LVfirst United Methodist Church

Sunday Re-Cap (October 26, 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This Sunday, we looked at how growth naturally creates complexity, and left unchecked, how that complexity can slow down the momentum of what God is doing in our community.

Looking at Acts 6:1–7, we explored how the early church faced a growing bottleneck in caring for its people and how they overcame it. When we step up collectively to multiply our generosity and capacity, we eliminate those bottlenecks so that everyone in our city has a seat at the table and experiences the love of Jesus.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was Acts 6:1-7

Growth creates complexity, and complexity can slow growth. The early church did not ignore the problem when widows were being overlooked in the daily food distribution. They named the bottleneck and addressed it directly. In the same way, we are called to honestly identify the places where limited capacity is keeping us from fully serving our community.

False dichotomies disappear when we multiply our generosity. It does not have to be insiders or outsiders, discipleship or outreach, care or share. When we expand our collective capacity through sacrificial giving, the "or" becomes "and," and our ministry grows in both depth and reach.

Faith always has feet, and where your feet go, your wallet follows. Generosity is a declaration of what we trust and who we serve. Stepping up in giving is a tangible act of faith that aligns our resources with our values.

Coming Up at LVfirst

All Saints' Sunday (November 1, 2026)
As we prepare to honor our loved ones on All Saints Sunday, please take note of a special update to our worship schedule this year. While we will be reading the names of our saints, tolling the bell, and lighting memorial candles at all morning worship services (8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:00 AM), Pastor Adam will share a short eulogy during the 11:00 AM service only.

8:30 AM – Communion Service
9:30 AM – Modern Worship
11:00 AM – Traditional Worship + Eulogy

We invite you to join us for whichever service best fits your morning as we remember, give thanks, and celebrate the hope that unites us all.

Learn More about All Saints' Day at LVfirst

Parent Connect: Parenting in Pain (November 4, 2026)
Join us for a time of connection as we process through what it means to parent well when life is simply not easy. Whether you are experiencing loss or struggling with the demands of Parenthood in 2026, this workshop is designed to help you gain tools, community, and process through how you want to show up for yourself and your children.

Let Us Know You're Coming

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

What Is All Saints' Sunday?

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 10:32:54 +0000

What is All Saints Day?

Each year on November 1st-and on the first Sunday in November-United Methodist congregations across the world gather to celebrate All Saints Day. While the celebration dates back to the early centuries of the Christian church, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, held a deep personal affection for this holy day.

"All Saints Day is a festival I truly love."

- John Wesley, Journal Entry (November 1, 1767)

Wesley saw it as a sacred time to reflect on the unity of God's people across time and eternity. In the United Methodist Church, our understanding of "sainthood" is rooted directly in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul frequently addressed his letters "to all the saints"-meaning ordinary believers gathered in community. In Wesleyan theology, a saint is not an extraordinary, canonized figure placed on a pedestal, but every person who is claimed by grace through Jesus Christ.

All Saints Sunday is not merely a memorial; it is a proclamation of resurrection hope. It reminds us that we belong to the "communion of saints"-a living connection that binds the church militant (those of us still living and serving on earth) with the church triumphant (those who rest from their earthly labors in the nearer presence of God).

How Does the United Methodist Church Celebrate?

As outlined by The United Methodist Book of Worship and resources from Discipleship Ministries, All Saints Sunday is marked by joyful solemnity, thanksgiving, and liturgical signs of resurrection:

White Paraments & Vestments

White is the liturgical color of All Saints Sunday, symbolizing purity, victory, light, and the promise of resurrection.

Reading the Roll of Saints

We read aloud the names of members, friends, and loved ones who have passed away during the preceding year, acknowledging their unique witness and honoring their legacy of faith.

Tolling of the Bell & Lighting Memorial Candles

As each name is read, a chime or bell tolls, and a candle is lit. The flame symbolizes Christ, the Light of the World, and the eternal life promised to all believers.

How Do We Celebrate All Saints at Lawrenceville First?

At Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church, All Saints Sunday is one of the most meaningful and moving worship gatherings of the entire year. Here is how our church family comes together to honor our saints:

1

Remembering Our Saints by Name: During our worship services, we solemnly read the names of our church members who entered the Church Triumphant over the past year, giving thanks for their lives, their prayers, their service, and their love.
2

Candle Lighting & Moment of Remembrance: We light a candle for each beloved saint as their name is called. We also invite everyone in attendance to silently hold in prayer the loved ones, mentors, and family members who passed the faith along to them.
3

Passing the Torch of Faith: As we look back with gratitude, we are also challenged to look forward. We remember that we are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1), encouraging us to run with perseverance the race set before us right here in Lawrenceville.

Join Us for Worship

In recent years, in addition to reading the names of the saints, Pastor Adam has also shared a short eulogy. This year, we will continue that tradition at the 11:00 AM service only. We will still read the names of the saints, chime the bell, and light candles at all morning services.

8:30 AM Traditional Worship

9:30 AM Modern Worship

11:00 AM Traditional Worship + Eulogy

Whether you are grieving a recent loss or simply want to give thanks for those who shaped your spiritual journey, you are warmly invited to join us. Come celebrate the grace that holds us, the memories that bless us, and the hope that unites us all.

Plan Your Visit

Four Things You Need for Multiply Sunday

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 07:43:51 +0000

Build Your Church: Multiply

4 Things You Need for Multiply Sunday

Join us this Sunday, October 25, 2026, as we double our impact across Lawrenceville.

This Sunday marks a pivotal moment in our church's journey as we celebrate Multiply Sunday and conclude our Build Your Church: Multiply emphasis. God has done incredible things through the faithfulness of Lawrenceville First, and this weekend gives us an extraordinary opportunity to multiply our kingdom impact.

$50,000 Matching Opportunity!

