Weekly Bulletin by First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta

Humbly Following Jesus Christ

8:15 A.M. WORSHIP FEBRUARY 2, 2025

The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Thomas Bara

Tony Sundermeier www.firstpresatl.org/give

MEMBERS & REGULARS

Call to Worship

+Hymn #610

O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing — AZMON

+Unison Prayer of Confession Chris Holmes Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that, like the disciples, we argue over who is greatest, seeking power and recognition instead of humility and service. You call us to follow your example of servanthood, yet we cling to pride and self-interest. We confess that we too often fail to stay awake and pray, choosing comfort and distraction over the courage to face our fears. You prepare us for the trials ahead, yet we trust in our own strength and falter when tested. Forgive us, Lord, for our short-sightedness, our lack of faith, and our unwillingness to follow your path of self-giving love. In your mercy, meet us in our brokenness and heal us, that we may walk in your way, serve in your name, and reflect your love in all we do. Amen. (Time of Silent Reflection)

+Declaration of Good News

One: Hear the good news: Even in our failures and frailty, Christ does not abandon us. Jesus, who prayed for his disciples, prays also for us, interceding with unending grace. In him, we are forgiven, restored, and strengthened to walk in his way. Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel!

All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and redeemed! Alleluia! Amen!

+Response #582

Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me GLORY TO GOD

Scripture

Malachi 3:1-4 (OT, page 838) Luke 22:24-40 (NT, page 81)

One: This is the Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Sermon

A Cloak for a Sword

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Invitation

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

One: The Lord be with you.

All: And also with you.

One: Lift up your hearts.

All: We lift them up to the Lord.

One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give our thanks and praise. Words of Institution Communion

Closing Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

+Hymn #450

Be Thou My Vision SLANE

+Charge and Benediction

+Postlude

GATHER

The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Gathering Music Matt Josey

Welcome Katie Sundermeier

Call to Worship

+Songs

O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing — AZMON

When Peace Like a River VILLE DU HAVRE

+Opening Prayer

+Response

Glory to God, Who Goodness Shines on Me GLORY TO GOD

Announcements Tony Sundermeier

Invitation to Children for SMILES!

Children in Pre-K through 3rd Grade who would like to attend our Sunday “SMILES!” program, a time to share Bible stories while growing friendships, may depart with staff and volunteers to the second floor Orchestra Room.

Pick up will be from children’s Sunday School classrooms.

Pre-K - Room 178

Kindergarten – Room 176

1st Grade – Room 218

2nd & 3rd Grade – Room 227

4th & 5th Grade - Room 222

LISTEN

Scripture

Malachi 3:1-4

Luke 22:24-40

One: This is the Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. 9:00 A.M. WORSHIP FEBRUARY 2, 2025

A Cloak for a Sword

Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Ben Fletcher

Call for Offering

www.firstpresatl.org/give

+Song Be Thou My Vision SLANE

+Charge and Benediction

Prelude

The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Elegy George Thalben-Ball

Welcome and Announcements

Thomas Bara

Tony Sundermeier

Choral Introit

Savior, like a Shepherd Lead US William Bradbury

Call to Worship

+Hymn #610

O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing — AZMON

+Unison Prayer of Confession

Katie Sundermeier

Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that, like the disciples, we argue over who is greatest, seeking power and recognition instead of humility and service. You call us to follow your example of servanthood, yet we cling to pride and self-interest. We confess that we too often fail to stay awake and pray, choosing comfort and distraction over the courage to face our fears. You prepare us for the trials ahead, yet we trust in our own strength and falter when tested. Forgive us, Lord, for our short-sightedness, our lack of faith, and our unwillingness to follow your path of self-giving love. In your mercy, meet us in our brokenness and heal us, that we may walk in your way, serve in your name, and reflect your love in all we do. Amen.

(Time of Silent Reflection)

+Declaration of Good News

All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and redeemed! Alleluia! Amen!

