Welcome. Table of Contents. Ministers. Attendance. Sunday School. Children. Directors. Financial Report. Attendance on September 23.

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2 Welcome We are glad you are here! Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday. Members of this congregation have been gathering here to worship since Over the past two centuries our congregation has changed, but our mission remains the same: to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We are inspired by the words of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who encouraged believers to do all the good you can, in all the ways you can. Attendance Please let us know of your attendance this morning by completing the pew pad. Sunday School We offer Sunday school for children age 2 through adult each Sunday from 9:45 10:45 a.m. Children At Athens First United Methodist Church, we invite families to worship together. Children s Church is held for children in kindergarten through grade 2 most Sundays during the 11:00 a.m. service. Financial Report Budget for 2018 $3,231,864 Amount Given YTD $2,231,367 Goal for September $224,724 Amount after 3 Sundays $118,975 Attendance on September 23 Total Worship :30 a.m :45 a.m :00 a.m. 442 Online 143 Sunday School 369 Contact Us Office hours: Monday Friday, 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. First United Methodist Church athensfirstumc.org CCLI License No Table of Contents :30 a.m. Order of Worship 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Order of Worship The Steeple Calendar Ministers Martha Aenchbacher Minister of Congregational Care martha@athensfirstumc.org Betsy Butler Minister of Missions betsy@athensfirstumc.org Chuck Hodges Senior Minister chuck@athensfirstumc.org Josh Miles Minister of Student Life josh@athensfirstumc.org Susan Taylor Minister of Discipleship susan@athensfirstumc.org Directors Katie Elder Director of Route 56 katie@athensfirstumc.org Jennifer Golden Assist. Director of Children's Ministry jennifer@athensfirstumc.org Linsey Jarrett Director of Weekday Preschool linsey@athensfirstumc.org Laney Jones Assistant Director of Student Ministries laney@athensfirstumc.org Sarah Lawing Director of Children s Music Ministry & 8:30 a.m. Worship Leader sarah@athensfirstumc.org Janis Maxwell Director of Youth Music & Organist janis@athensfirstumc.org Stephen Mitchell Director of Music stephen@athensfirstumc.org Robin Stewart Director of Children s Ministry robin@athensfirstumc.org Bob Winstead Executive Director of Administration bob@athensfirstumc.org Rusty Wood Director of Recreation Ministries rusty@athensfirstumc.org

3 8:30 a.m. Flowers The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Annette (Grams) and Bob Bannister and Gail and Richard Golden by the Golden family. The Worship of God GATHERING SONG Sanctuary The Wealthy West WELCOME AND OPENING PRAYER Josh Miles *HYMN OF PRAISE umh 102 Now Thank We All Our God nun danket *THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH A Statement of Faith of the United Church of Canada We are not alone, we live in God s world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge, and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen. *PASSING OF THE PEACE STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Mason McWhorter, Finance Committee Chair PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD S PRAYER Martha Aenchbacher Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type. 1

4 8:30 a.m. service CHILDREN S MESSAGE Jennifer Golden *HYMN umh 561 Jesus, United by Thy Grace st. agnes Jesus, united by thy grace and each to each endeared, with confidence we seek thy face and know our prayer is heard. Touched by the lodestone of thy love, let all our hearts agree, and ever toward each other move, and ever move toward thee. SCRIPTURE READING Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 p. 582 old testament SERMON Two Beats One Chuck Hodges Anthem Lyrics When you're weary, feeling small, when tears are in your eyes, I'll dry them all. I'm on your side, oh, when times get rough and friends just can't be found. Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down. You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am, I'll come running, to see you again. Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you have to do is call and I'll be there. You've got a friend. If the sky above you grows dark and full of clouds, and that old north wind begins to blow. Keep your head together, and call my name out loud. Soon you'll hear me knocking at your door. OFFERING AND OFFERTORY ANTHEM Bridge Over Troubled Water/You've Got a Friend Paul Simon/Carole King *DOXOLOGY umh 95 Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow the old 100th Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heav nly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION Christ invites to the table all who love him and who seek to be in unity with God and one another. When we gather together, the Spirit of the Lord meets us, and through grace, brings us into a community of love, hope, and peace. Let us pray. Almighty God, in the abundance of your many gifts, grant us grace to fill one another s lives with love. Redeem, restore, and remold us until we are made new. Transform our daily bread into the bread of life, and the cup that we drink into the cup of salvation. We pray in Jesus name. Amen. The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. 2