A generous donor has stepped forward to match every dollar given to our special Multiply Sunday Offering up to $50,000! Every gift you bring will immediately double in impact.

To help you and your family prepare for this powerful time of worship and commitment, here are the four key things you need for this Sunday:

Be Here in Person

This isn't just a service where we want you here-you need to be here.

Multiply Sunday is a shared celebration of worship, prayer, and collective commitment as one church family. During all of our Sunday services, we will hold a dedicated time of commitment where you are invited to come forward, pray over your family's gifts and commitments, and place them at the altar.

Your Regular Offering

Faithfulness in the everyday work of ministry is what keeps our church thriving. Your Regular Offering represents your consistent tithes and gifts toward our General Operating Fund.

These gifts sustain our essential day-to-day ministries, Sunday worship, discipleship, missions, children and youth programming, staffing, and community outreach like Grace Arbor.

Your Multiply Sunday Special Offering

Your Multiply Sunday Offering is a special, one-time investment above and beyond your usual giving.

With our $50,000 matching gift, every dollar given doubles immediately. These funds directly help offset our year-end operating needs as we head into the Advent and Christmas season.

By Check/Envelope: Write "Multiply Sunday Special Offering" in the memo or envelope.
Online: Select the Multiply Sunday Special Offering fund at lvfirst.org/give.

Your Completed Pledge Card

Your Pledge Card represents your prayerful plan and estimated giving toward our church's General Fund for 2027.

Planning your generosity in advance enables church leadership to budget responsibly and dream boldly for our community initiatives.

In-Person: Bring your card to place at the altar during service (packets available in the Welcome Center & Narthex).
Digital: Submit online anytime at lvfirst.org/give.

Can't Be Here This Sunday?

You can still take part in Multiply Sunday! Submit your 2027 pledge online and make your Multiply gift early so it qualifies for the $50,000 match.

Give & Pledge Online

Sunday Re-Cap (October 19, 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Are you feeling overwhelmed, tired, or unsure of your next right step? Over time, life's busyness and unforeseen crises can give us a kind of "spiritual presbyopia" — making what used to be crystal clear feel blurry and uncertain.

This Sunday, we walked through Acts 11 and the story of the early church in Antioch. We looked at how moments of crisis can actually open doors to extraordinary opportunity, why being an "encourager" changes communities, and how living with a clear vision transforms the way we love and serve those around us.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was Acts 11:19-30

Crisis often creates opportunity. The persecution that scattered the early church pushed believers far beyond their comfort zones, ultimately spreading the gospel to Antioch and beyond. When we face difficulty, God may be inviting us into something we never imagined possible.

Encouragement and steadfast vision go hand in hand. Like Barnabas, we are called to look at what God is doing in our midst and encourage one another to remain steadfast in our purpose — gathered for worship and scattered for transformational service.

Generosity brings our faith into focus. Our giving does not simply keep the lights on; it carries the light of Christ into dark places so that others can experience God's love in real and meaningful ways.

Coming Up at LVfirst

Boo Fest (October 23, 2026)
Get ready for a spooktacular evening of fun and frights at BOO Fest, the biggest Halloween celebration in Downtown Lawrenceville! Join us on October 23rd from 6PM-9PM at the Lawrenceville Lawn as we decorate our LVFIRST booth and connect with the community!! We will pass out candy, fun spooky items, and host some yard games.

Candy at the Cabins (October 25, 2026)
Join us at our historic campground on October 25th for a festive, family-friendly evening of fall fun! Candy at the Cabins is a free community trick-or-treating event hosted at our historic campground (700 Braselton Highway). Bring your family, dress up in your favorite costumes, and enjoy a night filled with treats, movies, and prizes!

Volunteer at Candy at the Cabins

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

What is Multiply Sunday?

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 07:22:48 +0000

What is Build Your Church?

In October 2025, we launched Build Your Church — a three-year generosity campaign designed to equip our church to sustain the continued growth of the past five years and continue our work of connecting the church to the community and the community to the church. We are raising $2,000,000 above and beyond our annual budget to further expand the impact of our ministries and initiatives across Lawrenceville. As of October 2026, we have had $1,100,000 pledged towards Build Your Church, and we have already received over $500,000 in contributions!

The money raised through Build Your Church stays in this community!

$1,000,000 will be used to support the expansion of the Parents First Initiative to the remaining Lawrenceville school clusters: Discovery, Collins Hill, Mountain View, and Archer. Funds will also go towards supporting our school engagement initiatives throughout the year like our Central Gwinnett Football Meals and Teacher/Faculty Lunches.

$1,000,000 will be designated to updating and renovating our church to ensure we continue providing a safe, comfortable, and appealing space for people across our community to connect with God and with each other. We have already made completed a number of projects across our church campus in the last 10 months of Build Your Church. You can find more information about those on our Build Your Church website: www.buildyourchurch.org/updates

The Impact You're Making

Multiply Sunday

We are going to wrap up Build Your Church: Multiply on October 25th with a very special time of worship. A generous donor has offered to match up to $50,000 donated to a special Multiply Offering on Sunday, October 25, 2026. We are calling this our Multiply Sunday because the gifts you bring will immediately multiply. We are inviting everyone to bring a gift above and beyond their regular tithe for this special offering. Please be sure to designate your Multiply Sunday offering as Multiply Sunday Special Offering. If giving online, there is a specific fund set up that you can select by the same name.

These funds will help offset this year's current operating deficit as we head into the final months of the year.

Make your commitment on Sundays

Not going to be here on Multiply Sunday? We are adding a time of commitment at every service throughout October. As you receive and fill out your pledge card, you're invited to come up during the commitment time during service, pray over your pledge, and leave it at the altar.

If you have not received your Build Your Church materials in the mail, we have packets available for pick up on Sunday mornings in the Welcome Center and in the Narthex. You can also find a digital version of this year's pledge card on the church website: www.lvfirst.org/give

What's the difference between my Pledge, my Commitment, and my Multiply Offering?

