Athens First United Methodist Church

Transcription

1 Athens First United Methodist Church Second Sunday of Advent December 6, :30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.

2 Table of Contents 8:30 a.m. service 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services 1 4 The Steeple 10 Welcome We re glad you re here! Thank you for joining us today. Members of this congregation have been gathering here to worship since 1804, when our church was formed to minister to the Native American and European settlers in Athens. 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. At Athens First United Methodist, there are many ways to get involved, grow in your faith, and do good in our community. If you are unable to attend worship in person, each Sunday our 11:00 a.m. service is broadcast on WRFC 960 AM, and all of our services are live-streamed on our website at athensfirstumc. org/webcast. Nursery Our nursery is available for infants through four-year-olds on Sundays from 8:15 a.m. 12:15 p.m. The nursery area is located on the first floor of the building, off the Washington Street entrance. Children Worship activity bags (age appropriate for all preschool and elementary children) are available every Sunday in the narthex and by the south entrance of the sanctuary. Children s Church is held for children in kindergarten through second grade and follows the Children s Message during 11:00 a.m. worship all Sundays except for Communion Sundays. Sunday School We offer Sunday School for all ages, children age 2 through adult, each Sunday from 9:45 10:45 a.m. For a list of adult Sunday School classes and locations, visit athensfirstumc.org/ adultsundayschool. Connect We are blessed to have a large congregation. Because of this, we offer many programs and ministries. It can be overwhelming trying to decide where to get involved. If you would like someone to guide you along this process, please contact Martha Aenchbacher. Another great way to learn about the life of our church is through attending a Newcomer Orientation held every second Sunday of the month at 9:45 and 11 a.m. We also encourage you to visit our website, athensfirstumc.org, for information about our ministries, to register for events, and to listen to sermons from our sermon archive. Visit athensfirstumc.org/thesteeple to sign up for our weekly newsletter, the esteeple. You can also connect with us via social media. Find on Facebook on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Our church office is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. If you need assistance, please call

3 8:30 a.m. The Worship of God THE GATHERING MUSIC Selections played by Wood n Nickel Quintet THE CALL TO WORSHIP O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Played by Wood n Nickel Quintet The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Middleton Barnett Wingfield and Mrs. Blanche Quillian Wilkes by Mr. and Mrs. Terrell Wing field. THE WELCOME AND THE PASSING OF THE PEACE Betsy Butler THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES Jan and Dan Foust Sung: A candle is burning, a candle of peace, a candle to signal that conflict must cease. For Jesus is coming to show us the way; a message of peace humbly laid in the hay. THE FIRST LESSON God tells sinful Adam that he has lost the life of Paradise and that his seed will bruise the serpent s head. The Reading Genesis 3:8-19 (p. 3) Read by Betsy Butler THE CAROL God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen Sung by Jacob Dickinson God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay. Remember, Christ, our Savior was born on Christmas day to save us all from Satan s power when we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy. O tidings of comfort and joy. THE SECOND LESSON God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. The Reading Genesis 22:15-18 (p ) Read by Mike Greenhaw *THE CAROL Hymn 211 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Verses 1, 3, 5 *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type. 1

4 8:30 a.m. service THE THIRD LESSON The prophet foretells the coming of the Savior. The Reading Isaiah 9:2,6-7 (p. 606) Read by Charley Whittemore *THE CAROL Hymn 219 What Child Is This? Verses 1, 3 THE FOURTH LESSON The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown. The Reading Isaiah 11:1-9 (p. 609) Read by Keith and Therese Wilson THE CAROL Hymn 216 Lo, How a Rose E er Blooming Verses 1-2 Sung by the quartet THE FIFTH LESSON The angel Gabriel salutes the Virgin Mary. The Reading Luke 1:26-38 (p ) Read by Adriane Hanson THE ANTHEM Mary, Did You Know? Lowry Played by the Worship Team; Julie Caldwell, solo THE SIXTH LESSON Luke tells of the birth of Jesus. The Reading Luke 2:1-7 (p. 55) Read by Isaac Ward *THE CAROL Hymn 230 O Little Town of Bethlehem THE OFFERING AND THE OFFERTORY ANTHEM What Wondrous Love Is This? Played by Wood n Nickel Quintet THE SEVENTH LESSON The shepherds go to the manger. The Reading Luke 2:8-15 (p. 55) Read by Emma Steger and Olivia Tucker 2

