Holy Week Services and Activities

Maundy Thursday, April 17, Service at 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary

We will recall the night of Jesus’ arrest and celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Good Friday Service, April 18, Presbyterian Village of Athens, 7:00 p.m.

Our siblings from Athens area Presbyterian churches and campus ministry will gather for the annual Good Friday service, hosted this year by Presbyterian Village of Athens.

Easter Eve Egg Hunt and Picnic Lunch, Saturday, April 19, 11:00 a.m., The Hill

All are invited to our Egg Hunt and Picnic Lunch at The Hill (11:00-12:30 p.m.). The church family is asked to bring a side dish or desert to share and your own picnic blanket and/or chairs. Lee Epting will provide a meat and the perfect grass for egg hiding. The church will provide drinks and Easter treats. Please use tinyurl.com/egghuntsides to indicate which side/desert you plan to bring.

Easter, April 20

Easter Sunrise Service, 6:45 a.m., gates will open at 6:15 a.m.

Oconee Hill Cemetery invites everyone to the Wingfield Chapel within the cemetery grounds for an Easter Sunrise Service. Please dress comfortably and consider bringing a flashlight and folding chair.

Easter Worship Services: 8:45 & 11:00 a.m., One Great Hour of Sharing Offering

Join us for the celebration of the risen Christ. We will receive an offering for the One Great Hour of Sharing, which will be used to help Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self Development of People through the Presbyterian Church USA.

Biscuit Brunch, 9:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall

Between services, we will all gather as a church family for fellowship.

One Great Hour of Sharing

On Easter we will receive the OGHS special offering. The three programs it supports are Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, these programs provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope. You may donate by a check to FPC with “OGHS” noted on the bottom or online (please select “1 Great Hour” under “Select a Fund”).

All God’s Creatures

Tuesday, April 22, 5:30 p.m., Courtyard

The Weekday School invites church families to our “All God’s Creatures” at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22. We are bringing in our “Wildlife Wonders Zoo To You!” friends to present this hands-on fun exploring how God made each animal unique. Questions? Email WDS Director, Elaine Johnson, at elaine@firstpresathens.org.

Elder Recognition Reception

Sunday, April 27, Atrium

Please join us next Sunday in the Atrium immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship service to thank the elders in the Class of 2025 and welcome the Class of 2028 as they begin their service on the Session.

Matthew 25 Housing & Community Workshops

April 27 and May 4, 12:30-2:00 p.m., Moses Waddel Room

Please join the Matthew 25 Commission for two sessions on housing in Athens. On April 27, we will examine housing insecurity in Athens and learn how Athens Area Habitat for Humanity is helping address it. On May 4, commission members will share information about the Resource Pantry, an M25 initiative to support residents in the Bethel Midtown community, learn more about the Bethel community, and hear an update on the redevelopment of Bethel Village. For more information and questions, please contact Claire Suggs at clairevhsuggs@gmail.com.

Project Safe Work Day

Sunday, April 27, 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Help tidy the Project Safe Thrift Store in Bells Shopping Center, 995 Hawthorne Ave. #7. Project Safe works to end domestic violence. Please contact Molly Suggs at mollysuggs17@gmail.com to volunteer.

Come to the Well: Exploring God’s Love Through Stories of Water

Save the date for our intergenerational VBS! All ages are welcome - there will be activities for kids, youth, and adults! Dates are July 13-16, 5:00-7:30 p.m. Dinner is provided. The cost is $25 per person to help provide materials and resources for our mission projects throughout the week. Payment can be made via our website (firstpresathens.org/giving, please select “VBS Fund” under “select a fund”) or mailed to the church office. You are invited to come to the well - all are welcome!

Please register at tinyurl.com/2025cometothewell. Questions? Contact Hannah Knight, Director of Children and Youth Ministries, at hannah@firstpresathens.org.

Scottish Reformation Sunday

May 4, 8:45 & 11:00 a.m., Reception at 12:00 p.m.

Join our annual celebration of our Scottish heritage at both worship services, along with recognition of local and state dignitaries at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to join the processional and recessional. If you need to borrow a kilt, please call Smith Wilson (706-338-4646) or Lee Epting (706-353-1913).

Holy Days@First 2025

Click here to read the Lent Newsletter, Holy Days@First.