YOUR PLEDGE is a pre-decided percentage of your annual income moving towards a tithe, or 10% or more, of your income that you give towards the general operations of the church (General Fund) like ministry programming, Bible studies, missions, Sunday worship, Staffing, Grace Arbor, Facility Operations & Utilities, Campground expenses, etc.

YOUR BUILD YOUR CHURCH COMMITMENT goes to its own, separate, designated account which is this distributed 50% to the designated Trustee Fund (for church campus renovations and projects) and 50% to the designated fund for the Parents First Initiative.

YOUR MULTIPLY SUNDAY OFFERING is a one-time gift above and beyond your usual giving. These gifts received on Multiply Sunday (October 25th) will automatically double their impact thanks to a generous donor offering to match up to $50,000 in Multiply Sunday Offerings! These gifts, along with your regular tithe, will help us to reduce our current deficit as we head into the final months of the year.

You can make your Multiply Sunday gift early, if you will not be here on October 25th. Please ensure your gift is designated for our Multiply Sunday Special Offering.

Sunday Re-Cap (October 12, 2026)

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 09:13:07 +0000

This Sunday, we dove into Acts 4 and 5 to explore what it truly means to live and give as a community centered on Jesus. Looking at the illustration of geese flying in formation, we reflected on how we travel further and faster when we support one another and share the load. Through the contrasting stories of Barnabas and the tragedy of Ananias and Sapphira, we examined the difference between authentic generosity and performative spirituality. As we head into this new week, let’s evaluate whether our lives and hearts are aligned with God's calling to open our hands and care for the needs around us.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was Acts 4:32-37

Everything we have is a gift from God, and recognizing ourselves as stewards rather than owners changes our relationship with our possessions and opens our hands to give and receive more freely.

Authentic generosity is not about appearances or influence. It is about honest, heartfelt investment in what God is doing, aligned with what He asks of us personally rather than what we want others to see us give.

When we each contribute our part, we create lift for those around us and move together toward a community where real needs are met. This should be the goal and the calling of the church.

Coming Up at LVfirst

Volunteer at Candy at the Cabins

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

Sunday Re-Cap (October 5, 2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:28:21 +0000

This Sunday, we celebrated what God had done through the Build Your Church Generosity Initiative and reflected on the impact of a church committed to God, one another, and our community. We looked at Acts 2 and saw how the early church devoted themselves to a shared mission, creating awe through radical generosity and deep community. We were reminded that generosity is not just God’s fundraising strategy, but God’s formation strategy. Together, we considered what it meant to be “all in” and to offer what we had with open hands so God could build something greater than we imagined.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was Acts 2:42-47

Devoted commitment moves in a direction together. The Greek word behind "devoted" in Acts 2:42 carries the meaning of strong, steadfast, enduring movement toward a shared goal. Real commitment is not a one-time decision but a consistent leaning in toward God, toward the church, and toward one another.

When we are all in, awe follows. Just as the early believers inspired wonder in those around them through their radical generosity and unity, a church fully committed to a common purpose creates something the world cannot help but notice. One Lego piece cannot build much, but when every piece comes together, the possibilities are extraordinary.

Generosity forms us and multiplies beyond us. Every act of giving shapes us more into the likeness of Jesus, and God consistently takes what we offer and multiplies it far beyond what we could imagine.

Coming Up at LVfirst

Volunteer at Candy at the Cabins

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

Sunday Re-Cap (September 28, 2026)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This Sunday, we explored 1 Corinthians 13 and Paul’s call to the “most excellent way” of love. We considered how our desire to be seen, known, and valued often fuels insecurity and division in our relationships. We were reminded that God already fully knew and loved us, which freed us from having to prove our worth to others. When we know that we're known by God, we can love others more patiently, humbly, and fully.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13

Real unity and connection require active, self-giving love rather than static feelings or superior talents. Any gifts or efforts we offer mean nothing if they aren't expressed through daily, practical action.

Much of our division and desire to impress others comes from an underlying insecurity and a deep human need to be seen. When we stop treating our lives like a competition or trying to prove our worth to those around us, we create space to genuinely relate to others and heal division.

We don't need to strive to prove ourselves because God already knows us completely. Recognizing that you are already fully known and valued by God takes the pressure off, freeing you to stop seeking validation and start extending authentic love to others.

Coming Up at LVfirst

Propel (October 2, 2026)
All women are welcome to join us for a night of food, fellowship, and faith! This event is free and open to the public. Be sure to invite a friend! Childcare is provided.

This Propel is Potluck! Bring a dish to share using this guide:
- Last Name A-G: Main Dish or Casserole (ex. Chicken Tenders, Mac & Cheese, Meat Casserole, Veggie Casserole, etc.)
- Last Name H-L: Side (Vegetable, Salad, Fruit, Appetizer, etc.)
- Last Name M-Z: Dessert

RSVP for Propel

Hike & Learn Bible Study (October 5, 2026)
We are excited to offer our first six-week study incorporating digging into the BIBLE, exploring SPIRITUALITY, while also getting outdoors into God's creation and hiking the trails at our historic Campground.

This opportunity is available for all physical activity levels as well as anyone new to the Bible or seasoned in studying the scriptures.

We will meet you where you're at! If you're ready to get outdoors and learn more about God in a "thin space."

Let Us Know You're Coming!

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

Sunday Re-Cap (September 21, 2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:09:25 +0000

This Sunday, we continued our series by looking at 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 and Paul’s call to use our freedom for the sake of others. We explored how being relatable meant asking not just what we were allowed to do, but what was loving, beneficial, and able to build others up. We were reminded that Jesus used His freedom for our sake, and we were invited to imitate Him in the way we relate to the people around us.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

Freedom in Christ is not a license for self-centeredness. The Corinthian slogan "all things are lawful" is technically true for those living under grace, but Paul pushes us deeper by asking whether our choices bring people together and build them up. Our freedom is most powerful when it is used for the benefit of others rather than ourselves.