5 8:30 a.m. service *THE CAROL MEDLEY Hymn 238 Angels We Have Heard on High Verses 1, 3 Hymn 240 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing THE EIGHTH LESSON The wise men are led by the star to Jesus. The Reading Matthew 2:1-12 (p. 1-2) Read by Russ and Cookie Daniel THE CAROL MEDLEY Hymn 245 The First Noel Verses 1, 3 Hymn 254 We Three Kings Verse 1 Worship Team: Natalie Smith, flute; Hans Holzen, guitar, mandolin, violin; Serena Sciabelli, violin; Jason Royer, bass Quartet: Martha Aenchbacher, soprano; Julie Caldwell, alto; Steven Jones, tenor; Tom Jackson, bass Wood n Nickel Quintet: Beth Baile, flute; Heidi Nibbelink, oboe; Thomas Cooper, clarinet; Martha Beeson, French horn; Robert Placek, bassoon THE NINTH LESSON John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation. The Reading John 1:1-5, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own,and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth. *CAROL MEDLEY Hymn 246 Joy to the World Verses 1, 3, 4 Hymn 234 O Come All Ye Faithful Verses 1, 3, 6 * THE BENEDICTION 3

6 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. The Worship of God THE PRELUDE Away in a Manger Varner THE WELCOME AND THE PASSING OF THE PEACE 9:45 a.m. Martha Aenchbacher 11:00 a.m. Beth Dickinson The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Middleton Barnett Wingfield and Mrs. Blanche Quillian Wilkes by Mr. and Mrs. Terrell Wing field. *THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN 220 Angels from the Realms of Glory REGENT SQUARE THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES 9:45 a.m. The Taylor Family 11:00 a.m. The Hay Family Sung: A candle is burning, a candle of peace, a candle to signal that conflict must cease. For Jesus is coming to show us the way; a message of peace humbly laid in the hay. THE ANTHEM The Work of Christmas Forrest Sung by the Chamber Ensemble When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flock, the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among brothers, to make music from the heart. The Song of the Angels THE SCRIPTURE Luke 2:1-14 THE ANTHEM Sing Gloria! Ruth Elaine Schram Sung by the Lyric Choir; Cathy Felton, accompanist; Lindsey Parrish, youth helper Christ Jesus is born, the Savior is born! Sing Gloria! Christ Jesus is born, the Savior is born! Sing Gloria! Oh, how we have longed to meet Him. Oh, how we have longed to greet Him. And so we join the angels and with one voice we sing; Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! 4 *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.

7 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services The Star in the Sky THE SCRIPTURE Matthew 2:1-12 THE ANTHEM Star of the East, Bethlehem s Star Greg Gilpin Sung by Octane and Celebrate Choirs; Mimi Ackleh, accompanist Star of the East, Bethlehem s star, guiding each one of us from afar. Lead us to peace and joy and peace. Star of the East, shining above. Star of the East, lulled by your light, giving us hope on this lonely night. Lead us to peace and joy and love. Star of East, shining above. Watch over us, safe and secure, lead us as we travel on. Heavenly light, faithful and pure, we have been searching so long. The Shepherds are Back with Their Flock THE SCRIPTURE Luke 2:15-20 THE ANTHEM Where Shepherds Lately Knelt Craig Courtney Sung by the Sanctuary Choir; Rachael Fischer, violin Where shepherds lately knelt and kept the angel s word, I come in half-belief, a pilgrim strangely stirred; but there is room and welcome there for me. In that unlikely place I find him as they said: Sweet newborn Babe, how frail! And in a manger bed: A still, small voice to cry one day for me. How should I not have known Isaiah would be there, His prophecies fulfilled? With pounding heart I stare: A child, a son, the Prince of Peace for me, Can I, will I forget how Love was born, and burned its way into my heart unasked, unforced, unearned, to die, to live, and not alone for me? The Work of Christmas Begins THE LITANY Amazing God, you love us so much that you came to us as an infant. Born in a stable because there was no room in the inn. You call us to love the world as we have been loved by you. Wrapped in swaddling clothes, you slept in a manger because there was no crib. You command us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Shepherds welcomed you. You call us to create a church in which everyone is welcomed and loved. No one was turned away from the stable door. You keep calling us to open our doors, to welcome the outcasts, house the homeless, feed the hungry, and turn over the tables in the temple. Lambs and cows, chickens and donkeys, men, women, children...angels 5

