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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 Preaching
November 6:
"The Athens First Miracle"
II Corinthians 8:1-9
Anthem:
8:30 Service
"Shall We Gather at the River"
9:45/11:00 Services
"Deep River"
arr. Paulsson
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.
November 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-chairs); Nat Belger, Charles Braucher, Nat Carmack, Henry Garrard, Nathan King, Al Hawley, Sean Rogers, Charlie Upchurch III
First Light Acolytes
(8:30) Matt Moseley, Erin McCollum, Annabelle Woodard
(9:45) Campbell Cona, Jackson Keene, Parissa Shedd
(11:00) Virginia Beth Butler, Madeline Murphey, Matthew Ward
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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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Do All the Good You Can
By the time he was thirty, Albert Schweitzer was a Doctor of Philosophy with a brilliant academic career awaiting him in that field. But he was also a Doctor of Theology and the Principal of the Theological College at Strasbourg. Furthermore, he was an accomplished organist and the foremost authority on the music of Bach at the time. So, what did Albert Schweitzer do at age thirty? He started six years of study to become a Doctor of Medicine, which eventually led to his life-work at a remote hospital in one of the poorest regions of Africa. How could Dr. Albert Schweitzer forfeit fame, wealth, and a comfortable lifestyle, and undertake the heroic way of doing hospital work in obscurity and insecurity? He said that his decision went back many years when he woke up one beautiful summer morning full of peace and happiness. The thought struck him that he could not accept this happiness as a matter of course, but must give something in return for it. "Written in his heart" was the urge to do something noble and generous for people who would never have the opportunities he enjoyed, and to share with them the blessings so bountifully given to him. No one commanded him to embark on such a difficult and hazardous adventure. No one persuaded him with enticements and fringe benefits to go to Africa. Dr. Albert Schweitzer went simply because God had "written it in his heart." For more than five years, Carol Sing went through daily physical workouts that would exhaust a prize fighter. In 1997 she swam the 21-mile Catalina Channel in Southern California in 69-degree water to test her stamina. To qualify for the English Channel swim, she had to swim for 10 hours in 60-degree water. Historically, only one of every 10 attempts to swim the English Channel has been successful, and at least four swimmers have died trying. The 21.5 miles across the channel are a torture trail of jellyfish, choppy bone-chilling seas, pollution slicks, and punishing bow waves from fast-moving freighters and ferry traffic. Swimmers can churn away for half a day and go through the "pain well" four or five times, only to be turned back by a sudden gale-force storm or swept off course by extreme tides. The challenge is as much a mental as a physical journey, and Carol also made it a spiritual journey. She had her coach, Kevin Eslinger, sprinkle into the channel every hour during her swim some "holy water" gathered from the River Jordan. She made her historic crossing of the channel in 12 hours, 32 minutes. Would anyone, especially a 57-year-old woman, go through all the pain required to swim the English Channel unless they had a passion for it, unless they had it "in their heart" to do something so crazy and risky? If only more Christians were aware of the covenant God has "written in their hearts," would we not witness more examples of heroic and sacrificial love in our world? Would we not see more passion and commitment for the causes of Christ? Has God placed a dream in your heart? It need not be a swim across the channel or a life serving in Africa, but it remains a call from God. Do you feel led to serve and give in a deeper way in the life of our church? Do you have a passion for the least and last in our community? Will you volunteer to distribute food for the mobile food pantry or prepare and serve meals for the homeless on Thursday nights? Is God calling you to rock a baby in our nursery, teach a child in Sunday School, coach a team in our recreation ministry, or be a part of our ministry with youth on Sunday nights? Is this the time you dig deeper in your spiritual life by joining a Bible Study or another small group for support and accountability? Perhaps this is the year you begin to tithe or take a step toward tithing to ensure that our church has the resources to offer ministry. I hope you plan to participate in our "Do All The Good You Can" stewardship campaign. It makes a world of difference in the lives of so many. The truth is - it makes a huge difference for you and me. It is a privilege to give and serve with you. -Chuck
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MEMBER NEWS
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In Memoriam
Reba Schindel
October 30, 2011
In Sympathy
Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to:
Sylvia Arant and family in the loss of her mother, Raymel Harley on October 27.
New Arrival Congratulations to: Alyssa and Joe Disney on the birth of their son, Hamilton Davis, on October 17. Hamilton is the grandson of Jane and David Disney. Katherine and Mike Hodges on the birth of their son, Charles James, on October 28. Altar Flowers The flowers on the altar on November 6 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. Robert (Bob) E. Poss, Jr. by Mrs. Robert E. Poss, Jr. and family.
The flowers in the narthex on November 6 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mabel C. Thornton by her family.
