

8:15 A.M. WORSHIP FEBRUARY 9, 2025

8:15 A.M. WORSHIP FEBRUARY 9, 2025
Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
www.firstpresatl.org/give
Call to Worship
+Hymn #1
Thomas Bara
Tony Sundermeier
& REGULARS
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! NICAEA
+Unison Prayer of Confession Rob Sparks
Mighty and merciful God, you have called us to be your people and claimed us for the service of Jesus Christ. We confess that we have not lived up to our calling. We have been timid and frightened disciples, forgetful of your powerful presence and the strength of your Spirit among us.
O God, forgive our foolish and sinful ways. As you have chosen us, and claimed us in our baptisms, strengthen us anew to choose Christ’s way in this world. Give us your Holy Spirit that each one in ministry may be provided with all the gifts of grace needed to fulfill our common calling, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
(Time of Silent Reflection)
+Declaration of Good News
One: The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. May the God of mercy, who forgives you all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel!
All: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven and redeemed! Alleluia! Amen!
+Response #582
Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me GLORY TO GOD
Scripture
Psalm 138 (OT, page 545) Luke 5:1-11 (NT, page 58)
One: This is the Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Holes in the Net
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper 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 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 #69
I, the Lord of Sea and Sky HERE I AM
+Charge and Benediction
+Postlude
GATHER
Gathering Music Sarah and Colin Comstock
Welcome Ben Fletcher
Call to Worship
+Songs
MEMBERS & REGULARS
Yet Not I, but Through Christ in Me Robinson, Farren, and Thompson
I Surrender All VanDeVenter
+Opening Prayer
+Response #582
Glory to God, Who Goodness Shines on Me GLORY TO GOD
Announcements Tony Sundermeier
Presentation of Third Grade Bibles Katie Covington
Invitation to Children for SMILES!
Children in Pre-K through 3rd Grade who would like to attend our Sunday
“SMILES!” program, a time to share Bible stories while growing friendships,
may depart with staff and volunteers to the second floor Orchestra Room.
Pick up will be from children’s Sunday School classrooms.
LISTEN
Scripture
Pre-K - Room 178
Kindergarten – Room 176
1st Grade – Room 218
2nd & 3rd Grade – Room 227
4th & 5th Grade - Room 222
Psalm 138
Luke 5:1-11
One: This is the Word of the Lord.
Sermon
Holes in the Net 9:00
All: Thanks be to God.
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Katie Sundermeier
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
Let Us Be Known by Our Love Armstrong/Massey alt arr. by S. Comstock
+Charge and Benediction
Prelude
Mr. Thomas Bara, M. Mus. Praeludium in D Dietrich Buxtehude
Welcome and Announcements Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier
MEMBERS & REGULARS
Call to Worship
Mr. Ben Fletcher, M.Div.
One: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
All: And also with you.
One: Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord;
All: let us exalt the name of the Lord together.
One: Come, let us sing to the Lord;
All: let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
One: Friends, let us stand in body or spirit and worship our God!
+Processional Hymn #1
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! NICAEA
+Call to Confession Rev. Rob Sparks
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In humility and faith let us confess our sin to God.
+Unison Prayer of Confession
Mighty and merciful God, you have called us to be your people and claimed us for the service of Jesus Christ. We confess that we have not lived up to our calling. We have been timid and frightened disciples, forgetful of your powerful presence and the strength of your Spirit among us.
O God, forgive our foolish and sinful ways. As you have chosen us, and claimed us in our baptisms, strengthen us anew to choose Christ’s way in this world. Give us your Holy Spirit that each one in ministry may be provided with all the gifts of grace needed to fulfill our common calling, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
(Time of Silent Reflection)
+Declaration of Good News
One: The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. May the God of mercy, who forgives you all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel!
All: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven and redeemed! Alleluia! Amen!
+Response #583
Glory to God GLORIA
Presentation of Third Grade Bibles
Invitation to Children for Godly Play
Mrs. Katie Covington
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 the second floor Orchestra Room Children should be picked up immediately following worship.
Scripture
Psalm 138 (OT, page 545)
Rev. Dr. Barry Gaeddert
Luke 5:1-11 (NT, page 58) Elder Wilson Covington
One: This is the Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Holes in the Net
Ordination of Ms. Lauren Ghighi, M.Div.
