Athens First United Methodist Church ESteeple

Athens First United Methodist Church e-Steeple

Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

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 21:

"How Do You Feel About It?"

John 13:31-35

Anthem:

8:30 Service

Callie Waller, soloist

9:45/11:00 Services

Callie Waller, soloist

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

First Light Acolytes

(8:30) Lauren Griffith, John Cunningham, Ben Butler
(9:45) Jennifer Golden, Erin McCollum, Annabelle Woodard
(11:00) Lauren Covington, Jackson Keene, Anna Schramski
Acolyte Managers: William English, Emily Harvel

OUR CLERGY

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

August 21, 2011

Together We Can!

While driving through the countryside, a man lost his way. As he attempted to read his directions, he accidentally drove his car into a ditch. Though he wasn't injured, his car was stuck deep in the mud. He walked to a farm nearby to ask for help.

"Warwick can get you out of that ditch," said the farmer, pointing to an old mule standing in a field. The mule was not an impressive looking animal, but the farmer kept repeating, "Yep, old Warwick can do the job." The man figured he had nothing to lose, so they led Warwick back to the accident.

The farmer hitched the mule to the car. With a snap of the reins he shouted, "Pull, Fred! Pull, Jack! Pull, Ted! Pull, Warwick!" And the mule pulled the car from the ditch with great ease.

The driver was amazed. He thanked the farmer, patted the mule and asked, "Why did you call out all of those other names before you called Warwick?" The farmer grinned and replied, "Old Warwick can barely see, but as long as he believes he is part of a team, he doesn't mind pulling."

Joel Arthur Barker has suggested, "Teamwork will be the hallmark of the great companies of the twenty-first century." I would add, "And the great churches of the twenty-first century." Nothing would energize the church more than developing the concept that we are a team...a unique team called the body of Christ.

Mary Kay Ash says every person is wearing an invisible sign that reads, "Make me feel important." I will give it a try with the utmost sincerity. You are a vital part of the body of Christ, and you have been given a spiritual gift that enables you to accomplish something significant for God. You can do it, so let's get it done together!

Chuck

MEMBER NEWS

In Memoriam

Clyas Crenshaw

August 12, 2011

In Sympathy

Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to:

Kelly Bowman and family in the loss of her father, Don Stewart, in Buford, Georgia.

Marguerite Crenshaw and family in the loss of her husband, Clyas Crenshaw, on August 12 in Athens, Georgia.

New Arrival

Congratulations to:

Andrew and Emily Saunders on the birth of their daughter, Riley Faith, on August 6.

Altar Flowers

The flowers on the altar on August 21 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Carol M. Ridlehuber by their children and grandchildren.

FELLOWSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS

Church-wide BBQ!

We encourage members and guests to join us on Sunday, August 28, from 5 - 7 p.m. at Sandy Creek Park for our annual Church-wide BBQ. Everyone is invited to bring a covered dish and share in the fun and fellowship! Let us know how much barbecue to prepare by signing up at one of the tables located at the entrances (Lumpkin St., Sanctuary, and Washington St./Galleria entrance), in your Sunday School class, or online at the church event registration page, www.athensfirstumc.org. Be a part of this great opportunity to celebrate our church and its programs!

Music at Church-wide BBQ
If you play an instrument (besides drum set) and would like to sit in with the band at the Church-wide BBQ, we'd love to have you. All music will be provided. No rehearsal. Just show up with your instrument and any necessary cords. Questions? Julie Caldwell, jpowell@negia.net.

Children's Summer Reading Program

There is a stack of new children's books waiting to be placed in the church library in honor of our summer readers. Children who have participated in the program should turn in their reading records at the church library no later than August 28. The new books will be ready to be checked out by September 4. Be sure to come by and look at our new books!

Children's Choirs - Amazing Adventure! Our Journey With Jesus

Come take a journey with us this fall in choir! Choirs for all children three years old through 5th grade meet every Wednesday at either 4:30 (Lyric Choir and Celebrate Chimes) or 5:15 p.m (all other choirs). Register online or at the church. For more information please contact Carol Reeves,
creeves@athensfirstumc.org.

August Senior Fun

Please join us at the next Senior Fun Luncheon on August 25 at 12:30 p.m. R.S.V.P. to the church office by Monday, August 22, 706-543-1442.

