Moderator's Remarks Annual Meeting 2/4/24

If you were unable to be present at the annual congregational meeting on February 4, please find attached the 2023 annual report, meeting agenda, 2023 operating results, and my notes from my presentation at the meeting.

To watch the slideshow presented at the meeting, click here.

Peace be with you and yours,

Dr. Ryan Baer

Senior Pastor

Ash Wednesday Service and Dinner

February 14

Join us for a traditional service including the imposition of ashes at 12:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. We will have dinner from Taziki’s at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP for dinner in the Atrium, online, or by contacting the church office (call 706-543-4338 or email frontdesk@firstpresathens.org) by Monday, February 12, at noon. The 7:00 p.m. service will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.

New Member FirstThings Class

Join us for our next FirstThings gathering on Sunday, February 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This will be a time to get better acquainted, to meet the church staff, and to talk about what makes First Presbyterian Church unique. To RSVP, please call the church office (706-543-4338) or e-mail Lucy Bell Johnson at lbell@firstpresathens.org by Tuesday, February 13.

The schedule for the upcoming class is:

Sunday, February 18, 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Moses Waddel Room

“First Things” Informational class

Sunday, February 25, 10:00 a.m. - Church Parlor

New Member Coffee/Called Session Meeting to meet and be received into membership by Session (our governing board).

Following the Called Session meeting, new members will be presented and introduced to the congregation during the 11:00 a.m. service. A reception in your honor will follow in Fellowship Hall, so everyone can be welcomed by our members.

Red Cross Blood Drive, February 25

8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Please join us in the Fellowship Hall and help save a life! Reserve an appointment at redcrossblood.org (sponsor code AFPC), or contact the church office (e-mail frontdesk@firstpresathens.org or call 706-543-4338).

If you cannot give blood but would like to help check-in donors, please contact Joe Neighbors to volunteer (jbneighb@bellsouth.net).

News from Family Promise of Athens

FPC supports FPA at La Table 2024

Thank you to everyone who attended or sponsored La Table 2024! 400 guests gathered together to enjoy the amazing table decorations, good food, and fellowship. FPC was represented at the event with a table decorated by Lucy Bell Johnson and Susan Boatwright (Dolly Parton "The higher the hair the closer to God"), and a table decorated by Bert Prestegard ("Nordic Treasures"). Harry Shuford, FPC member and Treasurer of Family Promise of Athens, was chosen as the recipient of FPA's Volunteer of the Year Award.

Hosts Needed for Atrium Fellowship

Members and guests enjoy the opportunity to stop in the Atrium after the 11:00 a.m. Sunday service to greet friends, introduce themselves to guests, and welcome new members. Lemonade, water, sweet and salty snacks are provided and served by the hosts of this popular fellowship time.

We are in need of families, couples, or groups to volunteer as hosts. Three people can easily organize and handle the refreshments. Punch bowls, cups, napkins, trays and lemonade are available in the kitchen next to Fellowship Hall. The Fellowship & Evangelism Commission is available to answer questions and assist.

The following dates are available: 2/18, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, and 3/24 (Palm Sunday). Please consider volunteering to host a Fellowship Time by contacting Judy Burch at 912-602-0766 or e-mail bgrammyb5@aol.com.