worship Information for Laity Sunday, October 18, 2026
Scripture Lessons: Matthew 22:34-40 (NRSVue)
Sermon Title: “One Love, Ever Reforming”
Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers

This October, we are exploring God’s vision of oneness—a unity that does not erase our differences but draws us together in grace. Using the image of the earth as a puzzle, We Are One is a celebration of the distinct people, stories, and gifts God joins into one beloved community.

Each Sunday, another piece of the puzzle moves into place. Together, we will gather at Christ’s table, affirm the sacred worth of all people, celebrate the ministry of all God’s people, and open ourselves to the Spirit’s continuing work of reformation.

In a world that so often pulls people apart, come discover the grace that holds us together. Many pieces. One body. One world. One love. We are one.

This Sunday is Reformation Sunday, which is an observance of the anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of 95 theses for debate on the door of the church at the university in Wittenberg, Germany, on Oct. 31, 1517. This event is widely held to mark the launch of the Protestant Reformation within Christianity. Our Lead Pastor, Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers, will preach as we conclude our “We Are One” series. She will look at Matthew 22:34-40 (NRSVue) in her sermon, One Love, Ever Reforming.

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

Cooler weather is finally returning to Hotlanta! It is time once again to prepare to serve our neighbors and friends at the front door who will be in need during fall and 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, thick blankets and sleeping bags. For supplies, we need single-use hand warmers.

Please bring your donations to the church, either on Sundays mornings or Tuesday 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

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!

Book Club
Next Meeting: Monday, October 26

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 month of October, we are reading Tell Me I Belong: A Journey Across Faiths and Generations by David Weill. We will meet on ZOOM on Monday, October 26 at 7 p.m. Please register to receive the ZOOM link.

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 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.