Athens First United Methodist Church

Transcription

1 Athens First United Methodist Church Confirmation Sunday November 13, :30, 9:45, & 11:00 a.m.

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. Newcomer Orientation We invite you to learn about the life of our church, ways you can get involved, and how to become a member by attending Newcomer Orientation, which is held the second Sunday of the month at 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. 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 2016 $2,789,339 Amount Given YTD $2,628,787 Goal for October $208,494 Amount after 5 Sundays $290,085 Attendance on November 6 Total Worship :30 a.m :45 a.m :00 a.m. 460 Online 98 Sunday School 439 Table of Contents Ministers and Ministry Directors Chuck Hodges Senior Minister chuck@athensfirstumc.org Martha Aenchbacher Minister of Congregational Care martha@athensfirstumc.org Beth Dickinson Minister of Discipleship beth@athensfirstumc.org Betsy Butler Minister of Missions betsy@athensfirstumc.org Josh Miles Director of Student Ministries josh@athensfirstumc.org Leslie Rogers Director of Route 56 leslie@athensfirstumc.org Robin Stewart Director of Children s Ministry robin@athensfirstumc.org April Allen Assistant Director of Children s Ministry april@athensfirstumc.org Sarah Lawing Director of Children s Music Ministry & 8:30 a.m. Worship Leader sarah@athensfirstumc.org Stephen Mitchell Director of Music stephen@athensfirstumc.org Janis Maxwell Director of Youth Music & Organist janis@athensfirstumc.org Rusty Wood Director of Recreation Ministries rusty@athensfirstumc.org Linsey Jarrett Director of Weekday Preschool linsey@athensfirstumc.org Contact Us 8:30 a.m. Order of Worship 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Order of Worship The Steeple Calendar Office hours: Monday Friday, 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. First United Methodist Church 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 Mabel C. Thornton by her family. Song Lyrics Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. Holy, holy is He. Sing a new song to Him who sits on Heaven's mercy seat. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings. You are my everything and I will adore You. Clothed in rainbows of living color, flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder, blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be to You the only wise King. Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder at the mention of Your name, Jesus Your name is power, breath and living water, such a marvelous mystery. The Worship of God THE PRELUDE Breathe Marie Barnett THE CALL TO WORSHIP Revelation Song Jennie Lee Riddle *THE HYMN OF PRAISE 64 Holy, Holy, Holy NICAEA *THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Written by the 2016 Confirmation Class We believe in one true God, who gives purpose and meaning to life. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was sent from Heaven to teach us about God s love, and to ultimately die on the cross for us, so that our sins and the sins of the world may be forgiven. We accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Jesus gives us strength in the midst of our imperfections and our trials, and we know he will always be there for us. We believe the Holy Spirit is God s presence who exists among us, works within us, and is present everywhere we go. We believe that God gave us this glorious gift of life, and all of the gifts He blesses us with should be used to glorify Him. We commit to living by the Word of God. We commit to growing together in our faith with our Athens First United Methodist Church family. And we commit to spreading the truth of God s love as disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Amen. *THE GLORY OF GOD The Gloria Patri Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. *THE PASSING OF THE PEACE Martha Aenchbacher THE CHILDREN S MESSAGE Linsey Jarrett *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type. 1

