Announcements
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All Church Events
On Ramp New Members’ Class
Interested in becoming a member of FPC Atlanta? You are invited to attend our On Ramp class scheduled for, Sunday, June 1st, from 12:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be served and childcare will be provided. Please email Sheila Daniely at sdaniely@firstpresatl.org for more information.
Help Build First Presbyterian's 48th Habitat House
On Saturday, February 15th, volunteers began building FPC’s 48th Habitat house! After six more Saturdays of work (March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, and April 5th) the house will be complete and ready for healthcare supervisor Kendra Dawes and her 13-year-old daughter Imahn to move in.
The construction of Ms. Dawes’ home is made possible by the repeated generous gift of an anonymous donor and the work of volunteers from First Pres and partner churches: Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Cascade United Methodist Church, Haygood Memorial United Methodist Church, and St. Benedict Catholic Church.
Working on a Habitat house is a most-rewarding experience and one you will want to repeat. Volunteering forms, develops, and strengthens friendships and enables home-owning families to thrive for generations to come. Each workday includes a nutritious lunch and all tools being furnished by Habitat.
To learn more about and work on this Habitat build, visit https://vhub.at/firstpres.
If you would like more information, contact Bill Earnest at williammearnest@yahoo.com or (404)351-8030.
Easter Memorial Flowers
The Easter Memorial Fund is your opportunity to honor or memorialize a loved one in our special Easter worship bulletin. Visit our give page firstpresatl.org/give to donate online and submit names. You may also submit names via email at: bgalvin@firstpresatl.org. Additionally, paper forms are located at the Reception and Information Desks. Deadline for submissions is Monday, April 7. Contact Bethany Galvin with questions, 404-228-7737.
All Church Retreat
Save the Date!
All-Church Retreat, Montreat Conference Center, Montreat, NC
August 29-September 1, 2025
Additional details and registration coming soon.
Arts Ministry
Lenten Art Talks
The FPC Arts Council announces Lenten Art Talks 2025, Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. from March 16-April 6. On March 9, Chris Holmes will give the opening lecture, with Dr. Luke Timothy Johnson from Emory's Candler School of Theology as the closing speaker on April 13. In addition to the First in Focus Curriculum for Lent, the Lenten Art Talks offer an exploration of personal reflection and sacrifice with great works of art.
Please join us in Winship Chapel for Lenten Art Talks 2025.
FPC Spring Symphony Experience
May 1st
For those who have come to our Symphony Experience and enjoyed dinner with friends we will be unable to offer that feature due to current renovations. However, we will be able to attend the special chamber music concert on stage before the concert. This is an event that happens only a few times during the season. Our seats will be in mid orchestra right and are only $48 for this concert.
Tom Bara and Suzanne Shull will be helping to enhance your concert experience as usual, and we will be contacting you with that information by April 17th. In the meantime follow these links to the ASO website: Master Season Concert and Preconcert Chamber Music.
The schedule on Thursday, May 1, 2025 is:
6:45 Chamber Music on Stage
8:00 Master Season Concert
Diavolo Della Notte Overture (Devil of the Night) by Giovanni Bottesini
Violin Concerto No. 1 by Niccolo Paganini
Fountains of Rome by Ottorino Respighi
Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi
After concert Q & A with a member of the orchestra.
For more information, email concerts@firstpresatl.org or call 404-228-7753.
Children’s Ministry
Parent's Morning Out Registration
2025-2026
It's time to register for FPC's Parent's Morning Out Program for the upcoming school year! We are so excited to be able to offer PMO to all of our wonderful families! PMO is offered Monday - Friday 9am-1pm for children age 8 weeks to 35 months. The 2025/2026 school year kicks off Monday, August 18, 2025 and will end Friday, May 22, 2026. We require a $150, non refundable deposit, to reserve your spot for the 2025-2026 school year.
$3,150.00 - 2 days a week
$1660.00 - 1 day a week.
Please reach out to Katie Covington with any questions. kcovington@firstpresatl.org.
2025 VBS, Save the Date!
Join us this summer on the ultimate Alaskan adventure, where the northern lights shine over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and sparkling glaciers. As we trek the tundra, our children will discover how easy it is to lose sight of what's true in our wild world today. They will learn Jesus is a faithful friend we can always trust. He's our True North!
Registration Details:
June 2nd - June 6th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
$85 - Register by March 31
$95 - Register April 1 - April 30
$105 - Register May 1 - May 31
(Register after May 10 - No VBS T-shirt)
Aftercare: Monday - Thursday 12:15pm - 4:00 p.m. $110 a day or $400 for Mon. - Thurs. All children must be potty trained to attend VBS.
Please reach out to Katie Covington with any questions. kcovington@firstpresatl.org
Community Ministries
Community Ministries Jean Drive
Support our neighbors by donating jeans! At First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, we are dedicated to supporting our unhoused neighbors, and one of the best ways to help is by donating used or new jeans. Jeans are a highly valued item because they are durable, warm, and can be worn multiple times without showing wear. Many of our neighbors rely on them for comfort and protection.
Donations can be dropped off:
Sunday between 8:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Monday - Thursday between 9:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. in the designated bins located in the Smith Building Lobby.
Sizes: We need a mixture of both men’s and women's sizes to best address our neighbors needs.
Faith Formation
New Sunday School Class
The Word Class (formerly called Choir and Friends Class) will begin meeting again, every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. starting February 2nd in Room 224! The class is self-led and will begin where we left off before the pandemic, in I and II Chronicles. All are invited to join us as we dig deeper in God's Word.
