Announcements
Click on the Ministries above to be taken to that section!
Click on the arrow in the bottom right to bring you back to this section!
All Church Events
New Sermon Series: Longing for More
Why are millions drawn to podcasts about truth, friendship, justice, intimacy, mastery, meaning, and renewal?
Longing for More explores what the world’s most popular podcasts reveal about the human heart and the deeper spiritual hunger beneath our cultural fascinations. Each week, we listen carefully to the questions shaping our world and discover how they echo ancient longings for authenticity, belonging, mercy, hope, and new life. Drawing on Scripture and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, this sermon series proclaims that our restless searching is not misplaced. It is purposeful. Every longing points beyond itself, and in Christ, our deepest hungers are finally met.
WEEK 1 (Jan. 4)
LONGING FOR TRUTH (THE JOE ROGAN EXPERIENCE)
Texts: John 18:33–38 & Proverbs 2:1–6
Preacher: Tony Sundermeier
WEEK 2 (Jan. 11)
LONGING FOR BELONGING (SMARTLESS / NEW HEIGHTS)
Texts: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 & John 15:12–15
Preacher: Tony Sundermeier
WEEK 3 (Jan. 18)
LONGING FOR JUSTICE (CRIME JUNKIE / DATELINE / MORBID)
Texts: Micah 6:8 & Romans 3:21–26
Preacher: Rob Sparks
WEEK 4 (Jan. 25)
LONGING FOR INTIMACY (CALL HER DADDY/WE CAN DO HARD THINGS)
Texts: Genesis 2:18–25 & John 4:1–26
Preacher: Saranell Hartman
WEEK 5 (Feb. 1)
LONGING FOR MASTERY (THE DAILY / STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW)
Texts: Isaiah 55:8–11 & Matthew 6:25–34
Preacher: Tony Sundermeier
WEEK 6 (Feb. 8)
LONGING FOR MEANING (THIS PAST WEEKEND WITH THEO VON)
Texts: Psalm 42 & Luke 24:13–35
Preacher: Tony Sundermeier
WEEK 7 (Feb. 15)
LONGING FOR RENEWAL (ALL OF THE ABOVE)
Texts: Isaiah 43:18–19 & Revelation 21:1–5
Preacher: Saranell Hartman
Save the Date! Music & Mental Health: An Evening of Healing and Hope
Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Join us for the 6th Annual Mental Health Connections Gathering—an evening where music, story, and faith come together to address the realities of mental health and healing. This event is presented in partnership with Will for Hope and the Samaritan Counseling Center of Atlanta.
The evening will feature Jim Sonefeld, longtime drummer and songwriter for Hootie & The Blowfish, who will share his personal journey of addiction, recovery, and freedom, alongside live music.
All ages are welcome. Additional details will be shared in upcoming FPC communications.
Thank You, Flower Guild
Thank you to the members of the Flower Guild for decorating the church so beautifully for Christmas. Their faithfulness, creativity, and care helped prepare our shared space for worship and celebration throughout the season.
Special thanks to Caroline Hooper, Cindy Candler, Ellen Adair Wyche, Jackie Piper, Kathy Kite, Kate Monk, Mary Katherine Greene, Mary Beth Wilson, Rene Austin, Tina Maddox, Sydney West, college students Abby Bold and Allison Allvine, and our indispensable staff members, Bennie and Darrell.
2026 MLK Day of Service & Learning is Monday, Jan. 19
Join FPC for a meaningful morning of service, learning, and reflection in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Participants will engage in a variety of hands-on service projects and spend time reflecting on Dr. King’s witness, faith, and enduring commitment to justice.
Volunteers should plan to arrive at 9:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10 a.m. All activities will conclude by 12:15 p.m.
Registration is required.
Questions? Contact Jacob Ivey at jivey@firstpresatl.org.
Next On Ramp New Members' Class is next Sunday, Jan. 11
New to FPC Atlanta or interested in membership? We welcome you to join the next On Ramp class on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 12:15 to 2:30 p.m. in Fifield Hall. Lunch and childcare will be provided. RSVP to Sheila Daniely at sdaniely@firstpresatl.org.