Sentences of Scripture
Rev. Dr. Tim Hartman
Statement on Ordination Elder Ann Carter McDonald
Constitutional Questions
Laying on of Hands and Prayer
Declaration of Ordination
Presentation of the Stole
Hand of Fellowship
Charge to the Candidate
Charge to the Congregation
Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier
All Ruling and Teaching Elders
Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier
Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier
All Ruling and Teaching Elders
Rev. Saranell Hartman
Rev. Irene Wong
Call for Offering Rev. Dr. Tim Hartman
www.firstpresatl.org/give
Today’s offering will be designated to the Presbytery’s scholarship fund for persons under care of the Commission on Preparation for Ministry
Offertory
God, Be Merciful Unto Us — Stephen Sturk
God be merciful unto us and bless us; And cause his face to shine upon us. That thy way may be known upon earth, Thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: For thou shalt judge the people righteously And govern the nations upon earth.
Then shall earth yield her increase; And God shall bless us.
+Offertory Response #607 (Lyrics from #606)
Doxology – old hundredth
+Prayer of Dedication
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
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 by Intinction
Communion Music
Rev. Dr. Katie Sundermeier
Rev. Dr. Chris Holmes
Rev. Lauren Ghighi
Mrs. Sarah and Mr. Colin Comstock For Everyone Born – Shirley Erma Murray and Brian Mann
Closing 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 #69
I, the Lord of Sea and Sky HERE I AM
PRAYER REQUESTS
+Charge and Benediction
Please join us for a time of fellowship celebrating Lauren’s ordination in Fifield Hall.
+Postlude
Thou Art the Rock Henri Mulet
MINISTERS: ALL MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH PARTICIPATING IN THE ORDINATION TODAY
Mr. Wilson Covington
Ruling Elder
First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta Ordination Commissioner
Rev. Dr. Tim Hartman
Teaching Elder
Associate Professor of Theology, Columbia Theological Seminary Ordination Commissioner
Mrs. Ann Carter McDonald
Ruling Elder
North Avenue Presbyterian Church Ordination Commissioner
Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier, Commission Moderator
Teaching Elder
Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta Ordination Commissioner
Rev. Irene Wong
Teaching Elder
Executive Director, AMIS Ordination Commissioner
The flowers in the Sanctuary today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Pauline and TL Shields, May T. Montague Houck, Theodore L. Montague and Richard H. Houck by Charlotte and Tom Shields.
Honor or memorialize loved ones, or celebrate a special occasion, by giving Sanctuary Flowers. For information, contact Beth Edwards at bethmedw@gmail.com
Lauren grew up in Dallas, Texas, where her family attended a large PCUSA church. This is where Lauren first fell in love with the church and youth ministry in particular. She went on to attend Furman University, earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in Religion and Educational Studies. During her time at Furman, she met her fiancé, Kellson Tucker, was involved in the Chi Omega sorority, and worked in Furman’s Office of Spiritual Life. She also valued the hands-on ministry experience she gained as a Youth Ministry Intern at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
After graduating from Furman in 2021, Lauren attended Princeton Theological Seminary. Her faith and knowledge deepened immeasurably, and she continued to pursue ministry with young people in new ways. Lauren joined the team of the Institute for Youth Ministry, where she planned on-campus events, led grant projects, and connected with youth workers all over the country. Lauren also worked and attended classes at the Farminary, a farm three miles off-campus dedicated to exploring the intersection of theology, ecology, and faith formation. Not only did she work as a Poultry Assistant (or, as she prefers, “Chicken Tender”), but she also took many classes at the farm that developed her passion for Creation Care. Meanwhile, Kellson received his Master’s in Real Estate Development from Georgia Tech. In May 2024, Lauren graduated with her Master of Divinity, and Kellson proposed on the historic Princeton Battlefield right before they drove back to Atlanta together. They will marry in November 2025 in Greenville, SC.
In her first six months at First Pres, Lauren has been welcomed into the vibrant communities of the youth group, college group, 20s and 30s group, and the entire congregation. She has loved building relationships, learning people’s stories, and walking alongside others in their spiritual journeys. From warm Sunday morning handshakes to shared meals and laughter, these months have been filled with immense joy. She is excited for all that’s ahead and looks forward to the many ways she will continue to grow in faith alongside this community.