8 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services of all kinds surrounded you. Help us create a world and a church in which all of your children are safe and loved, affirmed, welcomed, and fully accepted, where we all have a community of angels surrounding us. One star brighter than the rest led the world to your door. May our love and work in the world be a beacon of hope to the hopeless, and a ministry of welcome. May our churches be warm stables for all who have been hurt by prejudice, and places of peace and healing for all who have been wounded by violence. May we always seek to make the powerful uncomfortable and accountable, especially when they are us. Dear Child of Bethlehem, as we remember the stable and the manger, the dusty roads you walked and the cross on which you died, give us the faith and courage to tell your truth and make it our own. May your story guide us and help us claim the sacredness in our own lives and stories. Help us follow you with all of our hearts and minds and souls and strength, for you are our hope and our redeemer. Amen. To Find the Lost THE SCRIPTURE Luke 15:1-7 THE OFFERING THE OFFERTORY ANTHEM Lost in the Night Marty Haugen Sung by Sarah and Matthew Lawing Lost in the night do the people yet languish, longing for morning the darkness to vanquish, plaintively heaving a sigh full of anguish? Will not day come soon? Must we be vainly awaiting the morrow? Shall those who have light no light let us borrow, giving no heed to our burden of sorrow? Will you help us soon? Sorrowing wanderers, in darkness yet dwelling, dawned has the day of a radiance excelling, death s dreaded darkness forever dispelling? Christ is coming soon! Will not day come soon? Come and save us soon! Christ is coming soon! To Heal the Broken THE SCRIPTURE Psalm 147:1-6 THE ANTHEM Christmas Dreams Heather Sorenson Sung by the Wesleyan Youth Choir; Mimi Ackleh, accompanist On that Christmas night, when mystic stars shone bright, a wistful blind man moved in sleep, and dreamed that 6

9 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services he had sight. That night when shepherds heard an angel choir near, a deaf man stirred in slumber s spell and dreamed that he could hear. Child of healing, child of hope, take the things that hurt us most, and with Your touch they ll be redeemed. Holy Child of Christmas dreams. On that night in cattle stall, a King slept through the cold. A cripple turned his twisted limbs, and dreamed that he was whole. That night when o er the Babe, young Mary rose to lean, a loathsome leper smiled in sleep and dreamed that he was clean. That night in manger lay the Child who came to save. A man moved in the sleep of death, and dreamed there was no grave. To Feed the Hungry To Release the Prisoner THE SCRIPTURE Matthew 25:35-40 THE ANTHEM God Has Work for Us To Do Mark Miller Sung by the Chamber Ensemble and Agape Ensemble Til all the jails are empty and all the bellies filled; til no one hurts or steals or lies, and no more blood is spilled: God has work for us to do, God has work for us to do, til God s will is done and all things are made new, God has work for us to do. Til age and race and gender no longer separate; til pulpit, press, and politics are free of greed and hate: In tenement and mansion, in factory, farm, and mill, in board room and in billiard hall, in wards where time stands still, In classroom, church, and office, in shops or on the street, In every place where people thrive, or starve, or hide, or meet. By sitting at a bedside to hold pale, trembling hands, by speaking for the powerless against unjust demands. By praying through our doing, and singing though we fear, by trusting that the seed we sow will bring God s harvest near. To Rebuild Nations THE SCRIPTURE Isaiah 11:1-10 This anthem has been placed in the choir library to the glory of God and in honor of Bill Simpson by the Waller family: Callie and Paul, Mary Carroll, Claire, and Diana. THE ANTHEM Sweetest Music, Softly Stealing Elaine Hagenberg Sung by the Sanctuary Choir Sweetest music, softly stealing thro the silence of the night; to the shepherds, now revealing, Christ is born, the Source of light. Glory unto God the Father, who hath sent His only Son, that He may all nations gather round His feet and make them one. Now in David s ancient city He is born, the angels say; God the Father, full of pity, sends His Son to you today. Shepherds, to the stable hasten, there your Savior Christ is born, Son of Mary, lowly maiden, on this first glad Christmas morn! He from highest heav n descending comes on earth your woes to heal, That your ev ry want attending, Love of God He may reveal. To Bring Peace Among People THE SCRIPTURE Luke 1:68-79 THE HYMN 431 Let There Be Peace on Earth WORLD PEACE 7