Recreation Ministry Adult Fall Programming
Join the Recreation Ministry for Adult Fall programming beginning in August! Adult softball will begin on August 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m and will continue through October. Adult Fitness with Katy Brodrick will begin August 17, and runs through December! More information on our web page!

Women's Day Event- Registration closing SOON!

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.

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.

BIBLE STUDY AND LEARNING OPTIONS

NEW Fall Bible Studies-Classes Begin Soon!

Early Book Group meets from 4:45-5:45 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning on September 7. The first book this group is reading is The Great Emergence by Phyllis Tickle. All are welcome! Contact Cindy Kuhlman, gckuhlman@charter.net, by August 21 to order a book.

The Truth Project Study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective vs. a worldview perspective. This is a DVD-based small group curriculum comprised of 13 one-hour lessons taught by Dr. Del Tackett. This study begins September 14 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Sign up online! Cost is $5. Contact Bruce Powers for more information, bpowers@armc.org.

A new men's study, 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, begins Wednesday, August 17, at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $8. Register online! Contact Keith Wilson for more information, kwilson99@charter.net.

"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, dianne.morrison@gmail.com or 706-207-5538.

Wesley: A Heart Transformed Can Change the World is a four-week study to learn more about the father of Methodism. Meets on Wednesdays August 17-September 7 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Watchtower on the third floor. No registration or preparation required! Contact: Dianne Morrison 706-207-5538, dianne.morrison@gmail.com.

DISCIPLESHIP AND MISSIONS

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.

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

Extreme Makeover, Athens Homeless Shelter Edition!

Help The Bigger Vision Community Shelter raise funds to renovate their building where they feed and shelter the homeless in Athens. You are invited to their charity auction on Thursday, August 25 from 6-9:00 p.m. in Hancock Hall. Free admission. There will be a silent auction from 6:00-7:25 p.m. and a live auction from 7:30-8:45 p.m. Contact Scott Cochran with any questions, 706-207-3003. Visit www.biggervisionathens.org.

"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!

A MESSAGE FOR YOU...TH!

Sunday, August 21, 2011
9:30 a.m.   FIRST Word
12:00 p.m. Confirmation Luncheon with parents, mentors and confirmands
4:30 p.m.   Mid High Cross Ties/Sr. High WYC
5:30 p.m.   Snack Supper
5:30 p.m.   Informational Meeting for all parents of youth (Hancock Hall)
6:00 p.m.   Sr. High Cross Ties/Mid High WYC

This week... August 21-27, 2011

Tuesday, August 23, 2011
7:00 p.m.   Boy Scouts Troop 1 (Saye Scout Hut)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
7:30 a.m.   Breakfast @ Chick-fil-A Beechwood
4:30 p.m.   Youth Area Open
5:30 p.m.   Downtown Dinner
6:30 p.m.   Sr. High/Mid High Bible Study

Upcoming...

August 28 - Church-wide BBQ (5-7 p.m. @ Sandy Creek Park)
September 18 - Registration Deadline for Fall Retreat! (October 21-23)

Eric's Insights

You know those random chain letter emails you get? Sometimes they're cheesy, other times funny? Tearjerkers are out there too - usually kittens and puppies. I usually delete them. (Sorry, Mom.) But, every once in awhile I open one. I just read of a soldier overseas who asked his wife to send him U.S. dirt, grass seed and fertilizer. He grew a small patch of grass outside his tent - maybe you've seen the picture, too? He cuts the mini lawn with a scissors. Says it reminds him of home. Friends about to leave on tough military missions ask to walk across it with bare feet. They say for good luck; I think there's a lot more going on. What a symbol for church, especially at this time of the year?! The idea that church is home and the importance of being physically rooted at a place like Athens First UMC is huge, that sense of assurance that only a connection with home can bring. Home is holy. Home is sacred. Home is like the best hug you could ever get. The end of summertime and fall is traditionally a season of returning, of homecoming. Plants return to the earth. Students return to classes. Folks fall back into the school year groove and for some that means recommitting to church. I don't think the ginormous importance of home and being home needs that much explanation. You all know that incredible, Spirit-filled, warm-fuzzy feeling I'm talking about - there's no other substitute. So, join me in thanksgiving for all who call our church home, and pray with me for those on foreign soil - knowing that there are a gazillion meanings for "foreign" - who would bless God and us all by being home.