worship Information for Sunday, September 13, 2026
Scripture Lessons: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (NRSVue)
Sermon Title: “More Than Meets the Eye”
Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers Preaching

This September, join us for The Eye of Golden: Seeing What God Sees, a four week sermon series inspired by Allen Levi’s novel Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Through the scarred “Eye of God,” Asher’s portraits, Ellen’s remarkable story, Theo’s quiet generosity, and the relationships that transform an entire community, we will explore what happens when we learn to see beyond appearances. Together we will ask: Whom have we overlooked? What does God see in them–and what might change if we saw it too?

Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers will continue The Eye of Golden series looking at 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (NRSVue) in her sermon, “More Than Meets the Eye.” God sees more than our usefulness, reputation, success, or struggle; God sees an image-bearer whose life is worthy of attention.

worship begins at 10:00 a.m., 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

Wellroot Family Services, formerly the United Methodist Children’s Home, provides faith-centered services to families across North Georgia. You are invited to directly serve this vital ministry by making a donation to the Wellroot Amazing Grace Offering. 100% of your donation goes directly to funding Wellroot’s programs, which include a multi-faceted family preservation continuum, foster care, family housing, and transitional and independent living programs. These programs equip parents, children, teens, and their families to make positive changes that last a lifetime. We will collect the Amazing Grace Offering during worship on Sunday, September 20, but you are welcome to make a donation at any time.

Tuesday Evening grow Group
Job In Exile
Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Eastern Time

Join the Tuesday grow Group this fall as we undertake a brand new study based on Job in Exile: A Guide for Spiritual Refugees by David P. Gushee.

The book of Job is one of the most unsettling texts in the Bible. It confronts readers and faith communities with questions about faithfulness, suffering, and justice. For many today, especially those who feel alienated or marginalized by religious communities, the story of Job feels newly urgent.

In Job in Exile, internationally known Christian ethicist David P. Gushee offers a new interpretation that brings clarity and relevance to this ancient book. Gushee argues that Job’s story is not only about suffering; it is also about spiritual exile. Written especially for post-evangelical pastors, churches, artists, and other spiritual seekers and refugees, Job in Exile invites readers to engage scripture with unflinching honesty and courage. It offers guidance and hope for anyone seeking faith, integrity, and community.

The Tuesday grow Group meets at 7 p.m., online via ZOOM. Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers is the class facilitator. Please register to receive the ZOOM link and study materials.

Thursday Morning grow Group
Fall Study: Romans

This fall, join the Thursday Morning grow Group for a study based on Genesis to Revelation – Romans. This is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, thirteen week in-depth study of the Book of Romans, beginning with an introduction to the Apostle Paul and following through his life and his call. Some of the major idea explored are: his purpose and situation, righteousness and wrath, being set free from sin, new life in the Spirit, and a tolerant ethic. We will incorporate videos from the Bible Project.

The Thursday grow Group meets in-person at the church and online via ZOOM at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday mornings. The class is led by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Rose-Tucker. You may register HERE to receive the study materials and ZOOM link. All are welcome to join in, so let’s grow in discipleship with God together!

Rooted In Grace, Growing In Community
Future Dates To Be Announced

You are invited to help Atlanta First UMC to cultivate a campus that reflects God’s Love for generations to come with our new initiative, Rooted In Grace, Growing in Community! Join us as we beautify the exterior and interior of the church. We’ll clean and polish, remove trash, plant flowers, trim the grass and shrubs, enhance security, and much more. All are welcome!

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.

INTENTIONAL TIME OF PRAYER

When: Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. Eastern Time
Where: Online via ZOOM.

You are invited to join us weekly on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Eastern for a time of intentional prayer together. A church that prays together is a strong, fortified, and faithful congregation that can endure anything! You may call or login via ZOOM on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. If you have any prayer concerns or praises, or if you have questions about how to connect to the ZOOM, you may send them to prayer@atlantafirstumc.org.

ZOOM Link: Click HERE to join the ZOOM.