+Response #583

Glory to God GLORIA

Choral Anthem

God is Faithful Walter Pelz

God is faithful by whom you were called Into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, Be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

Invitation to Children for Godly Play

Children in Pre-K through 3rd Grade who would like to attend Godly Play,

a Montessori-style approach to Biblical education, may depart with staff and volunteers to the second floor Orchestra Room Children should be picked up immediately following worship.

+Hymn #840

When Peace Like a River VILLE DU HAVRE

Scripture

Malachi 3:1-4 (OT, page 838)

Luke 22:24-40 (NT, page 81)

One: This is the Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Sermon

A Cloak for a Sword

+Affirmation of Faith

Rob Sparks

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

Call for Offering

www.firstpresatl.org/give

Offertory

Veni, Sancte Spiritus — Morten Lauridsen

Veni, Sancte Spiritus, et emitte caelitus lucis tuae radium. Veni, pater pauperum, veni, dator munerum, veni, lumen cordium.

Consolator optime, dulcis hospes animae, dulce refrigerium. In labore requies, in aestu temperies, in fletu solatium.

O lux beatissima, reple cordis intima tuorum fidelium. Sine tuo numine, nihil est in homine, nihil est innoxium.

Lava quod est sordidum, riga quod est aridum, sana quod est saucium.

Flecte quod est rigidum, fove quod est frigidum, rege quod est devium.

Da tuis fidelibus, in te confidentibus, sacrum septenarium. Da virtutis meritum, da salutis exitum, da perenne gaudium. Amen.

+Offertory Response #607 (Lyrics from #606) Doxology – old hundredth

+Prayer of Dedication

+Hymn #450

Be Thou My Vision SLANE

+Charge and Benediction

Choral Benediction

+Postlude

Come, Holy Spirit, and from heaven send forth a ray of your light. Come, father of the poor, come, giver of gifts, come, light of hearts.

Greatest comforter, sweet guest of the soul, sweet consolation. In labor, rest, in heat, temperance, in tears, solace.

O most blessed light, fill the inmost heart of your faithful. Without your divine power, there is nothing in man, nothing that is harmless.

Wash what is unclean, water what is dry, heal what is wounded. Bend what is inflexible, warm what is chilled, correct what goes astray.

Give to your faithful, who trust in you, the sevenfold gift.Give virtue’s reward, give salvation’s end, give eternal joy. Amen.

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say R. V. Williams

Grand Jeu from Suite du Troisieme Ton Jean Adam Guilain

The flowers in the Sanctuary today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Julie H. Healey by the Healey and Moore families.

Honor or memorialize loved ones, or celebrate a special occasion, by giving Sanctuary Flowers. For information, contact Beth Edwards at bethmedw@gmail.com

Information

Worship at 8:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.; Livestream at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

MINISTERS: ALL MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH

PARTICIPATING IN WORSHIP LEADERSHIP TODAY

Dr. Daniel Bara

Director of the Choir and Orchestra

Thomas Bara, M.Mus.

Director of Worship, the Arts, and Organist

Ben Fletcher, M.Div.

Director of Youth, College, and Young Adult Ministries

Rev. Dr. Chris Holmes

Chief Ministry Officer, Stembler Scholar, and Director of Biblical and Theological Education

Matt Josey

Worship Leader

Joseph Quintana Song Leader

Rev. Rob Sparks

Associate Pastor for Care

Rev. Dr. Katie Sundermeier

Associate Pastor for Congregational Life

1992, GIA Publications; 1997, Southern Music Publishing; CCS License #8223

Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier, Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George B. Wirth, Pastor Emeritus

PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN MILITARY SERVICE

Lt. Karim Abu-Akel

Captain Alexandria Miller-Anderson

Pvt. Forrest “Woody” Bass

Benjamin S. Bondurant, Lt. Cdr.