10 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services THE ANTHEMS Peace, Peace arr. Fred Bock Sung by the Octane Choir Peace, peace, peace on earth and good will to all. This is a time for joy. This is a time for love. Now let us all sing together of peace, peace, peace on earth. Night of Silence Kantor Sung by the combined choirs; ; Rachael Fischer, violin; Lucas Scalamogna, violin; Rebecca Floyd, cello; Ana Abrantes, cello Cold are the people, winter of life, we tremble in shadows this cold endless night. Frozen in the snow lie roses sleeping, flowers that will echo the sunrise. Fire of hope is our only warmth, weary, its flame will be dying soon. Voice in the distance, call in the night, on wind you enfold us you speak of the light. Gentle on the ear you whisper softly, rumors of a dawn so embracing. Breathless love awaits darkened souls, soon will we know of the morning. Spirit among us, shine like the star. Your light that guides shepherds and kings from afar. Shimmer in the sky so empty, lonely, rising in the warmth of your Son s love, star unknowing of night and day. Spirit we wait for your loving Son. To Make Music from the Heart * THE HYMN 240 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN * THE BENEDICTION * THE POSTLUDE Once in Royal David s City Lash 8

11 DECEMBER USHERS 8:30 a.m. Jim Belger, Ann and Paul Brown, Larry Deal, Hugh Larkey, Mack Lowrey, Jim Lyons, Candler Meadors, Olan Moore, Bob Noble, Grace Rabek, Ken Reece, Keith Wilson, Michael and Sharon Broun 9:45 a.m. Chris Bostdorff, Tom Cooper, David and Jane Disney, Mark Ellison, Mark Firth, Tom Hedges, Dan Lasseter, Jim Lyons, Sharon Milton, Tom Milton, Al Rogers, Bill Trigleth, Michelle and Reeves McNeill 11:00 a.m. Mark Graham, Mike McCord, Charlie Upchurch III, Allan Hixon, Mason McWhorter, Gene Deal, Jim Lyons OFFERING STEWARDS Bob Booth, Jim Lyons, Nat Carmack, Henry Garrard, Nathan King, Al Hawley, Sean Rogers, Charlie Upchurch III GREETERS Jack and Kate Danhorst, Alice and Gene Deal, Jerry Guyer, Marilyn and Richard Cary, Barbara and Cicero Lucas, John Cunningham, Evan Williams, Bo Allen FIRST LIGHT ACOLYTES Acolyte Manager: Lili Hollis 8:30 a.m. John Curtis Pruett, Greer Moseley, Clark O Neill 9:45 a.m. Jack and Barrett McClanahan, Trent Nesbit 11:00 a.m. Mary Martin Harper, Hayley Whitmore ATTENDANCE ON NOVEMBER 29 Total Worship 1138 Sunday School 270 8:30 a.m :45 a.m :00 a.m. 371 Online 130 FINANCIAL REPORT Budget for 2015 $2,641,842 Amount Given YTD $2,683,828 Goal for November $203,187 Amount after 4 Sundays $223,207 OUR MINISTERS AND MINISTRY DIRECTORS Chuck Hodges Senior Minister athensfirstumc.org chuck@athensfirstumc.org Martha Aenchbacher Minister of Congregational Care athensfirstumc.org/congregationalcare martha@athensfirstumc.org Beth Dickinson Minister of Discipleship athensfirstumc.org/smallgroupsbiblestudies beth@athensfirstumc.org Betsy Butler Minister of Missions athensfirstumc.org/missions betsy@athensfirstumc.org Josh Miles Director of Student Ministries athensfirstumc.org/youth josh@athensfirstumc.org Robin Stewart Director of Children s Ministry athensfirstumc.org/elementary robinafumc@bellsouth.net Sarah Lawing Director of Children s Music Ministry athensfirstumc.org/childrensmusicministry sarah@athensfirstumc.org Stephen Mitchell Director of Music athensfirstumc.org/adultmusic stephen@athensfirstumc.org Janis Maxwell Director of Youth Music & Organist athensfirstumc.org/wesleyanyouthchoir janis@athensfirstumc.org Lynn Bryant Director of REACH International athensfirstumc.org/reachinternational lynn@athensfirstumc.org Rusty Wood Director of Recreation Ministries athensfirstumc.org/recreation rusty@athensfirstumc.org Linsey Jarrett Director of Weekday Preschool athensfirstumc.org/weekdaypreschool linsey@athensfirstumc.org Julie Caldwell 8:30 a.m. Worship Leader julie@athensfirstumc.org