5 8:30 a.m. service Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Creator God, holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ. He prayed that we might be one as he is one with you, and he asked that we might be known by the love we have for one another. On the night... We celebrate your love for us in Jesus Christ. As we remember Christ s sacrifice through our communion, we proclaim the mystery of our faith. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on the meal we share. By your Spirit enable the body of Christ to be one. Help the left hand and the right hand work as one in ministry to all the world. Bring the blessing of all your people to bear fruit for the present and for the future. Amen. Song Lyrics Christ be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ below me, Christ above me, Christ be with me at my right hand, at my left hand, as I lie down, as I rise up, as I stumble, as I fall down, Christ as I stand. Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. Amen. Receiving of the Elements At Athens First United Methodist Church, all are invited to commune at Christ s table. If you need to be served in your pew, please call this to the attention of an usher. Gluten-free elements are available at the center station in the front of the sanctuary. Music During Holy Communion Christ Be With Me David Gungor PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING *BLESSING *CLOSING SONG Blest Be the Tie That Binds Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. *POSTLUDE Bridge Over Troubled Water/You've Got a Friend Paul Simon/Carole King 3

6 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Flowers The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Annette (Grams) and Bob Bannister and Gail and Richard Golden by the Golden family. Song Lyrics Let s walk together for a while and ask where we begin. To build a world where love can grow and hope can enter in. To be the hands of healing and to plant the seeds of peace. Singing welcome, welcome to this place. You re invited to come and know God s grace. All are welcome the love of God to share, cause all of us are welcome here. All are welcome in this place. The Worship of God Gathering THE CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP Welcome Mark Miller Sung by the Agapé Men s Ensemble, the Wesleyan Youth Choir; Ksenia Kurenysheva, accompanist THE PRAYER 9:45 a.m. Susan Taylor 11:00 a.m. Josh Miles You have blessed us, O God, with the gift of friendship, the bonding of persons in a circle of love. We thank you for such a blessing: for friends who love us, who share our sorrows, who laugh with us in celebration, who bear our pain, who need us as we need them, who weep as we weep, who hold us when words fail, and who give us the freedom to be ourselves. Teach us to love others the way you first loved us. All of these things are only possible through you, the God who abides with us and calls us friend. Amen. Praise & Thanksgiving *THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN umh 547 O Church of God, United ellacombe *THE PASSING OF THE PEACE Please Note At the 11:00 a.m. service, children in Kindergarten through grade 2 are invited to come forward during the hymn to meet Jennifer Golden at the front to go to Children's Church on the third floor. THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 9:45 a.m. 9:45 a.m. Smith Langhorne Coffee, daughter of Lindsay and John Coffee Smith, Smith, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too. We this day do all agree a child of God you ll always be. Smith, Smith, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too. THE PRESENTATION OF THIRD GRADE BIBLES 11:00 a.m. *THE HYMN umh 402 Lord, I Want to Be a Christian i want to be a christian Verses *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.

7 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Mason McWhorter, Finance Committee Chair THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD S PRAYER Martha Aenchbacher Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Proclamation THE SCRIPTURE READING Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 p. 582 old testament THE PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen. THE SERMON Two Beats One Chuck Hodges Response Anthem Lyrics Everything good, everything noble, everything right, everything pure, everything lovely, everything worthy. Oh think about, think about everything good. And the God of peace will be with you. THE OFFERING AND THE OFFERTORY ANTHEM Everything Good Don Schlosser Sung by the Wesleyan Youth Choir *THE DOXOLOGY umh 94 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow lasst uns erfreuen Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia, alleluia! Praise God the source of all our gifts; praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts. Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. 5

8 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services *THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH A Statement of Faith of the United Church of Canada We are not alone, we live in God s world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge, and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen. *THE HYMN umh 561 Jesus, United By Thy Grace st. agnes Verses 1, 2, 4 Sending Forth *THE BLESSING AND CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Blest Be the Tie That Binds Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. *THE POSTLUDE O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing Birchwood 6

9 The Steeple "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 7

10 In Memoriam Nancy Roberson September 23, 2018 Sympathy Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Pat Holland and her family in the loss of her sister, Wanda George, on September 18. Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Cindy Darden and her family in the loss of her father, Harold Darden, on September 18. Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended Edward Roberson and his family in the loss of his wife, Nancy Roberson, on September 23. Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Sara Reece and her family in the loss of her sister, Marie Lewis, on September 23. New Arrival Congratulations to Caroline and Vic Copeland on the birth of their son, Halton Jones, on September 18. materials prepared for you. The cost is $20. You may pay online or in person. Learn more athensfirstumc.org/griefshare Martha Aenchbacher Wednesday Night Meals The meal on Wednesday, October 3, is provided by Fresh Air BBQ. Join us for barbecue pork sandwich, macaroni and cheese, Brunswick stew and chips. All are invited to attend and encouraged to spend time together during our Wednesday Night Meal. If you have difficulty ordering online, please call the church office and a staff member can help you order your meal. For more information, contact Cindy. Register athensfirstumc.org/wednesdaynightmeals Cindy McKoy cindy@athensfirstumc.org Softball Route 56 Fall Retreat Thank You Thank you to all who made our Route 56 fall retreat such a great success! We spent our weekend learning about our identity in Christ, building relationships and community, and having lots of fun! This retreat would not have been possible without the help of our stellar chaperones and the many parents who served or donated snacks and supplies for this event. We are already looking forward to next year! If you would like to get involved with our Route 56 ministry team, please contact Katie Elder. Katie Elder katie@athensfirstumc.org GriefShare Join us Wednesday, October 3, for GriefShare. We will discuss how to grieve conflicted relationships and how to handle grief-related anger. GriefShare meets Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in room 100. Please register online so that we will have Outreach Softball The Recreation Ministry is looking to recruit softball players for a new outreach softball program. Next Friday, October 5, we will coordinate softball games with the men of The Potter s House (at the Atlanta Mission fields off Jefferson Highway). Games will begin at 6:30 p.m. Many of the individuals at the Potter s House are in recovery, and our encouragement through friendly competition could offer them the hope they need for a better future. If you are interested in joining our team or receiving more details about this program, please contact Rusty Wood. Rusty Wood rusty@athensfirstumc.org