Maj. Jamison Bowman, Chaplain

ABE3 Gregory Bridges

Maj. Jessica Combs Brinkley

Major Steven Gordon Brinkley

Captain Ryan Dick

SEA3 Colin Hildebeidel USCG

AM3 Glenn Thomas Johnson

HA Robert Louis Johnson

Staff Sgt. Kevin Lee

Lt. Jg. Rachel Dudley McKenzie

Lt. Troy McKenzie

Lt. Wilson M. McManus

PFC Louisa Myette

SSGT Johnny Mitchell

Sam Oppenheimer, Cadet, West Point

LTC John Warren Robey

Captain Gabriel Rulewicz

Maj. General Russell Sanborn

Captain Ryan Tewell

Col. Roderick G. Turner III

Welcome

Founded in 1848, First Presbyterian is the Atlanta church known for balancing spiritual conviction and tangible compassion. Our sermons, Sunday school classes, small groups, and courses lead people to challenge assumptions and lean into their faith. At the same time, we deeply invest in and serve the members of our congregation, the Atlanta community, and beyond. With robust and holistic ministries serving the poor and vulnerable of our city; with global partners in Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, and Kenya; and with spiritual formation opportunities for all ages, First Presbyterian Church’s purpose is to humbly follow Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining us in worship today!

For more ways to connect, keep reading below.

GET CONNECTED

Website: www.firstpresatl.org

Explore Ways to Volunteer: firstpresatl.org/volunteer

Senior Pastor’s Office: Sheila Daniely, sdaniely@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7715

Pastoral Care: Rev. Rob Sparks, rsparks@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7763

Rev. Dr. Katie Sundermeier, ksundermeier@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7721

Membership: Sheila Daniely, sdaniely@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7715

How to Give: Darryl Payne, dpayne@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7706

Children’s Ministry: Katie Covington, kcovington@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7712

Youth Ministry: Ben Fletcher & Lauren Ghighi, youth@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7727

Young Adult Ministry: Ben Fletcher & Lauren Ghighi, bfletcher@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7727

Courses/Classes: Rev. Dr. Chris Holmes, cholmes@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7713

Singles Ministry: Rev. Saranell Hartman, shartman@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7747

Small Groups: Rev. Dr. Barry Gaeddert, bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7718

Arts & Music: Thomas Bara, tbara@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7731

Community Ministries: Tricia Passuth, tpassuth@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7766

Jacob Ivey, jivey@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7746

Epiphany/Social Ventures: Rev. Saranell Hartman, shartman@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7747

Global Mission: Rev. Dr. Barry Gaeddert, bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7718

Women’s Ministry: Rev. Saranell Hartman, shartman@firstpresatl.or 404-228-7747

Today in Sunday School

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFERINGS

9:00 to 9:55 a.m. and 10:00 to 10:55 a.m.

THE WORD CLASS | Room 230 | 9:00 a.m.

New Class! 9AM – Study in I & II Chronicles

Contact Granvette Matthews at gemma262022@att.net

20S+30S CLASS | Bride’s Room | 10:00 a.m.

Join us at 10 a.m. in the Bride’s Room as we wrap up The Art of Gathering with Chapter 7 and Ephesians 2:13-16, followed by a final conclusion. Contact Ben Fletcher at bfletcher@firstpresatl.org

BEREANS | Chapel | 10:00 a.m.

Moncure Crowder presents on “Protestantism - The Prodigal Religion Part 1”

Contact Bill Haley at billhaley@corplaw.net

FAITH AND LIFE | Women’s Bible | 10:00 a.m.

Chris Holmes, our Stembler Scholar, will begin a two part presentation about John. Contact Jean Russ at jhtruss@comcast.net

INTERNATIONALS | 2nd Floor Conference Smith Bldg | 10:00 a.m.

Today we will have Humphrey Fellow from Indonesia, Retty Handayani presenting about her work in Indonesia and her projects here in the US with public health. Please join us!

Contact Oksana Klymovych at oksana.klymovych@gmail.com or Susan Farrar at 77sfarrar@gmail.com

PARENTS CLASS | Room 224 | 10:00 a.m.

