| Athens First United Methodist Church E-Steeple
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March 7, 2010
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Traditional Service in the Sanctuary 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m. Chuck Hodges Preaching "Bound By A Promise" Isaiah 55:1-5
Anthem: "Agnus Dei" Peter Williams Reminder: March 14 2:00 a.m.daylight savings time begins
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"Touching Hearts, Changing Lives"
With spring on the horizon, many thoughts and efforts turn to Vacation Bible School at our church. My first volunteer experience at AFUMC was long ago in the busy art room of VBS. I loved the kids, the art, and the other teachers. You might say that experience helped secure my "place" in this community of faith. Years later, I have valued friendships resulting from that time of serving. As a child, I knew I could count on three things every summer: a week of swimming lessons, a family vacation at the seashore and a week of Bible School. VBS has been a valued part of my faith development for much of my life.
You too may have Bible School memories of Kool-Aid and cookies you could hold on your finger. You may remember one fun week, one special teacher, or one catchy song that still lifts your spirit. Your parents may still have your Popsicle art. You may have one friendship that grew from those moments. It may have been the time you first met Jesus. VBS is a faith tradition that lasts a lifetime.
On June 21, we will begin Vacation Bible School at Athens First United Methodist Church. Our theme this year is High Seas Adventure, where we will set sail and "explore the mighty love of God." While June may seem a long time away, the excitement has already begun! Leadership teams and plans are forming. I invite you to consider what part you might play in this adventure of faith.
Our goal for 2010 is to make VBS a church-wide event. We enjoy the incredible luxury of offering VBS to more than 300 kids each summer. These five, action-packed days of Bible teaching, singing, crafting and playing are our greatest opportunities each year to share Jesus with children and each other. We are in the business of building faith traditions that last a lifetime. To do this well, you can imagine the number of adults we need to plan and staff this wonderful week.
The support of each church member will help us make this a successful event. Everyone is welcome and is encouraged to join in. Volunteer duties are varied. There is something for everyone. Specific duties are listed on our web page. Please commit to the part you will play by calling our church office before April 1. This will enable us to open registration to the children on April 18.
When you volunteer, you can expect to be impressed by the passion of committed
adults and the excitement of children experiencing Jesus at every turn. You will make new friends - young and old(er). And you'll probably find yourself humming the VBS tunes for weeks to come. Most of all, I know you will encounter Jesus in the midst of the adventure. At the end of it all, you will have helped make another VBS memory for all those who boarded the ship!
May you be blessed as you bless others,
Robin |
Member News
In Sympathy Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to: Hugh and Mary Larkey on the loss of his brother, Ben Larkey, on February 19 in Virginia.
Altar Flowers
The flowers on the altar, March 7, are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of E. Pierce Arant, Jr. by Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Andela and family.
The flowers in the narthex, March 7, are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of William Hayward by Betty Anne Hayward and family.
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Bible Study and Learning Options
Confirmation Class for Adults & Older Youth This class is for adults and older youth [7th to 12th grade] who desire to be baptized, confirmed and to join AFUMC. There are seven sessions that lead to the important step of claiming faith in Jesus Christ. Classes begin on Wednesday, March 24, at 6:30pm in Room 119. Class participants will be invited to celebrate their baptisms, confirmation and membership in the church on Pentecost Sunday, May 23. Please contact Martha Aenchbacher if you are interested martha@athensfirstumc.org.
The Best of Beth Moore This women's Bible study will begin on Wednesday, April 7, and go through Wednesday, May 5. Two five-week sessions are available: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. OR 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Childcare will not be available for these studies. Please sign up by contacting jstrickland@bellsouth.net or hweston43@charter.net. Janet's phone: 678-910-0039.
Easter Lilies Lilies will once again be placed on our altar for Easter Sunday services. They may be purchased for $10 in memory or in honor of a loved one. Orders with payment must be placed at the church office or by mail by Thursday, March 25 (please include the names of the persons you are honoring if mailing in). Lilies may be picked up on Sunday, April 4, after the 11 o'clock service.
Fellowship Announcements
ISM Workshop, "In Love But Worlds Apart" Thursday, March 18, from 6 - 9 p.m. in Hancock Hall. This workshop about intercultural dating and marriage will address the joys and problems of couples whose partners hail from different cultural backgrounds. Please join us for a pizza dinner and presentation by Mrs. Grete Shelling, EdS, MS. Mrs. Shelling is the author of the book, "In Love but Worlds Apart," and has many years experience counseling couples and individuals in multicultural settings in both the U.S. and Europe. She is originally from Austria, is married to an American, and is a staff member of InterFACE Ministries. To reserve your place, please email Lynn Bryant at Athens1stism@aol.com by Monday, March 15. There is no charge for the workshop, but participants will be given an opportunity to purchase the book for $10.
ISM Snack & Chat Movie Night Friday, March 5, at 6:30 p.m. in Hancock Hall. Please join the international students as we watch a movie about a small-town high school football team that features UGA's head football coach in a small role. It's an inspirational movie that is fun to watch! We will also enjoy refreshments (soup and sandwiches, etc.) and conversation after the movie. If you plan to join us, please let Lynn Bryant (Athens1stism@aol.com) know by noon on Wednesday, March 3. Thanks!
Lenten Day Apart & Memorial Service You are invited to the annual Lenten Day Apart & Memorial Service on Saturday, March 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 hosted by Athens First United Methodist Church. The guest speaker will be the Reverend Susan Taylor, Pastor of Jones Chapel U.M.C. in Danielsville, GA. Registration & Fellowship at 9:00 in Hancock Hall. Worship, Memorial Service and Communion in the Sanctuary at 10:00. As the host church, we need several volunteers to help with hospitality (snacks, decorations, set up). Please call Pam Ward at 706-757-2531 if you can help.