4 8:30 a.m. service THE OLD TESTAMENT READING Psalm 106:1-5 p. 526 old testament O give thanks to the Lord who is good; whose steadfast love endures forever! Who can utter the mighty doings of the Lord, or show forth all God s praise? Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people; help me when you deliver them, That I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your heritage. Anthem Lyrics All of the answers that you ve tried to seek, all of the words that you ve tried to speak, well, they leave you with questions, and nothing to say. Cover your soul. Get out of the way. With all of the dreams that you ve tried to forfeit, and every crack you ve tried to fill, well, it leaves you empty, and wondering what s revealed. Cover your soul. Come and be healed. Let it be revealed in you, let it be revealed in me, this love that s been given to us. So live into the questions, let the silence pervade. Open yourself to the truth that remains. Christ is revealed and the kingdom is here. Cover your soul. Come be revealed. *THE CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Do Lord Traditional Spiritual Do Lord, O, do Lord, O do remember me, do Lord, O, do Lord, O do remember me, do Lord, O, do Lord, O do remember me, way beyond the blue. I took Jesus as my Savior, you take Him too. I took Jesus as my Savior, you take Him too. I took Jesus as my Savior, you take Him too, way beyond the blue. THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD S PRAYER 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. THE OFFERING AND THE OFFERTORY ANTHEM Let It Be Revealed Seth Hendricks and Chris Good *THE DOXOLOGY 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. THE SCRIPTURE READING 2 Timothy 1:5-9 p. 199 new testament The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. 2

5 8:30 a.m. service THE SERMON Called to a Holy Life Josh Miles THE HYMN OF PREPARATION 452 My Faith Looks Up to Thee OLIVET My faith looks up to thee, thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine! Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away, O let me from this day be wholly thine! THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION Betsy Butler and Martha Aenchabcher Matthew 26:17-19, The Prayer of Preparation We do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to partake of this Sacrament of thy Son Jesus Christ, that we may walk in newness of life, may grow into his likeness, and may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen. The Receiving of the Elements of Communion 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. Glutenfree communion elements are available at the center station in the front of the sanctuary. Song Lyrics Holy Father, Son, and Spirit, Holy Communion, Three in One. Come with Your peace, with Your invitation. Bind us together in holy love. The Music During Communion Trinity Song Sandra McCracken The Prayer After Receiving Communion 3

6 8:30 a.m. service *THE CLOSING SONG We Will Feast in the House of Zion Sandra McCracken & Joshua Moore * THE BLESSING * THE POSTLUDE Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing Wagner Beth Rector; organ 4

7 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Flowers The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mabel C. Thornton by her family. The Worship of God Gathering THE PRELUDE All Nature Sings Fedak Beth Rector; organ THE CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP We Are Blessed Ramsey Sung by the Wesleyan Youth Choir Praise & Thanksgiving *THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN 64 Holy, Holy, Holy NICAEA *THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Written by the 2016 Confirmation Class We believe in one true God, who gives purpose and meaning to life. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was sent from Heaven to teach us about God s love, and to ultimately die on the cross for us, so that our sins and the sins of the world may be forgiven. We accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Jesus gives us strength in the midst of our imperfections and our trials, and we know he will always be there for us. We believe the Holy Spirit is God s presence who exists among us, works within us, and is present everywhere we go. We believe that God gave us this glorious gift of life, and all of the gifts He blesses us with should be used to glorify Him. We commit to living by the Word of God. We commit to growing together in our faith with our Athens First United Methodist Church family. And we commit to spreading the truth of God s love as disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Amen. *THE GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type. 5

8 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services *THE PASSING OF THE PEACE Martha Aenchabcher THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD S PRAYER 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 of the Word Anthem Lyrics Though I may master all things known, though I may forfeit all I own, and do not love, I search in vain to find the God who knows my name. Love does not hide or run away, it does not threaten or delay. Alive in hope, it braves our schemes. It bears our pain, believes our dreams. With all I am, in all I do, I pledge my faith, I honor you. I give you, Lord, my solemn vow; my life, my love, I offer now. THE OFFERING AND THE OFFERTORY ANTHEM With All I Am Davis Sung by the Wesleyan Youth Choir; Mimi Ackleh, piano; Eunice Kang, cello *THE DOXOLOGY 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. THE SCRIPTURE READING 2 Timothy 1:5-9 p. 199 new testament The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. THE SERMON Called to a Holy Life Josh Miles Response to the Word * THE HYMN Holy Spirit, Come, Confirm Us HOLY MANNA Holy Spirit, come confirm us, in the truth that Christ makes known; We have faith and understanding through Your helping gifts alone. Holy Spirit, come console us; come as Advocate to plead; Loving Spirit from the Father, grant in Christ the help we need. 6

