Recommendations for Elders

The Nominations and Elections Committee encourages your participation in the process for nominating Elders. Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian Gospel, both within the church and in the world at large.

Please e-mail your suggestions to Keith Oelke, Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee. You can also fill out the form here.

Pentecost Offering

May 28

Psalm 71 testifies that a foundation of faith established during childhood helps ensure lifelong faith and service. By donating to the Pentecost Offering, you are nurturing the faith of those who are the church to come — children, youth, and young adults.

This year, your Mission and Outreach Commission has selected ‘Chess and Community’ to receive a portion of the Pentecost Offering (40%). They serve the Athens area and teaches children to respond to situations rather than react, using chess to teach and strengthen cognitive skills and apply them to their lives, developing critical thinking, problem solving, and planning skills. More information about Chess and Community can be found at their website (chessandcommunity.org). The remaining 60% is used to support children at risk, youth and young adults through ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

Please mail your check to the church office, or go to our website firstpresathens.org/giving, then select “Pentecost Offer” under “Select a Fund.” Thank you for your generosity!

“Everybody Hurts (Sometimes)”

Sundays in June: Worship at 10:00 a.m., Sunday School at 11:30 a.m.

In June, you are invited to join us for “Everybody Hurts (Sometimes),” a series of sermons and Sunday school classes around four topics: divorce (June 4), suicide (June 11), addiction (June 18), and domestic abuse (June 25). People may be wondering what the church has to say about these difficult topics. To that end, worship in June will focus on the theological and spiritual aspects of the pastoral care topics covered in the Sunday school sessions.

The Sunday school class will be a safe and confidential space. A Stephen Minister or Elder will facilitate conversation with selected congregation members and guest speakers who have been affected by these topics. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the speakers.

Next Sunday, June 4, Steven Brooks and Julie Knowlton will share their experience with divorce in a conversation facilitated by Dawn Frisch. Sarah Bryan, LCSW, will provide an overview of divorce and will share local resources for people experiencing divorce. Brunch and childcare will be provided while you are at Sunday school; RSVP for both will be needed by Wednesday, May 31.

Caring Hands Offering

This month, a special Caring Hands offering will be collected to benefit the Caring Hands Fund of Presbyterian Homes of Georgia. Presbyterian Homes is a ministry that serves our most vulnerable population - our seniors. This annual offering is the largest source of funds for benevolent care for Presbyterian Homes’ six communities in Georgia. Your contribution directly supports the care of residents who have outlived their financial resources. Our congregation joins Presbyterian churches statewide to support this vital ministry.

Please mail your check to the church office, or go to our website, then select “Presby Homes/Mother’s Day” under “Select a fund”). Alternatively, you can visit www.phgainc.org/donate/caring-hands-offering/church1/ to make a direct donation.

Godly Play Training Opportunity

We are excited to announce that First Pres Children’s Ministry will be hosting our third Godly Play Core Training Friday-Sunday, June 23-25. Our Children’s Ministry continues to grow, which means we need to expand our team. If you are interested in learning more about Godly Play and this wonderful training opportunity, please contact Natalie Bishop, Director of Children’s Ministry, at natalie@firstpresathens.org or call 706-543-4338. We would love to have you join our team and our sweet Children’s Ministry Circle of Wonder!

FPC Athens Columbarium Recognized at the 54th Historic Athens Preservation Awards

Last Friday, May 19, FPC received the "Outstanding New Construction in a Historic Area" Award by Historic Athens due to our work on the columbarium. FPC was represented by Ann and Mike Bascle, Chris Gazlay, and Smith Wilson. An interview about the award was conducted on Wednesday, May 17, with Mike Bascle representing FPC. You can watch it on Historic Athens Facebook page (starting at the 11min30sec mark).

News from Family Promise of Athens

We are running low on supplies at our static site and day center! Please go to our Amazon wishlist here, or drop items off at our Day Center (First Baptist: 355 Pulaski Street) or our Static Site (Milledge Avenue Baptist Church: 1690 S Milledge Ave).

Click here to read Spring@First.