Discipleship & Missions
Appalachia Mission TripJune 6-11, four spaces left! The cost will be $245. If you can hold a hammer, you are qualified. Sign up soon. Please direct questions to John Page, johnp@athensfirstumc.org.
March Agape This month we will be collecting liquid laundry detergent and toilet paper for those in need at The Great Day of Service, which is coming April 17. Please drop any items in the basket near reception desk on the main floor.
Autodebit or Drafting of Regular Scheduled Contributions Athens FUMC now has a new feature offered by our local bank. We have the ability to automatically draft or debit your personal bank account for your monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly tithe or offering. This is a plan to simplify and eliminate check writing for those of you who contribute a select amount on a regularly scheduled basis. If you have interest or questions about this new feature, please contact David Walton at 706-543-1442. You will be required to sign an authorization form and present a voided check from the bank account from which we will draft or debit the contribution. Therefore, if this would assist you with your regular contribution, please give Dave a call. We are not able to do online payments for activities or tithing just yet, but this is great step towards making life a little easier for our members.
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Sunday, March 7 Luke 13:1-9 8:30 a.m. Worship Service 8:30 a.m. Preschool Nursery & Sunday School 8:50 a.m. Partners Too Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Service 9:45 a.m. First Word 11:00 a.m. Worship Service 4:30 p.m. Alleluia Ringers Mid High Cross Ties WYC Senior High 5:30 p.m. Carillon Ringers Youth Snack Supper 6:00 p.m. WYC Mid High Senior High Cross Ties
Monday, March 8 Revelation 19:1-8 1:15 p.m. Monday Bible Study Group
Tuesday, March 9 Revelation 19:9-10 7:15 a.m. Youth Breakfast (Watkinsville
Waffle House) 1:00 p.m. Home School 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts 7:30 p.m. Volleyball
Wednesday, March 10 Luke 9:10-17 7:15 a.m. Youth Breakfast (Beechwood
Chick-fil-a) 9:30 a.m. Wed. morning study group Believing God Bible study 12:30 p.m. Believing God Bible study 3:00 p.m. Fun gym 4:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry Lyric Choir Celebrate Chimes
(Cont'd)
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(Wednesday Cont'd)
5:00 p.m. Lent Bible Study 5:15 p.m. Cherub, Celebrate, Lyric Chimes, Sonshine & Joy
Children's Choirs Express Bible Study 5:30 p.m. Chamber Ensemble Wednesday Fellowship Meal 6:00 p.m. Oconee Co. Youth Bible Study Covenant Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Classes: Mid-High Bible Study Sr. High Bible Study Disciple II, III Companions in Christ 8:00 p.m. Co-ed Volleyball
Thursday, March 11 Joshua 5:9-12 9:00 a.m. Community Bible Study 1:00 p.m. Home School 7:30 p.m. Volleyball
Friday, March 12Psalm 32
Saturday, March 13 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
8:00 a.m. UMW Lenten Day District Meeting
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Wednesday Fellowship Dinner
March 10 Fried Pork Chops Roasted Potatoes Broccoli and Cheese Rolls, Dessert, and Soups Tea, Lemonade, and Coffee Reservations required by noon on Tuesday (706-543-1442) Cost is $6 for regular plate; $2 for pizza; $20 family max Pizza available only by reservation; please specify cheese or pepperoni.
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Financial Report Budget for 2010 $2,257,132 Giving Goal through January $220,915 Amount Received through January $248,432 Giving Goal for February $158,012 Amount given after 3 Sundays $126,233 Debt Reduction Goal for 2010 $100,000 Debt Reduction Year-to-date $2,271 Current Bank Loan(s) Debt $2,000,000
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Attendance - February 28 Sunday School 398 8:30 a.m. Worship 128 9:45 a.m. 361 11:00 a.m. 795 Total Worship Services 1,284 |
March Ushers (8:30) Jim Belger, Ann Brown, Paul Brown, Don Crews, Larry Deal, Jim Lyons, Candler Meadors, Olan Moore, Bob Noble, Grace Rabek, Ken Reece, Keith Wilson
(9:45) Chris Bostdorff, David and Jane Disney, Mark Ellison, Tom Milton, Sharon Milton, Marvin Reynolds, Al Rogers, Bill Trigleth, Dave Matthews
(11:00) Charlie Barron, Mike Wanner, Mark Graham, Mike McCord, Jim Cooper, Charlie Upchurch III
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Offering Stewards Bob Booth & Charlie Grimes, co-chairman; Nat Belger, Charles Braucher, Nat Carmack, Henry Garrard, Al Hawley, Sean Rogers, Charlie Upchurch III. |
First Light Acolytes - March 7 (8:30) Walt Chapeau, Joe Jordan, Loran Posey, Hayley Whitmore (9:45) Samantha Harvel, Anna Alyssa McCoy, Matthew Ward, Sarah Whatley (11:00) John Mobley Cross, Taylor Lawrence, Sam Smith
Acolyte Managers: Richard Golden, Emily Harvel
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Nursery Parent Helpers - March 7 Babies: Carla and Jared York Beginning Walker: HELP NEEDED
Toddlers: Melissa & Bruce Kelly 2-Year-Olds: Cress & Spence Johnson 3-Year-Olds: Tina & Jay Lord 4-Year-Olds: Tracy & Jeff Cass
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