9 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services Holy Spirit, come renew us; come and teach us how to live; Holy through Your loving Presence, Holy through the gifts You give. Holy Spirit, come possess us, You the love of Three in One, Holy Spirit of the Father, Holy Spirit of the Son. THE 2016 CONFIRMATION CLASS 9:45 a.m. *Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism Ava Xiuzan Wellnitz Applegate* Asa Allen Drudge* Dretavious Tyrelle Foster* Jackson Davis Hutton* James Lee Murrah* Harrison Hudson Reid* Maximillian Bruce Whitford* Katharine Marley Bain Jacob Alexander Bostdorff Oliver Pete Carrigan Brooks Culpepper Chisolm Jacob Robert Dickinson Evan Christian Dunlap Clayton Maddox Frost Aidan Reeves Harter Steven Cooke Holder Lilly Page Huestis Annabel Lee Johnston Thomas Douglas Jones Cole Howard Kelly, III Catherine Tobin Kiefer Kensley Scot McConnell John Robinson Tebeau, Jr. Audrey Lynn Thomas Chase Magee Whalen THE 2016 CONFIRMATION CLASS 11:00 a.m. *Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism Amelia Ann Tyler* Sarah Nicole Wages* Olivia Anna Maria Bledsoe Harrison Heys Carmack William Hawkes Corbett Constance Anne Cross William Callejas DeMent Philip Thomas Doherty Ryan Thomas Foster Corinne Blakely Furlow Annalise Marie Hale William Wright Hynes Callie Ann Jackson Sara McKenzie Lowe Mary Frances Mayree Massey Camille Hadley Menzies Emily Cullen Morris Katherine Taylor Murray Michael Grady Nasworthy Luke Richard Nesbit Kathryn Parker Nichols Meredith Hiles Reynolds Robert King Reynolds Elijah Langston Rogers Alexis Renee Sennowitz William Alexander Warner Emily Nell Waugh Lanier Brooke West Mitchell Cooper Wilson 7

10 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services *THE RECEPTION OF THE 2016 CONFIRMANDS Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I commend these persons to your love and care. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love. We rejoice to recognize you as members of Christ s holy church, and bid you welcome to this congregation of the United Methodist Church. With you, we renew our vows to uphold it by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. With God s help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ that, surrounded by steadfast love, you may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal. Sending Forth * THE HYMN Holy Spirit, Come, Confirm Us HOLY MANNA Please see hymn text on page 5 of your worship bulletin. *THE BLESSING AND CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE We Receive Your Blessing We receive your blessing, we receive your grace as we walk in the light shining from your face. May the peace that you give change the way that we live. We receive your blessing as we leave this place. * THE POSTLUDE Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing Wagner 8

11 The Steeple HOLY CONFIRMATION 2016 Confirmation Retreat at Camp Glisson Our faith and our hope is in Jesus Christ. These Confirmands are Kingdom builders. Thanks be to God that we can take each step of our Holy calling together. Teamwork makes the dream work. 9

