For September we are requesting cold breakfast cereals and a restocking of our "odd shelf". The favorite items for our odd shelf are: ketchup, mayo, mustard, salad dressings, bbq sauces, salt/pepper/basic spices, cooking oils, coffee and tea. You may donations to church on Sunday, September 7. You may also bring items to the church office until Friday, September 5. Our neighbors in need are very grateful for your donations! Many thanks for your thoughtfulness and generosity!

Women's Retreat Update

We have a couple of spots open for the upcoming 2025 FPC Women's Retreat this September 12-14 at Lake Cherokee above Seneca, SC. Join us for a weekend of rest, study, reflection, and fellowship! Cost is $100 per person. If you are interested in joining, please e-mail the Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard at whitney@firstpresathens.org.

New Men's Small Group Ministry

Our new Men’s Small Group Ministry seeks to create a space for deeper fellowship, honest conversation, and spiritual growth. Groups of 6–10 men will meet weekly for one hour to share life, Scripture, and prayer. We’re asking for men to commit to an initial 10-week journey together. After that, you decide whether to continue. Email John Webster at jwebsterii@outlook.com for more information.

Volunteers Needed

We need 10 volunteers to work side-by-side with future homeowners on a new Habitat home build in Athens on Saturday, September 20. Volunteers must be 16 years or older. Lunch is included! Email Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard (whitney@firstpresathens.org) to sign up.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Please join us in Fellowship Hall on September 21 and help save a life! Reserve an appointment at redcrossblood.org (sponsor code AFPC), or contact the church office at frontdesk@firstpresathens.org or call us at 706-543-4338.

A Conversation with Hattie Thomas Whitehead

A Conversation with Hattie Thomas Whitehead

On September 21, the Matthew 25 Commission is sponsoring “A Conversation with Hattie Thomas Whitehead,” the author of Giving Voice to Linnentown. Her book is the source of information for “Linnentown: The Musical” the second production of which takes place on September 12, 13, and 14 at the Classic Center, where tickets are available.

Ms. Whitehead will begin with a presentation and then open the floor to questions and comments beginning after our 11:00 AM worship service (about

12:30 PM) on the 21^st. Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch and beverages and dessert will be provided.

Diaper Donations Needed

Diapers Donations Needed - Athens Area Diaper Bank Diaper Drive

For the month of September, FPC Youth will be collecting donations for the Athens Area Diaper Bank (AADB). Any size of diapers or pull ups and open packs are accepted! Donations can be dropped off in designated boxes in the Atrium or the church office through September 28. Diaper drives bring in a significant number of the diapers that AADB is able to distribute to families in need. Thank you in advance for your support of the Athens Area Diaper Bank! Contact Hannah Knight (hannah@firstpresathens.org) with any questions.

First Presbyterian Church enjoys a long and outstanding tradition of great music. Opportunities are available for all ages.

Chancel Choir (college and above)

Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Music Suite. 

Youth Choir (grades 6-12)

Rehearsals: Sundays, 4:45 – 5:25 in the Music Suite.

St. Andrews Choir (grades 2-5)

Rehearsals: Sunday, 4:00-4:40 in the Music Suite.

Cherub Choir (age four – Grade 1)

Rehearsals: Sunday, 4:00-4:40 in the Music Suite.

Handbell Choir

Rehearsals: Monday, 5:30-6:30 in the Music Suite.

The Mellows travel to sing in assisted living and retirement communities and nursing homes in the Athens area on Thursday afternoons. 

Instrumentalists are needed to accompany choirs, play in ensembles, and as soloists in our worship services. All levels and ages are welcome.

For more information, please email Dr. John Coble at jcoble@firstpresathens.org .

Our church library is coming to life this fall, and the library committee is busy restocking the bookshelves. Please help them by returning any church library books you have checked out. You can place them in the green box on the right as you enter the library, or you can leave them at the reception desk. We hope to catalogue all library materials and shelve them in September. Thanks in advance for your help.