Worship with Us
at First Presbyterian Church of Athens
Sunday Schedule, Guest Info, Sermons, and Sacraments & Rites
WORSHIP
People have gathered in this sacred space since 1855 to sing praises to God, center themselves in prayer, hear Good News, and be sent out into the world to serve. At First Presbyterian Church of Athens, our worship is traditional and is greatly enhanced by marvelous music.
We welcome all to worship with us at First Presbyterian Church of Athens.
Sunday Worship Schedule
Senior Pastor Dr. Ryan Baer
SUNDAY WORSHIP
8:45 and 11:00 A.M. (nursery available)
CHILDREN & WORSHIP
All children are welcome to remain in worship with their families every Sunday. Children’s bulletins, Bibles, and books are available at the children’s tables located in the Narthex and on both sides of the choir loft. During the 11:00 a.m. worship service, children, Pre K – 2nd grade, are invited to Children’s Church. Children will begin worship with their families in the sanctuary and then will leave for the Children’s Ministry Suite after the passing of The Peace. During Children’s Church, we will continue to worship together by experiencing the many ways we worship God with our families in the sanctuary - listening to God’s Word, singing to God, praying to God, and giving to God.
Children are invited to remain in the sanctuary on Communion Sundays, which is the first Sunday of each month.
MUSIC MINISTRY
FPC 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. Click here or contact FPC Music Director, Dr. John Coble, for more information.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Regular Sunday School meets from 9:45-10:40 a.m. You can find more information about classes here.
LIVESTREAM WORSHIP
8:45 and 11:00 AM LIVESTREAM WORSHIP @ FPC
Watch LIVE (and Past Worship Services) on FPC Social Media:
FPC Facebook
FPC YouTube
Guest Information
All are welcome to join us for worship or for any of our fellowship, educational, or service activities. We look forward to meeting you!
Please click any of the photo icons in this section to find useful information or to connect with us before your visit.
CONNECT WITH US
If you are interested in becoming a member of First Presbyterian Church of Athens or taking one of our New Member Classes, please contact us:
Contact Lucy about New Member Classes:
Request for Information Form:
Bulletin and Sermon Archive
To view archived videos of past Sermons and Worship Services, please visit our Facebook or YouTube pages:
Recent Sermons may also be downloaded freely, below. To read the Sermon PDFs you may need a free PDF reader. To listen to the audio files, you may need to download an MP3 player for your browser. For a copy of an earlier sermon, please contact Paulo Santos.
12/22/24 • "These Days" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
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12/19/24 • Service of the Longest Night
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12/15/24 • A Festival of Lessons & Carols
Bulletin: 8:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
12/08/24 • "Refinery" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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12/01/24 • "These Days" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
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11/24/24 • "The New Covenant" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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11/17/24 • "Here I Am, Send Me!" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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11/10/24 • "Trust Games" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
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11/03/24 • "Enough for Today" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/27/24 • "The House of Prayer" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/20/24 • "Promises, Promises" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/13/24 • "A Holy Bother" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/06/24 • "Remembering the Promises" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
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09/29/24 • "People Get Ready" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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09/22/24 • "Bending Toward Good" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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09/15/24 • "Covenant Promises" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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09/08/24 • "Our Sin Problem" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
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09/01/24 • "The End?" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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08/25/24 • "Beasts, O My!" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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08/18/24 • "Lions" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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08/11/24 • "Fire" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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08/04/24 • "Dreams" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
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07/28/24 • "Know that the Lord is God" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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07/21/24 • "Praying As an Act of Defiance" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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07/14/24 • "Four Chords and the Truth" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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07/07/24 • "Of Sheep and Shepherds" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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06/30/24 • "Holy Rest" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
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06/23/24 • "Jonah: I Knew It!" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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06/16/24 • "Second Chances" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
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06/09/24 • "Jonah: Praying Deep" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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06/02/24 • "Jonah: The One Who Said No" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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05/26/24 • "Mystery" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
Bulletin • Sermon PDF • Video
05/19/24 • Installation Service for The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard • "Koinonia" • The Rev. Claire Harris Kramer
Bulletin • Video
05/19/24 • "The Body" • Dr. Ryan Baer
Bulletin • Sermon PDF • Video
05/12/24 • "It’s About Life" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
Bulletin • Sermon PDF • Video
05/05/24 • "A More Excellent Way" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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04/28/24 • "Chloe’s People" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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04/21/24 • "Gratitude" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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04/14/24 • "What We Have We Give" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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04/07/24 • "Take a Beat" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
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03/31/24 • Easter • "The Rest of the Story" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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03/28/24 • Maundy Thursday • "Take this Cup" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
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03/24/24 • Palm Sunday
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03/17/24 • "Look Alive" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
