Athens First United Methodist Church

The North Georgia UMC Annual Conference is in Athens this week as United Methodists from across our region gather at the Classic Center for worship, learning, fellowship, and to conduct the business of the Church.

Our clergy team - Jeremy Lawson, Nancy Johnson, Natalee Dukes Hamby, Montana Hamby, and Lisa Lawrenz - will be in attendance as well as retired clergy connected to our church. Laity representing Athens First are Cassie Folsom, Peggy Gates, Kim Griffith, Tom Jackson, and Nate Roberson. Serving as at-large delegates from our district are Laura Blanco, David Conley, and Sharon Conley. Cole Jones, one of our college students, will also be a delegate.

Annual Conference is a reminder of our connection to congregations and ministries throughout North Georgia and the shared mission we undertake together. As we welcome visitors to our Athens community, we invite you to keep the conference, its leaders, clergy, laity, and churches in your prayers!

Today, our Athens First UMC staff celebrated Rev. Dr. Nancy Johnson with a beach-themed going away party. While we are sad to “wave” goodbye, we are grateful for her leadership and excited for all that's ahead in her next chapter!

Our church family will have the opportunity to show their appreciation to Nancy this Sunday, June 21. We will have a special reception in Hancock Hall following both worship services.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we express our gratitude for Nancy!

Today we were reminded that God is our place of refuge, and we can always trust in Him!

God is our safe place - WOW GOD!

We had another great day in the Rainforest! Today we studied Psalm 139 and were reminded that God knows everything— WOW GOD! We can’t wait to see what adventures are in store for tomorrow.

It was a GREAT first day in the Rainforest! Today’s Bible Point reminded us that God is our Creator - WOW GOD!