Elder Recognition Reception

Sunday, April 27, Atrium

Please join us this 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.

Northeast Georgia Presbytery Conversations on Race and our History

The Northeast Georgia Presbytery Anti-Racism Task Force is hosting a conversation at FPC Athens on May 1 at 2:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to join in this conversation about Linnentown and our own history as we seek deeper understanding of our past as a way of going forth in the way of peace.

The presbytery’s Anti-Racism Task Force is also hosting two town halls later that afternoon at Oconee Presbyterian Church (2601 Hog Mountain Rd.) for a conversation about the presbytery’s anti-racism policy, one at 4:00 p.m., and one at 6:00 p.m. Both meetings will be hybrid; you can join the conversation either by zoom or in person. Please RSVP to Task Force Chair Rev. John Harrison at john@nacoocheepresbyterian.org. For more information and questions, please contact Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard at whitney@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).

Food Sunday

May 4

You may bring donations of Dry Spaghetti, Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ Sauce, Salad Dressing, Salt/Pepper, Basic Spices, and Cooking Oil to church next Sunday, May 4. You may also bring food to church office until Friday, May 2. Thanks for your donations in April - our neighbors in need are grateful!

Books for Keeps Book Drive

Help make sure no child in our community goes a summer without great books to read. Please bring your used books to the bins in the Atrium or church office between Sunday, April 27, and Sunday, May 25. Books for Keeps can accept books of all kinds except textbooks and encyclopedias. To learn more about the organization, please go to booksforkeeps.org. Thank you!

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.

Bethel Homes News

Bethel Buddy Summer Camp:

Dear Church Family, please help us continue to share God’s love by helping our Bethel Buddy neighbors get to go to summer camp. Lay Park Community Center is a camp for kids and does fun things like sports, crafts, and all other kinds of fun stuff! This camp runs for eight weeks, Monday-Friday. It is $100 for all 8 weeks, per child, and our goal is to help provide eight scholarships.

You may make an online donation, mail a check, or place a check in the offering plate. Please be sure to note that it is for “Bethel Summer Camp.” If you have any questions, contact Hannah Knight, Director of Children and Youth Ministries at hannah@firstpresathens.org.

Bethel Homes Open House:

All are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting celebration for the grand opening of The View at NoDA in North Downtown Athens. The event will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at 101 Madison Avenue, Athens, GA. Please RSVP here.

The View at NoDA is a new 120-unit mixed-income housing development featuring thoughtfully designed apartment homes with designer-inspired finishes, energy-efficient appliances. Tours of the property and amenities will be available following the ceremony.

Holy Days@First 2025

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