11 WRFC 960 AM Radio Broadcast During the UGA football season, WRFC will broadcast the 8:30 a.m. service live. A recording of the 11:00 a.m. service will play at 12:00 p.m. each Sunday. Children's Basketball Registration for children s basketball is open! If your child is in pre-k through grade 5 and is interested in learning the game of basketball and building athletic skills while growing in Christ, register online! Registration ends October 20 and the season begins October 29. Please contact Rusty Wood for additional information. Children's Basketball Learn more athensfirstumc.org/childrensbasketball Rusty Wood rusty@athensfirstumc.org will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m., beginning October 2 through November 6, in room 224, or you may choose the session which meets on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-10:45 a.m., beginning October 3 through November 7, in room 222. The study is free, and all are invited to attend. Childcare is provided. For more information, contact Susan or Cindy. Register online. Register athensfirstumc.org/registration Susan Taylor susan@athensfirstumc.org Cindy McKoy cindy@athensfirstumc.org Young Married Connect Group A new Connect Group has been formed for young married couples without children. This group is for people who want to be in community and grow together through discussions on faith and marriage. It meets on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in room 200. For more information, please contact Laney Jones. Laney Jones laney@athensfirstumc.org Are you interested? We are seeking volunteers to help us share the love of Christ with foster families in our congregation. Can you cook a meal once a month? Provide transportation for children? Help with yard work? If you are interested in serving our foster families in one or more of these ways, please contact Lisa Hudson. Lisa Hudson lisahudson0218@gmail.com Saye Property Information Sessions Join the Building Committee in Hancock Hall for upcoming information sessions to learn more about proposed future plans for the Saye building and property. Four information sessions are scheduled, so simply select the one that fits your schedule. Please make plans to be a part of this conversation. Ruth A New Bible Study Are you looking for a short-term adult Bible study? Join Susan Taylor for Ruth: God's Redemptive Story of Salvation to discover the message of redemption and salvation for all lives in which this book of the Bible reveals. There will be two study sessions from which to choose. One session Wednesday, October 10 6:30-7:15 p.m. Sunday, October 14 9:45 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 7 6:30-7:15 p.m. Sunday, November 11 12:15 1:00 p.m. 9

12 Join Wesleyan Youth Choir It s not too late to join the Wesleyan Youth Choir! We are open to all students in grades We rehearse on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. in the choir room to work on arrangements to sing in worship and in the community throughout the school year. We end our year with our summer choir tour. Last year we travelled to Nashville and Chicago singing at Brentwood United Methodist Church, the Nashville Rescue Mission, Magnolia Springs Assisted Living, and Chicago First United Methodist Church. While in Chicago, we saw the Broadway hit Hamilton and visited the Navy Pier, the Sky Deck, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Millennium Park. Come to one of our rehearsals to see what we re all about. No auditions necessary. For more information, please contact Janis Maxwell. Janis Maxwell janis@athensfirstumc.org blessings and to step forward in faith and follow him. All pledge cards that are turned in prior to Consecration Sunday will be placed on the altar ahead of time. We ask you to join us on Sunday, October 21, for this special service as you prayerfully consider your gift. Harvest Retreat Churchwide BBQ Please note that the date and location of our annual Churchwide BBQ has changed from previous years. This year, we will meet on Sunday, October 21, at our church. Please save the date and plan to join us for this event! More details will be available soon! Harvest Retreat Harvest is our fall youth retreat on October for students in grades There will be dedicated time for fellowship and worship as we break away from our busy lives for this time of respite. We encourage you to register soon to help us with our planning. Registration is open until Sunday, October 7! Learn more athensfirstumc.org/harvestretreat Josh Miles josh@athensfirstumc.org Consecration Sunday October 21 Consecration Sunday is a sacred time when our pledge cards are placed on the altar and those who are able to be present come forward to celebrate Holy Communion. It is an opportunity to express our gratitude for God s many 10

