worship Information for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 7, 2025
Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 11:1-10
Sermon Title: When Light Disrupts the Noise
Preaching: Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers

During Advent we are journeying together through a season of sacred waiting and holy disruption. Under the glow of candlelight, through ancient prophecy and fresh proclamation, we are preparing our hearts for the arrival of Christ — the Light who breaks into our world and changes everything! Each week, we’re exploring how God’s light brings Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love — not as sentimental ideas, but as powerful forces that reshape our lives, our relationships, and our communities.

This Sunday we will light the Advent candle of Peace and Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers will look at the scripture lesson of Isaiah 11:1-10. We will also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion, so be sure to have a cracker and some juice (or Coca Cola!) handy if you wish to participate if you will be worshiping online. The worship begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning, in-person at Atlanta First UMC and online via Facebook and YouTube.

Worship Guide pdf’s:

Download this week’s Worship Guide

Download this week’s Children Handout

Download the Weekly Devotional Guide for Advent

Love to sing? Then the Atlanta First UMC Choir is for you! The choir is once again open for new members to join and you are invited to share your love for song and worship during our Sunday morning services. Rehearsals are immediately after worship on the second and third Sundays of each month. If you have any questions, please speak with our Director of Worship and Music, Rowena Dennard (dennard@atlantafirstumc.org). Please click this link to register: tinyurl.com/afumc-choir

It is time once again to serve our neighbors and friends at the front door who are in need this winter by collecting cold-weather clothing and supplies through our Keep Atlanta Warm campaign. For clothing donations, please consider giving new or gently used coats, sweaters, hats, gloves and thick blankets. For supplies, we need single-use hand warmers.

Please bring your donations to the church, either on Sundays mornings or Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also mail donations to our donation package address:

Atlanta First UMC Packages
2020 Howell Mill Road NW
Suite D-339
Atlanta, GA 30318-1732

Sunday Morning grow Group Study for Advent:
The Light Is Coming
Sundays at 9 a.m. Eastern Time

For the season of Advent, the Sunday grow Group is taking a deeper dive into the scriptures and lessons of our worship series, The Light Is Coming – And Nothing Will Be the Same.

Join us for a journey together through a season of sacred waiting and holy disruption. Under the glow of candlelight, through ancient prophecy and fresh proclamation, we will prepare our hearts for the arrival of Christ—the Light who breaks into our world and changes everything! Each week, we’ll explore how God’s light brings Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love —not as sentimental ideas, but as powerful forces that reshape our lives, our relationships, and our communities.

The Sunday grow Group meets at 9 a.m. Eastern Time on Sunday mornings, in person at the church and online via ZOOM. All are welcome!

Click Here to Register (Optional)

Click Here to Join the ZOOM
Meeting ID: 817 7912 8812
Passcode: 0360
Phone: 301.715.8592

Book Club
Next Meeting: Monday, December 29

Love to read? Join our Book Club on the last Monday of every month to discuss some of the hottest reads in the last several years through the lens of faith. The group meets online via ZOOM.

For the months December we are reading 107 Days by Kamala Harris. We will next meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 29.

Click Here to Join the ZOOM
Meeting ID: 872.7351.0270
Passcode: 666318
Phone: 301-715-8592

If you need help purchasing a copy of the book, have reading suggestions or any questions, please send an email to grow@atlantafirstumc.org.

Paul’s Journey Cruise
September 25 – October 6, 2026

embark on the journey of a lifetime as we take a pilgrimage tour of Greece and Türkiye, following in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. Led by our Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers and guest speaker Dr. Candace Lewis, we will journey aboard the Celebrity Infiniti cruise ship. We’ll make ports of call at Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Kavala, Thessaloniki and Athens in Greece, and Kusadasi in Türkiye.

For full trip schedule, cost and details, please download the Trip Brochure or visit the official website.

MONDAY NOON PRAYER

When: Mondays at 12 p.m. Eastern Time
Where: Online via ZOOM.

You are invited to join us weekly on Mondays at 12 p.m. Eastern for a 15 to 20 minute time of devotional prayer together during the lunch hour. This group is led by participants who take turns leading. You may Click HERE to register and receive email reminders for when we will meet.

ZOOM Link: Click HERE to join the ZOOM.