12 The Steeple The Advent Wreath Peace The advent wreath is a tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent. The wreath is a circle of various evergreens, signifying continuous life, the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. The four colored candles represent hope, peace, joy, and love, and the center candle represents the birth of Christ. Today we light the first two candles for hope and peace. John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:4 This Week: Thursday, December 10 5:00 p.m. Hancock Hall Christmas Community Meal Sunday, December 13 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Baby Recognition Sunday Sunday, December 13 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Snow Angels by the Sanctuary Choir 10

13 Sympathy Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to John Laster and family in the loss of his father, Jimmie Laster, on November 29. The Manger Project Wednesday Night Meal The meal on Wednesday, December 9, is Weaver D s. Join us for fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and bread. Meals are $6 each. 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 if you have to eat and run, or run and then eat! You and your family, friends, and/or small group are invited and encouraged to eat and spend time together in Hancock Hall. Volunteers are needed to help serve the meal, and volunteers eat free! EA Whorton edithann@athensfirstumc.org Learn more athensfirstumc.org/wednesdaynightmeals Thank you to everyone who came to the Family Advent Breakfast! What a special morning for families to worship together and begin the season of Advent. The story doesn t stop there though. Join us on Christmas Eve at the 4:00 p.m. service for the next part of the Manger Project. The Kids Music and Arts choirs and dance class will perform and tell the Christmas story. Everyone is invited. Sarah Lawing sarah@athensfirstumc.org Robin Stewart robin@athensfirstumc.org Charge Conference December 7 We hope you can attend Charge Conference on Monday, December 7, at 7:00 p.m. in Hancock Hall. Please arrive at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments and fellowship. Adopt a Child or Family This Christmas! Don t forget that the deadline for gifts is Monday, December 7. Please drop off your gifts to Mary Claire s office or Room 103. Thank you to all who are serving our community in such a special way this Christmas. Mary Claire Wills maryclaire@athensfirstumc.org Christmas Community Meal Please consider serving at this special Christmas meal on Thursday, December 10, in Hancock Hall. The dinner will begin at 5:00 p.m. and volunteers are needed throughout the day to cook, set up, serve the meal, host, and clean up. Donations of cooked hams are also needed. This is truly a time for our church body to come together in love to serve our community, and we hope you will come and be a part! Please register online to volunteer. Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org Mary Claire Wills maryclaire@athensfirstumc.org 11

14 BABY SUNDAY Baby Recognition Sunday As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we also celebrate the birth of babies born into our church family during Please join us on December 13 at 11:00 a.m. worship as we welcome our newborns into our church family. Families are invited to a reception in Hancock Hall at 10:15 a.m. April Allen april@athensfirstumc.org Last Chance Submit a Photo We want everyone in our church family to be included in our new church directory. Photo sessions with Lifetouch are over, but it s not too late to be included. December 15 will be the last day to submit a photo for the church directory. You may submit a high quality, vertically oriented, 5x7 or smaller print. Please place photos in the designated basket at the reception desk after hours. In addition, high quality digital files may be submitted. For more details please contact the church office. Church office EA Whorton edithann@athensfirstumc.org Last Mobile Food Pantry of the Year! One Saturday a month, ten thousand pounds of food are delivered to our church for us to distribute to people in need in our community. You and your family are invited to serve with us this Christmas season on Saturday, December 19. Volunteers help with set-up at 8:00 a.m., distribution begins about 9:00 a.m., and we finish around 11:00 a.m. Children can serve with parents (they must stay with you at all times). Let s share the love of Christ with our neighbors this month! Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org Sanctuary Choir Sings Snow Angel Join the Sanctuary Choir on December 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary to hear Snow Angel. Through song and narrative, Snow Angel weaves together stories of love and light, rebirth and rejuvenation, and highlights the strength and beauty a child s voice can bring to our often troubled world. Also featuring the Britten Ceremony of Carols and Bass Gloria. Stephen Mitchell stephen@athensfirstumc.org Youth Christmas Lock-in Youth Christmas Lock-in ONE Student Ministries is hosting a Christmas Lock-in for students in grades 7-12 December The activities at the lock-in will include dinner together, Christmas caroling, fellowship, games, time for prayer, and movies. We hope that this lock-in will be a great time for our youth to strengthen their relationships with one another through 12

