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Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
8:30 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Church-wide Fellowship
9:30 a.m. (Hancock Hall)
Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Chuck Hodges August 7: "Selective Memory" Philippians 3:12-14 Anthem: 8:30 Service "In Christ I am a New Creation" by Julie Caldwell 9:45/11:00 Services "Great Is Our God" by Craig Courtney Online web streaming now available for our 11 a.m. Sunday service. Visit our website for details. www.athensfirstumc.org Our 11 a.m. Sunday Service is broadcast on WRFC 960 AM each Sunday and online at www.960theref.com. August 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) Al Hawley, Charles Grimes, Henry Folsom, Tom Henson, Fred Blake, Henry Garrard, Matt Hawley, Nat Belger Offering Stewards Bob Booth & Charlie Grimes (co-chairs); Nat Belger, Charles Braucher, Nat Carmack, Henry Garrard, Nathan King, Al Hawley, Sean Rogers, Charlie Upchurch III WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMMING WILL RESUME AUGUST 17 |
OUR CLERGY
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Chuck Hodges
Senior Minister
Martha Aenchbacher
Minister of Program
John Page
Minister of Discipleship
Eric Fessler
Minister of Families with Youth
Visit our website:
www.athensfirstumc.org
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Traditions
Traditions are built on the success of prior results. August 28, 2011 will mark our third year of the church-wide BBQ at Sandy Creek Park (5:00 - 7:00 p.m.). As planning began for this year's event, many positive comments were shared from prior years' participants. It is encouraging to hear of the past enjoyment and the desire to continue with this new "tradition." Henry and Carolyn Garrard, along with their children will again provide the BBQ and "put on the pig." Several Sunday School classes have again volunteered to bring sides, set up additional tables/chairs, provide music, and participate in various ways. Everyone is invited to bring a covered dish, though only your presence is necessary to fully participate. Seeing the Body of Christ in action to put on this event is inspiring, yet also a reminder of why our church thrives. The first BBQ had a simple goal of raising awareness of, and funds for, church debt. An ambitious goal of $100,000 was set and off we went. With the willing help of the congregation we reached that goal in the first event. Last year we came within a few thousand dollars of that same goal. Our intent for the BBQ is still awareness of our debt position and to raise funds to reduce the debt, but we've realized something greater in the past two gatherings. Our primary blessing from the BBQs has not been financial, though the funds are very important. An even greater blessing has been the opportunity for our entire congregation to enjoy fellowship together. Make it your priority to join us and share in the blessings found in this fellowship event. We have made progress on the debt, but much work remains. As of December 31, 2008, our church debt level was $2.6 million. Through continued efforts of many, the trustees were able to refinance the debt in early 2010 at $2 million. Continued efforts have enabled further debt reductions to just under $1.8 million as of June 30, 2011. A large percentage of the debt reduction funds are from past BBQs. The Trustees ask you to consider a donation at this year's BBQ, and encourage you to seek guidance for your participation level through prayer. If you would like to make a contribution in honor or in memory of a loved one, that is encouraged as well. Regardless of how you participate, our BBQ will be successful by our simply joining together as one congregation in fellowship. We want you there even if you can't contribute immediately. Together we are strong, and when in action, Athens First United Methodist Church will continue to do great things in Christ's name.
I hope to see you at the BBQ, Mason McWhorter Chairman, Trustees
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MEMBER NEWS
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In Sympathy
Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to: Mary O'Donnell and family in the loss of her brother, Dr. Burkett Raper, on August 1 in Mt. Olive, North Carolina.
Altar Flowers The flowers on the Altar on August 7 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Martha Jim and John Thurmond and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clement by Mr. and Mrs. John W. Thurmond, Jr. The flowers in the Narthex on August 7 are from the wedding of Cassie Mitchell and Ward Mills on August 6 in our Sanctuary.
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FELLOWSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Fellowship on Sunday Mornings Continues! You are invited to come to Hancock Hall for refreshments through August! Drop in before Sunday School or worship beginning at 9:30 a.m. Bring a friend! Ministry Fair - August 14 You are invited to the annual Ministry Fair on Sunday, August 14. Join us in Hancock Hall from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to learn about the many ministries at AFUMC. Come find out where you belong!