12 10 Sympathy Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Bobby Wilfong and his family in the loss of his father, James Wilfong, on November 1. Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Brandt Halbach and his family in the loss of his mother, Doris Rae Halbach, on November 8. Confirmation Sunday Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty! We have embraced God s holiness in us through Confirmation this fall at Athens First United Methodist Church. Confirmation is a dedicated time of learning and reflection on the basic beliefs of Christianity and the principles specific to the United Methodist Church. We have 54 youth being Confirmed this Sunday morning. These Confirmands have made a personal decision to profess their faith in Jesus publicly, in front of their congregation. Thanks be to God! Our theme for Confirmation 2016, Holy (2 Timothy 1:9), started with our retreat to Camp Glisson this August and carried through our Sunday night lessons and small-group activities. These students know and believe that they are called to a holy life. Brothers and sisters in Christ, the call of God to a holy life is not just for these young people; it s also for you and me. May we each embrace God s holiness in us so that we can make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. As you experience God s glory through these young people on Confirmation Sunday, I encourage you to think about how are you personally responding to God s call for you to be holy. God always equips who He calls. In Christ, Josh Miles Newcomer Orientation Today Everyone is invited to attend Newcomer Orientation today at 9:45 or 11:00 a.m. in the Hospitality Room (on the Adult Sunday School hallway). You can learn more about Athens First United Methodist, including ways to get involved and how to become a member. Martha Aenchbacher martha@athensfirstumc.org Calling All Military Families Within our church family are military families mothers, fathers, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins who have a family member who is actively serving in our military. The Congregational Care Ministry would like to extend our care to these families. We have identified 20 military families in our church family. We have displayed their photos in the library so that we will know who these families are. Is someone in your family serving in the military? We would like to add you to our Military Family Hall of Fame. We want to salute you and your family let us join you in this gift you are giving to protect our freedoms. Contact the church office or Carole Langley to update our Military Hall of Fame. Church office Carole Langley carolelangley@charter.net Surviving the Holidays Today Please join us today from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Hancock Hall for Surviving the Holidays. This helpful and encouraging seminar from GriefShare is perfect for anyone facing the holidays after the death of a loved one. The seminar features video interviews with counselors, grief experts, and others who offer practical and honest suggestions about a variety of topics, including what to do about traditions and other changes, being prepared for surprising emotions that may hit over the holidays, how to handle potentially awkward moments. Those who attend will receive a Survival Guide filled with practical tips, encouraging words, journaling ideas, and exercises to help during the holiday season. This seminar will be facilitated by Erica Cooper, Bereavement Coordinator at Gentiva Hospice. Learn More athensfirstumc.org/griefshare Martha Aenchbacher martha@athensfirstumc.org

13 Lest We Forget Alex Andy Keller U.S. Air Force Son of Alex and Marty Keller Brian Bartlett U.S. Navy Brother of Holly and Jon Ward, uncle of Baylor, Matthew, and Isaac Ben Cardin U.S. Navy Son of Richard and Donna Cardin, brother of Nicholas, nephew of Michael and Susan Cardin, grandson of Pat Cardin, deceased Douglas Chadwick U.S. Army Husband of Heather Chadwick, father of Emma and Leah Jeff Chambers Air National Guard Husband of Jennifer Chambers, dad of Jack, Tommy, and Drew Jonathan David Carpenter Army National Guard Son of Debbie and Bill Crowe John Denney U.S. Army Husband of Libby Bain Denney, son-in-law of Evelyn and Jake Riley Alfred Al P. Farrar S.C. Air National Guard Son of Mary M. Larkey Trey Foy S. Horne, III U.S. Army Son of Foy and Martee Horne, brother of Laura and Harris Lowery, uncle of Lily and Jack James Freeman U.S. Army Husband of Jack Miller s granddaughter William A. Mahoney U. S. Marine Corps Son of Ormonde and Beth Mahoney Bert Maxwell U. S. Air Force Academy Grandson of Patricia and Bert Maxwell Tyler Rouse U.S. Air Force Son of Diana and Jeff Rouse Taylor Shenkman U.S. Marine Corps Nephew of Katie Smith Jacob Thornburg U.S. Air Force Son of Peggye and Frank Thornburg Matthew David Nease Utley U.S. Army Husband of Ginn Haley Utley, son-in-law of Carlyn Haley Robert Winters U.S. Air Force Brother-in-law of Rhonda and Michael Compton, uncle of Emma and Jonathan Mark Wagner U.S. Navy Son of Debbie Wagner Gita Velu U.S. Army Daughter of Gertrude Schilsky, sister of Supriya and Steve Chesser, aunt of James and Glenn 11

