Athens First United Methodist Church Newsletter - March 20, 2011
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Traditional Service
 in the Sanctuary
8:30 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
11:00 a.m.

Chuck Hodges Preaching
"The Chance of a Lifetime"
Mark 10:46-52

Anthem:
8:30 Service


9:45/11:00 Service
         "Pie Jesu"
Archer
        Sung by the Sanctuary Choir

 
ONLINE STREAMING OF THE 11:00 a.m. WORSHIP SERVICE IS NOW AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE - SIMPLY CLICK THE LINK ON THE HOME PAGE.


 
Our 11:00 a.m. worship service is broadcast on WRFC 960 AM each Sunday and online at www.960theref.com
 

Wednesday Fellowship 

March 23       



Ham Steaks  

& Corn Bread 

Black Eyed Peas

Turnip Greens

 

 

Rolls, Dessert, and Soups

Tea, Lemonade, and Coffee

 

 

 

Reservations required by noon on Tuesday
 (706-543-1442)


please specify cheese or pepperoni.
Cost is $6 for regular plate; $2 for pizza; $20 family max. Pizza available only by reservation; please specify cheese or pepperoni.   

 

 

 

 

  

Attendance Mar 13     

Sunday School: 426
8:30 a.m.:  110
9:45 a.m.:  214
11:00 a.m.:  461
Total Worship: 785

Financial Report

Budget for 2011 $2,339,129


Giving Goal through February 2011

$389,227  


Amount Received through February $451,570


Giving Goal for March $206,987


Amount given after 1 Sunday $76,438


Debt Reduction Goal for 2011 $100,000


Trustee Debt Reduction Year-to-date $84,333

 

Current Bank Loan(s) Debt $1,789,449


Nursery Parent Helpers  Mar 20     

Crawlers/Walkers: Cameron & Patrick Garrard

Walkers/Toddlers: Nikki & Derek Hon

Early 2's: Todd & Jessica Nickelson

2-Year-Olds: Melissa & Brandt Halbach

3-Year-Olds: Rosalie & Micah Harris

4-Year-Olds: Nancy & Mark Dyleski

 

First Light Acolytes  

Mar 20 

   

8:30 - Walt Chapeau, Joe Jordan, Loran Posey

9:45 - Samantha Harvel, Anna Alyssa McCoy, Jacob Hudson          

11:00 - Savannah Smith, Sarah Whatley, Hayley Whitmore    

               
Acolyte Managers:  William English, Emily Harvel

March Ushers

(8:30)  Jim Belger, Ann Brown, Paul Brown, Don Crews, Larry Deal,  Hugh Larkey, 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)  Mark Graham, Charlie Barron, Mike McCord,  Charlie Upchurch III, Allan Hixon, Mason McWhorter, Gene Deal.

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

  


Meet the Staff

 

Emily Kirby

emily@athensfirstumc.org 

Emily Kirby

My husband, Adam, and I are originally from Lawrenceville, Georgia. Adam and I joined the church in February 2010 after attending as visitors for almost three years. We moved to Athens five years ago for me to continue my education with the University of Georgia. In 2009, I received my Bachelors of Social Work. My husband is a mechanic for Classic City Off Road and we both are thrilled to have jobs we love in the Athen's area (since after moving we realized we never want to leave)! I am the program assistant for our Youth and Recreation Ministries and am loving getting to know all of the youth, parents, and members of the community who get to experience God's love through sports and various youth group activities! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, and as much time as I can with my many different pets! God is growing AFUMC in amazing ways and I am very excited to be a part of this great church family!

 

Church Staff Update

 

 

If you have not heard, Tracy Trigleth, former assistant to the Ministries of Evangelism/Congregational Care, Missions/Discipleship, and Children, has left the staff to spend more time with family.  One of our current staff members, Diana Zylow, who previously supported the Ministries of Youth and Recreation, has moved upstairs to fill this position.  Diana graduated from the  University of Georgia in 2008 with a degree in Child and Family Development.  Following graduation, she went on to work at the UGA Wesley Foundation as a ministry intern for two years, and has been with us since July 2010.  We have so enjoyed working with both Tracy and Diana during their time here.  We wish Tracy the best in her future endeavors, and we look forward to working with Diana in this new capacity.  (Diana - diana@athensfirstumc.org)  

 

Member News

   

In Memoriam

Henry Zittrouer 

March 12, 2011

 

Altar Flowers

The flowers on the altar, March 20, are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ann and Arthur Jarrell by Fran and Richard Lane and Kitty and Frank Meyran.

 

In Sympathy

Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to:

Derlye and Michael Stover on the loss of  her father, Francis O'Neal, on March 7 in Madison, Georgia.

Mary Zittrouer on the loss of her husband, Henry, on March 12 in Athens, Georgia.

 

New Members

KaDee Holt, 585 White Circle #404, Athens, Georgia 30605.  

(706) 614-4347.

Karen Russell, 1080 Twin Lakes Road, Athens, Georgia 30606.  (706) 850-5165.  Karen has a daughter, Kinsey.

 

Fellowship Announcements

 

Bruce Feiler
Want to hear a New York Times best-selling author speak of survival, family, and hope?  You can on Sunday, March 27, at 4:30 p.m.  Bruce Feiler, author of Walking the Bible, Council of Dads and many other books, will be in Hancock Hall.  Tickets are on sale now, click here to purchase one! Very limited seating so don't wait until the last minute!

