Focal Point September/October 2025

FOCAL POINT

September/October 2025

A publication of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta

ALL TOGETHER I N O NE P LAC E

From the Pastor

Staying the course

All Together In One Place Dear Members and Friends, We are now in the hardest stretch of our construction project. The excitement of groundbreaking is behind us, and the celebration of completion is still three months away.

These are not easy days. But they are important days. This is the part of the journey that calls for patience and perseverance. It’s the part where we remind ourselves why we began this work in the first place: to strengthen our congregation’s ability to be a community of conviction and compassion.

As you flip through this issue of Focal Point, you’ll notice something encouraging. Even with the disruption of construction, ministry and mission at First Presbyterian are not slowing down. In fact, they are thriving. Our children and youth programs are full.

Our community ministries continue to meet urgent needs. Worship is drawing 2

us together, week by week, to hear good news and to be sent out as disciples. New people are joining us, and longtime members are finding new ways to engage.

This season of construction is testing our resilience, but it’s also revealing our strength. We are learning that our mission is not defined by a building project. It is defined by the Holy Spirit is at work among us!

Three months remain. Let’s stay the course, encourage one another, and keep our eyes on the finish line.

The dust and inconvenience will pass. What will remain is a renewed campus and, even more, a renewed sense of who we are as a congregation called to humbly follow Jesus Christ.

Blessings, Tony Sundermeier

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 2 From the Pastor 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 Meet Sindhu Giedd 6 Transformed Smith Building highlight of capital Project Update 8 Accelerate an impact with Epiphany 10 Venable Food Market Associate’s story a testament to FPC

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14 FPC Youth recounts Summer Mission Trip 16 Vbs Finds Its True North 17 News and Notes 18 FPC In Focus 14

BEGAN BACK TO WHERE IT ALL

W

hen Sindhu Giedd began her role as Assistant Director of Worship and the Arts at First Presbyterian Church in May 2025, it wasn’t her first introduction to the church.

Twenty years earlier, she spent an afternoon in a room in the music suite as she successfully auditioned for the opera, Ainadamar written by Osvaldo Golijov.

The audition, and its subsequent performances at the Woodruff Arts Center, were just the beginning of her foray into Midtown’s burgeoning arts scene.

Though raised in Gwinnett, she spent much of her time performing at the Woodruff Arts Center, debuting as a soloist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in American Tales and Legends. She also sang with the Gwinnett Young Singers, performed as a soprano in the 1996 Olympics, and later won a Grammy. Her career included national tours with stops at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, as well as performances at The Alliance in productions like Goodnight Moon and Into the Woods. Yet, every path has led her back to Atlanta.

“Atlanta is not just where I grew up, it’s where I got my professional start in music,” she said.

Giedd says she has been singing as long as she can remember and listening to her sonorous voice drift across the sanctuary on a Sunday morning, one is not apt to doubt her.

Giedd’s parents emigrated over 9,000 miles from Chennai, India to the U.S., where her father worked as a chemist at Georgia State University and her mother performed and recorded South 4

Indian Classical music.

Though she inherited her mother’s musical DNA, Giedd’s journey wasn’t straightforward.

Piano lessons as a child didn’t stick, but an eighth-grade teacher later noticed her sightreading ability and encouraged her. She eventually taught herself piano, refining her skills through long hours of practice while in college.

Her natural vocal talent and passion for music led her to enroll at Georgia State University in the early 2000s.

But it was a tattered flyer on a bulletin board on the campus of Georgia State that first led her to serving at a church. First Baptist Church in Doraville needed a pianist for Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Giedd was tentative, yet she felt a tug in her spirit to give it a try and drove north to audition.

“The thing is I prayed before the audition.

I did not know all of the hymns, but when I asked the Lord to give me that ability, he gave it to me. It was miraculous,” she said. “[Learning hymns at that church] is how I learned to be an accompanist.”

Gaining experience playing piano in worship services and honing her ear was not the only major shift in her life that occurred while she was enrolled at Georgia State University.

Between her sophomore and junior years of college, Giedd embraced Christianity.

