Grow with Us
Education & Ministries
Weekday School
Children, Youth, College, Adult & Senior Adult Ministries
Music Ministry
GROW
Opportunities for education, fellowship and spiritual growth for all ages, at First Presbyterian Church of Athens.
Children’s Ministry
Infants through Grade 5
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them;
for it is to such as these that the kingdom of Heaven belongs.” -Matthew 19:14
Children are a blessing from God and are a very important part of the First Presbyterian Church Family. We value children and their relationship with God and seek to provide a nurturing community where all children can grow spiritually. We use the Godly Play philosophy and curriculum to help guide us as we support our children on their spiritual journey. We look forward to welcoming your children as we gather together in our Circle of Wonder on Sunday mornings!
INFORMATION:
Contact Natalie Bishop, Director of Children’s Ministries for more information.
Youth Ministry
Grades 6 through 12
“Welcome to youth ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Athens! Our youth group is a fun, active, welcoming group, and we hope you will join us.” —Kim Ness, Director of Youth Ministries
Our youth are fortunate to have their own special space, lovingly called “The PIT”, located on the basement level of the church. The PIT features small group break-out rooms, a kitchen, pool tables and comfortable couches to just hang out. We gather here on Sunday nights for middle school and high school youth groups, a time of fellowship, reflection and discussion about how our faith shapes our lives. Each year our also youth plan and lead a worship service on Youth Sunday. In the summers, we take a break from our Sunday programming to go to Montreat Youth Conference, Middle School Montreat, and Mission Trips.
INFORMATION:
Sunday School 9:45 - 10:40 a.m.
This year we are launching a new Middle School class with a well-loved curriculum called re:form. Using funny videos as the starter, we will explore big and small questions of faith.
High School youth are encouraged to attend the intergenerational Inquirers Class that meets in the Moses Waddel Room. Once a month, we will also worship together followed by lunch and a time of reflection.
Youth Group: Middle School: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. High School: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
NEWS & LINKS:
Youth Website for FPC Youth Group News and Information
FPC Athens Youth on Instagram
Contact Kim Ness, Director of Youth Ministries for more information.
College Ministry
For Any Local Area College Students
“Just a stone’s throw from the University of Georgia, First Presbyterian Church of Athens has a unique and exciting opportunity to offer hospitality and spiritual formation to students and young adults in Athens.”
Though we have students from several local colleges and universities who are a part of our church programs, our primary ministry to students is through our partnership with the Presbyterian Student Center at the University of Georgia.
We are also fortunate to be an internship site for Waddel Fellows each year, undergraduate students and recently graduated students in the Athens area who are exploring calling and vocation to Christian ministry by serving in local congregations. We are so glad to have them blessing our church with their many gifts and graces.
PRESBYTERIAN STUDENT CENTER:
1250 S. Lumpkin St., Athens GA, 30605
Phone: (706) 548-5932
Email PCSUGA
Adult Ministry
Open to All Adults
“Through our groups for adults— for men, women, and parents—meeting both at the church and in member homes or other venues, there are opportunities for every adult to grow at First Presbyterian Church of Athens!”
At First Presbyterian Church of Athens, there are many opportunities for education and fellowship, including Sunday School and other types of classes or discussion groups, sporting teams, special concerts, retreats and much more.
Adult Sunday School: FPC offers a variety of classes which nurture our faith. There are opportunities to learn about scripture, theology, Christian discipleship, our community, and more while making new friends and deepening old friendships. You can find more information about classes here.
Josephine Paine Bible Study: This Bible Study meets at 10:00 am on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, September through May. We study the text for the upcoming Sunday sermon.
Wed@First: In the Fall and Spring, FPC offers a selection of educational and fellowship opportunities through our Wed@First programs which occur before and after dinner.
Women’s Ministry: All women are invited to participate in Presbyterian Women (PW) by joining a circle (small group) for study, support, and service. We take a group annually to the Women’s Connection Conference at Montreat in August.