Men's Ministry Welcomes Coach Mark Fox
Men, please join us for a catered dinner in Hancock Hall on Tuesday, August 9, at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $10. Our guest speaker will be UGA head basketball coach, Mark Fox. Register online or by calling the church by August 8.
Women's Day Event - Register Today! Renee Swope of Proverbs 31 Ministries will be leading a day of fellowship and spiritual renewal at Matt Dixon's farm in Oconee County on Saturday, September 17. Register for $15 by September 1. You can sign-up online or at the church. For more information, please contact Julie Caldwell, jpowell@negia.net. Prayer Shawl Ministry You are invited to join a group of expert and novice knitters and crocheters to create prayer shawls. The group meets weekly on Wednesday evenings beginning on August 17 in the parlor between 5:00 and 5:45 p.m. Come join us or work at home as you prefer. For more information contact Dianne Morrison at dianne.morrison@gmail.com or call 706-207-5538 (cell).
Set Sail On Adventure! Start planning now for an exciting fellowship opportunity on a Baltic Sea cruise next year, from September 6-16, 2012. Guest lecturer is Bishop William Willimon. Contact tour host, John Page, johnp@athensfirstumc.org.
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BIBLE STUDY AND LEARNING OPTIONS
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NEW Fall Bible Studies-Classes Begin Soon! Take the opportunity to get deep into the Bible at Disciple One classes offered on Wednesdays from 5:45-7:45 p.m. or on Sundays from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Materials cost $38. Register online. Deadline to register is August 10. Learn how to get out of debt, start saving, and give generously at Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace class. Class will be on Mondays from 6-8:00 p.m. and the cost is $100 which covers all materials and tools. Preview days on August 14 at 5:00 p.m. and August 15 at 6:00 p.m. Register online! Deadline to register is August 16. "To Live Is Christ," Women's Bible Study by Beth Moore, will be offered on Wednesdays, August 24-November 2 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. or from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Contact Janet Strickland to sign up, jstrickland@bellsouth.net, 678-910-0039. Join an ongoing Bible Study Group on Mondays from 1:15-2:15 p.m. in the John Wesley Parlor. This group is reading from the Revised Common Lectionary. For more information contact Dianne Morrison, 706-207-5538 or dianne.morrison@gmail.com. A new 8-week Men's Study will begin meeting on Wednesday, August 17, at 6:30 p.m. The study is titled "Basic Training For A Few Good Men," which presents scriptural principles to empower men to "stand in the gap" and be "watchmen on the wall" before the Lord for their families. Contact Keith Wilson to sign-up, kwilson99@charter.net. Confirmation Class! Confirmation 2011-2012 for rising 6-8 graders is starting soon! The registration deadline is August 7. Confirmation begins August 14 and parent classes begin August 28. Application forms are available at the church office. Contact Rev. Eric Fessler for more information, eric@athensfirstumc.org. |
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DISCIPLESHIP AND MISSIONS
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Mission Trips Coming!
In March 2012 two mission trips are planned.
Costa Rica, (during UGA and Clarke County spring breaks)
Contact: Kelly Channell, kellychannell@gmail.com
Tijuana, Mexico (March 10-17), the team will work with children and construct a home.
Contact: John Page, johnp@athensfirstumc.org
International Student Ministry Friendship Partner
In August new international students from around the world will be in need of friendship partners from our church! Please visit www.athensfirstumc.org/ism.html to download an application form or pick one up at the reception desk. A training session will be offered on August 21 and September 11. For additional information, please contact ISM Director, Lynn Bryant, Athens1stism@aol.com or 706-202-9017.
"In Their Shoes" Volunteer Opportunity
On October 15, the Athens Regional Foundation is sponsoring the sixth annual "In Their Shoes," 13.1 mile Cancer Awareness Walk, benefiting the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support. To learn more or to register to walk or volunteer, go to www.intheirshoesathens.org.