 

Attention!  Calling all MILITARY FAMILIES!

The Congregational Care Committee would like to extend its caring to those in our church family who are military families.  Even though America's combat mission in Iraq has ended, America's commitment to our troops must continue whether they are at home, serving in Afghanistan, or supporting the Iraqi people as they forge their own future.  We must begin this support within our own church family by first identifying our own military families and then showing our patriotism and appreciation for those who sacrifice so much to protect our country.  Let us know who you are and who in your family is serving our country so that we can be more aware of your sacrifice.  Please fill out the questionnaire by clicking here and return to the church office  We want to salute you and your families-let us join you in this gift you are giving to protect our freedoms. 

 

Senior Fun Luncheon

Please join us for the March luncheon on Thursday, March 24, at 12:30 in Hancock Hall.  Cost is $6 per person.  Our guest speakers will include Clarke Co. Mayor Nancy Denson, Chair of Oconee County Commission, Melvin Davis and Leaders from the Clarke and Oconee County Chamber of Commerce offices.  The topic will be Perspectives on the Future of Metro Athens.  A short Q & A will follow.  Please make your reservation by Monday, March 21, by calling 706-543-1442. 

 

Pictorial Directory: It's Not Too Late!

If you would like to make an appointment or reschedule your appointment for the pictorial directory, please call the Family Focus scheduling department at 877-896-9667, ext. 325.  The last weekend for photography is March 26-28.  Thank you for your participation!

    

Easter Lilies
Lilies will once again be placed on the altar for Easter Sunday services.  They may be purchased in memory or honor of a loved one.  The price is $10.00.  Deadline for the orders is April 12.  Please stop by or  call the church office at 706-543-1442 to place your order.  The lilies will be placed in the sanctuary on Easter Sunday and may be picked up after the 11:00 service on April 24 or Monday, April 25.

 

Children's Ministry Easter Egg Hunt
Toddlers through Elementary Age Children
Join us Saturday, April 23, at 2:55 p.m. at the home of Amy and Bob Parrish (2691 New High Shoals Road, Bishop) for our Easter Egg Hunt.  Please bring a dozen filled (not chocolate) plastic eggs to the church office by Wednesday, April 20, for each child who will be participating.  For more information and to help with the hunt, please email Melissa Pearson, melissapearson@charter.net, or Amy Parrish,
amyhparrish@bellsouth.net.  

 

Discipleship & Missions

 

Struggling with Grief? 

You are not alone and are warmly invited to attend an introductory seminar, Wise Grieving, led by the Samaritan Counseling Center.  Please come on Sunday, March 20, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the John Wesley room (253).  If you have questions, please contact Rev. Martha Aenchbacher, martha@athensfirstumc.org.

 

Pray For Our Costa Rica Team 

Please pray for the following people from March 13 to March 20 while they go to Costa Rica on behalf of this congregation to minister in mission. They are the Go Team.  By praying you are the Sending Team. Together we are One Team.

 

Missy Jackson
Madeline Jackson
Lisa Sheppard
Tesh Parris
Andrea Parris
Dianne Morrison
Pat Morrison
Merry Anderson
John McCollum
Kathryn McCollum
Kelly Channell
Camille Blair
Jim Timberlake
Joanne Timberlake
Katie Baba-Nielson
Matt Nielson
Larsen Block

Marian Block

 

What To Do After Tax Day

After we collect the necessary money for Stop Hunger Now, we have the chance to put it to work by packaging 50,000+ meals in one morning, Saturday, April 16. Choose from an 8 a.m. shift or a 10:30 a.m. shift.  Click here to register.  If you want to be outdoors and serve on April 16, contact Jon Mills at jon@mills.net for three different opportunities. Whether you're indoors or outdoors, make April 16 a Great Day to Serve! You'll be done before the G-day game, so don't worry!

Bible Study and Learning Options

 

Newcomer Orientation

A Newcomer Orientation class will be held Sunday, March 27, in Hancock Hall at the 9:45 hour and again at 11:00.  This class is a basic introduction to our church family and is designed for both newcomers and new members.  This brief introduction to AFUMC will be led by Dianne Morrison.  This is a great opportunity to learn about Athens First United Methodist Church, get to know other newcomers, and enjoy great fellowship.  We will share who we are as a church, how we operate, and how you can become a part of the family.  We'll answer any questions you may have, provide information, and discuss how you can make a difference here.  At the end of the orientation, if you are not already a member, there will be an opportunity for you to choose to complete the process and become a member, or wait and decide at another time.

 

Lent Study: This We Believe

This We Believe: The Core of Wesleyan Faith and Practice is an eight-week study of fundamental Methodist beliefs using the book by Bishop William Willlimon. It is designed to give a fresh way to understand our beliefs, hear God's voice, share in God's grace, and live every day as a child of God. An introduction is on Wednesday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the John Wesley Parlor, room 253, and will meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. through May 11.

Click here to register or call the church office at 706-543-1442. The book is $10.00. For further information Contact: Dianne Morrison dianne.morrison@gmail.com or 706-207-5538.   

 

SCHEDULE


Recreation Ministry 




       

Click here to purchase tickets!