2024 Presbyterian Women’s Birthday Offering

The Presbyterian Women’s Birthday Offering is a cherished tradition that allows women to celebrate the blessings in their lives while supporting meaningful projects. All women are invited to join the PW on April 14 at 2:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall to celebrate and collect our local contributions to the Birthday Offering. Following the party, Reverend Whitney Booth Lockard will lead our study from Sacred Encounters (Lesson Eight, Lydia Encounters Jesus in Worship; Scripture Readings: Acts 16:11–15).

For more information, please contact Jamie Baer at jamielbaer@yahoo.com.

Wed@First

Dear Friends,

Please make plans to join us next Wednesday, April 17, for our next Wed@First of Spring 2024. Each week, there will be opportunities for all ages for fellowship, food, learning, and spiritual growth. Please see the full schedule of activities below, and don’t forget to RSVP for dinner by Monday at 12 noon.

Feeding our neighbors at the Table, Conversations about food insecurity

During Lent, we explored stories in scripture in which Jesus connected with others—welcoming, feeding, teaching—around a table. As we move into the season of Easter, we will learn more about the needs of our neighbors and how we can nourish and welcome them at our own tables. Join us on April 17 and 24 as we learn about food insecurity in Athens, organizations who are working to alleviate it, and how we can use our gifts to love our neighbors at the table.

Thanks to all who attended our panel on food insecurity in Athens on Wednesday! The conversation continues on April 17 as we welcome Sarah Beth Barger (Director of Missions Ministry at Athens First UMC) and Laura Allen (Resident Service Coordinator at Bethel Midtown). We’ll learn about the needs of our neighbors and how First UMC’s Souper Supper ministry has grown and developed to meet some of those needs.

Support Bethlehem Ministry’s fundraiser

Kids for Change is a campaign to empower women in Haiti. By donating to this cause, your money will support the initiative to give mature goats that will essentially be a savings account for the family. Included in the gift are veterinary services for the first 2-3 years.  Women in the community can breed their goats to multiply their earning potential as well as provide milk and meat for their families. The women form community groups to breed their goats and to assure their goats are healthy. 

To make a donation, please go to Bethlehem Ministry's website.

Athens Feed My Starving Children Packing Event

Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is a Christian non-profit organization committed to feeding God’s starving children hungry in body and spirit. Join them in April on one of their campaigns.

When: April 19-21, 2024

Where: Stegeman Coliseum@UGA

Volunteers need: 2 hours of your time will feed a child for 7 months.

To sign up to volunteer, please go to: give.fmsc.org/athens

For more information, please e-mail Mark Hopkins at jshceh@aol.com

For the Beauty of the Earth - Hymn Festival

Sunday, April 21, 3:00 p.m.

All are invited for an ecumenical hymn festival hosted by Athens First United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 21 at 3:00 p.m., led by renowned organist and conductor, Dr. Marilyn Keiser. Our Chancel Choir will join choirs and clergy from downtown Athens churches to celebrate the wonders of God’s creation through hymns, accompanied by handbells, brass, and organ. The event is free and open to the public, with a reception following the festival.

All God’s Creatures

Tuesday, April 23, 5:30 p.m., Courtyard

The Weekday School invites church families to our “All God’s Creatures” at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23. We are bringing in our “Wildlife Wonders Zoo To You!” friends to present this hands-on fun exploring how God made each animal unique. Questions? Email WDS Director, Elaine Johnson, at elaine@firstpresathens.org.

Week of Wonder (VBS) 2024

Week of Wonder (VBS) 2024 Registration is now open! Children going into Pre-Kindergarten through 6th Grade are invited to join us for this super fun week at First Presbyterian Church of Athens Sunday, July 14 – Wednesday, July 17. This summer’s Week of Wonder is all about God’s Gift of Food! Stay tuned for more exciting details.

Registration Link: tinyurl.com/FPCWoW2024. Please register by Friday, May 10, to guarantee a spot. If you have any questions, please contact Natalie Bishop, Director of Children’s Ministry, at natalie@firstpresathens.org.