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03/10/24 • "The Main Thing" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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03/03/24 • "Whose Image?" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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02/25/24 • "Called to Serve" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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02/18/24 • "Shocked" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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02/14/24 • "Down in the Dust" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard, Ash Wednesday
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02/11/24 • "Widen the Welcome" • The Rev. Will Norman, PSC Campus Ministry Sunday
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02/04/24 • Youth Sunday
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01/28/24 • "The Whole Story" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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01/21/24 • "Good Trouble" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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01/14/24 • "Everybody Loves Change" • The Rev. Whitney Booth Lockard
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01/07/24 • "Noses to the Ground" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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12/31/23 • "Singers and Songwriters" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner
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12/24/23 • "O Come Emmanuel" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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12/21/23 • Service of the Longest Night
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12/17/23 • "On the Way" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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12/10/23 • A Festival of Lessons & Carols
Bulletin: 8:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
12/03/23 • "The Promise" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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11/26/23 • "Front and Center" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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11/19/23 • "When God Lets Go and Lets Us" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner
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11/12/23 • "Abiding Faithfulness" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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11/05/23 • "No Contest" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/29/23 • "The Power of Words" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/22/23 • "What is at the Center?" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/15/23 • "Family Business" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner
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10/08/23 • "The Short Version of the Bible" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/01/23 • "Sights and Sounds" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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09/24/23 • "Grappling with God" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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09/17/23 • "Holy Laughter" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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09/10/23 • "And God Said It Was Very Good" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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09/03/23 • "Wisdom and Time" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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08/27/23 • "On This Rock" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner
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08/20/23 • "Wisdom and Knowledge" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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08/13/23 • "Wisdom and Wealth" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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08/06/23 • "Wisdom and Order" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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07/30/23 • "Wisdom Training" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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07/23/23 • "Tend the wheat" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner
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07/16/23 • "The Beginning of Wisdom" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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07/09/23 • "Yokes, Burdens, Pillows, and Wisdom" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner
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07/02/23 • "Parting on Jordan’s Banks" • The Rev. Margaret Davis
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06/25/23 • "Everybody Hurts (Sometimes): Domestic Abuse" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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06/18/23 • "Everybody Hurts (Sometimes): Addiction" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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06/11/23 • "Everybody Hurts (Sometimes): Suicide" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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06/04/23 • "Everybody Hurts (Sometimes): Divorce" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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05/28/23 • "What’s going on?" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner
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05/21/23 • "Remember Who You Are" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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05/14/23 • "Access" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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05/07/23 • "Speak Good Words" • Dr. Ryan Baer
Bulletin • Sermon PDF • Audio • Video 1 - Video 2
04/30/23 • "The Directory" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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04/23/23 • "Vision" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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04/16/23 • "Everything I Have Commanded You" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner
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04/09/23 • "The Rolling Stone" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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03/26/23 • "Taking it Personally" • Dr. Ryan Baer
Bulletin • Sermon PDF (coming soon) • Audio • Video
03/19/23 • "Extravagant Generosity" • Dr. Ryan Baer
Bulletin • Sermon PDF (coming soon) • Audio • Video
03/12/23 • "The Wedding" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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03/05/23 • "The Vineyard" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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02/26/23 • "Forgiveness" • The Rev. Will Norman, PSC Campus Ministry Sunday
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02/22/23 • "A Childlike Faith" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner, Ash Wednesday
Bulletin • Video
02/19/23 • "The Mountaintop Experience" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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02/12/23 • Youth Sunday
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02/05/23 • "Foundations" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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01/29/23 • "On Earth" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner
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01/22/23 • "The Inaugural Address" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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01/15/23 • "Everybody Serves Somebody" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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01/08/23 • "The Starting Line" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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01/01/23 • "Rotten Branches Bloom Anew" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner
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12/25/22 • "The Rest of the Story" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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12/24/22 • "The Guest Room" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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12/24/22 • 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Service