Men’s Ministry: FPC offers several opportunities for men to enrich their spirituality and to fellowship with other church members, including Men’s Bible Study and FPC Basketball and Softball Teams.
INFORMATION:
Please contact the church office for current information on Adult Education and Fellowship opportunities at FPC:
Phone:(706) 543-4338
Email the FPC Office
Adult Sunday School:
9:45 AM to 10:40 AM (more information about classes can be found on Sunday bulletins)
NEWS & LINKS:
Presbyterian Women's Circles Main Website
FPC Events Calendar
FPC News Blog
Senior Adult Ministry
For Members Over Age 55
“We love our senior members of First Presbyterian Church of Athens, and we offer special educational and fellowship opportunities for our Senior Adults.”
Pandemic Pause: Due to safety concerns, our in-person adult ministries are temporarily on hold. Check with the office, or our NEWS blog to stay updated.
Prime Time Presbyterians (PTPs): Prime Time Presbyterians (PTPs) usually meet monthly for outings and get-togethers around food and programming.
The Mellows: The Mellows are a choir comprised of Adults and Seniors that perform a unique ministry by traveling on Thursday afternoons to sing in assisted living and retirement communities and nursing homes in the Athens, Georgia area.
Senior Adult Sunday: An annual worship service and reception, typically in August, give honor and enjoyment to our senior adult members.
Christmas Tea: This annual festive tea party is held at the church with an inspirational holiday program and carol singing led by the Mellows.
INFORMATION:
For more information about services and programs available to Senior Adults,
Contact the church office
Summer Adult Sunday School:
11:15 AM to 12:00 PM
NEWS & LINKS:
Music Ministry
First Presbyterian Church is rooted in a historical and liturgical worship tradition that connects us to generations of believers. The music in our worship, including hymns, anthems, solos, and instrumental music, is an offering of praise, thanks, and prayer to God.
Musical opportunities are available at First Presbyterian Church of Athens for all ages. Contact FPC Music Director, Dr. John Coble, for more information.
CHANCEL CHOIR
College-aged and above
Rehearsals:
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Room 202.
Sings for:
11:00 a.m. Sunday worship services and special services, including Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday, and occasionally presents major choral works with orchestra.
HANDBELL CHOIR
All positions currently filled*
Rehearsals:
Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Room 205.
Plays:
Handbell Choir plays First Presbyterian’s three octave set of Schulmerich handbells.
*Positions may become available, and other handbell choirs may be formed in the future; contact Dr. John Coble for more information.
CELEBRATION SINGERS
Grade 6 – Grade 12
Rehearsals:
Sundays, 4:20-4:55 p.m., Room 202
Sings for:
11:00 a.m. Sunday worship services, including Lessons & Carols and the annual Youth Sunday service. Celebration Singers have taken domestic and international tours, and often attend the Montreat Worship and Music Summer Conference.
ST. ANDREWS CHOIR
Grade 2 – Grade 5
Rehearsals:
Sundays, 3:30-4:15 p.m., and Wednesdays (on Wed@First evenings), 5:00-5:30 p.m., Room 202.
Sings for:
11:00 a.m. Sunday worship services and special services. The St. Andrews Choir uses a Chorister Training Program based on the Voice for Life/RSCM scheme specifically adapted for our use. Choir members receive training in music reading, vocal skills, worship and liturgy, as well as general responsibilities of being a choir member (attendance, caring for robes and music, being respectful and supportive of others, and being leaders in worship). For each level of the program completed, the sing will be awarded a medal and ribbon.
The goal of the Chorister Training Program is to provide a positive, structured learning environment where singers learn about music, singing, worship, teamwork, stewardship, responsibility, and respect, while gaining confidence in themselves, and offering their best to God in worship..
CHERUB CHOIR
Grade 1 / Age 4
Rehearsals:
Sundays, 3:30-4:15 p.m., Room 203.
