Athens First United Methodist Church E-Steeple
 
March 7, 2010
 
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
 
"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.
  
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 Trip
June 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.

Featured Section

 

A Message for YOU...TH!


Calendar

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)
 
(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 12
Psalm 32
 

Saturday, March 13
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
8:00 a.m. UMW Lenten Day District Meeting




 
 
 

 
 

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.


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

 
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
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

 
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