Asking "what is loving?" is more transformative than asking "what am I allowed to do?" When we shift from seeking our own advantage to seeking the good of the neighbor, it changes the entire dynamic of our relationships and opens doors for the gospel to be heard and received.

Christ is our ultimate example of setting aside freedom for the sake of others. As described in Philippians 2, Jesus did not exploit his equality with God but humbled himself for our sake. Paul calls us to imitate that posture, trusting that we will never lose by helping someone else win.

Coming Up at LVfirst

Donuts & Dudes (September 23, 2026)
Biscuits & Bros is back, but as Donuts & Dudes!

Join us at 6:30AM on September 23rd as we kick off the Fall with an 8-week study of "Becoming Good Men" by Donnie Griggs. All are welcome!

Charge Conference (October 4, 2026)
Charge Conference will be held in Gibson Hall on October 4, 2026 at 2:00PM.

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

Sunday Re-Cap (September 14, 2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This Sunday, we explored 1 Corinthians 7:17–24 and Paul’s message to the church in Corinth. Reverend Amy called us to consider how Paul called believers to focus less on status, labels, and outward markers, and more on the transforming love of Christ. We reflected on how easily we can misunderstand one another when we lose sight of God’s grace. Together, we were invited to become more like the God we adore: merciful, loving, generous, and kind.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Our circumstances do not define our standing before God. Paul's message reminds us that whether we come from a place of privilege or hardship, what counts is keeping faith with God and living out that calling where we are, not waiting for different conditions to begin living faithfully.

Our minds can deceive us about what truly matters. Just as the stories of the two construction workers illustrated how powerfully our perception shapes our experience, we are reminded that our assumptions about status, belonging, and worth can lead us away from the truth of the gospel if left unexamined.

We become like the God we adore. If we worship a God of fear and rigid judgment, that is what we will reflect to others. But if we have truly encountered the Jesus of Scripture, a Jesus who is merciful, gracious, and radically loving, then that is what we are called to pour out into our communities and relationships.

Coming Up at LVfirst

Adopt a Teacher
We still have 45 teachers waiting to be paired with mentors — volunteers who commit to encouraging their teacher once a month via text, phone call, or showing up in some other way to let them know they're not alone.

If you OR your small group are interested in adopting a teacher (or teachers for groups) — please fill out our form ASAP so we can get you connected!

If you have questions, please contact Audrey Goodwin.

Get Paired with a Teacher

Homebound Card Shower (September 20, 2026)
Our card shower ministry will have pre-addressed cards available to pick up on Sunday, September 20th in the Welcome Center.

Stop by, pick up a pack of cards, and mail them to our homebound members to remind them that they're still cared for and a part of this church family.

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

Sunday Re-Cap (September 7, 2026)

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This Sunday, we began a new series in 1 Corinthians called Relate Able and explored Paul’s call for the church to live with unity in the midst of difference. We reflected on how the Corinthian church was divided over status, background, and favorite leaders, and how those same patterns still show up in our lives today. We were reminded that difference does not have to lead to division, because Christ has not been divided.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Difference is not the same as division. We can come from different backgrounds, hold different opinions, and see the world through different lenses without being pulled apart. Paul's appeal was not for sameness but for a shared mind and purpose, the kind that allows a team with many different roles to move together toward a common goal.

Division fractures the body of Christ. When we draw lines that Jesus has not drawn, using "us and them" language or aligning ourselves against one another, we divide the very body that Christ has not divided. We need each other's differences to see the fullness of God's love and grace.

Make the decision not to divide. Whether the conversation gets hard, someone worships differently, votes differently, or simply sees the world differently, we can choose to remain in the room with that difference. We can hold convictions without contempt, and in doing so, reflect the power of the cross to a watching world.

Coming Up at LVfirst

LiVE Groups (Launching September 13, 2026)
Ready to take the next step? LiVE Groups are a great way to get connected and build community at Lawrenceville First. Registration is open now, with groups meeting throughout the week and throughout our community.

What Are LiVE Groups?

GriefShare (Starting September 17, 2026)
If you or someone you know is navigating the painful journey of losing a loved one, you don't have to walk through it alone. The next session of GriefShare at LVfirst starts Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET.

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

Join the Adopt a Teacher Program

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:53:06 +0000

Last month, we had the opportunity to hear about the incredible work happening in our local schools. As a part of our mission to connect the church to the community and the community to the church, we've been investing in our school staff as they invest their time and talents into the next generation.

Did You Know?

According to a report released by the National Center for Educational Statistics in 2021, the average teacher will spend nearly $459 on classroom supplies out-of-pocket without reimbursement. Given that the average teacher salary in Georgia is $59,253 (indeed.com), which is about $4,937 per month, that $459 paid out-of-pocket makes up a not unsubstantial percentage of their monthly paycheck.

How We're Stepping In

Last year, we tried something new — an adopt a teacher program. A volunteer would be assigned a teacher for the school year and, once a month, would show up in the life of their teacher once a month. Whether it was a word of encouragement, a text, an email, or even a treat — they showed up and let their teacher know that they are not alone.

This year, after seeing the incredible impact this program is having on teachers, we've officially launched this as part of our school engagement initiatives. When we invited teachers to Fill Their Cup back in July, we gave each of them an opportunity to sign up to be "adopted" this school year.

How You Can Help

We need YOUR help to adopt our teachers! This year, we had over 80 teachers sign up for adoption. 30 teachers have already been adopted, but we still have another 50 waiting to be paired with their Team LV encourager.

