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) Lee Brinson, Ryan Brinson, Nathan King, Claude Felton, Steve Greer, Mack Furlow, John Bateman.

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

Youth Ministry Reunion Weekend

Habakkuk 3:2
"O Lord, I have heard of your renown, and I stand in awe, O Lord, of your work. In our own time revive it; in our own time make it known; in wrath may you remember mercy."

The reputation of Athens First UMC youth ministry can be an intimidating giant to a newcomer called to serve in this time and place. Three years ago, when our family answered the call to come and serve at Athens First UMC, I was both delighted and intimidated. Delighted because we had the opportunity to be a part of a legacy in youth ministry that few churches have experienced or enjoyed, intimidated because I wasn't sure how I would fare in the shadows of the youth ministry giants like Rev. Mike Selleck and Rev. Margaret Freeman. Nevertheless, I would do my best to be faithful.
Here we are at the end of the 2009-2010 school year, about to honor some incredible seniors who have faced trials, tribulations, celebrations and faith journeys and have endured. This weekend we will stand in awe of the work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as we reunite adults who were once youth in this church, who once worked with the youth in this church, and who are currently youth at AFUMC. Twenty-five years of Christian witness, nurture and faith have pulsed through the veins of the youth program at AFUMC. We know that God's handiwork is all over this place, creating, refining, touching and sustaining young people for generations to come. It is a legacy that AFUMC should be proud of and humbled by. It is a gift from God that we will celebrate and honor this weekend as we remember what God has done for us!

Here's how you can join in on the fun and celebration!
Saturday - May 15
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Youth Ministry Reunion Brunch in Hancock Hall
4:00 - 7:30 p.m. "Road Rally" starts at the church and then ends up at a Mystery Location with food, fellowship, prizes and more.

Sunday - May 16
9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Reunion "First Word" in Youth Area Prayer Room
"Meet your 2010-2011Teacher" Sunday for current youth
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Senior Recognition Sunday for Class of 2010 -
Rev. Mike Selleck preaching
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Reception for Class of 2010 - Hancock Hall
Everyone invited to come and greet the Seniors!

Member News

In Memoriam
Cao Lin Zhang
May 4, 2010

Cynthia Parker
May 5, 2010

In Sympathy
Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to:
Paul and Sue DeMersseman and children, Claire, Kim, Robert and Dustin, on the loss of Paul's brother, David DeMersseman, on May 3 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Mucheng Zhang on the loss of his wife, Cao Lin, on May 4 in Athens, Georgia.

Jason, Valerie and Abby Fortson on the loss of his grandfather, J.C. Fortson, on May 4 in Athens, Georgia.

Reid Parker and family on the loss of his wife, Cynthia, on May 5 in Athens, Georgia.

New Arrival
Congratulations to:

Reid and Stephanie Langley on the birth of their son, Lawson Harrison Langley, on April 26.

Tom and Elizabeth Hawk on the birth of their daughter, Margaret Fleming, on May 4. Margaret is the granddaughter of Thomas and Beth Hawk.

Wedding Bells
Congratulations to:
Chuck Blackwell and Dawn Carr who were married on
May 8 in our Chapel.

Baptism
Anna Pierce Gossett received the Sacrament of Baptism on May 9 in our Sanctuary. She is the daughter of Cullen and Emily Gossett.

Altar Flowers