Church 101
Would you like to be more connected to the life of the church? In a small group setting, we will help you identify one way to grow in faith, one way to give back and one way to stay grounded at FPC Atlanta.
Join Rev. Dr. Barry Gaeddert and Rev. Saranell Hartman for 3 - week series at 10:00 - 10:45 a.m., March 16, 23, and 30 in Room 230.
For more information contact Saranell at 404-228-7747 or shartman@firstpresatl.org or Barry at 404-228-7718 bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org.
Early Christianity and the Roman World
Early Christianity and the Roman World. Chris Holmes and Eric Moore will host three "lunch and learn" offerings for those who are interested in learning more about the place of early Christianity within the ancient Roman world. This class will introduce some of the broad cultural, historical, and religious backgrounds to the New Testament and early Christianity. March 2, 16, and 23, 12:15–1:30 p.m. in Fifield Hall. Suggested donation of $10/person for lunch each day.
Contact Chris Holmes (cholmes@firstpresatl.org) for more information and click here to register!
Word Before Work
Each Wednesday in Lent, we'll gather 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. to reflect on the previous Sunday worship and sermon and to pray for one another. You are invited to join us on 3rd floor of Smith Building in Rooker Group Counseling Room. Most Wednesdays the preacher from Sunday will join as well. Katie Sundermeier will facilitate.
Wednesdays: March 12, March 19, March 26, April 2nd, April 9th, & April 16th
Faith & Fellowship
A new women’s Bible study group, Faith & Fellowship, is beginning 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday mornings in Women’s Bible Study Room. Rev. Saranell Hartman, Associate Pastor of Engagement will lead us in a 8 week study of Philippians. We will start February 26 and end on May 21.
If you are interested contact, Michelle Garren at michele.garren@gmail.com.
20s and 30s Spring Retreat
Registration is officially live for our first-ever 20s & 30s Spring Retreat on March 28th-30th at Lake Keowee, SC. Join us for a refreshing weekend of spiritual renewal, deep fellowship, and rest in the beauty of God’s creation. This is a perfect opportunity to step away from the busyness of life, connect with community, and grow in faith together. Registration is $80 per person, which includes most meals. Children are welcome, and carpooling is encouraged. Sign up today clicking this link.
Lectio for Lent
Join the "Reading the Bible Together" group to pratice lectio divina, an ancient practice for reading Scripture, during Lent. Lectio for Lent will meet at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom on Thursdays, March 13–April 17.
Contact Chris Holmes, cholmes@firstpresatl.org, for more information.
Maundy Thursday Dinner
Save the date for the Maundy Thursday Dinner and Communion on April 17th at 6:00 p.m. Join us at one of nine locations around the city as we share a potluck dinner, followed by communion. We invite you and your family to choose a location near you and be part of this special evening.
First Presbyterian Preschool
Spring Southern Baked Pies Fundraiser
Click here to order pies, as part of a fundraiser by First Presbyterian Preschool. The deadline is April 4th. Pies will be delivered April 15th and 16th or you may pick up in the Southern Baked Pie store.
Preschool Early Applications 2025-2026
Applications are now open for First Presbyterian Preschool 2025-2026 for current students, siblings, PMO children and church members! Secure your spot by clicking here!
Global Mission
What in the World?
God is active and working in Jamaica and FPC Atlanta is joining in what God is doing! We have a confirmed agreement between FPC and the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands to continue our mission relationship. Once very active, this partnership became inactive over several years, but great efforts by both partners are taking place to renew it. The Mt. Olivet Boys home will remain a featured part of the partnership. An exploratory trip to Jamaica is planned for summer 2025. FPC currently has active partnerships with Cuba, Haiti, Kenya, Refugees in Atlanta and we are in discernment for a new partnership with Guatemala.
If you would like to know more about any of these opportunities including upcoming trips to visit our partners, please contact Rev. Barry Gaeddert (bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org).
Social Entrepreneurship
Epiphany Rally Day
Epiphany Rally Day, May 3, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. is an opportunity for the church and our alumni ventures to gather together for a morning of fellowship, networking and learning. Josh Byrd, CGO Copient AI, will give a talk on the practical uses of AI. Andre Calmon, GA Tech professor will give a talk on social entrepreneurship. Those interested in learning about Epiphany will have a breakout group. Roundtable discussions with subject matter experts will be available for Venture leaders. It’s time to get excited!
For more information contact Philip Lewis, plewis12@gmail.com or Saranell Hartman, shartman@firstpresatl.org or 404-228-7747
Youth Ministry
Youth Group
All 6th through 12th graders are invited to Youth Group, every Sunday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Fifield Hall! We’ll gather for dinner, epic games, age- specific small groups, and tons of fun! Throughout the year our Youth Group program offers various opportunities for building relationships and spiritual connection, including several message series, special holiday celebrations, and community service nights. Please RSVP at www.firstpresatl.org/youth-ministry prior to each Youth Group gathering to ensure ample food for dinner.
Youth Sunday
Join us for Youth Sunday, the Sunday after Easter, April 27th, as our incredible youth lead us in worship! Students in 6th–12th grade are invited to participate in this special tradition, sharing their gifts in worship, music, and leadership across all three services. Seniors will have the opportunity to preach, and all youth are encouraged to take part as liturgists or especially in the 11:00 a.m. youth processional. All youth and their families are also invited to a light brunch at 10:00 a.m. in Fifield Hall. It will be a meaningful morning honoring our students and celebrating their journeys of faith in the life of our church.