Third Grade Bible Sunday is an opportunity for our church to celebrate a milestone in a child’s faith journey. At this age level, children are deepening their faith and understanding of Biblical stories. First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta wants to ensure that every child who comes through our doors has their blossoming faith fostered.
Each year, we celebrate our Third Grade children and this milestone by giving them a Bible as a gift from our congregation. Our hope is that these children read and discover the important messages that God shares with us through the Bible.
9:00 A.M. SERVICE:
Beckett Conway
Berkeley Given
Hunter Reid Hylton
11:00 A.M. SERVICE:
Willa Lynne Boorn
James Everett Dolan
Luke Farr
Wrenn Ayers Logue
Henry Whitehurst
Lewis Hamilton
Vivienne Henley Naglich
Worship at 8:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 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
Dr. Daniel Bara
Director of the Choir and Orchestra
Thomas Bara, M.Mus.
Director of Worship, the Arts, and Organist
Sarah and Colin Comstock
Worship and Song Leaders
Katie Covington
Director of Children’s and Family Ministry and Director of PMO
Ben Fletcher, M.Div.
Director of Youth, College, and Young Adult Ministries
Rev. Dr. Barry Gaeddert
Associate Pastor for Faith Formation and Global Mission
Lauren Ghighi, M.Div.
Assistant Director of Youth, College, and Young Adult Ministries
Rev. Saranell Hartman
Associate Pastor for Engagement
Rev. Dr. Chris Holmes
Chief Ministry Officer, Stembler Scholar, and Director of Biblical and Theological Education
Rev. Rob Sparks
Associate Pastor for Care
Rev. Dr. Katie Sundermeier
Associate Pastor for Congregational Life
1989 Arista Music Company; 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
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
Sam Oppenheimer, Cadet, West Point
LTC John Warren Robey
Captain Gabriel Rulewicz
Maj. General Russell Sanborn
Captain Ryan Tewell
Col. Roderick G. Turner III
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.
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 & Lauren Ghighi, youth@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7727
Young Adult Ministry: Ben Fletcher & Lauren Ghighi, bfletcher@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7727
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
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFERINGS
9:00 to 9:55 a.m. and 10:00 to 10:55 a.m.
THE WORD CLASS | Room 230 | 9:00 a.m.
Study in 1 & 2 Chronicles
Contact Granvette Matthews at gemma262022@att.net
20S+30S CLASS | Bride’s Room | 10:00 a.m.
Join us at 10 a.m. in the Bride’s Room for a social break—no formal reading required. All are welcome!
Contact Ben Fletcher at bfletcher@firstpresatl.org
BEREANS | Chapel | 10:00 a.m.
Moncure Crowder presents on “Protestantism - The Prodigal Religion Part Pt 2”
Contact Bill Haley at billhaley@corplaw.net
FAITH AND LIFE | Women’s Bible | 10:00 a.m.
Chris Holmes, Stembler Scholar, will speak on John among the Gospels
Contact Jean Russ at jhtruss@comcast.net
INTERNATIONALS | 2nd Floor Conference Smith Bldg | 10:00 a.m.
Join us today as Dr. Anicet Ntisumbwa, a Humphrey Fellow at Emory in Public Health, shares about Burundi, the world’s second poorest nation, and his efforts to support his country. Contact Oksana Klymovych at oksana.klymovych@gmail.com or Susan Farrar at 77sfarrar@gmail.com
PARENTS CLASS | Room 224 | 10:00 a.m.
Contact Peyton Bell at peytonbell@gmail.com
For additional information on adult Sunday school at First Presbyterian, please contact Rev. Barry Gaeddert at bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org
CHILDREN
SMILES! | 9:00 a.m. | Pre-K – 3rd Grade | Orchestra Room (2nd Floor)
Join our SMILES! 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 | Orchestra Room (2nd Floor)
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-KINDERGARTEN Room 178
KINDERGARTEN Room 176
1ST GRADE Room 218
2ND & 3RD GRADE Room 227
4TH & 5TH GRADE Room 222
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 at kcovington@firstpresatl.org with questions on Children’s Ministry.