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12/18/22 • Service of the Longest Night
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12/18/22 • "Joseph" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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12/11/22 • A Festival of Lessons & Carols
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12/4/22 • "For Such a Time as This" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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11/27/22 • "Advent Hope" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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11/20/22 • "Voices Long Silenced" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner
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11/13/22 • "With What Shall We Come?" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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11/06/22 • "The Inheritance" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/30/22 • "‘Love the Lord, only...’ or ‘Love the Lord only’" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner
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10/23/22 • "The Three Most Important Words" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/16/22 • "Everybody Serves" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/09/22 • "Priestly Kingdom" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/02/22 • "Hospitality and Unity" • The Rev. Leigh Bonner
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09/25/22 • "Joseph" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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09/18/22 • "God’s Mission Statement" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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09/11/22 • "Never Again" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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09/04/22 • "Gratitude vs. Disappointment" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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08/28/22 • "Gratitude vs. Greed" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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08/21/22 • "When Pictures Become Windows" • The Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo
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08/14/22 • "Gratitude vs. Entitlement" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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08/07/22 • "Gratitude vs. Worry" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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07/31/22 • "Gratitude vs. Nostalgia" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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07/24/22 • "Overflow" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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07/17/22 • "Kindergarten Basics" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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07/10/22 • "Speaking the Truth in Love" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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07/03/22 • "Repairing the Crack in the Liberty Bell" • Dr. Bruce Lancaster
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06/26/22 • "Rooted in Love" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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06/19/22 • "Reconciled" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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06/12/22 • "Adopted" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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06/05/22 • "Spirit Vision" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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05/29/22 • "Of Tent Pegs and Callings" • Mrs. Courtney Pittman
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05/22/22 • "Dear Church" • Dr. Carol Strickland
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05/15/22 • "To An Unknown God" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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05/08/22 • "Paul and Silas" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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05/01/22 • "Paul’s Conversion" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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04/24/22 • "Five Doors of Faith" • Dr. Carol Strickland
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04/17/22 • "In the Garden" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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04/15/22 • Good Friday
Bulletin • Video
04/14/22 • "Love One Another" • Dr. Carol Strickland
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04/10/22 • "The Ride" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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04/03/22 • "Power Struggle" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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03/27/22 • "Jesus and Pilate" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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03/20/22 • "Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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03/13/22 • "Upside Down Leadership" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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03/06/22 • "Good Grief" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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03/02/22 • "The Good Shepherd" • Dr. Ryan Baer, Ash Wednesday
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02/27/22 • "The Man Born Blind" • The Rev. Will Norman, PSC Campus Ministry Sunday
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02/20/22 • "Living Water" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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02/13/22 • "Bread of Life" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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02/06/22 • "Signs" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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01/30/22 • "Fully Known. Deeply Loved." • Youth Sunday
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01/23/22 • "Nicodemus" • Dr. Carol Strickland
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01/16/22 • "Low Profile" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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01/09/22 • "Do Whatever He Tells You" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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01/02/22 • "Zoe: A Disciple’s Life" • Dr. Carol Strickland
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12/26/21 • "Witness to the Light" • The Rev. Margaret Davis
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12/24/21 • "The Same Old Story" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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12/24/21 • 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Service
Bulletin • Video
12/19/21 • Service of the Longest Night
Bulletin • Video
12/19/21 • "Word Made Flesh" • Dr. Ryan Baer
Bulletin • Sermon PDF • Audio • Video
12/12/21 • A Festival of Lessons & Carols
Bulletin • Audio • Video
12/5/21 • "Dry Bones" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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11/28/21 • "Settling into the New Normal" • The Rev. Margaret Davis
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11/21/21 • "Light and Mirrors" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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11/14/21 • “Let It Roll” • Dr. Ryan Baer
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11/7/21 • “No More Tears” • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/31/21 • "Temple" • Dr. Carol Strickland
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10/24/21 • "Pick of the Litter" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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10/17/21 • "The Gospel Between the Lines" • Dr. Ryan Baer
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Sacraments & Rites
Communion
We celebrate the sacrament of Communion (also known as the Lord’s Supper and the Eucharist) on the first Sunday of the month and on other special occasions. The Table is open to all who wish to participate.