Sings for:
The Christmas Pageant in December, on Palm Sunday, and on other special occasions. The Cherub Choir learns the basics of music through singing, movement, and playing instruments.
THE MELLOWS
Adults & Seniors
Rehearsals:
None!
Sings for:
The Mellows perform a unique ministry by traveling on Thursday afternoons to sing in assisted living and retirement communities and nursing homes in the Athens, Georgia area.
INSTRUMENTALISTS
All levels and ages
Needed for:
Instrumentalists are needed at First Presbyterian Church of Athens to accompany choirs, play in ensembles, and as soloists in our worship services.
You may also be interested in reading “What Was I Thinking? / Notes and Background on Music in Worship,” a series of written articles explaining the process of planning music for worship, or “How Can I Keep From Singing? / Hymns at Home,” a series about using hymns and hymnals at home for personal devotion and singing:
Weekday School
At First Presbyterian Church of Athens
Established in 1966, this church preschool program, for children ages 3 months to 5 years, incorporates the best in classic early childhood education with Montessori theory incorporated, all in an atmosphere of Christian learning. We deal with the whole child, and his or her needs for social, physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and creative growth. Students and teachers share the view that LEARNING IS FUN! It is our goal to provide these opportunities for growth to the children of our community, developing healthy well rounded children in the process. Our program is open to any child in the greater Athens, Georgia community and does not discriminate on the basis of race or religion. Those with physical or other disabilities will be considered on an individual basis.
School Hours
Weekday School: M-F 8:45 AM until 12:00 PM
Lunch Bunch: M-F extends to 1:00 PM for ages 2+
Connect With FPC Weekday School
For Information and Registration:
Connect with Weekday School on Social Media:
Contact The Weekday School:
(706) 549-8677
Weekday School Email
Contact Director Elaine Johnson:
(706) 206-8180
Director Email
Spotlight on Matthew 25
“Matthew 25 has been a lifeline.
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for to me.’
In a year when I have more often felt lost at sea, afraid for our country and my child, questioning the role of the church, uncertain of how to make my voice heard or even if my voice mattered…becoming a Matthew 25 Church has been a lifesaver, a life-giver.
It has reminded me of why I chose to become Presbyterian, for we are a connectional church committed to justice. It has provided opportunities to share my story and hear the stories of other members through deep, authentic conversations. It has provided a structure and a platform to explore hard issues through the lens of the Gospel. And most importantly, it has given me a sense of hope and purpose for myself and our church.
Becoming a Matthew 25 Church does not fundamentally change who we are. Instead, it allows us to stand firm on our 200 years of ministry as we step into a new century, committed to being witnesses for justice and love. I am excited to walk this path with each one of you.”
— Kim Ness, Director of Youth Ministries
Spotlight on Matthew 25
“Being a parent is tough!
There is no clear guidance on how to help parents navigate an ever changing world while parenting. There is prayer and like many parents, I’ve prayed a lot while on this journey with our daughters.
Don and I have made it a core principle to teach our daughters about the importance of service and further to learn the root issues behind the needs we choose to serve to help others. Matthew 25 underscores our principles as a family and in that I’m thrilled our church has chosen to become a Matthew 25 church.
We are called to act boldly and compassionately to serve the people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor. As a Matthew 25 church, we as parents are being given support and guidance to teach this core principle to our young people not just how to act boldly and compassionately but why it is so important. A lesson that our children will take with them long after they leave our home.
Whether it be the Food Bank, food drives at schools, Meals on Wheels, Athens Eats, Food2Kids, Our Daily Bread or other opportunities we have made it a natural part of our life to serve and to actively do so as a family. It has become so natural in our home to help in these areas that it never seems like a chore or a dreaded task on the to-do list. It is a privilege to help and all the while knowing we can and should do more. We have to listen. We have to speak up. We have to step up.
Matthew 25 calls upon us as individuals, influencers, mentors, parents and more to step up! You’re never too young or too old to do just that.”
– Melinda DeMaria