15 Christian fellowship and fun! Please visit our webpage for more information and to register. Registration will close on Sunday, December 13. Register athensfirstumc.org/youthchristmaslockin Josh Miles front desk. We will collect them and retire them during the ceremony. Nat Carmack Christmas Eve Service Times We will offer three Christmas Eve services this year. Our 4:00 p.m. service will be led by the Children s Music Ministry. Our 7:00 p.m. service will be led by the Wesleyan Youth Choir. Our 11:00 p.m. service will include Communion and music from the Sanctuary Choir. All three services will include candlelight. We hope you and your family will make plans to worship with us on Christmas Eve and celebrate the birth of our Savior. Sack Lunch Ministry Each Sunday morning the Sack Lunch Ministry prepares and distributes 40 sack lunches to those in need in our community. As we begin the new year, we need volunteers for Sundays in January. This is a great opportunity to serve as a family or small group! Groceries can be provided if needed and requested by Thursday before you serve. Register athensfirstumc.org/sacklunchministry Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org Mary Claire Wills maryclaire@athensfirstumc.org Flag Retirement Ceremony Cub Scouts Pack 1 will be conducting a flag retirement ceremony in early January. If you have worn or tattered flags in need of retirement, please bring them to the church s Souper Suppers We invite you to come prepare and serve a meal for those who are hungry in our community. We will host Souper Suppers every Thursday evening beginning January 7 in Hancock Hall. At this weekly event, we invite our neighbors into our church home for a warm meal and fellowship. Individuals, Sunday school classes, families, or any small group of people are welcome to sign up to serve. Please register online or feel free to contact Mary Claire, AmyLou Reynolds, or Suzanne Carter with questions. Register athensfirstumc.org/soupersuppers Mary Claire Wills maryclaire@athensfirstumc.org AmyLou Reynolds scottandamylou@charter.net Suzanne Carter suzannecarter52@hotmail.com Stop Hunger Now January 23 Stop Hunger Now s meal packaging program is a hands-on international mission project that is fun for all ages! This is an annual churchwide mission project and a wonderful opportunity to impact people across the globe without leaving Athens. There are several ways to be involved: 1. Pray: for all those who will receive the meals and those who will serve at this event. 2. Contribute: 29 cents makes a meal. 3. Serve: Serve at one of the two shifts on January 23 (8:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.). Register online to sign up to serve, or contact Betsy or Mary Claire for more details. Register athensfirstumc.org/stophungernow Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org Mary Claire Wills maryclaire@athensfirstumc.org

16 Youth Spiritual Life Retreat Save the Dates: February Our youth will be traveling to Camp Glisson February for a Spiritual Life Retreat weekend hosted by the North Georgia conference. The retreat will include worship, small group discussions, and enriching opportunities for spiritual growth. Registration for the retreat will begin January 4, We hope that our youth and parents will be in prayer about this opportunity! Josh Miles josh@athensfirstumc.org Tijuana December 27, January 1, 2017 Costa Rica July 2016 Hinton Rural Life Center July 2016 Please contact Betsy for more information. Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org Weekday Preschool Registration It s almost time for Preschool Registration. Athens First United Methodist Church Weekday Preschool is a half-day Christian based program providing a spiritually nurturing environment where children are able to explore and learn about God s world while developing spiritually, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Our preschool program serves families of children age 9 months through Pre-K from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please keep the following deadlines in mind as we approach the new year: Currently enrolled deadline: January 15, 2016 Church member deadline: January 20, 2016 Community deadline: January 22, 2016 Register athensfirstumc.org/weekdaypreschool Linsey Jarrett linsey@athensfirstumc.org Mission Trips Are you interested in serving with one of our regional or international partnerships in 2016? Below are the dates for our 2016 mission trips. We hope you ll consider joining us. Tijuana March 6-12,