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FELLOWSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Girls' Night Out: An Evening of Food, Fun, and Fellowship with Rebecca LangThe Women's Ministry invites you to join friends for a cooking demonstration on November 10 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Hancock Hall with Southern Living Contributing Editor, published author, and AFUMC member, Rebecca Lang. She will show us how to prepare a variety of appetizers and special recipes for the upcoming holiday season. Samples of recipes will be provided in lieu of dinner. For more information about Rebecca, please visit, www.rebeccalangcooks.com. Childcare will be provided for children ages 4 and under. Register online or by calling the church office by November 7. Registration is $10; $5 will go to Action Ministries/Our Daily Bread. A Jesus Advent Celebration: The Jesse Tree Join us November 20, anytime between 8:00-9:30 a.m. for a pancake breakfast, time to create a family advent calendar, and to hear the story of the Jesse Tree. Reservations are required by November 11, online or in person. Food reservations are $3.50 per adult, $2.50 per child, and the Advent Jesse Tree Banner kit is $10. We hope you and your family can join us for this special time of reflection and celebration! Fall Festival Families with children age three through 5th grade are invited to an afternoon of fun and fellowship at our Fall Festival on November 13 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. at the Parrish Farm in Oconee County. For more information please contact Melissa Pearson, melissapearson@charter.net or Amy Parrish, amyhparrish@bellsouth.net. Men's Ministry Dinner All men are invited to join us for dinner and to hear "Faith in the Corner Office: How Senior Executives Live Out Their Christian Witness in the Secular Workplace," on Tuesday, November 15, at 6:30 p.m. Three men, whom God has placed in senior leadership positions, will discuss how they meet the incredible demands of leadership while also being true to their Christian witness. Make reservations online or by calling the church office by noon on Monday, November 14. Cost is $10. Pictorial Directories Are In The pictorial directories are in! If you had your picture taken, please pick up your copy from the church office Monday-Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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DISCIPLESHIP AND MISSIONS
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Give Life! Please schedule online or by calling the church office your appointment to give life at the blood drive on Thursday, November 10. Appointments are available from 1:00-6:00 p.m. A brief hour of your time helps three people!
International Student Life Thanksgiving Dinner On Monday, November 14, our International Student Ministry will cosponsor UGA's annual International Student Life Thanksgiving Dinner in Hancock Hall at 6:30 p.m. We need 70 volunteers to serve as table hosts and servers. If you are interested in volunteering for one of these roles, please contact our ISM director, Lynn Bryant, at athens1stism@aol.com or 706-202-9017.
Advent Studies: Advent 101 & 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 sessions; Sundays, 11-noon, November 20-December 18, or Wednesday's, 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.
Fall Agape We are collecting band-aids, bandages, hand sanitizer, paper-towels, and zip-lock bags. If you would like to help, please bring any donations of these items to the basket near the reception area by November 15. Thank you! Help Needed! CHOIR PARENTS, your help is needed in preparing for the Jesse Tree Advent Celebration! Help is needed cutting ornaments and preparing the kits on Wednesday afternoons from 4-6:00 p.m. at the snack area of the gym. |
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A MESSAGE FOR YOU...TH!
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9:30 a.m. First Word
3:30 p.m. Full Youth Staff Meeting
4:30 p.m. Mid High Cross Ties/Sr. High WYC
5:30 p.m. Snack Supper
6:00 p.m. Sr. High Cross ties/Mid High WYC
This week... November 7-11, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 1 (Saye Scout Hut)
Wednesday, November 9, 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...
November 13 - Information meeting for anyone interested in the Sr. High summer mission trip to Costa Rica
November 13 - FISH Night
November 20 - Thanksgiving Ingathering
Janis's Notes Catch Your Breath! 'Tis the Season to be....BUSY! It seems we get busier every year - and the weeks between Halloween and Christmas can get packed with fall sports, exams, Christmas shopping, college shopping, parties, practices, and programs! Have you ever had to stop to catch your breath? Literally, I mean. Like when you are running very fast and you have to stop, or at least slow down, in order to breathe. Being out of breath can be painful. Catching your breath can bring such great relief! Take a minute. No, really stop and rest for one full minute. Breathe in. Breathe out. Thank God for something beautiful in your life. Breath again. Tell God about a problem you have. Breathe again - a really good breath this time. Tell God about a mistake you made; something you are sorry you said or did. Breath again. Tell God how much you love Him and how grateful you are for His love. Recite some scripture ("I know the plans I have for you"). Or sing a bit of a hymn that you remember ("Amazing grace how sweet the sound"). Or say the Lord's Prayer. This is no miracle cure for craziness. Your day will be just as busy after you do this. You will still have many tasks to complete. You will still fail at some jobs and be splendid at others. You will be praised and you will be reprimanded. You will get into trouble - you will save the day. But maybe, just maybe, this will help you slow down enough to enjoy the ride. Be on the lookout for opportunities to catch your breath - and when you have one, use it. You will be glad you did! |
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Recreation News
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Please join us for our Winter Basketball League beginning in November. Places are filling up quickly so be sure to head to the church website to register before it is too late!
Is it time for a birthday party?? We offer activities ranging from basketball, soccer, and gymnastics to moonwalk and climbing wall rentals. Contact Rusty Wood at rusty@athensfirstumc.org or Emily Kirby at emily@athensfirstumc.org to reserve the gym for your birthday party!
If you are interested in volunteering with the recreation ministry at Athens First United Methodist please contact Rusty Wood at rusty@athensfirstumc.org.
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CALENDAR
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Click here to view the online calendar!
Lectionary Calendar
Sunday, November 6: Matthew 5:1-12
Monday, November 7: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Tuesday, November 8: Psalm 78:1-7
Wednesday, November 9: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Thursday, November 10: Exodus 23:1-9
Friday, November 11: Exodus 23:14-19
Saturday, November 12: Exodus 23:10-13
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NURSERY PARENT HELPERS
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November 6 Crawlers/Walkers: Jessica and Todd Nickelsen Walkers/Toddlers: Christy and Jason Norton Early 2's: Sarah and Dave Hajjar 2-Year-Olds: Sarah and Russell Bennett 3-Year-Olds: Emily and Jonathan Williams 4-Year-Olds: Amy and Shane O'Neill |
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ATTENDANCE
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October 30
Sunday School: 426
8:30 a.m.: 104
9:45 a.m.: 257
11:00 a.m.: 447
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 4 Sundays: $149,771
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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