Surrounded by supportive friends, but never pressured, she came to faith on her own. One night, alone in her room reading the Bible, “it all clicked.” She describes the moment as, “not intellectual, but palpable and true.”

Her favorite Bible verse is 1 John 4:16-18: “And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world.

God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.” (NRSV)

The church in Doraville marked an important step along her unfolding musical path.

Since then, she’s sharpened her skills as a worship leader at a variety of congregations. She’s also learned to play guitar and organ. She took on a residency. She learned how to

A CLOSER LOOK EDUCATION - Master of Theological Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary 2022–present - Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance – Georgia State University 2001–2005 HONORS & AFFILIATIONS - 2006 Grammy Award – Soloist, “Fountain of Tears” - Young Artist Scholarship – A tlanta Lyric Theatre -Performances with Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center FAMILY - Judah (18), Caedon (17), Valen (15), Naomi (13), Esther (13), Maia (7)

lead a worship band, transpose music, and write songs.

She founded a musical academy. She owns a recording studio. Her most recent position was Director of Music at Holy Cross Cathedral in Loganville.

Did we mention she is also a loving mother to six children?

Through it all, she has never ceased to learn and is currently enrolled at Asbury Theological Seminary pursuing a Master of Theological Studies.

“Thank you [FPC]. Thank you for receiving me. I feel so welcomed and loved and my kids feel the same.”

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Transformed Smith Building, work on the Commons highlights of Capital Project Roughly one year ago this month, work was completed on Phase One of the Smith Building.

With the Commons now the focus of our construction, we take a look back to see where we are going next in this exciting phase of church life.

Looking back September 2024 marked the end of Phase One of our Capital Project. Begun in 2022, the project re-imagined The Smith Building.

With the updated space, floors one and two now are equipped to serve more than 1,500 of our unhoused neighbors each month and provides showers, clothing, social services, and other essential resources.

On floor three, our ministry partners are benefiting from a refurbished space. The Samaritan Counseling Center of Atlanta, World Pediatrics, and Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary are housed in that space.

The Women’s Transformation Center is located on the fourth floor and offers nine microapartments providing safe, rent-free housing for women in transition for up to twelve months.

Since opening, these renewed spaces have already provided support to more than 2,280 neighbors, a testament to the project’s immediate impact.

Longtime FPC member John McColl chairs the FPC Building Committee. He is upbeat on the progress.

“The Building Committee has spent many hours planning and designing this exceptional transformational project for our church and community, and we couldn’t be prouder for the success we have in the implementation of Phase 6

1 and the progress we have made on Phase 2,” he said. “As the next five months unfold we shall get to see our vision for new gathering spaces both inside and outside to come to fruition and see the impact these new technology enhanced spaces will have on our congregation and community.

We remained committed to continued pursuit of the vision we crafted together and feel blessed by the support that everyone has given to make this vision a physical reality.”

Looking forward Phase Two is under construction and advancing rapidly. One highlight of the spring was Easter Sunday’s reopening of the historic Peachtree Street entrance, now the Rooker Family Plaza, welcoming families back to a beloved gathering space.

Framing of the new Commons is complete.

Mass-timber beams and roof decking have been installed, and exterior work is underway.

The new central Commons will provide direct access from both Peachtree and 16th Streets and serve as a welcoming space for connection.

A state-of-the-art worship, performance, and lecture hall will extend First Presbyterian’s reach to both congregation and community.

Another milestone completed this spring is the Griffin Family Staff Union, which unites all clergy and administrative teams in a central location for the first time. Designed for collaboration and equipped with modern technology, the Union reflects the church’s commitment to supporting our staff.

You can keep up with updates on the Capital Project via our e-updates and visiting the website.

BY THE NUMBERS · The Commons will feature 13,805 pounds of Timber. Together, the timber is longer than a football field and heavier than two elephants — making it both a centerpiece of The Commons design and a tangible symbol of strength and beauty. · The Commons is being built with 68 tons of steel — enough to outweigh nine elephants or forty-five cars — ensuring that this new space will be both strong and enduring for generations. · Altogether, 777 cubic yards of concrete have been poured — that’s nearly 80 truckloads, enough to quarter-fill an Olympic swimming pool. · When fully installed, The Capital Project will feature 400 yards of carpet — that’s 1,200 feet, long enough to span four football fields or line up 30 city buses.

