that our whole lives may be full of light.
One: Do not be conformed to the patterns of this age but be transformed.
All: With open hearts and focused minds, we come to worship our God.
+Hymn #620
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven — LAUDA ANIMA
+Prayer of Confession (In Unison)
Ben Fletcher Merciful God,
we confess that we have been conformed to this world. We have surrendered attention to distraction, and exchanged presence for performance. We admit how easily we are drawn to the glow of our devices while neglecting the light of your truth.
Our eyes are weary, our minds are scattered, and our hearts are often far from you.
Forgive us.
Renew our vision.
Restore in us the capacity for stillness, the joy of attention, and the freedom to live unhurried in your grace. Transform us by the renewing of our minds, that we may discern your will and walk in your way. Amen. (Time of Silent Confession)
+Assurance of Pardon
One: Friends, hear the Good News: the mercy of God is not measured in minutes or screen time. It is poured out freely, abundantly, without distraction or delay. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, renewed in mind, restored in heart, and reclaimed for God’s good purposes.
All: Thanks be to God! We are forgiven. We are transformed. We are free.
+Response
#583
Glory to God — GLORIA
Choral Anthem
He Leadeth Me — Gilbert Martin He leadeth me: O blessed thought! O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be, Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom, sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom, By waters still, o’er troubled sea, Still ‘tis his hand that leadeth me.
Lord, I would place my hand in thine, Nor ever murmur nor repine; Content, whatever lot I see, Since ‘tis my God that leadeth me.
He leadeth me, he leadeth me, By his own hand he leadeth me; His faithful follower I would be, For by his hand he leadeth me.
And when my task on earth is done, When by the grace the victory’s won, E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee, Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
Invitation to Children for Godly Play
Choir
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.
+Hymn #697
Sindhu Giedd Take My Life — HENDON
Scripture
Sermon
Romans 12:2 (NT, page 151)
Matthew 6:22-23 (NT, page 6)
One: This is the Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Chronochristic: Living in Christ’s Time Sermon Series Redeeming Digital Time: How to Resist Distraction
Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer Lauren Ghighi
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
In My Life — LORD BE GLORIFIED
+Offertory Response #607 (Lyrics from #606)
Doxology – old hundredth
+Prayer of Dedication
+Hymn #630
Fairest Lord Jesus — CRUSADERS’ HYMN
+Charge and Benediction
+Choral Benediction
O for a Closer Walk with God William Cowper
+Postlude
Allegro moderato maestoso Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
*Personal prayer is offered by a Stephen Minister in the Chapel.
The flowers in the Sanctuary are given to the glory of God and in celebration of the marriage of Julia Grady and Andrew Cecil.
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
Ben Council
Community Ministries Summer Intern
Ben Fletcher, M.Div.
Director of Youth, College, and Young Adult Ministries
Rev. Lauren Ghighi
Assistant Director of Youth, College, and Young Adult Ministries
Sindhu Giedd
Assistant Director of Worship and the Arts
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
ALL-CHURCH EVENTS
Save the Date: All Together in One Place – August 3
Join us at 9:45 a.m. in Fifield Hall to kick off the new program year with food, fellowship, prizes, a special video, and more. Details coming soon!
ARTS MINISTRY
Monthly Church Tour to Highlight History, Art – Today, July 13th
Join the Arts Council for a tour of the sanctuary, including its architecture, history, and stained glass. Meet in the Narthex at 12:15 p.m. No sign-up required. Tour lasts 60–90 minutes.
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
Pick up a reusable bag before or after the 11:00 a.m. service and fill it with requested items. Return filled bags by August 31 to the bin in the Smith Lobby.
FAITH FORMATION
20s and 30s Social Event at Truist Park – Tuesday, July 22nd
7:00 p.m. | Truist Park
Come connect and cheer on the Braves! RSVP via the QR code.
College End of Summer Cookout
6:00–8:00 p.m. | For college students & Prayer Pals
Enjoy food, games, and meet your Prayer Pal. RSVP by July 24 to receive the address.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
Parent’s Morning Out (PMO) & Camp Friendship 2025
Now open for current students, siblings, PMO children, and church members.
Secure your spots for Fall enrollment: firstprespreschoolatl.org
Click below to check out dates and register! https://tinyurl.com/camp-friendship-2025
GLOBAL MISSION
What in the World?
Be a one-time or ongoing friend to a student arriving in Atlanta this fall. Partner with AMIS (Atlanta Ministry for International Students). Learn more: amisatlanta.org or contact Rev. Barry Gaeddert (bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org).
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Sunday Fundays
Our next Sunday Funday is July 27…we will worship together at the 11 a.m., then we’ll walk to lunch together nearby. Bring money for food and join us!
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.