Join the Hospitality Team
Join the growing FPC ATL Hospitality Team. Help welcome worshipers on Sunday mornings during the “rush hour” windows: 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Questions or ready to join? Contact Saranell Hartman at shartman@firstpresatl.org or 404-228-7747.
Click here to sign up.
Make Plans to attend the 2026 Women's Retreat
Our intergenerational Women’s Retreat returns this February with an invitation to awaken to God’s presence in everyday life. Led by experiential worship curator Lilly Lewin, co-author of Sacred Space, the retreat will engage the senses, nurture the spirit, and invite participants into simple and meaningful practices of noticing God at work.
Through worship, shared stories, reflection, and rest, women of all ages will gather for renewal and encouragement.
Friday begins at 6 p.m. with a potluck dinner. Saturday runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Childcare is available upon request.
Pre-registration is required.
Questions? Contact Saranell Hartman at shartman@firstpresatl.org or 404-228-7747.
"Marriage as Team" is the theme of 2026 Couples' Retreat
Saturday, February 28 | 1–5 p.m. | On Campus
This retreat will be led by Katie Sundermeier & Tony Sundermeier and Matt Josey & Ben Fletcher.
Strong relationships are built on trust, communication, shared purpose, and the commitment to face life side by side. We will invite couples to step back from the pace of daily life and rediscover what it means to live not just as partners but as a team.
Whether you’re newly married, longtime companions, or somewhere in between, this afternoon together will offer space to invest in one another.
Through practical teaching, time for reflection and conversation with your partner, and time for prayer and faith formation, we’ll focus on what it means to grow as a team with unity, grace, and purpose.
We’ll conclude with a relaxed Happy Hour at 5 p.m., giving couples time to connect with one another and enjoy the gift of community.
Come invest in your relationship.
Come strengthen your team.
Come be renewed together
Care Ministry
Brighten Lives with Blossoms
Do you love flowers—growing them, arranging them, giving them, or simply enjoying them? Every week, our Flower Ministry purchases flowers, arranges them with care, and delivers them to brighten lives.
We would love for you to join us! You can choose the role that best fits your gifts, and we will provide all the training, mentoring, and support you need.
For more information, contact Pam Covington at pamcovington1929@gmail.com.
Children’s Ministry
Join Us for a Conversation about Child Baptism
Parents considering Baptism for their child are invited to attend a Baptism preparation class. This class provides an opportunity to review the logistics of the worship service and to discuss Christian theology of Baptism and what it means for raising a child in the church. Please contact Katie Covington with any questions. kcovington@firstpresatl.org
Sunday School Teachers Needed
Do you have a heart for children and a passion for sharing God’s love? We are seeking caring, enthusiastic volunteers to join our Sunday School team. Whether you are an experienced teacher or simply love children and want to grow in faith, there is a place for you.
There are many ways to get involved. Volunteers are needed to teach or assist with preschool and elementary classes. All lessons and materials are provided. This is a wonderful opportunity to lead Bible stories, crafts, music, and games while being a consistent, loving presence in a child’s faith journey. Click here to sign up!
Community Ministries
Community Ministries Volunteer Hour Set for Dec. 21
Community Ministries volunteers—both new and longtime—are invited to a Christmas Volunteer Fellowship Hour on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 12:15 p.m. in the Smith Building, 1st floor. We will celebrate the past year of service with an hour of fellowship and Advent cheer. Sweet treats and finger foods will be provided. Click the button below to RSVP.
Celebrate Advent with Community Ministries Fill- A-Bag Donation Drive
On Sundays, Dec. 14, and 21, before and after the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, Community Ministries will distribute reusable bags to be filled with requested donations and supplies. Pick up a bag for the ministry area of your choice, follow the item list inside, and return it by Jan. 4 to the donation bin in the Smith Lobby or the Narthex.
Computer Lab Volunteer Opportunity
Community Ministries is seeking tech savvy volunteers to assist our neighbors during open computer time on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Volunteers would be responsible for providing general assistance to our neighbors in using the computers as well as occasionally assisting with emails, resumes, and other areas of need.
Interested in learning more? Click the link below! Or email Jacob Ivey at jivey@firstpresatl.org.