What Volunteering Looks Like
We're asking each encourager to show up for their teacher at least once a month. It can be as simple as a quick text or call to offer some encouragement, or as much as helping them restock school supplies! The purpose of this program is to pair teachers with someone who will care, listen, and encourage them throughout the school year.

You will be paired with a teacher after you sign up. If you have any questions in the meantime, you can reach out to Audrey Goodwin for more information about our Adopt a Teacher program.

What to Expect — 8:30am Communion Service

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:41:03 +0000

Our 8:30am Communion Service Is Back!

Here's what to expect from this special time of worship.

This Sunday, September 6th, we will begin offering our Communion service on Sunday mornings at 8:30am. This is a special time of worship centered on the sacrament of Holy Communion.

How Communion Works in the United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church believes that all are invited to the table. Whether you've been baptized or not, whether you're a United Methodist or not, Jesus invites you to the table to receive Communion.

What to Expect at this Service

Our communion service is a simplified and shortened service focused on the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We will participate in a Call to Worship and sing hymns of praise, though we will not be led by our LVfirst Chancel Choir. You can expect to hear a similar message as you would hear at our 9:30am & 11:00am worship hours — so you don't have to worry about missing anything when you attend at 8:30am. After the message, we will transition into a time of Communion as we move through the traditional liturgy.

Who Is This Service For?

This service is for everyone. Throughout the month, as you feel called, we invite you to join us in worship at 8:30am to receive the gift of Communion. While we will still celebrate Communion in all services on the first Sunday of each month, our 8:30am service is a weekly opportunity to share and reconnect with the Lord through the gift of Holy Communion. Come as you are. Come as you need.

Sunday Re-Cap (August 31, 2026)

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This Sunday, we wrapped up our series in Jeremiah 29 by remembering God’s call to seek the peace and welfare of the places where we live, work, learn, and serve. We reflected on how God invited the exiles—and invites us—to look beyond ourselves, serve others, and pray for the communities around us. We were reminded that when we seek the peace of others, we often discover greater peace, connection, and wholeness ourselves. Together, we considered what it means for the church to be the church not just when we gather, but wherever we are sent.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was Jeremiah 29:4-14

Seeking the peace of others produces peace in ourselves. God's counterintuitive instruction to the exiles was that their own wholeness was tied to the wholeness of the community around them. When we invest in the welfare of those around us, something shifts in us and in the culture we are a part of.

Small acts of service have a ripple effect. Just as holding a door for a stranger makes that person significantly more likely to do the same for someone else, our individual choices to put others first create real change in the communities where God has placed us.

The church grows when its arrows point outward. When a congregation focuses inward and asks what's in it for us, it begins to shrink. But when we seek the peace of the city to which we have been called, the footprint of the church expands far beyond any single building or gathering.

Coming Up at LVfirst

8:30AM Communion Service (Starting Next Sunday)
Starting September 6th, our Sunday morning communion service will resume at 8:30AM in the Sanctuary.

This is a unique and condensed time of worship centered on celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion. All are invited to join us in the Sanctuary to receive communion at this service.

What Are LiVE Groups?

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

Sunday Re-Cap (August 24, 2026)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This Sunday, we continued our journey through Jeremiah 29 and reflected on God’s call to live faithfully even when we found ourselves in places we did not want to be. We explored how God invited the exiles, and us, to seek God, serve others, and keep building family and community right where we were. We were reminded that family was not only what we were born into, but also what we chose to build together as the family of faith. Together, we considered how multiplying our care, service, and love helped us see beyond ourselves and join God’s bigger movement of hope and shalom.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was Jeremiah 29:4-14

We cannot postpone faithful living because our circumstances are not perfect. God called the exiles to build, plant, marry, and multiply right where they were. He calls us to do the same, to keep seeking Him and serving others no matter what obstacles stand in our way.

Family is not only what we are born into but what we choose to build together. Jesus himself, as described in Matthew 12:46-50, pointed to those gathered around him as his true family. The church is meant to be that kind of family for everyone, a place where no one is alone in their struggles, whether they are navigating the demands of parenting, caring for an aging loved one, or simply looking for a community that knows them by name.

God calls us to multiply our impact. When we invest in one person and that person invests in another, the ripple effect becomes a movement of love that spans generations. Seeing beyond ourselves is not just an act of generosity; it is the very means by which God's family grows and His purposes are fulfilled in the world.

Coming Up at LVfirst

Bed Build (August 29, 2026)
Join us on August 29th as we serve our community with our Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build service project.

We will be working with our ministry partner Sleep in Heavenly Peace
to build beds for underprivileged families in the Lawrenceville community.

Bed Build Volunteer Sign Ups

Group Connect (August 30, 2026)
Looking to take the next step? Joining a small group is a great way to get connected and start building your community here at Lawrenceville First!

Join us at Group Connect on August 30th between services! We'll have leaders from a number of small groups, Sunday groups, and our LiVE Groups in the Welcome Center to share information about how you can get connected.

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

Find Your Group at Group Connect

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Find Your Group at LVfirst

As believers, we are called to live out our faith in community. Often, you'll hear us talk about that as a call to service, "at Lawrenceville First, we put Lawrenceville first!" But, we are also called to community here within our church community as well. One of the best ways to connect to the life of this church is by joining a small group - people who come together to encourage and challenge each other to grow in faith.

At Lawrenceville First, we have a number of groups that you can join. Small groups meet throughout the week at the church and across the community.

Small Groups at Lawrenceville First fall into two main categories: Grow Groups & LiVE Groups

About LiVE Groups

LiVE Groups are short-term small groups that meet for 10 weeks and work through a specific Bible Study together. This Fall, we have LiVE Groups working through the Rooted Experience and Financial Peace University. Rooted is a proven journey designed to help you discover who you are in Christ, connect to His church, and contribute to His mission. Financial Peace University is a nine-week course created by personal finance expert Dave Ramsey that teaches you how to save for emergencies, dump debt aggressively, spend wisely, and build a legacy of outrageous generosity using common-sense and biblical principles.