Sipped on a steaming cup of coffee from Refuge Coffee?

Witnessed one of our unhoused friends getting a haircut from Feet On The Street Mobile Ministries?

Tasted a sweet and savory pecan from a bag of Purposeful Gourmet Foods?

If you aren’t familiar with Epiphany, then maybe you have at least experienced some of its fruits, including offerings from the three organizations above.

What is Epiphany?

Epiphany is an evergreen social entrepreneurship initiative of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta that serves as an incubator and accelerator for entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions to social challenges.

Meaning, if you are an up-and-coming entrepreneur with a unique vision to help solve societal challenges primarily overlooked by the business sector, then Epiphany will help provide the funds, insight, and other support your business needs to grow.

Examples include businesses that employ formerlyincarcerated people or mentally-challenged adults and businesses which serve a specific niche such as coding training for refugees or mechanical training in low-income areas.

Through the last several years, Epiphany has aided multiple businesses throughout metro Atlanta.

How does it work?

Entrepreneurs apply with business models addressing social concerns. A selection team comprised of FPC members identifies finalists who will receive mentoring, coaching, and 8

business planning support from FPC members—experienced leaders across many disciplines, known as navigators.

Following this process, selected ventures (Epiphany Fellows) present their business cases for funding. To date, grants have totaled $455,000 through the generosity of our congregation and partners.

Epiphany partners with earlystage social ventures and startups prioritizing solutions that build human dignity, capacity, and economic empowerment.

What is the selection criteria?

1. Church Fit – Alignment with church mission and potential for congregation involvement.

2. Societal Impact – Innovative ideas with lasting, positive influence demonstrating Christian values.

3.Sustainability – Clear path to selfsupporting revenue.

4.Leadership – Strong, skilled, and passionate founders.

5.Engagement – Commitment to a mutually beneficial relationship with FPC. Applicants need not be Christian, but proposals should reflect Christian values of love, community, transformation, and servant

leadership.

Why should FPC members get involved?

While the program is good for the businesses, it is also beneficial for FPC members who donate their time and insight.

One of those FPC members is Marc Bromstad.

Bromstad is a Senior Director with Alvarez & Marsal’s Corporate Transactions Group in Atlanta where he specializes in mergers and acquisitions.

Bromstad has volunteered with Epiphany for three years where he lends his expertise by, among other things, leading the navigation process and providing financial insight to participating ventures. He has found the experience fruitful and rewarding.

“Epiphany is a great way to give back to the church by sharing some of my professional experiences with the

Above, the Bromstad family. From left, Murray, Ward, Hill, and Marc. Marc is an active member of Epiphany project. Right, past businesses which have benefited from Epiphany.

[program] and the ventures coming through,” he said.

In particular, Bromstad said the experience with Epiphany has opened his eyes to the dynamic up-and-coming social ventures in the metro area that typically go unnoticed including programs such as businesses that provide jobs for refugees and products or services that were developed by individuals who might be facing temporary challenges or hardships.

“There’s such a breadth of ideas that if you weren’t involved in it, you wouldn’t appreciate how many ventures are making a positive impact that is aligned with the mission and values of First Pres.,” he said.

With this year’s program opening for applications in October, Bromstad is upbeat.

“We are always looking for volunteers. There are many ways to get involved. All of these businesses are looking for some support or counsel,” he said.

Epiphany is led by Associate Pastor, Saranell Hartman, and Ministry Leaders, Kathy Kite, Marybelle Arnett, and Andre Calmon.

of Morning with MR. B

I

BY MARK WALLACE MAGUIRE

had not seen Mr. B in over 28 years.

It was not intentional, nor born from malicious intent.

It was one of those sad consequences of time.

In the pre-age of social media and internet searches, when friends moved and phone numbers were changed, or mail was not forwarded, one tended to grow apart from friends.

Sometimes, a chance encounter or a shared acquaintance could draw you back together. But, for many times back then, once those ties were lost, they were lost.

