Atlanta First United Methodist Church Sermon Podcast

The sermon from the first Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “When Light Breaks Our Despair” in the worship series “The Light Is Coming - And Nothing Will Be the Same.” Scripture lessons: Isaiah 2:1-5 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Download the worship guide at:http://www.atlantafirstumc.org/pdf/25/AFUMC-Worship-25-11-30.pdfSupport the show

The sermon from the Christ the King Sunday, November 23, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Lead Courageously” in the worship series “Write the Vision.” Scripture lessons: Joshua 1:9; Ephesians 6:10; Ezekiel 12:21-28 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, November 16, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Serve Joyfully” in the worship series “Write the Vision.” Scripture lessons: Nehemiah 8:1-12; John 13:3-17 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, November 9, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Love Boldly” in the worship series “Write the Vision.” Scripture lesson: Matthew 22:34-40 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the All Saints Sunday, November 2, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Write the Vision” in the worship series “Write the Vision.” Scripture lesson: Habakkuk 2:1-3 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Reformation Sunday, October 26, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Sealed by Faith” in the worship series “The Generosity Challenge.” Scripture lesson: Luke 19:1-10 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Laity Sunday, October 19, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Alisa Smallwood, our Trustee Team Lead. “Everything Comes From You, Lord” in the worship series “The Generosity Challenge.” Scripture lesson: 1 Chronicles 29:10-22 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Pride Sunday, October 12, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Grounded in Gratitude” in the worship series “The Generosity Challenge.” Scripture lesson: Luke 17:11-19 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the World Communion Sunday, October 5, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Created for Generosity” in the worship series “The Generosity Challenge.” Scripture lessons: 2 Corinthians 9:6-16 and Genesis 1:26-27 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, September 28, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Investing in Holy Hope” in the worship series “Muddled, Mixed, and Made New.” Scripture lessons: Jeremiah 32:1-3a,6-15 and Luke 16:19-31 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, September 21, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Mixed Motives, Clear Calling” in the worship series “Muddled, Mixed, and Made New.” Scripture lessons: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1; Luke 16:1-13 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, September 14, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Lost, Found, and Mixed Together” in the worship series “Muddled, Mixed, and Made New.” Scripture lessons: Jeremiah 4:11–12,22–28; Luke 15:1–10 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, September 7, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “In the Potter's Hands” in the worship series “Muddled, Mixed, and Made New.” Scripture lessons: Jeremiah 18:1-11; Luke 14:25-33 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, August 31, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “And You Shall Live!” in the worship series “The Tears of Things.” Scripture lesson: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, August 24, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Hope in the Rubble” in the worship series “The Tears of Things.” Scripture lesson: Isaiah 61:1-4 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, August 17, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Pain That Transforms” in the worship series “The Tears of Things.” Scripture lesson: Lamentations 1:1-2,16;3:19-24 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, August 10, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Holy Disruption” in the worship series “The Tears of Things.” Scripture lessons: Jeremiah 20:7-9; 29:7-11 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, August 3, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Called by Fire” in the worship series “The Tears of Things.” Scripture lessons: Amos 5:21-24 and Isaiah 6:1-8; 40:1-3 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, July 27, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Freedom to Love” in the worship series “Grace Next Door - Seeing God in Ordinary People.” Scripture lesson: Galatians 5:13-26 (New Living Translation).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, July 20, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Minister Asti White. “Bearing One Another's Burdens” in the worship series “Grace Next Door - Seeing God in Ordinary People.” Scripture lesson: Galatians 6:1-18 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, July 13, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “No Longer Strangers” in the worship series “Grace Next Door - Seeing God in Ordinary People.” Scripture lesson: Galatians 3:23–29 (New Living Translation).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, July 6, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Death, Interrupted by Grace” in the worship series “Grace Next Door - Seeing God in Ordinary People.” Scripture lesson: Galatians 1:11–24 (New Living Translation).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, June 22, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Becoming: Whole, Holy & Human” in the worship series “Inside Faith: Growing in God.” Scripture lessons: Romans 12:1–2 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 (New Living Translation).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, June 22, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Shame & the Shadows We Hide” in the worship series “Inside Faith: Growing in God.” Scripture lesson: John 4:1-29 (New Living Translation).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, June 15, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Min. Katie Wax White, Director of Finance and Administration. “Fear Is Not the Final Word” in the worship series “Inside Faith: Growing in God.” Scripture lesson: Matthew 14:22–33 (New Living Translation).Support the show

The sermon from the Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Fire & Feelings” in the worship series “Inside Faith: Growing in God.” Scripture lesson: Acts 2:1-21 (New Living Translation).Support the show

The sermon from the Ascension Sunday, June 1, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Joy & the Journey” in the worship series “Inside Faith: Growing in God.” Scripture lesson: Philippians 4:4–9 (New Living Translation).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, May 25, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Mind the Gap: Bridging the Gap” in the Easter worship series “Mind the Gap.” Scripture lesson: Acts 8:26-40 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, May 18, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Associate Pastor Rev. Chris Rapko. “Mind the Gap: Courage for the Calling” in the Easter worship series “Mind the Gap.” Scripture lesson: Acts 4:1-13 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Download the worship guide at:http://www.atlantafirstumc.org/pdf/25/AFUMC-Worship-25-05-18.pdfDownload the children's handout at:http://www.atlantafirstumc.org/pdf/25/AFUMC-Children-25-05-18.pdfSupport the show

