News from Athens First United Methodist Church

(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) Al Hawley, Charles Grimes, Henry Folsom, Tom Henson, Fred Blake, Henry Garrard, Matt Hawley, Nat Belger.

Offering Stewards
Bob Booth & Charlie Grimes, co-chairman; Nat Belger, Charles Braucher, Nat Carmack, Henry Garrard, Al Hawley, Sean Rogers, Charlie Upchurch III.

Sing In the Light

The Wesleyan Youth Choir will present "Sing In the Light" this Sunday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m. in our sanctuary. We will be singing anthems that tell the stories depicted in our beautiful stained glass windows. These windows have graced our church since 1963. They serve as the back-drop for weddings, baptisms, confirmations, and funerals. They inspire our worship on Sunday mornings. They are an icon of Christianity and Methodism in downtown Athens.
Over the past two months, individuals and groups have been signing up to "sponsor" each stained glass panel in honor or memory of someone they care about! Jamie and Rich are working hard on a beautiful program that will feature individual photos of each medallion, the scripture that goes with it, the anthem, and the sponsorship dedication. The Youth Choir has been working since last August on the music. Many area musicians have volunteered to participate. In short, the church and community are pulling together for this celebration! What a joy!
We hope you will join us as we sing and celebrate the stories of our faith as shown in our windows - from Moses to Martin Luther! Bring your family and friends to worship with us. A love offering will be taken; the proceeds will go to support Youth Music Ministry at AFUMC.
I hope to see you there!
　
　
　
Janis Maxwell
Director, WYC

Member News

New Arrivals
Congratulations to:
Alison and Brian Caudle on the birth of their son, Wesley John, on April 7. Wesley is the grandson of Michael and Linda Timko.

Baptism
William McLucas Lasseter received the Sacrament of Baptism on April 11 in our Sanctuary. He is the son of Dan and Amy Lasseter.

Connor Alan Richardson received the Sacrament of Baptism on April 11 in our Sanctuary. He is the son of Matt and Ann Richardson.

Altar Flowers

The flowers on the altar, April 18, are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. James William Barnes, Mr. Henry F. Nelson Holland Sr., Mr. Robin Paxson, Mr. Phil Strahan, and Mr. Robert Guthrie, by Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Strahan and Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. Nelson Holland, Jr.

UMW Spring Luncheon
The annual Spring Luncheon sponsored by the UMW will be Sunday, April 18 in Hancock Hall following the eleven o'clock worship service. The program will be presented by Dr. Douglas Bailey of the UGA Department of Horticulture speaking on "Flowers of the Bible." Reservations are required and should be made by calling the church office no later than Tuesday, April 13. Cost of the meal is $10.00 to be paid at the door. All are invited to come and enjoy this time of food and fellowship.

Fellowship Announcements

Communion Server Orientation
The purpose of this orientation is for current Communion servers and those interested in becoming Communion servers to become better acquainted with the process of serving Holy Communion. It will be offered at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 25, in the Sanctuary, and will last about 30 minutes. If you wish to attend, please contact Courtney Bowers at the church office, courtney@athensfirstumc.org, 706-543-1442, x207.

Senior Fun Luncheon for April
Join us on Thursday, April 22, at 12:30 in Hancock Hall for our April fun. Our entertainment will be the incredible 50-member Reynolds Plantation Chorus. They are one of the finest in the state and performed the Christmas program for the Ritz Carlton at Lake Oconee this past season. They will sing Broadway hits, spirituals and some of your favorite Broadway hits from the fabulous fifties. Please call the front desk at 706-543-1442 to make your reservation before Monday, April 19.

Seniors love to travel - But where and when??
Your suggestions are needed and we will plan a trip. Call or email Beth Randolph at 706-543-6029 or randol_e@bellsouth.netor Charlie or Marguerite Burch at 706-548-0822 or burchmag@bellsouth.net.

Men's Ministry Dinner
Put Tuesday, April 20, 6:30 p.m. for the next Men's Dinner and Program, "Faith in Sports." Following the meal, we'll hear from Charley Whittemore, former UGA wide receiver, Chris Davis, starting left guard, and Brandon Boykin, starting cornerback/special teams. Cost is $10. Register online at www.athensfirstumc.org under EVENT REGISTRATIONS (main page). Deadline for registration is Monday, April 19, by noon.

Great Day of Service Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Supporting the Philippines Mission Trip
Saturday, April 17, 7:30 a.m. in Hancock Hall
Join us for a hearty pancake breakfast, and do good with every bite! Donations accepted at the door.

Discipleship & Missions

April Agape
Bars of soap are being collected for the rest of April. Please drop off in the collection basket in front of Tracy Trigleth's office behind reception. We thank you in advance!!!

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 and confirmed and to join AFUMC. There are five sessions that lead to the important step of claiming faith in Jesus Christ. Class will now begin on Wednesday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m. 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, martha@athensfirstumc.org if interested.