Fast forward 28 years when I was asking Jacob Ivey, Operations Director for Community Ministries, for a source as a launching point for an article on the good works at Community Ministries, and he said, “Mr. B can meet with you Thursday.”

I almost fell out of my chair.

“Mr. B?” I asked.

“Yes, that is his name.”

“Yes,” I replied. “I heard you. I just had to make sure, because of his unique name.

There is a 90 percent chance I know him.”

I had not seen or talked to him in over 25 years. *Names in this article have been

changed at request of the individual

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afd To go forwards, we must go backwards.

Mr. B and I had been in college together in the mid 1990s. We were part of a loose group of bohemian creatives that included a to-be Rhodes scholar, a history major who is now a national leader in arts policy, and a few future CEOs. I tell you this, not to brag on me. I was very fortunate many times in my life to run with a group of people who raised me up to be my best. I claim no dynamic intelligence or wit. I tell you this, to let you know about Mr. B. Mr. B was well-read and quick-witted, and loved a joke and we enjoyed a shared sense of humor especially of anything related to culture, or lack thereof, and a sense of the absurd.

We also both loved beautiful things, and had a shared taste or at least appreciation of visual art, poetry, and music.

Mr. B was gregarious, exceptionally considerate, and polite to a fault.

We had spent a semester studying overseas.

We were an odd pair of friends to the outside eye, I am sure.

Me: White. Male. Straight.

Him: Black. Male. Gay. Yet, we never saw those labels.

Whether swinging by his dorm room for a shared cup of his fresh-ground coffee, studying together overseas,

or sitting on the front row to hear Maya Angelou during her 1994 visit to Atlanta, our friendship was built upon the focus of finding the sublime and beautiful experiences in a world that seemed to shun such ventures.

Neither one of us owned a car, or could provide a material reciprocity to the other.

Our relationship was one built on the shared currency of humor, care, and common interests.

And, yet, like with so many of those on the journey, we lost touch. afd When Mr. B and I linked up a couple of years after college, we had both lived out of Georgia and before moving to Atlanta. He had finished a master’s degree out of state and I had been working as a musician in the Carolinas. We hung out a few times, went out to dinner with mutual friends, attended a few parties.

But time happened.

He moved. I moved. The phone numbers did not get exchanged and in both cases changed. Our paths diverged.

I grew a career, got married, started a family.

Yet, through the years, as many of us are apt to do, I would occasionally scan the internet for news of his whereabouts.

“What happened to my friend?”

“What is he doing now?”

I expected to find him leading a fashion firm, teaching sociology at a university, or living the life glamorous in a smart condo in Paris or a chalet in Switzerland.

I found nothing.

The shared group of friends I talked with heard nothing.

It was almost as if he had disappeared.

Then, about 15 years ago, he cropped up on a chance internet search.

The results were dismal.

Arrested. Jailed. Imprisoned. Mug shots.

Police reports. More mug shots.

After searching for him twice more, I stopped.

It was too painful.

My beautiful, outgoing, friend had become another statistic in a broken world. None of us deserve anything, I believe. Some of us hit the DNA lottery, or are born in the right

place in the right circumstances, but most of us have lucked out on the breaks we’ve been given or the ease of our journey.

Mr. B was not lucky. afd A few days after I spoke with Jacob, his colleague Community Ministries Director Tricia Passuth swung by my office to see if I was ready to meet Mr. B. I was nervous and a little tentative. I wanted to see him, yet I did not want to see him.

I recognized him immediately. He has lost an eye. He has lost some weight, but it was still him. I knew his visage.

I walked up to him and said, “You know me. Don’t tell me you don’t.”

He peered at me and said, “Sir, I have had many head injuries and my memory isn’t very good, I don’t know- ” “You know me,” I said again stepping closer and stared into his eye.

“Sir, I am sorry - ” I took off my glasses and leaned in.

“You know me. We studied in Ireland together.”

He jumped and sprang away from me and his voice raised as he said my name. I spread my arms open and we gave each other a long hug. Parted. Another long hug. Parted. Another long hug. We were both on the verge of tears.

We devoted the next 45 minutes to catching up. As with our prior relationship 28 years earlier, there was no pretense. No shame. Nothing to hide.