14 Charge Conference November 14 We hope you can attend Charge Conference on Monday, November 14, at 6:30 p.m. in Hancock Hall. Come early for refreshments and fellowship. agency of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church serving persons with developmental disabilities. Aldersgate assists adults in securing safe, comfortable, affordable residential placements as well as opportunities for accessible recreational activities. As you prepare to worship with us next Sunday, please plan to give generously. Wednesday Night Meals 12 The meal on Wednesday, November 16, is Fox's Pizza Den. Join us for baked spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread. Advance dinner orders are required. Order your meal online or by calling the church office by Tuesday at noon. Take-out boxes will be available. You and your family, friends, and/ or small group are invited and encouraged to eat and spend time together in Hancock Hall. For more information, contact Beth. If you have trouble ordering online, church staff can help you order your meal. Volunteers are needed to assist with clean-up after the meal each week from 6:30-7:00 p.m. Volunteers eat free. Register to volunteer online. Learn more athensfirstumc.org/wednesdaynightmeals Beth Dickinson Pickleball Join us every Tuesday afternoon in the AFUMC gym from 1:30-3:00 p.m. to play Pickleball, a great sport consisting of Ping Pong, Tennis, and Badminton all in one! We enjoy fellowship while getting exercise; this is a great game for active adults. Contact Rusty for more information or just come and try it out! Rusty Wood rusty@athensfirstumc.org Special Offering Next Sunday Next Sunday, we will take up a special offering for Aldersgate Homes and Collinswood. Aldersgate is a related Ingathering Thanksgiving Ingathering is coming up soon, and ONE Student Ministries needs your help! Thanksgiving Ingathering is a time to spread the love of Christ during a season of abundance and blessing. On Sunday, November 20, teams of youth and adult leaders will deliver all of the fixings for Thanksgiving meals to families in need in the Athens area. In order to prepare these meals, food items are being collected in the youth area. Please visit our webpage to find out what items we are collecting and how you can help. Learn more athensfirstumc.org/thanksgivingingathering Laney Jones laney@athensfirstumc.org Trim the Tree You are invited to help decorate the Christmas tree in Hancock Hall on Sunday, November 20, at 12:00 p.m. Enjoy Christmas carols, snacks, and trimming the tree. All are welcome to attend. Beth Dickinson beth@athensfirstumc.org Advent Bible Studies We will offer two Bible studies during the Advent Season this year. The first, Sacred Space, is a daily prayer guide for the advent season that invites readers to develop a closer

15 relationship with God during this season of preparation and anticipation for the birth of Jesus. Sacred Space will begin on Wednesday, November 30, from 6:45-7:45 p.m. in the John Wesley Parlor. The cost is $2 and the class is only three weeks long. Books are also available for your personal devotional use. Please pick up a book at the reception desk The second study, Awaiting the Already, is an advent journey through the four Gospels. Each gospel, in its own way, leads us on the Advent journey of preparation for Christ's coming. Discover what parts of the Christmas story come from which Gospel, and uncover Advent's tension between the past and the future within your own life. This study is offered on two different days starting on Sunday, November 27, from 4:45-5:45 p.m. in room 222 and Wednesday, November 30, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in room 222. This is only a three-week study, and each meeting will last one hour. The cost is $9. Please pick up a book at the reception desk and read the first chapter before the first meeting. Register athensfirstumc.org/registration Beth Dickinson beth@athensfirstumc.org To secure a place, please pay a $300 deposit per person to Stephen. Contact Stephen for more information. Stephen Mitchell smitchell@athensfirstumc.org Poinsettias Poinsettias in honor or memory of a loved one are available for purchase through the church office. The flowers will be placed in the sanctuary by the Altar Guild and a booklet listing all of those participating will be available in the narthex Sunday, December 18, and the flowers may be picked up after the 11:00 am worship service the same day. Orders with payment may be made at the church office or by mail no later than November 28. The price is $11 per plant. Cookie Daniel cookied@athensfirstumc.org GriefShare Wesley Heritage Tour Are you interested in spending 12 days in England following the footsteps of John and Charles Wesley? Join Stephen Mitchell and Chuck Hodges on the Wesley Heritage Tour of England. The trip will include visits to Charterhouse; Wesley s Chapel; the Methodist Central Hall in London; Christ Church, Oxford University; Epworth; the New Room in Bristol; Blenheim Palace; and the city of Lincoln. Included in the price is accommodations in superior four-star hotels, all breakfasts, five dinners, round trip airfare from Atlanta, all tips and entrance fees, and guided tours of sites. This trip will occur May 19-30, The cost will not exceed $3,800. GriefShare groups are taking place at our church! This faith-based curriculum features nationally recognized experts on grief and recovery topics. We welcome Erica Cooper, bereavement coordinator of Gentiva Hospice, who is facilitating both groups in Room 100. Groups will meet through the week of December 12, with a break for Thanksgiving. The Monday group meets at 6:30 p.m. and the Wednesday group meets at 10:00 a.m. New participants are welcome to join at any time; each lesson is self-contained, so you do not need to attend in sequence. There is no cost to join a GriefShare group, but we ask that you register so that we can have enough materials prepared. Please contact Martha Aenchbacher for more information. Learn More athensfirstumc.org/griefshare Martha Aenchbacher martha@athensfirstumc.org 13