Whether you're brand new to LVfirst or you've been around for years, LiVE Groups create the space for something we all need: real community.

Learn More About LiVE Groups

Grow Groups

Our Grow Groups meet throughout the year and include our Sunday Morning Groups. If you're looking for a group with deep connections and history, one of our many Grow Groups would be a great fit for you! You can find more information about our different groups, meeting times, and group make-ups by diving into our Group Search feature.

Find a Grow Group

Join us for Group Connect

Looking to take the step? Joining a small group is a great way to get connected and start building your community here at Lawrenceville First!

Join us at Group Connect on August 30th between services! We'll have leaders from a number of small groups, Sunday groups, and our LiVE Groups in the Welcome Center to share information about how you can get connected.

Need Help Finding a Group?

Need help finding a group? Fill out this form and our Director of Connections, Sarah Snyder, will help you get connected!

Sunday Re-Cap (August 17, 2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This Sunday, we continued in Jeremiah 29 and reflected on God’s invitation to build homes, plant gardens, and seek belonging even in places of exile. We talked about how all of us long to be known, welcomed, and given a place to belong. Together, we considered how real community requires time, inconvenience, and commitment. Real community also becomes the place where healing and growth happen. We were reminded that as we build places of belonging, we create space for people to grow in faith and fruitfulness.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was Jeremiah 29:4-14

Real belonging requires real investment. God's instruction to build houses and dwell in them was not a call to temporary comfort but to permanent, rooted presence. Belonging does not happen by accident. It requires us to show up consistently for one another, even when it is inconvenient.

The cost of community is inconvenience. We cannot experience the fruitfulness of genuine relationship without being willing to give our time and presence to others.

People belong before they believe, and they believe before they grow. Fruitfulness in our faith does not come from Sunday morning attendance alone. It grows in the smaller, safer spaces of community, in groups where we are known, seen, and challenged to mature together in Christ, as described in John 15.

Coming Up at LVfirst

Bed Build Volunteer Sign Ups

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

What Are LiVE Groups?

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

LiVE Groups Are Back - And You're Invited

Real Connection. Deep Faith. Your Schedule.

If you've been looking for a way to go deeper in your faith and build meaningful friendships, LiVE Groups are exactly what you've been waiting for - and they're coming back!

What Are LiVE Groups?

LiVE Groups are short-term small groups that meet for 10 weeks and work through the Rooted Experience together. Rooted is a proven journey designed to help you discover who you are in Christ, connect to His church, and contribute to His mission.

Whether you're brand new to LVfirst or you've been around for years, LiVE Groups create the space for something we all need: real community.

The best part of the Live Group, 100% was the friendships.

New This Fall

Introducing: Financial Peace University

This Fall, we're excited to introduce a brand-new LiVE Group study - Financial Peace University (FPU). Created by personal finance expert Dave Ramsey, FPU is a proven nine-week course that teaches you how to save for emergencies, dump debt aggressively, spend wisely, and build a legacy of outrageous generosity using common-sense and biblical principles.

Whether you're looking to break the cycle of paycheck-to-paycheck living, save for a home, or plan for retirement, this class will give you the tools and accountability you need to succeed.

Wednesdays at 6:00PM | LVfirst UMC

Who Are LiVE Groups For?

LiVE Groups are for anyone - but especially if you:

Are new to LVfirst and want to meet people and find your place
Are looking to make new connections and grow your community
Can only make a short-term commitment right now - just 10 weeks, no long-term pressure
Want to grow deeper in your faith and experience what it truly means to be rooted

If any of these sound like you, there's a LiVE Group with your name on it.

Every time that we gathered together, I felt Him there. So if you want to experience God, do this.

Meet Anywhere. Meet Anytime.

One of the best things about LiVE Groups is their flexibility. Groups meet all across our community - at LVfirst, in homes, at coffee shops, and beyond. Whatever time and location works best for you, there's a group that fits your life.

Having those witnesses to your life, having people join your circle, having that community is invaluable.

Find Your Group

Our LiVE Groups are open for registration. Fill out the form below to sign up, and mark your calendars for our LiVE Group Launch on September 13th at 5PM in the Family Center.

Info-to-Know: Wednesday Night Programming

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:40:11 +0000

Wednesday Nights are Back!

Our Wednesday night programming starts back Wednesday, August 19. We have opportunities for the whole family to get engaged and connect with the church family during the week on Wednesday evenings at LVfirst! Keep reading for a full breakdown of everything that will be going on at our church on Wednesdays throughout the Fall.

LV Kids

LV Kids is a great way to get your children involved and connected to their church! Wednesday nights with LV Kids includes games, group activities, and a whole lot of fun. From infancy to 5th Grade, there are specific activities planned to engage your child, help them make new friends, and teach them about faith in ways that are meaningful to them.

When: 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Where: 2nd Floor of the Gibson Wing | The Studio & Nursery Hall
Who: Infants through Grade 5

Learn More about LV Kids

LV Students

Fusion is the place for your students to be on Wednesday nights! Grades 6-12 meet in The Warehouse for games, worship, and small groups. This is a great opportunity for your student to connect and grow in faith with a group of believers who understand them and leaders who invest everything into them.

When: 5:30PM (Pizza); 6:00PM-7:30PM (Worship & Small Groups)
Where: The Warehouse
Who: Grades 6-12

Learn More about LV Students

Opportunities for Adults

We are excited to have some new groups for adults starting up on Wednesday evenings! This Fall, we will have Let's Talk, a Book of John Bible Study, and a Women's Bible Study meeting every Wednesday at LVfirst.