I told him my story.

He told me his.

This is it. afd After our paths diverged, Mr. B’s occasional foray into marijuana use or a glass of wine escalated. Then the harder stuff - crack, cocaine, meth, heroin - came and its ugly cousins - depression, addiction, and, eventually, homelessness followed.

Distressing memories from childhood trauma and feeling un-cared for and judged for his sexuality and race, instead, “of people seeing me,” dented his sense of self-worth and did not help break the cycle of drug use.

The years were not kind. He was hit by a MARTA train. He’s been in and out of jail numerous times and in prison twice. He was mugged and beaten and lost an eye.

He spent years living in a grim abandoned building in the shadow of Mercedes Benz Stadium he called “the mausoleum.”

He earned money by working parking lots before 11

games or concerts at The Benz.

Ask him about it now, and his main gripe was not how he was treated by the elite who followed his directions on where to park, but the amount of plastic bottles and other trash that should have been put in recycling.

He hasn’t, by some weird act of grace, lost his faith in doing the right thing.

In late 2018, he got back on his feet.

Moved in with his parents in south Atlanta. Managed a popular restaurant in Decatur.

Then the Pandemic happened. George Floyd was murdered. The streets were filled with BLM protests and counter protests. Mr. B relapsed.

The state of America shook him. “[Watching the world and the hate] made me think of all my inter-racial friendships I had experienced and cherished. It made me wonder if they were all a lie,” he said, tears tugging at the corner of his eye.

The relapse was brutal.

He lost his job.

He moved out from his parents.

He was without a home again.

First Presbyterian Church’s Community Ministries was here for him when he first stepped foot into the church for Sunday morning breakfast.

In 2021, he met Tricia, and they formed an immediate rapport.

Having found a friendly face at FPC, he heard about the other services Community Ministries offered and, through the years, he has used the church’s services to get his birth certificate, find counseling for his drug use, and have a place for his food stamps to be delivered. afd Since February, he’s been back on his feet. A Bridge Response program and the help of a faithful sister helped him get housing.

When people get clean, they find many ways to fill up the hours when the lure of getting high might call. Some become exercise devotees, others immerse themselves in new hobbies or joining a support group.

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Mr. B fills his void by volunteering.

Three days a week, he rides MARTA’s Green Line in to begin his day serving others as he volunteers as a Food Market Associate and Clothing Closet Volunteer.

During our initial meeting, I was able to witness his service.

His dignity, consideration, and courteous manner to all the guests is contagious and incongruous to the world outside the church’s doors where incivility and rudeness are par for the course.

His politeness has not waned through the years.

Twice during our chat, he pauses, says, “Excuse me,” and then leaves our conversation to assist a customer.

“Good afternoon, sir,” I heard him say, “What a lovely shirt. This red will look good on you.”

He does not stuff the shirt into the bag, but folds it in the manner of a hotelier or concierge befitting a personal assistant at Nordstrom at Lenox or Harrods of London.

Later over coffee, we dig deeper and I am still astounded at the lack of anger and the possession of hope he has for humanity.

“This church has done so much for me, so why don’t I volunteer there, I asked myself?” He said. “My favorite part is I am doing something that helps humankind. And I’m with people who believe this is our duty, it’s not a choice. It’s your duty as a human being.” afd For our second interview, we had walked across the street to Refuge Coffee, where we took shelter from the August sun and reflected on old times, asked about old friends, and enjoyed sharing a few jokes.

As our cups drained, the talk shifted to things that have caused him grief. He does not ask for self-pity, only misses certain parts of his life.

He laments his memory.

The beatings, the drug use, he says, have addled his once sharp mind.

Yet, he still quotes Maya Angelou with ease.

His favorite is from her poem, On the Pulse of Morning, which she read at President Clinton’s inauguration where she writes in the only way she can of embracing our unsavory past and moving together in joy and hope for a better future.

He recites a few lines to me, and we linger on the meaning.

Later, that evening, as I reflect upon my re-connection with my friend, I find these words from the poem fitting for his journey.

“Lift up your faces, you have a piercing need For this bright morning dawning for you.