The sermon from the Mother's Day Sunday, May 11, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Mind the Gap: Faith in Action” in the Easter worship series “Mind the Gap.” Scripture lesson: Acts 2:42-47 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, May 4, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Mind the Gap: Power in the Gap” in the Easter worship series “Mind the Gap.” Scripture lesson: Acts 2:1–24,32-42 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, April 27, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Mind the Gap: Between the Cross and the Call” in the Easter worship series “Mind the Gap.” Scripture lesson: Acts 1:1-11 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Download the worship guide at:http://www.atlantafirstumc.org/pdf/25/AFUMC-Worship-25-04-27.pdfDownload the children's handout at:http://www.atlantafirstumc.org/pdf/25/AFUMC-Children-25-04-27.pdfSupport the show

The sermon from the Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “While It Was Still Dark” in the Easter worship series “Mind the Gap.” Scripture lesson: Luke 19:35-40 and John 20:1 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the outdoor Easter Sunrise, April 20, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Associate Pastor Rev. Chris Rapko, called “With a Great Voice.” Scripture lesson: John 20:1-18 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Good Friday, April 18, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “Mind the Gap” in the Easter worship series “Mind the Gap.” Scripture lesson: John 19:14-42 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Bishop Robin Dease, resident bishop of the Georgia Episcopal Area of the UMC. “If We Won't, They Will!” in the worship series “Practice Makes Perfect.” Scripture lesson: Luke 19:35-40 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, April 6, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Associate Pastor Rev. Chris Rapko. “Practice Makes Perfect: Confession” in the worship series “Practice Makes Perfect.” Scripture lesson: 1 John 1:8-10 (Common English Bible).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, March 30, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Associate Pastor Rev. Chris Rapko. “Practice Makes Perfect: Service as a Discipline” in the worship series “Practice Makes Perfect.” Gospel lesson: Matthew 20:20-28 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Download the worship guide at:http://www.atlantafirstumc.org/pdf/25/AFUMC-Worship-25-03-30.pdfSupport the show

The sermon from the Sunday, March 23, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by guest preacher Rev. Keya Hillman, who is the Regional Developer of the South West District of the NGUMC. “The Freedom in Simplicity: Seeking First the Kingdom” in the worship series “Practice Makes Perfect.” Scripture lesson: Matthew 6:25-33 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, March 16, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Associate Pastor Rev. Chris Rapko. “Practice Makes Perfect: Study” in the worship series “Practice Makes Perfect.” Scripture lesson: John 8:25-32 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Download the worship guide at:http://www.atlantafirstumc.org/pdf/25/AFUMC-Worship-25-03-16.pdfSupport the show

The sermon from the Sunday, March 9, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by guest preacher Rev. Dr. Byron Thomas. “Woe Is Me!” in the worship series “Practice Makes Perfect.” Scripture lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Associate Pastor Rev. Chris Rapko. “A Communal Lent” in the worship series “Practice Makes Perfect.” Scripture lesson: Matthew 6:1-6,16-21 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Transfiguration Sunday, March 2, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Associate Pastor Rev. Chris Rapko. “Another Kind of Exodus” in the worship series “A Different Rhythm: Stepping Out of the World's Beat.” Scripture lessons: Exodus 34:29-35 and Luke 9:28-36 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, February 23, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by guest preacher Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz. “Let's Behave Like God's Children” in the worship series “A Different Rhythm: Stepping Out of the World's Beat.” Scripture lesson: Luke 6:27-38 (Common English Bible).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, February 16, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by guest pastor Bishop Robin Dease. “How to Make Enemies!” in the worship series “A Different Rhythm: Stepping Out of the World's Beat.” Scripture lesson: Luke 6:17-26 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, February 9, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Associate Pastor Rev. Chris Rapko. “A Different Rhythm: A Renewed Sense of Trust” in the worship series “A Different Rhythm: Stepping Out of the World's Beat.” Scripture lesson: Luke 5:1-11 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, February 2, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Associate Pastor Rev. Chris Rapko. “Counter-Rhythm” in the worship series “A Different Rhythm: Stepping Out of the World's Beat.” Scripture lesson: Luke 4:21-30 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, January 26, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “New Season, New Song: An Overcoming Anointing” in the worship series “New Season, New Song: How to Overcome.” Scripture lesson: Luke 4:14-21 (New Living Translation).Support the show

The sermon from the Sunday, January 19, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “New Season, New Song: An Overcoming Praise” in the worship series “New Season, New Song: How to Overcome.” Scripture lesson: Psalm 96 (New Living Translation).Support the show

The sermon from the Wednesday, January 15, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “New Season, New Song: An Overcoming Presence” in the worship series “New Season, New Song: How to Overcome.” Scripture lesson: Isaiah 43:1-7 (New Living Translation).Support the show

The sermon from the Epiphany Sunday, January 5, 2025, worship service of Atlanta First United Methodist Church by Lead Pastor Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers. “New Season, New Song: An Overcoming Light” in the worship series “New Season, New Song: How to Overcome.” Scripture lesson: John 1:1-18 (New Living Translation).Support the show