Contact Peyton Bell at peytonbell@gmail.com

For additional information on adult Sunday school at First Presbyterian, please contact Rev. Barry Gaeddert at bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org

CHILDREN

SMILES! | 9:00 a.m. | Pre-K – 3rd Grade | Orchestra Room (2nd Floor)

Join our SMILES! Program offered for children who do not wish to remain in the service. We will have Bible stories, crafts, games, and more. Pick up children from their Sunday School classroom.

GODLY PLAY |11:00 a.m. | Pre-K – 3rd Grade | Orchestra Room (2nd Floor)

Godly Play is offered during worship for children who do not wish to remain in the services. It’s a creative, imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance. 11:00 a.m. worship service.

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL

10:00 to 10:45 a.m.

TWO & THREE OLDS Room 180

PRE-KINDERGARTEN Room 178

KINDERGARTEN Room 176

1ST GRADE Room 218

2ND & 3RD GRADE Room 227

4TH & 5TH GRADE Room 222

CHILDCARE AND NURSERY

8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

PRE-K Room 178

KINDERGARTEN Room 176

TWOS – THREES Room 180

INFANTS – UNDER TWO Room 187

Contact Katie Covington at kcovington@firstpresatl.org with questions on Children’s Ministry.

YOUTH MINISTRY

All youth in grades 6 through 12 are invited to join us for Youth in Action Mornings, meeting at 10 a.m. in the Fifield Hall Kitchen. Together, the youth will support Community Ministries each Sunday in serving our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

ARTS MINISTRY

Announcements

Monthly Church Tours

The Arts Council is proud to announce the 2nd Sunday February Tour. On Sunday, the 9th we will offer an overview of the history, architecture and stained glass throughout the church, including the Sanctuary, Narthex, Chapel, and more. No signup required. Please meet in the Narthex immediately after the 11 a.m. service, as the tour will start no later than 12:15 p.m. and last between 60 and 90 minutes. Bring your family and friends to this enriching experience! This tour promises to be an engaging exploration of our church’s unique features and historical significance.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

2025 Vacation Bible School

Save the Date! Mark your calendars for FPC’s Vacation Bible School. Monday, June 2nd through Friday, June 6th. After care will be provided Monday - Thursday. Registration will open March 1st. Please contact Katie Covington (kcovington@firstpresatl.org) for more information.

COMMUNITY MINISTRIES

Winter Clothing Drive

As winter approaches, our unhoused neighbors face the critical need for warm clothing. With temperatures dropping, access to essentials like coats, hats, and gloves becomes vital for their comfort and well-being. First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta Community Ministries aims to gather warm winter clothing to help our unhoused neighbors stay safer and more comfortable during the cold months. We welcome donations of new or gently used, clean items, including coats, scarves, hats, and gloves in all sizes.

Please drop off donations in the designated bins located in the Smith Building Lobby. We accept donations on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Your generosity can make a difference this winter—thank you for helping Community Ministries keep our community warm!

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Mental Health Connections Evening TONIGHT

FPC Atlanta, Samaritan Counseling Center, and Will for Hope Foundation partner again for our 5th year of Mental Health Connections! This Year’s Topic: Seeking Meaning Beyond Substance. All adults, youth, and parents are invited to join us tonight, February 2, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. starting in Fifield Hall. Dr. Lauren Edwards, a licensed psychologist, and Jonny Sundermeier, a youth alum, will guide us through an important discussion on adolescents’ common experiences with substance use during different developmental stages. Dinner will be provided. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend with their youth, as a dedicated parent Q&A session will follow the discussion. Please RSVP via the QR code or by going to the Youth Events tab of the FPC website.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL

Preschool Early Application 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 using the QR code.

GLOBAL MISSION

What in the World?

Mission market says “thank you!” The generosity of the First Presbyterian congregation was evident in December as we raised over $3700 in support of our partners in Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, refugee families in Atlanta, and gifts for FPC Community Ministries clients. Thank you for caring for our friends and partners across the globe. For information about FPC’s Global Mission outreach, please contact Rev. Barry Gaeddert (bgaeddert@firstpresatl.org).