History, despite its wrenching pain Cannot be unlived, but if faced With courage, need not be lived again.”

Did you Know?

Venable Food Market serves the economically vulnerable in Midtown and beyond by providing free groceries. Mr. B is just one of many volunteers who donate their time and energy to serving.

It is unique in that it’s a client choice food pantry, where our friends can shop for the groceries they need as opposed to being handed a bag of preselected items.

Since February the food market has provided more than 8,000 pounds of food and, on average, serves 57 homes per month.

The market is also unique in that they provide meat, cheese, and eggs regularly along with household cleaning supplies. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Jacob Ivey at jivey@ firstpresatl.org

In addition to volunteering during the week, Community Ministries also has Savor and Serve Sundays, on occasions, where members can volunteer as pictured on the photos on this page.

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FPC Youth Impact Mission Trip

C

learing land and constructing a tool shed at a school might not be the first images that come to mind when describing an overseas trip, but that is exactly what Addison Allvine found to be the most memorable aspect of the Youth Impact Trip 2025 to Guatemala this summer.

“The majority of the work we did [on the trip] was on the school. We didn’t have any electric saws to build the shed; we had to dig the holes ourselves. There wasn’t any modern technology,” the 18-year-old said. “It was very hands-on.”

The work took place on the grounds of La Puerta Abierta, a school that also functions as a literacy center.

It was not an easy task either.

Gas-powered tools? Not even a possibility. Electric tools? Forget it.

The group used grit, muscle, and sheer determination to build a shed, help clean the church, and clear the grounds.

In addition to the work at the

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school, the multi-day trip provided FPC youth an opportunity to engage in cross-cultural learning activities, such as playing soccer, meeting local families, and having open discussions about the challenges they face daily.

FPC Youth also devoted time to worshiping at “Jesús es el Camino,” a Pentecostal church.

The group also had some time to relax and explore.

They witnessed Mount Fuego erupt, went hiking and swimming, and dined on local cuisine.

The trip to Guatemala was just one facet of the strong impact FPC’s youth program has made on Addison’s life.

“I have been extremely invested in the youth group at church,” she said. “I had gone on the IMPACT trip the summer before. I had such a good experience connecting with God there and wanted more of that.”

Her parents, Mary Claire and Doug Allvine, have been longtime members of FPC. Her brother, Gavan, attends the church and recently completed a summer internship.

She has been interwoven into the fabric of the church her whole life. Baptized at the church as a baby, she went through the confirmation process as a freshman in high school.

Addison enrolled at William & Mary College this fall.

Above, Addison Allvine with Lauren Ghighi, Associate Pastor and Assistant Director of Youth, College, and Young Adult Ministry. Additional photos showcase the work the FPC Youth Group undertook during the mission trip to Guatemala.

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VBS discovers its True North √ Order adequate supplies. √ Coordinate schedules. √ Communicate via email and text. √ Establish traffic procedures.

While this might resemble the list of an air drop for a military grade operation, it is actually just one of the many facets of the strategic planning that went into this year’s Vacation Bible School.

This year’s VBS was themed, “True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World.”

“This year we added science to our rotation and it was a crowd favorite. Kids loved making and experimenting with the natural elements that went along with this year’s theme,” said Katie Covington, Director of Children’s and Family Ministry and Director of PMO. The numbers were robust as well as the event saw an uptick of 118 attendees this year, up from 107 the year before. Over 46 volunteers contributed their time and energy as well.

In addition to the work by church staff, VBS Volunteer Director Kristen Hudgins played a significant role in coordinating volunteers.

One of those volunteers was FPC member Abbie McBurnette. McBurnette has always harbored an affinity for teaching. Several years ago, when she took a break from her career as a successful CPA to raise her two children, the outlet to volunteer at VBS

Abbie McBurnette with her two children, daughter, Piper, 9, and a son, Chess, 7.

was a seamless fit.

“I want my kids to have a great experience, so it was worth the effort for me to help create a great experience,” she said.

In addition to the fulfillment she found in teaching VBS, McBurnette also found meaning in observing the children she once taught in the Kindergarten class now return as volunteers.