Gospel of John Bible Study

Who: This group is open to everyone!
When: 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Where: Room 311

Women's Bible Study

Who: This group is open to all women. This Fall, we will be studying "Daring Joy" by Nicola Zasowski
When: 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Where: Connections Room

"Joy can feel risky. When you've experienced pain of any kind, it can feel easier not to dream than to be disappointed, or not to hope than to be left heartbroken. If you ever feel like it's safer not to embrace joy at all than to hold something that might break, you're not alone. Thankfully, the Bible paints a different picture-one that gives you the courage to hold on to joy regardless of your circumstances. Through the examples of six women in the Bible who model both the vulnerability of joy and the power of celebration, you'll see that God longs for you to embrace abundant joy! Don't miss out on your beautiful, God-given life because you're busy preparing for the worst."

Let's Talk

Who: Everyone!
When: 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Where: Spotlight Cafe

"This is a come-when-you-can study and is open to everyone! This Fall, we're going to study the Foundations of our Faith and dig in to what we, as United Methodists, believe."

Sunday Re-Cap (August 10, 2026)

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This Sunday, we continued in Jeremiah 29 and reflected on what we are truly looking for in life. We remembered that, even in seasons of exile, God’s plans for us are still rooted in peace, wholeness, and hope. We explored how God invites us to respond by seeking Him through worship, prayer, and drawing near together. When we seek God with all our hearts, we find the meaning, belonging, and purpose we are longing for.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was Jeremiah 29:4-14

All of us are searching for meaning, belonging, and purpose, and God's design is for us to find those things not in the next achievement or accumulation, but in him. What we focus on tends to be where we end up, so the direction of our seeking matters deeply.

Worship is our active response to God's goodness, not a passive experience we observe from a distance. Calling on God, praying, and searching for him together are the ways we interrupt our preoccupation with ourselves and attend to the presence of God, as Eugene Peterson put it.

God always makes the first move. We do not earn his attention or his plans for our welfare. He has already declared his intention to bring us peace and wholeness, and our role is to respond to what he has already done, not to perform in hopes that he will act.

Coming Up at LVfirst

Family Ministry Open House (August 12, 2026)
The whole family is invited to join our LV Kids & LV Students team on August 12th as we launch the ministry year! Come learn more about all our upcoming opportunities, meet our amazing staff and volunteers, and build excitement for the months ahead!

The event will kick-off in the Family Center at 6:00PM for a welcome pizza/salad dinner (optional), followed by a time visiting ministry stations for kids, students, and families. Families are encouraged to visit the Sanctuary towards the end of the evening for a family prayer.

Let Us Know You're Coming

Bed Build Volunteer Sign Ups

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

Sunday Re-Cap (August 3, 2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This Sunday, we began exploring Jeremiah 29 and what it meant to live faithfully when we found ourselves in places we didn’t want to be. We reflected on exile as any area of life where things felt unsettled, disappointing, or far from what we hoped. Together, we were reminded that God’s plans for us were rooted in shalom (peace, wholeness, and hope) and that we lived into those plans by seeking God and serving others. We were challenged to face difficult realities with resilience, trusting that God was at work even in the places that felt like exile.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was Jeremiah 29:4-14

God's plans for us are communal, not just individual. Jeremiah 29:11 speaks to a whole people, reminding us that our flourishing is connected to the flourishing of those around us.

Seeking God and serving others is the path through exile. Just as Jeremiah instructed the exiles to build, plant, and seek the welfare of the city around them, we are called to love God and love others right where we are, even when it is not where we want to be.

The promise requires the process. There is no easy button. Persistence through difficulty is what moves us from the problem to the promise, and God desires our peace and wholeness even more than we do.

Coming Up at LVfirst

Let Us Know You're Coming

Bed Build Volunteer Sign Ups

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

Sunday Re-Cap (July 27, 2026)

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This Sunday, we began the new school year by reflecting on what it means to “fill the right cup.” We looked at Nehemiah’s story and saw how God used his heartbreak for Jerusalem to move him from self-living to self-giving. Together, we considered the places where our own hearts were stirred and how we could pour ourselves out in meaningful ways for others. We were reminded that as we served our families, schools, teachers, and community, God filled our cups in ways we might not expect.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was Nehemiah 1:1-11

When we spend our lives trying to fill our own cup, it never feels full. Nehemiah held one of the most prestigious positions in the Persian empire, yet the turning point in his story came when he stopped living for his own comfort and allowed his heart to break for people he had never even met. The same invitation stands before each of us.

The question worth sitting with is: what breaks your heart? Nehemiah did not wait for someone else to act. When he heard about the broken walls and suffering people of Jerusalem, he wept, fasted, prayed, and ultimately said, in effect, I am someone who must do something about this. Identifying what genuinely moves us is often the first step toward discovering where God is calling us to serve.

On the hard days, remember Nehemiah's declaration in chapter 6 — that he was doing a great work and would not be pulled away from it. Whether you are a teacher, a parent, a grandparent, or someone quietly encouraging others behind the scenes, you are doing a great work. Do not come down from that wall.

Coming Up at LVfirst

Summer Serve Celebration (July 29, 2026)
You're invited to join us at this year's Summer Serve Celebration! You belong in the Hall of Fame of volunteers for all of the incredible work you've done this year serving this church and this city.

Join us in the Family Center on July 29th at 6:00PM for a meal in your honor along with some entertainment from our staff and a short time of vision casting as we look at upcoming opportunities to serve this next year.

Please RSVP Here

Blessing of the Backpacks (August 2, 2026)
Students & Teachers! You're invited to bring your backpacks to church on August 2nd for a special blessing as you start the new school year!

We will have a time of blessing during both 9:30AM and 11:00AM services, so please join us this Sunday and allow us to provide you with some extra blessings this back to school season.