13 Music & Movement Age 3 5:20-6:00 p.m. Room 314 Sonshine Choir Age 4 5:15-6:00 p.m. Room 325 Joy Choir Kindergarten 5:15-6:00 p.m. Room 320 Dance Age 4-Kindergarten 4:30-5:10 p.m. Room 145 growing with JESUS Parent Night WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3 Lyric Choir Grades 1-2 4:30-5:20 p.m. Room 151 Celebrate Worship Arts Grades 3-4 4:30-5:10 p.m. Room 301 Celebrate Choir Grades 3-4 5:10-6:00 p.m. Room 151 Lyric Worship Arts Grades 1-2 5:20-6:00 p.m. Room

14 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 6:30 p.m. This Week SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Mark 9:42-50 Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens Host Week Worship Service SANCTUARY Preschool Nursery FIRST FLOOR Fun Gym GYM Worship Service SANCTUARY Adult Sunday School SECOND FLOOR AND SAYE BUILDING Youth Sunday School YOUTH AREA Route 56: Grade 5 & 6 Sunday School ROOM 120 Elementary Sunday School: Families on the Fifth SANCTUARY Kindergarten Sunday School: City on a Hill ROOM 311 & 313 Preschool Nursery & Sunday School FIRST FLOOR Sack Lunch Ministry HULL STREET ENTRANCE Worship Service SANCTUARY Preschool Nursery FIRST FLOOR Acolyte Training Session SANCTUARY Cub Scout Pack 1 Meeting HANCOCK HALL Agape Choir Rehearsal ROOM 145 Carillons Ringers ROOM 150 Wesleyan Youth Choir Rehearsal ROOM 145 Connect & Grow Group JOHN WESLEY PARLOR Route 56 Sunday Nights ROOM 120 Alleluia Ringers ROOM 150 Beyond Baptism ROOM 222 Youth Encounter ROOM 119 Confirmation Lesson HANCOCK HALL Route 56 Extended Care ROOM :00 a.m. 1:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. MONDAY, OCTOBER 1 Job 1:1 Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens Host Week Connect & Grow Women's Group ROOM 200 UMW Executive Board Meeting ROOM 226 Disciplines Devotional Bible Study ROOM 200 Lay Leadership Committee Meeting HULL CONFERENCE ROOM Evening Community Bible Study Junior Girl Scouts Meeting SAYE BUILDING Connect & Grow Group TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2 Job 2:1-10 Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens Host Week Community Bible Study Leaders' Council YOUTH AREA Prayer Shawl Ministry PANERA BREAD The Wesley Challenge ROOM 222 Pickleball GYM Connect & Grow Group JOHN WESLEY PARLOR Fashion Fitness ROOM 120 Boy Scouts Troop 1 SCOUT HUT 12

15 9:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:10 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 5:20 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3 Psalm 26 Wednesday Morning Bible Study ROOM 222 Gideon ROOM 229 GriefShare ROOM 100 Ruth ROOM 222 Methodism: Our Story ROOM 100 Prayer Shawl Ministry ROOM 200 Lyric Choir Grades 1-2 ROOM 151 Celebrate Worship Arts Grades 3-4 ROOM 301 Dance Age 4-Kindergarten ROOM 145 Early Book Group ROOM 224 Route 56 Wednesday Nights ROOM 120 Wednesday Night Meal HANCOCK HALL Celebrate Choir Grades 3-4 ROOM 151 Sonshine Choir Age 4 ROOM 325 Joy Choir Kindergarten ROOM 325 Music & Movement Age 3 ROOM 314 Lyric Worship Arts Grades 1-2 ROOM Love Letters Connect Group Young Married ROOM 114 Youth Bible Study ROOM 119 Connect & Grow Group ROOM 224 Creed ROOM 229 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148 Chamber Ensemble Rehearsal ROOM 148 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 Hebrews 1:1-4 Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens Host Week Community Bible Study HANCOCK HALL Our Daily Bread FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH DOWNTOWN Pickleball GYM Fashion Fitness ROOM 120 Connect Group: Young Adult ROOM 222 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 Hebrews 2:5-12 Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens Host Week Parenting with Purpose Small Group ROOM 119 Outreach Softball POTTER'S HOUSE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 Mark 10:2-12 Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens Host Week 13

16 Worship Bulletin ( ) Published weekly Athens First United Methodist Church 327 N. Lumpkin Street Athens, GA Telephone Fax Website athensfirstumc.org Periodicals Postage Paid at Athens, GA Vol. LXI No. 39 Postmaster Send address changes to: AFUMC P.O. Box 1109 Athens, GA