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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.
Sara Beisswenger, Cole Whalen and Ansley Richardson
October 16:
Youth Sunday
Isaiah 43:18-19
Anthem:
8:30 Service
"You Are My All In All/ Fairest Lord Jesus"
by Larry Shackley
9:45/11:00 Services
"Alleluia, Praise God!"
by David Hedrick
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.
October 16: Youth Ushers Caroline Block, Jackson Keene, Grace Griffith, Caroline Colley, Jack Chambers, Charlie Butts, Raleigh Lumpkin
October 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) Bob Green, Nat Carmack, Peter Shedd, Marty Webb, Joe Crosland, Ben Ayers, Ken Daniel, Spence Johnson
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) Curry Cross, Jack Chambers, John Mobley Cross
(9:45) Eliza Peterson, John Cunningham, Allie Peterson
(11:00) Kait Walker, Erin McCollum, Garrett Walker
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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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| 525,600 Minutes
525,600 minutes is an approximation of time in a non-leap year. Counting minutes in this way provokes some thoughts about time. Time is our measuring system, a way to describe how our lives unfold, a way to organize the past, present and future. We know about wasted time or when the time is ripe. We are familiar with its ability to heal all wounds or to slip past us like sand in an hourglass. We understand that time can fly or drag. Ultimately, you and I know that time is precious and we hope to spend it wisely and well.
On November 4, 2010, my dear husband Lonnie died and it is only a few weeks until November 4, 2011. Time seems to have flown and dragged... all at the same time! I have learned from grief resources that the one year anniversary of a death is often called a "sadiversary" as a way to express the heartache such a day may bring. I have been praying about how to approach that day with faith and hope. As a consequence, I have discovered an important thing. It won't shock or amaze anyone, but the simple truth is that every day we are given is incredibly valuable. Also, how I look at today has impact for tomorrow. How I respond to November 4 matters for November 5. No day should be over-anticipated or under-estimated. No day should be wasted in worry or lived in fear. Every day God is revealing love to us. Our Eternal, timeless God has given us many tools to help one another live meaningful, well-spent lives through Jesus Christ our Lord. And so, I won't be using "sadiversary" to define November 4 for me or my family. We may well be sad, but I don't want to limit my expectations for that day when God may have something incredible in store that affirms and redeems. I don't want to miss that! Let me offer the following prayer for us all to pray at home so that all our days are claimed as God's time. It is "A Litany of the Hurried Life" and gives us some ideas about how God would want us to spend our time.
I'd like to walk under the open sky long enough to let the rain rain down on me, and the sun warm my face; But I haven't the time, Lord, but I haven't the time. I'd like to be attentive to the song of birds and of all creatures hymning the world to you; But I haven't the time, Lord, but I haven't the time. I'd like to have eight, full, glorious hours of sleep, to wake refreshed, and new with joy in the morning; But I haven't the time, Lord, but I haven't the time. I'd like to visit those ill and confined who need a smile and a touch of human care; But I haven't the time, Lord, but I haven't the time. I'd like to bring healing and peace to the imprisoned, to the stranger and to the dying; But I haven't the time, Lord, but I haven't the time. I'd like to write a long letter to my friends and family, telling each how life is with me, and thanking them just for being; But I haven't the time, Lord, but I haven't the time. I'd like to be still one evening long enough to see the subtle change from light to dark, and the deepening hues of night-fall; But I haven't the time, Lord, but I haven't the time. I'd like to praise you, for all that we've been given with the breath within me; But I haven't the time, Lord, but I haven't the time.
Take from me the burden of rushing through my life-time. Redeem the time with me, in me, through me. Help me live in my time; my time is in your hand. Amen.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
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MEMBER NEWS
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New Arrival Congratulations to: Susan and Rod Dowdy on the birth of their son, Jackson Brooks, on September 28. Jackson is the grandson of Rob and Sydney Lowry. Katie and Fiske Hokins on the birth of their daughter, Kathryn Tucker, on October 1. Baptisms Sarah Jeanette Lasseter received the Sacrament of Baptism on October 9 in our sanctuary. She is the daughter of Amy and Dan Lasseter. Knox Barlow Day received the Sacrament of Baptism on October 9 in our sanctuary. He is the son of Katie and Mark Day. Wedding Bells
Congratulations to:
Lauren Ellerbee and Josh Goodman who were married in our Sanctuary on October 8. Lauren is the daughter of Tom and Len Ellerbee. New Members We welcome to the First United Methodist Family: Breckyn Alexander Clay and Tresa Chappell Geoffrey and Ansley Crisler Clint and Allyson Winter
Altar Flowers The flowers on the altar on October 16 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Philip Haggard, and in honor of Nira Haggard, Audrey and Charlie Richardson by Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Haggard and children. The flowers in the narthex on October 16 are from the wedding of Elizabeth Lewis and Bradshaw Ford on October 15 in our sanctuary.
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FELLOWSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Newcomer Orientation-2 Sessions Guests and those who have been visiting for a while, please join us at a newcomer orientation on Sunday, October 16, in Hancock Hall. There are two sessions offered, one at 9:45 and one at 11:00. You will learn more about Athens First UMC and how to become a member! Senior Fun The next Senior Fun Luncheon will be on Thursday, October 27, at 12:30 p.m. in Hancock Hall. Please make reservations with the church office by noon on Monday, October 24. Individuals 55 and older are welcome to join us for lunch and a program! Children's Worship Bags
For parents of children using worship bags in the sanctuary, would you please check to see if any bags have mistakenly been taken to your car or home and, if so, return them to the baskets provided. Thank you! Come Join Us and Get In Shape!
The recreation ministry has the following classes offered in the youth area weekly: Cardio Circuit Fitness Class, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and Pilates Class, Wednesday nights at 5:15 p.m.
