We are standing on holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around;
Let us praise Jesus now; we are standing in his presence on holy ground.

When you think of “worship,” what comes to your mind? That question takes some of us back to a place where we have felt the presence of God in an exciting and powerful way. Maybe we envision a beautiful cathedral with stained glass windows and a full choir accompanied by a massive organ or orchestra. Or, maybe we remember a simple, small, clapboard church where people who loved us most in life surrounded us. Or, maybe we remember a youth gathering at a lakeside setting where God painted the scenery and we sang praise choruses with our friends.

The people of Athens First United Methodist Church have been gathering for worship at this site for over 180 years. The setting has changed over the years from a log cabin to the beautiful sanctuary in which we worship today, but the same spirit of reverence and awe for the presence of God is still the same.

If you are visiting in Athens, or if you are new to the area, we invite you to worship with us. We offer four services on Sunday morning and encourage you to find your place with us in worship.

Sunday Services

Communion Service
Sanctuary: Our first service is a traditional service of worship that incorporates hymn singing, prayer, scripture, sermon, and music by an ensemble group. The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated each week at this service eon a weekly basis.

Worship Service
Sanctuary: Our second and third services are identical services that anchor the worship life of Athens First United Methodist Church. It is in these services that the sacramental life of the church is perhaps most evident. The Sacrament of Holy Communion usually is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month, and the Sacrament of Christian Baptism, especially for infants, is observed nearly every week. These traditional Methodist services feature singing from the United Methodist Hymnal. Inspirational preaching, stirring music by the Chancel Choir, and frequent instrumental music make these two hours the central part of our worship as a congregation.

Sundays@The Morton
Morton Theater: Our fourth service is an alternative service which meets in the historic Morton Theatre, located across the street from the church on the corner of Washington Street and Hull Street. This high-energy service features a time of praise and worship led by the Morton Band and relevant preaching. The Sacrament of Holy Communion usually is offered on the first Sunday of the month at this service. Families and people of all ages enjoy the casual atmosphere they find at the Morton Theater. Everyone is welcome. For more information about this worship opportunity, contact Will Zant (543-1442, will@athensfirstumc.org).

Nursery care is provided for children ages infant-4 years old during each of our Sunday morning worship services. Nurseries are staffed by both paid workers and parent volunteers. All paid staff are screened through professional references and criminal background checks and are trained in our church’s Reduce the Risk policy. For more information, please contact Rev. Martha Aenchbacher.

Radio Broadcast: Our 11:00 AM Worship Service is broadcast on WRFC 960AM every Sunday morning