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

Sunday Re-Cap (July 20, 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This Sunday, we walked through Genesis 22 and the story of Abraham and Isaac, reflecting on what it meant for Abraham to be asked to sacrifice his “most precious” son. We traced Abraham’s larger story, seeing how God repeatedly provided and kept His covenant, and how this moment uniquely tested whether Abraham loved God for who God is or only for what God gives. We then examined our own lives, asking what good gifts may have become idols and whether we are willing to lay them on the altar. Together, we were invited to trust that God will provide and to love and worship Him simply because He is worthy.

Watch Sunday's Services

Want to watch the full service? Click below!

Modern Worship

Traditional Worship

Sermon Notes

Check out some of the key takeaways from this past Sunday's sermon.

This week's scripture was Genesis 22:1-13

God is testing our love, not our obedience alone. Throughout Abraham's story, God had always promised something in return for obedience. But in Genesis 22, there was no guarantee—just a command. Abraham's immediate response revealed that his love for God wasn't transactional. We must ask ourselves: Are we following God because of what He provides, or because He is inherently worthy of our worship?

Our blessings can become our idols. Isaac was God's gift to Abraham—the fulfillment of decades of promises. Yet even this precious gift could not come before Abraham's love for God. What blessings in our lives—career success, financial security, relationships, comfort—have subtly shifted from gifts to idols? God may be calling us to lay these on the altar, trusting that He will provide what we truly need.

Faith means trusting God's character, even in uncertainty. Abraham traveled three days with the weight of God's command, carrying the wood, facing his son's questions. When Isaac asked where the lamb was, Abraham declared, "God will provide." He didn't know how, but he knew Who. Taking up our cross daily means following Jesus not for warm feelings or community perks, but out of pure commitment to His worthiness.

Coming Up at LVfirst

Teacher Recognition Sunday (July 26, 2026)
Teachers & School Faculty! We want to celebrate you as you prepare for the upcoming school year.

Join us on Sunday, July 26th at 9:30AM & 11:00AM for a special time of worship as we celebrate and pray over you.

Between services, we'll have some goodies for you to pick up including a "Fill Your Cup" station where you can grab a cup and fill it with supplies for your classroom.

Please RSVP Here

Find More Events at LVfirst

Next Sunday at LVfirst

Get a head start on Sunday's sermon!

Help us keep putting Lawrenceville first!

Read the Latest Edition of the Newsletter

Learn More about Our Build Your Church Campaign

Back to School

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Back to School / Back to Church

As you start finding your new rhythms with the beginning of the school year, we want you to keep LVfirst as a part of your weekly rhythms!

Here are some events to help you stay connected during this back to school season!

Teacher Recognition Sunday

Teachers & School Faculty! We want to celebrate you as you prepare for the upcoming school year.

Join us on Sunday, July 26th at 9:30AM & 11:00AM for a special time of worship as we celebrate and pray over you. Between services, we'll have some goodies for you to pick up including a "Fill Your Cup" station where you can grab a cup and fill it with supplies for your classroom.

Blessing of the Backpacks

Students & Teachers! We invite you to bring your backpacks to church on August 2nd for a special blessing as you start the new school year!

Backpacks can receive a blessing during both 9:30AM and 11:00AM service, so please allow us to provide you with some extra blessings this back to school season.

Family Ministry Open House

The whole family is invited to join our LV Kids & LV Students team on August 12th as we launch the ministry year! Come learn more about all of our upcoming opportunities, meet our amazing staff and volunteers, and build excitement for the months ahead!

The event will kick-off in the Family Center at 6pm for a welcome pizza/salad dinner (optional), followed by some time for visiting the ministry stations for kids, students, and families. Families are encouraged to visit the Sanctuary towards the end of the evening for a family prayer.

RSVP Here!

2nd Grade Bibles

Join us in worship on August 30th as we present our 2nd graders with Bibles! It has been a longstanding tradition at Lawrenceville First to gift all of our 2nd graders with their own Bibles at the beginning of each school year.

We will recognize our 2nd graders at our 9:30AM service and they will officially receive their Bibles during our 11:00AM service.

Want more information? Visit our website at www.lvfirst.org/back-to-school

LVfirst Invites Local Teachers to Fill Their Cup

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Caleb Clark by email: calebc@lvfirst.org or by phone: 770-963-0386

LVfirst Invites Local Teachers and School Faculty to Fill Their Cups with Free Classroom Supplies at Special Sunday Service

Lawrenceville, July 14, 2026 — The Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church (UMC) is inviting local teachers and school faculty located in the city of Lawrenceville to "Fill their cups" with classroom supplies provided for free by the church at a special Sunday service event.

Every year, Lawrenceville First UMC hosts many different back to school events from July to August in an effort to get local teachers and students geared up for the upcoming school year. One such event is its annual Teacher Recognition Sunday which is a special Sunday event the church incorporates into its weekly worship to celebrate local teachers and school faculty. This year, the event will take place on July 26 with the theme of "Fill Your Cup", which will not only give local teachers some well deserved recognition, but also provide a cupful of free school supplies for any teacher that needs it.

According to a report released by the National Center for Educational Statistics in 2021, the average teacher will spend nearly $459 on classroom supplies out-of-pocket without reimbursement. Given that the average teacher salary in Georgia is $59,253 (indeed.com), which is about $4,937 per month, that $459 paid out-of-pocket makes up a not unsubstantial percentage of their monthly paycheck.

The city of Lawrenceville is home to over 20 different Gwinnett County Public Schools, which collectively employee around 3,000 of the school system's approximate 24,000 employees (gcpsk12.org). Through its Parents First Initiative and School Engagement programs, Lawrenceville First UMC has supported many of those teachers in Lawrenceville schools including: Central Gwinnett & Discovery High Schools, Moore Middle, Jordan Middle, Jenkins Elementary, Lawrenceville Elementary, Baggett Elementary, Simonton Elementary, and Rock Springs Elementary Schools. Thanks to this Sunday service, many local teachers will now be able to spend more time working on lesson plans and less money stocking their classrooms this upcoming school year.