16 Star Bright Advent Family Breakfast and Worship Service Sunday, November 27 Hancock Hall Join us at 8:30 a.m. for a pancake breakfast and an interactive family worship service at 9:45 a.m. athensfirstumc.org/familyevents 14

17 Advent Family Breakfast Come help us light up the season at the Advent Family Breakfast and Worship Service on Sunday, November 27, in Hancock Hall. This is a special time designed to engage the hearts and minds of all ages as we look toward Christmas. Enjoy a pancake breakfast including pancakes with toppings, bacon, eggs, and fruit from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. After breakfast, experience an interactive worship service together at 9:45 a.m. Please register online for the pancake breakfast to facilitate planning and preparation. Register athensfirstumc.org/familyevents Robin Stewart robin@athensfirstumc.org Sarah Lawing sarah@athensfirstumc.org Serving This Holiday Season There are many opportunities to serve this holiday season. Below, you'll find a list of upcoming opportunities for you, your family, your small group, or your Sunday school class to take part in as we love one another throughout this season. We have many unexpected benevolence requests from those in need during the holiday season. If you would like to help meet these needs by contributing a gift card to Walmart or Target, any amount would be much appreciated! Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org Mary Claire Wills maryclaire@athensfirstumc.org Adopt a Child/Family for Christmas Now through Friday, December 2 Christmas Community Meal Thursday, December 15 Mobile Food Pantry Saturdays, November 19 and December 17 Red Cross Blood Drive Thursday, December 22 Benevolence Gift Cards Accepting now through the New Year Home for the Holidays Senior Fun is excited to host our annual "Home for the Holidays" event, where we invite homebound church members to a delicious meal and outstanding Christmas music program by the Arioso singers from the Athens Choral Society. Home for the Holidays will be Thursday, December 1, at 12:30 p.m. in Hancock Hall. There is no cost for our special homebound guests, and the cost is $6 for all others. If you are caring for an aging parent at home or have caregivers you employ, please know that all are invited and welcome to attend this special luncheon! If you need transportation, please let us know. Call the church office to make your reservation by Tuesday, November 29. Contact Martha with any questions. Church office Martha Aenchbacher martha@athensfirstumc.org Christmas Adoptions This Christmas, adopt a child through the Salvation Army Angel Tree Project or a family through Project Safe and brighten this season for many in need. You may choose to provide gifts as an individual, with your family, or with your small group, Bible study, or Sunday School class. Gifts are due by December 2. Contact Mary Claire or Betsy to adopt a child or family today! Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org Mary Claire Wills maryclaire@athensfirstumc.org