YOUTH MINISTRY
All youth in grades 6 through 12 are invited to join us for Youth in Action Mornings, meeting at 10 a.m. in the Fifield Hall Kitchen. Together, the youth will support Community Ministries each Sunday in serving our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Monthly Church Tours
The Arts Council is proud to announce the 2nd Sunday February Tour. Today, Sunday, Feburary 9th, we will offer an overview of the history, architecture and stained glass throughout the church, including the Sanctuary, Narthex, Chapel, and more. No signup required. Please meet in the Narthex immediately after the 11 a.m. service, as the tour will start no later than 12:15 p.m. and last between 60 and 90 minutes. Bring your family and friends to this enriching experience! This tour promises to be an engaging exploration of our church’s unique features and historical significance.
CARE MINISTRY
Come-On-Along Outing
Come-On-Along for Discovering the World of Jesus at Pullman Yards on Thursday, February 20. While this trip is planned with older adults in mind, all are welcome! We’ll meet at the church at 11:30 a.m. for a boxed lunch, then travel together to the venue for a self-led tour starting at 1:00 p.m. The cost is $27 for the exhibition, plus $10 for lunch. Rob Sparks is the host. Interested in attending? Contact Bethany at bgalvin@firstpresatl.org or 404-228-7737 by February 17 to sign up.
2025 Vacation Bible School
Save the Date! Mark your calendars for FPC’s Vacation Bible School. Monday, June 2nd through Friday, June 6th. After care will be provided Monday - Thursday. Registration will open March 1st. Please contact Katie Covington (kcovington@firstpresatl.org) for more information.
Winter Clothing Drive
With winter here, our unhoused neighbors face the critical need for warm clothing. With temperatures dropping, access to essentials like coats, hats, and gloves becomes vital for their comfort and well-being. First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta Community Ministries aims to gather warm winter clothing to help our unhoused neighbors stay safer and more comfortable during the cold months. We welcome donations of new or gently used, clean items, including coats, scarves, hats, and gloves in all sizes. Please drop off donations in the designated bins located in the Smith Building Lobby. We accept donations on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Your generosity can make a difference this winter—thank you for helping Community Ministries keep our community warm!
Congregational Meeting
In accordance with the Book of Order and our congregation’s by-laws, we will have our annual congregational meeting on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in Fifield Hall. The business for the meeting includes an annual report, report from the Board of Trustees, report from the Nominating Committee, and presentation of the 2025 annual budget. All members are strongly encouraged to attend.
The latest book from our Scholar in Residence, Chris Holmes, on the Book of Revelation will be featured in Publications, a webinar series hosted by The Candler Foundry at Emory University. Chris will discuss his book with Rev. Bob Alford, a retired UMC pastor, and Rev. Katie Owen Aumann, head of staff at Morningside Presbyterian Church. All are invited to attend this virtual offering. February 12, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/unspoiledwebinar.
Friends and members of FPC are invited to join the Cultivating Beloved Community (CBC) group. CBC works toward deep love of neighbor, racial healing, and faithful public action. We gather for encouragement, continued learning, and accountability. For the next several gatherings, we will read and discuss The Four Pivots by Shawn A. Ginwright. Our next gathering is on February 16 at 4 p.m. in the Women’s Bible Study room. Contact Chris Holmes (cholmes@firstpresatl.org) for more information or to join the mailing list.
Visit to Freedom Seekers Exhibit
On Saturday, March 1st, members of the Cultivating Beloved Community group will visit the Freedom Seekers Exhibit at the Tubman African American Museum in Macon. We plan to leave Atlanta around 9:00 a.m., visit the museum, share lunch together, and return to Atlanta around 3:00 p.m. For more information or to coordinate transportation, contact Chris Holmes (cholmes@firstpresatl.org).
Church 101
Would you like to be more connected to the life of the church? In a small group setting, we will help you identify one way to grow in faith, one way to give back and one way to stay grounded at FPC Atlanta.
Join Rev. Dr. Barry Gaeddert and Rev. Saranell Hartman for 3 - week series at 10:00 - 10:45 a.m., March 16, 23, and 30 in Room 230. Register: https://forms.gle/3yr32Gu7TFzMfRqL7 For more information contact Saranell at 404-228-7747 or shartman@firstpresatl.org or Barry at 404-228-7718 bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org
Preschool Early Application 2025-2026
Applications are now open for First Presbyterian Preschool 2025-2026 for current students, siblings, PMO children and church members! Secure your spot by using the QR code.