Nursery and Preschool Parent Service
Parents: You have the opportunity to sign up for a morning of nursery service in your child's room. Signing up allows you to find a date which fits your family's schedule. You may either email Jennifer Chambers a date that you would like to serve or sign up at church on Sunday. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer, 706-714-3562 or jbchambers211@bellsouth.net. Thank you for all of your help and care for our children!
Disaster Response Training
On August 13 at 8:30 a.m. there will be UMCOR 8-Hour Early Response Training offered at Bethlehem First UMC. Topics covered in the class include the who, what, when, where and how of doing ministry, as well as hands-on experience in the specific tasks that early responders are expected to accomplish. For more information, please contact Ed Norak, edvisor@aol.com.
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A MESSAGE FOR YOU...TH!
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9:30 a.m. FIRST Word
5:30- 7:30 p.m. End of Summer Pool Party @ Annette Nelson Young's House!
This week... August 8-14, 2011 Tuesday, August 9, 2011
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 1 (Saye Scout Hut)
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Full Youth Staff Retreat (Youth Area)
Upcoming...
August 14 - Cross Ties Kick-off
August 17 - Wednesday Night Bible Study kickoff
August 20 - WYC recruitment event at Stone Mountain
August 28 - Church Picnic
Coming up this Fall!!! First Word - During the 9:45 Sunday School hour, the youth will break up into their grade levels for lessons that get them digging deeper into God's Word. Fellowship starts at 9:30 with donuts in the youth room, and class begins at 9:45.
Wednesday Night Bible Study - We offer Mid-High (6-8 grade) and Sr. High Bible Studies from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Prior to that, youth can join us for fellowship beginning at 4:30. We'll hang out in the Youth Area and then head downtown for dinner.
Wesleyan Youth Choir - Open to 6th-12th graders who want to worship the Lord through music. We meet every Sunday to rehearse for worship services, performances, and our annual Summer Choir Tour.
Cross Ties - It's not your momma's MYF! Sunday nights are a time for fun, fellowship, and worship. We try to change it up each week so you never know what craziness is going to come at you! We'll let you know ahead of time the weeks we deviate from it, but our regular schedule is as follows:
4:30 p.m. - Mid High Cross Ties/Confirmation/Sr. High WYC
5:30 p.m. - Snack Supper
6:00 p.m. - Sr. High Cross Ties/Mid High WYC
Fall Retreat - October 21-23, we'll head to Global Retreat and Conference Center in Chatsworth, GA for a weekend jam-packed with worship, fellowship, games, high ropes, craziness, sleeplessness, madness, etc. It's an awesome opportunity for the youth to build relationships with one another and grow closer to the Lord. 7-12 graders should register ASAP, because it will fill up quick!
Keep an eye out for other happenings including weekday breakfasts, Bible studies, outings, mission opportunities, and anything else we can think of to throw your way. It's going to be an exciting, fun year and we can't wait for you to join us!
If you have any questions or would like to find out how you can get involved, please contact us!
Eric, Jason, Daynes, and Emily |
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CALENDAR
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Click here to view the online calendar!
Lectionary Calendar
Sunday, August 7: Matthew 14:22-33
Monday, August 8: Genesis 45:1-15
Tuesday, August 9: Psalm 133
Wednesday, August 10: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Thursday, August 11: Exodus 3:1-6
Friday, August 12: Deuteronomy 32:1-10
Saturday, August 13: Isaiah 2:1-4
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ATTENDANCE
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Attendance July 31
Sunday School: 285
8:30 a.m.: 36
9:45 a.m.: 292
11:00 a.m.: 411
Total Worship Services: 739
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FINANCIAL REPORT
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Financial Report
Budget for 2011: $2,339,129
Giving goal through June 2011: $1,094,255
Amount received through June: $1,202,104
Giving Goal for July: $151,970
Amount given after 3 Sundays: $165,680
Debt reduction goal for 2011: $100,000
Trustee debt reduction year-to-date: $101,137
Current Bank Loan(s) Debt: $1,772,644
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