18 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 1:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 5:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. This Week SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Luke 21:10-19 Worship Service SANCTUARY Preschool Nursery FIRST FLOOR Fun Gym GYM Worship Service SANCTUARY Adult Sunday School SECOND FLOOR AND SAYE BUILDING Preschool Nursery & Sunday School FIRST FLOOR Youth Sunday School: First Word YOUTH AREA Elementary Sunday School: Holy Ground CHAPEL Kindergarten Sunday School: City on a Hill ROOM 311 & 313 Newcomer Orientation HOSPITALITY ROOM Sack Lunch Ministry HULL STREET ENTRANCE Worship Service SANCTUARY Preschool Nursery FIRST FLOOR Newcomer Orientation HOSPITALITY ROOM First Light Acolyte Training Session SANCTUARY Children's Basketball GYM Cub Scout Pack 1 SCOUT HUT Agapé Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148 Youth Worship Team Rehearsal ROOM 119 Carillons Ringers ROOM 150 Wesleyan Youth Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148 Route 56 Open Road + Octane ROOM 120 Connect & Grow Group ROOM 229 Alleluia Ringers ROOM 150 Encounter ROOM 119 GriefShare Surviving the Holidays HANCOCK HALL Connect & Grow Group ROOM 222 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Jeremiah 23:1-6 Connect & Grow Group ROOM 222 UMW Circle 6 Meeting THE HOME OF NANCY WITHERINGTON Disciplines Devotional Bible Study ROOM 200 Church Council HANCOCK HALL Annual Charge Conference HANCOCK HALL GriefShare Monday Group ROOM 100 Community Bible Study, Athens Evening Class TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Psalm 37:1-6 Fashion Fitness ROOM 120 Community Bible Study Leaders Council YOUTH AREA UMW Circle 7 Meeting ROOM 100 Prayer Shawl PANERA BREAD Pickleball GYM Trustees Meeting HULL CONFERENCE ROOM Fashion Fitness ROOM 120 Boy Scouts Troop 1 SCOUT HUT Connect & Grow Group ROOM 229 Connect & Grow Group TIMOTHY ROAD 16

19 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:00 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. 7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 5:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Luke 1:68-79 Daniel A Beth Moore Study ROOM 229 Wednesday Morning Bible Study ROOM 222 Connect & Grow Group FIVE POINTS GriefShare Wednesday Group ROOM 100 The Patriarchs A Beth Moore Study HULL CONFERENCE ROOM Fun Gym GYM Celebrate Worship Arts Grades 3-4 ROOM 301 Dance ROOM 145 Lyric Choir Grades 1-2 ROOM 151 Hospitality Room Hangout HOSPITALITY ROOM Prayer Shawl ROOM 200 Early Book Group ROOM 247 Route 56: GPS ROOM 120 Wednesday Night Meal HANCOCK HALL Celebrate Choir Grades 3 & 4 ROOM 301 Cherub Choir Age 3 ROOM 314 &324 Sonshine Choir Age 4 ROOM 325 Joy Choir Kindergarten ROOM 320 Lyric Worship Arts Grades 1 & 2 ROOM 301 & Love Letters HULL CONFERENCE ROOM Connect Group (Young Married) ROOM 229 Engage Bible Study YOUTH AREA Connect Group (Young Married) ROOM 114 Connect & Grow Leader Meeting ROOM 222 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148 Youth Worship Team Rehearsal ROOM 119 Children's Basketball GYM Chamber Ensemble Rehearsal ROOM 148 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Luke 23:33-38 Fashion Fitness ROOM 120 Community Bible Study SANCTUARY Children's Basketball GYM Fashion Fitness ROOM 120 Girl Scouts Meeting SAYE BUILDING Smocking Group Meeting HULL CONFERENCE ROOM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Luke 23:39-43 Connect & Grow Group ROOM 224 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Colossians 1:11-14 Mobile Food Pantry SANCTUARY Children's Basketball GYM 17

20 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. LIX No. 46 Postmaster Send address changes to: AFUMC P.O. Box 1109 Athens, GA