Baptism
The sacrament of baptism enacts and seals what God’s Word proclaims: God’s redeeming grace offered to all people. It is at once God’s gift of grace, God’s means of grace, and God’s call to respond to that grace. We baptize persons of all ages, infants through adults. If you are interested in baptism for yourself or your child, please contact our church office.
You may contact the church office by phone at 706-543-4338 or fill out this form.
Confirmation
Open to Youth in 8th and 9th Grade, or older youth who have not yet been confirmed.
One of the most important decisions a young person can make is to commit themselves to Christ, and to take up membership in the Church through confirmation of the Baptismal vows made for them by their parents and church family. Our yearlong confirmation class is designed to give students an opportunity to deepen and confirm their faith in Jesus Christ, learn the basic theology of the Christian faith, and learn what it means to identify with the Presbyterian Church. In addition to class, youth attend an Opening Retreat, and choose a church member to serve as a mentor during this journey to meet with monthly for fellowship and study. At the conclusion of the confirmation class, youth are asked to write a Personal Faith Statement before being confirmed by Session and introduced to the congregation. Youth who have previously not been baptized will receive the Sacrament of Baptism at the time of their Confirmation.
Weddings
FPC Wedding photographs by Alyssa Alig Photography
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
We are pleased to have our Sanctuary used to profess your love and commitment before God and God’s community. We believe that your wedding should be a time of great celebration and worship. The Presbyterian Directory for Worship says that the Christian marriage ceremony is a service of worship before God. What a great way to start!
The following includes the information you will need to achieve this “service of worship before God”.
A Presbyterian (PCUSA) minister will participate in all weddings at First Presbyterian Church. The ordained ministers associated with First Presbyterian Church perform weddings and conduct premarital counseling. We encourage you to consult with them and depend on their expertise as you plan your wedding, which the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) considers a service of worship.
Because of our commitment to the Covenant of God’s love and marriage and respect for the sanctity of Reformed Worship, First Presbyterian Church expects a level of reverence and dignity from the wedding party during all aspects of the Wedding Service including wedding preparation, the Wedding Rehearsal, the Wedding Day and the Wedding Ceremony.
First Presbyterian Church performs weddings for church members and their families. For church members, please contact our Wedding Coordinator Lucy Bell Johnson for more information about weddings and fees.
Spotlight on Matthew 25
“Some events make for memories and change the way we see, think, and do. One of my most powerful memories happened at First Presbyterian Church. Not in the Sanctuary, but in the Pit. Not with clergy or First Pres members but with a homeless woman. She was a single mom to two sweet, well behaved children. They were staying in our church for a Family Promise Week. We were talking about how to arrange the van schedule for the following day. She worked full time. Her children were in school. She could not tell me what time she needed to leave for work the next morning—for she never got her schedule for the day until a couple of hours before she was to be there. But what about your children… how do manage, if you must be at work before or after their school hours? “I have to get help,” she said. In that conversation I realized how little I know about the everyday problems of those who are poor. I cannot imagine how I would manage in her situation. One of the areas we will be focusing on as a Matthew 25 church is poverty. Those who are poor face daily dilemmas such as this mother’s, and worse.
I’m looking forward to our church being a Matthew 25 church because our actions will be intentional—we will consider the things we do through the lens of poverty, racism and congregational vitality. Ours is a generous church, thanks be to God, Yet we can strengthen our response to Christ’s call as described in Matthew 25:34-45 “for I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…thirsty, a stranger, in need of clothes, sick, in prison…Lord, when did we see you hungry?” And Christ said “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” We can be the help for the mothers in need, in Athens and beyond. God has no hands and feet but ours. I am excited about the new ways we can extend the heart of Jesus by using our hands and feet in kindness and kinship to all those in need. May we see Christ in everyone we meet.”
– Kitty Donnan