Volunteering at VBS is a summer tradition she “absolutely” plans to continue.

“This is our family week at the church. It’s a family affair,” she said.

Abbie and her husband, Colin, have two children, daughter, Piper, 9, and a son, Chess, 7.

She also teaches Sunday School at FPC.

Maguire joins FPC as Creative & Communications Director Mark Wallace Maguire joined FPC of Atlanta as Creative and Communications Director in May. “I am enthusiastic about being part of a church with a rich legacy and a bright future,” he said. “From Community Ministries to The Commons, FPC has a great story and I am excited about telling it.”

Before joining FPC, Maguire was Director of Communications at Central Presbyterian Church, where he shaped the church’s public voice, launched a magazine, built the AV team, introduced live streaming during the pandemic, led two website redesigns, and forged partnerships with the Atlanta Mayor’s Office and other civic groups.

He has also worked in public relations for the City of Peachtree City and ran his own creative agency.

Prior to communications, Maguire spent nearly 20 years in Atlanta media as Director of four lifestyle magazines, Editor of a financial journal, and columnist. His work earned more than 20 awards, including first-place honors from the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists.

Beyond communications, he has taught creative writing for the Georgia Humanities Council and Fayette Library and presented at the 2024 C.S. Lewis Foundation and the Faculty Forum at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

A Berry College graduate, he serves on the board of Children’s Literature for Children, is a past judge for multiple press associations, former chair of Kennesaw State’s Flourish Awards, and is contributing to the 2026 documentary The Forge of Friendship on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

Maguire is also the author of several fiction and nonfiction works, including the Kindle best-seller Alexandria Rising (also on Audible), and is currently writing a book on faith and special needs.

Maguire lives in Fayetteville, with his wife and two sons. His wife, Jami, serves as Director of Special Needs Ministries at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church.

FPC NEWS & NOTES

FPC’s new podcast, ‘The New Garden,’ will debut in October.

This podcast tackles issues of faith and theology and features Tony Sundermeier and Atlanta entrepreneur and thought leader Brent Macon. It will be available anywhere podcasts stream. A video version will also be available on YouTube and our website.

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FPC NEWS & NOTES

WE’RE SOCIAL!

SAVE THE DATE! SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2025 AT 10 A.M. Christmas Concert: Free Join us for our annual Christmas Concert, featuring the First Presbyterian Choir and Orchestra in a performance of SaintSaëns’ Christmas Oratorio—a lyrical and elegant work that beautifully captures the spirit of the season.

Are you on social media?

Make sure to like, subscribe, and share First Presbyterian Church!

You can follow all the upcoming activities, worship services, and more on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

REFUGEE RECIPE CELEBRATION In late June, members of the FPC Refugee Ministry Committee held a ‘Refugee Recipe Celebration’ with ministry partner Friends of Refugees. The event took place at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Afterwards, the group gathered at the home of Christy and Greg Smith, where they learned about other refugee efforts in the metro area.

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FPC FALL YOUTH TAILGATE KICK OFF FPC Youth held their annual Tailgate Kick Off in early August. The event officially ‘kicked off’ the program year and featured a variety of food and activities.

MARRIAGE ON PURPOSE Our couples’ Bible study, Marriage on Purpose, wrapped up an impactful session this summer, where couples grew closer to God and to each other. Participants ranged from those married less than one year to those married more than 55 years. The study, held in June, was led by Tony and Katie Sundermeier.

FPC WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS In June, First Presbyterian Church welcomed new members at its monthly Session meeting.

From left, Reggie Wright, Tinsley and Stewart Curry, Katherine and Michael Stratton, Matthew Fortune, William and Christina Wilmer, Matt Smith, and Hap and Jean Marie Richardson.

GRAB A BAG Community Ministries held a ‘Grab a Bag’ Sunday in June, where members picked up reusable bags with a list of needed items, then filled them and returned them to the Smith Building.

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ALL TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE On August 10, we kicked off our new program year with the event, “All Together In One Place.” Held in Fifield Hall, the event featured unique door prizes, breakfast bites, games, and opportunities to connect.

1328 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, Ga. 30309

(404) 892-8461

www.firstpresatl.org