New Americans Celebration
You are invited to share your voice in support of refugees in Georgia!
The New Americans Celebration is Georgia’s premier day of education and advocacy for refugees, immigrants, and their allies. For over a decade, this inspiring event has brought together hundreds of dedicated individuals to elevate the voices and contributions of Georgia’s refugee and immigrant communities.
This year’s event will take place on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church & the Georgia State Capitol.
Registration: https://crsageorgia.com/new-americans-celebration/ Refugee Volunteer Project
Share the Love – Support refugee families living in the Atlanta area!
Support for the New American community is critically needed right now, and hospitality is one powerful way you can do that. Join Friends of Refugees to form a Hospitality Circle to express care and love for our refugee friends and neighbors. We are assembling care packages for families in FOR’s ministry.
Saturday, February 22nd – 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and/or
Saturday, March 1st – 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
This will take place at Memorial Drive Ministries, 5140 Memorial Drive. All are welcome to participate. Please register in advance here: https://tinyurl.com/Refugees-Volunteer-Project
For more information on youth programs or events check out our website at www.firstpresatl.org/youth-ministry or email Ben or Lauren at youth@firstpresatl.org
Super Bowl
All youth are invited to join us for our Youth Group Super Bowl Watch Party tonight, Sunday, February 9, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Cousar Household! Enjoy the first half of the game and halftime show, or take part in fun games if football isn’t your thing. Bring a homemade chip dip to compete in our Dip Competition—the winning dip will earn a $20 gift card! It’s going to be a night of great food, fun activities, and fellowship, and we hope to see you there!
Please RSVP using this QR code or at www.firstpresatl.org/youth-ministry.
Epiphany, launched in 2018, is a social entrepreneurship initiative of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. There have been three cohorts (2019, 2022, 2024) of Epiphany ventures. In total, 217 companies have applied to participate in the program, and 14 have been selected. Through the generosity of our congregation and community, Epiphany has given grants totaling $455,000.
Epiphany also calls FPC members to use their skills, networks, connections, and experiences to help advance ideas that benefit our community. Over 100 church members have volunteered to help.
You are all invited to Epiphany Impact Day on Saturday, May 3, 2025. There will be opportunities to meet current and former Epiphany volunteers, engage with alumni ventures, and to sign up for participate.
Assets Ascending: Works with formerly incarcerated parents to help them successfully reenter society and reunify with their families
JumpStart (f/k/a Automotive Training Center): JumpStart is a program which provides at risk young men and women with technical training so they may obtain entry-level employment in the automotive repair industry
Feet on the Street Ministries: Feet on the Street Ministries provides education, training, and coordinated services to unhoused and low-income individuals and families throughout metroAtlanta.
InGoodCompany: InGoodCompany is a platform to help companies hire, educate, and retain employees with intellectual disabilities.
Liminal Health & Fitness: Liminal Health and Fitness offers accessible fitness and nutrition coaching in the Clarkston, GA area to residents in need.
MicroLife: MicroLife specializes in developing “pocket neighborhoods” which greatly increases access to affordable housing and desirable living for those in need.
Peace of Thread: Peace of Thread’s mission is to empower, employ, and advocate for marginalized women from vulnerable populations.
Pharaoh’s Conclave: Pharaoh’s Conclave PCX helps engage and prepare youth for careers and opportunities related to eSports through education, career experiences and access to scholarships
Purposeful Gourmet: Purposeful Gourmet’s mission is to raise awareness and funding for Meals on Wheels Atlanta to support senior independence through meals, shelter, education, and community.
Refcode Community: Refcode introduces refugees and immigrants to the world of coding and helps them discern if it is a career they would like to pursue
Refuge Coffee: Refuge Coffee uses a delicious cup of coffee as a platform for job training and personal development of resettled refugees and other immigrants
Special Kneads & Treats: Special Kneads & Treats is a bakery in Lawrenceville, GA that provides employment and support for adults with disabilities.
For more information contact: Rev. Saranell Hartman shartman@firstpresatl.org
Epiphany Council: Philip Lewis, Kathy Kite, Elecia Crowley, Marybelle Arnett, Steven Gilbert
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.