Contact Katy Brodrick, katybrodrick77@yahoo.com. |
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BIBLE STUDY AND LEARNING OPTIONS
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NEW Men's Bible Study This study uses the Becoming a Contagious Christian resource to show ordinary believers how they can share the gospel in natural and effective ways while being the person God made them to be. This 7-week men's study will be held Wednesday evenings beginning October 12 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The cost of the workbook is $8. Register online. Contact Keith Wilson with questions, 706-549-2199, kwilson99@charter.net.
Advent Studies: Advent 101 and The Uncluttered Heart Advent 101
Come and learn about what advent is, and you can use this time to spiritually prepare for Christmas in one of two sessions: Wednesday, November 16, at 6:30 p.m. or Sunday, November 20, at 11:00 a.m.
The Uncluttered Heart offers four weeks of guided reflection through the weeks of Advent through Epiphany. The reflection requires only 15 minutes a day as you make space for God's hope, peace, joy, love, and presence. There will be two meeting sessions: Sundays, 11-noon, November 20-December 18, or Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m., November 30-January 4. Register online! For more information about either study, contact Dianne Morrison, dianne.morrison@gmail.com, 706-207-5538.
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DISCIPLESHIP AND MISSIONS
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Cakes Needed On Friday, November 4, our International Student Ministry (ISM) will host "Snack & Chat: Cake Walk." Volunteers are needed to donate cakes and baked goods for this event. If you are willing to donate a cake, please bring it by the reception desk on Thursday, November 3, or Friday, November 4, prior to 5:00 p.m. Please contact Lynn Bryant, ISM director, at athens1stism@aol.com or 706-202-9017 to let her know that you will be making a contribution. Thank you for sharing Christian hospitality through the gift of baking! Save The Date A blood drive is coming on Thursday, November 10, 1-6 p.m. Plan on giving life on that day. |
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A MESSAGE FOR YOU...TH!
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Sunday, October 16, 2011
Youth Sunday for all worship services
9:00 a.m. WYC report to choir room
9:30 a.m. Combined First Word
3:30 p.m. Agapé Rehearsal
4:30 p.m. Mid High Cross Ties/ Senior High WYC
5:30 p.m. Snack Supper
6:00 p.m. Senior High Cross Ties/ Mid High WYC
This week... October 17 - October 22, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 1 (Saye Scout Hut)
Wednesday, October 19, 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
Friday, October 21
5:00 p.m. Fall Retreat departs (return Sunday at 1:00 p.m.)
Upcoming...
November 13 - FISH Night
November 20 - Thanksgiving Ingathering
Jason's Jots I can remember practicing baseball in the wonderful heat of Tifton, Georgia when I was growing up. I can remember during practice the gnats flying around my face and the sting of the most recent strawberry on my side from sliding into second base. During these practices and games I always wanted to know what I needed to focus on the most to improve my game to the level I desired. Should I focus on hitting, bunting, base running, defense, or just getting stronger? I now see that almost all of these aspects seemed the most important at one time or another, but the only way I actually found what I needed to focus on was to watch successful players and learn how they pursue greatness in the game. I realized hitting was that "thing," and that became the focus of my game.
When I think about the disciples following Jesus, I can't help but think they were watching to see what about His life He treasured the most. In Luke 11, the disciples ask Jesus an interesting question. The question is, "Teach us to pray." They didn't ask Him "How to do miracles," or "How to preach," they ask about prayer. They asked this because in their time with Jesus they noticed that prayer was the most important aspect of His life. They saw this, and they knew they needed to put the same emphasis on prayer that Jesus did.
I believe this is something we should pursue as the disciples did. Prayer is not about asking for this and asking for that; it is a constant flow of conversation and relationship with the Lord. My prayer is that we will all seek to live a lifestyle, of prayer and that in that lifestyle we will find our joy in the Lord.
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Children's Ministry
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Each Child is Special in His Eyes Our Ministry team is expanding to include "care shepherds" who will partner with children who have special needs. Our Mission: To create a loving, nurturing, safe environment where all children are appreciated and embraced for their gifts and differences. If you are looking for an opportunity to transform the world and be transformed, please prayerfully consider your role in a special needs ministry for children and families. If your family has a child with special needs we would like to welcome you . For more information please contact Jennifer Frost, frostj@clarke.k12.ga.us or (706)742-7027. "Whoever welcomes one of these little
children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." Mark 9:37 |
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CALENDAR
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Click here to view the online calendar!
Lectionary Calendar
Sunday, October 16: Matthew 22:15-22
Monday, October 17: Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Tuesday, October 18: Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
Wednesday, October 19: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Thursday, October 20: Exodus 13:17-22
Friday, October 21: Exodus 14:1-18
Saturday, October 22: Exodus 15:19-21
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NURSERY PARENT HELPERS
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October 16 Crawlers/Walkers: Mary Beth and Dutch Guest Walkers/Toddlers: Stephanie and Reid Langley Early 2's: Nikki and Derek Hon 2-Year-Olds: Kasey and Ashley Dillard 3-Year-Olds: Jennifer and Gardner Brown 4-Year-Olds: Kelley and Trey Hester |
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ATTENDANCE
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October 9
Sunday School: 383
8:30 a.m.: 104
9:45 a.m.: 255
11:00 a.m.: 449
Total Worship Services: 808
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FINANCIAL REPORT
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Budget for 2011: $2,339,129
Giving goal through September 2011: $1,565,722
Amount received through September: $1,677,898
Giving Goal for October: $198,012
Amount given after 1 Sunday: $51,191
Debt reduction goal for 2011: $100,000
Trustee debt reduction year-to-date: $177,511
Current Bank Loan(s) Debt: $1,696,270
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