YOUTH MINISTRY

For more information on youth programs or events check out our website at www.firstpresatl.org/youth-ministry or email Ben or Lauren at youth@firstpresatl.org

Youth Group

This Sunday, February 2, all youth and parents are invited to join us for our Mental Health Connections Night from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Super Bowl

All youth are invited to join us for our Youth Group Super Bowl Watch Party on Sunday, February 9, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Cousar Household! Enjoy the first half of the game and halftime show, or take part in fun games if football isn’t your thing. Bring a homemade chip dip to compete in our Dip Competition—the winning dip will earn a $20 gift card! It’s going to be a night of great food, fun activities, and fellowship, and we hope to see you there!

Please RSVP using this QR code or at www.firstpresatl.org/youth-ministry.

Social Ventures Ministry

Epiphany, launched in 2018, is a social entrepreneurship initiative of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. There have been three cohorts (2019, 2022, 2024) of Epiphany ventures. In total, 217 companies have applied to participate in the program, and 14 have been selected. Through the generosity of our congregation and community, Epiphany has given grants totaling $455,000.

Epiphany also calls FPC members to use their skills, networks, connections, and experiences to help advance ideas that benefit our community. Over 100 church members have volunteered to help.

You are all invited to Epiphany Impact Day on Saturday, May 3, 2025. There will be opportunities to meet current and former Epiphany volunteers, engage with alumni ventures, and to sign up for participate.

12 Epiphany Ventures

Assets Ascending: Works with formerly incarcerated parents to help them successfully reenter society and reunify with their families

JumpStart (f/k/a Automotive Training Center): JumpStart is a program which provides at risk young men and women with technical training so they may obtain entry-level employment in the automotive repair industry

Feet on the Street Ministries: Feet on the Street Ministries provides education, training, and coordinated services to unhoused and low-income individuals and families throughout metroAtlanta.

InGoodCompany: InGoodCompany is a platform to help companies hire, educate, and retain employees with intellectual disabilities.

Liminal Health & Fitness: Liminal Health and Fitness offers accessible fitness and nutrition coaching in the Clarkston, GA area to residents in need.

MicroLife: MicroLife specializes in developing “pocket neighborhoods” which greatly increases access to affordable housing and desirable living for those in need.

Peace of Thread: Peace of Thread’s mission is to empower, employ, and advocate for marginalized women from vulnerable populations.

Pharaoh’s Conclave: Pharaoh’s Conclave PCX helps engage and prepare youth for careers and opportunities related to eSports through education, career experiences and access to scholarships

Purposeful Gourmet: Purposeful Gourmet’s mission is to raise awareness and funding for Meals on Wheels Atlanta to support senior independence through meals, shelter, education, and community.

Refcode Community: Refcode introduces refugees and immigrants to the world of coding and helps them discern if it is a career they would like to pursue

Refuge Coffee: Refuge Coffee uses a delicious cup of coffee as a platform for job training and personal development of resettled refugees and other immigrants

Special Kneads & Treats: Special Kneads & Treats is a bakery in Lawrenceville, GA that provides employment and support for adults with disabilities.

For more information contact: Rev. Saranell Hartman shartman@firstpresatl.org

Epiphany Council: Philip Lewis, Kathy Kite, Elecia Crowley, Marybelle Arnett, Steven Gilbert

MISSION

First Presbyterian Church is a community of humble followers of Jesus Christ who choose, by God’s grace, to live by love, seek continual transformation, and equip all to be servant leaders in Atlanta and throughout the world.

WE VALUE

Community

Spiritual home

Enduring commitment

Authentic diversity

Love Radical hospitality

Mutual care

Restorative relationships

Transformation

Continual conversion

Joyful worship

Theological formation

Servant Leadership

Bold humility

Just generosity

Missional living

First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta is one of more than 8,400 Presbyterian Church U.S.A. congregations.