Faith Formation
20s and 30s Sunday School
Are you in your 20's or 30's and looking for a place to connect, learn, and belong? Our Young Adults Sunday School meets weekly at 10 a.m. in the Bride’s Room. Come enjoy breakfast snacks and meaningful fellowship. We utilize book studies, spiritual practices, and open discussions to grow in community with God and one another. All are welcome, regardless of life stage or relationship status. Come join the conversation!
Grow in Faith with Women’s Bible Study
Faith and Fellowship, our Wednesday morning Women’s Bible Study, meets every other Wednesday, Sept. 10 to May 6, 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Bride’s Room. We begin the year with a study of Galatians, facilitated by Rev. Saranell Hartman.
Books to order:
Galatians for Everyone by N.T. Wright (workbook) – https://a.co/d/5PQMNwW
Traveling Light by Eugene Peterson (supplemental) – https://a.co/d/1djPTDl
For more information, contact Rev. Saranell Hartman at shartman@firstpresatl.org.
Rooted Together & Growing in Faith
Sunday School Class
for Parents with Young Children
Are you navigating the beautiful (and sometimes chaotic!) season of parenting children from newborn to age five?
We invite you to join a new Sunday School offering designed just for you. Rooted Together & Grounded in Faith is a space to build community, share experiences, and grow deeper in your faith alongside other parents of young children. The class meets at 9:45 a.m. in The Rooker Group Counseling Room 377 in The Smith Building.
Whether you're a first-time parent or adding to your growing family, this class offers encouragement, spiritual support, and real connection.
Several Sunday School classes have moved to new spaces
With our renovations complete, several Sunday School locations change this week. Please see the changes in the list below:
THE WORD CLASS | The Vestry | 9 a.m.
20S+30S CLASS | The Isabella Hinds Room | 10 a.m.
BEREANS | The Emily and Carl Knobloch Room | 10 a.m.
FAITH AND LIFE | The George Wirth Room | 10 a.m.
INTERNATIONALS | Smith Building - Conference Room 272 | 10 a.m.
PARENTS OF 0-5 YEAR OLDS | The Florida Ellis Room | 10 a.m.
PARENTS OF GRADE SCHOOLERS | Orchestra Room (until March) | 10 a.m.
PARENTS OF MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOLERS | Bride’s Room (until March) | 10 a.m.
For additional information on adult Sunday school at First Presbyterian, please contact Rev. Barry Gaeddert at bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org.
Social Entrepreneurship
Epiphany 4.0 Is Underway
Every startup begins with a spark—and you can help fan that spark into something world-changing. FPC’s Epiphany program is seeking volunteers to serve as Navigators for its upcoming 4.0 cohort.
Navigators work in teams of two or three to coach and encourage entrepreneurs building purpose-driven businesses. Volunteers help ventures refine business plans, set milestones, and prepare for their final presentations during the two-month Navigation phase.
Commitment: March to May 2026, with weekly or biweekly meetings (in person or via Zoom), plus training and follow-up communications.
Key Dates:
Oct. 19, 2025 – Applications open
Jan. 9, 2026 – Applications close
Feb.–April 2026 – Navigation phase
May 2026 – Recipients announced
To apply or learn more, visit firstpresatl.org/epiphany.
For more information, contact Navigator team leads:
Marc Bromstad, mbromstad@gmail.com
Saranell Hartman, shartman@firstpresatl.org
Screen Epiphany Applications and Shape the Future
Please visit our volunteer interest form, available at:
firstpresatl.org/epiphany (or direct at this link)
As a Screener, you will conduct high-level initial reviews of all online submissions. You will read and rank applications to decide which ones align with FPC’s focus and should advance into the next pool of potential recipients.
Time: January to February 2026
Commitment: About 10+ hours to read applications online, plus additional time to meet with Semi-Finalists. This role involves focused reading with a hard deadline, but you have flexibility to work through most applications on your own schedule. Training will take place Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026.
Youth Ministry
New Sunday School for Parents of Youth
We’re excited to introduce a brand-new opportunity for parents and adults with a heart for teenagers to gather for connection and learning each Sunday at 10 a.m. in the Smith Building, Conference Room 272. This weekly time together will encourage conversation, build community, and equip us as we walk alongside middle and high school students in their faith and daily lives. We hope to strengthen both our relationships with young people and with one another. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, mentor, or simply someone who cares about teenagers, you are warmly invited to be part of this new community.