17 JOIN US IN JANUARY PARENTING WITH PURPOSE Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World This January, the Children s Ministry invites moms to a refreshing, humorous, and Godly series inspired by the words of Jen Hatmaker. Through this small group discussion, busy moms will discover: practical solutions for setting priorities for our families helpful strategies for allocating our limited resources spiritual discernment for what matters most We will offer various times and locations to meet all schedules: Meeting at our church: Sunday 4:45 p.m. Monday 7:00 p.m. Wednesday 5:15 p.m. Friday 9:15 a.m. Meeting in private homes: Tuesday 12:00 p.m. (Kim Griffith) Tuesday 7:00 p.m. (Sarah Steger) Thursday 10:00 a.m. (Tanya Adams) Friday 9:30 a.m. (Stacey Richardson) athensfirstumc.org/parentingwithpurpose 15

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. 12:15 p.m. 2:00 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. 11:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 5:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. This Week SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 Philippians 1:9-11 Worship Service SANCTUARY Preschool Nursery & Sunday School FIRST FLOOR Fun Gym GYM Worship Service SANCTUARY Adult Sunday School SECOND FLOOR AND SAYE BUILDING Elementary Sunday School THIRD FLOOR Grade 5 & 6 Sunday School: Fuel FIRST FLOOR Youth Sunday School: First Word FIRST FLOOR Young Professionals Sunday School Class HULL CONFERENCE ROOM Sack Lunch Ministry HULL STREET ENTRANCE Worship Service SANCTUARY Walk to Emmaus Gathering HANCOCK HALL Venture Crew Meeting ROOM 125 Athens Area Walk to Emmaus Board of Directors Meeting HULL CONFERENCE ROOM Cub Scout Pack 1 HANCOCK HALL Agape Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148 Carillons Ringers ROOM 150 Wesleyan Youth Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148 Route 56: Open Road ROOM 120 Under Wraps Advent Study ROOM 229 Alleluia Ringers ROOM 150 Encounter YOUTH AREA ROOM 222 MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 Philippians 4:4-7 United Methodist Women Christmas Luncheon HANCOCK HALL Children s Basketball GYM Charge Conference HANCOCK HALL Community Bible Study, Athens Evening Class SANCTUARY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 Malachi 3:1-4 Fashion Fitness GYM Community Bible Study Leaders Council Our Daily Bread FIRST BAPTIST DOWNTOWN United Methodist Women Circle 2 Meeting HULL CONFERENCE ROOM Children s Basketball GYM Fashion Fitness ROOM 119 Boy Scout Troop 1 SCOUT HUT 16

19 9:30 a.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. 5:45 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 5:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 Zephaniah 3:14-20 New Testament Letters ROOM 222 Fun Gym GYM Kids Music and Arts: Dance Class ROOM 145 Kids Music and Arts: Lyric Choir Grades 1-2 ROOM 151 Kids Music and Arts: Grades 3-4 Worship Arts ROOM 314 Prayer Shawl Ministry ROOM 200 Early Book Group ROOM 247 Route 56: GPS ROOM 120 Wednesday Night Dinner HANCOCK HALL Kids Music and Arts: Celebrate Choir Grades 3-4 ROOM 151 Kids Music and Arts: Cherub Choir Age 3 ROOM 321 Kids Music and Arts: Sonshine Choir Age 4 ROOM 325 Kids Music and Arts: Joy Choir Kindergarten ROOM 320 Kids Music and Arts: Grades 1-2 Worship Arts ROOM 314 Connect Group (Young Married Couples) ROOM 301 Men s Prayer Group ROOM 226 Kids Music and Arts Dance Recital HULL CONFERENCE ROOM Engage Bible Study YOUTH AREA Connect Group (Young Married Couples) ROOM 307 Disciple 3 ROOM 229 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148 For Men Only ROOM 240 Under Wraps Advent Study ROOM 222 Experiencing God ROOM 224 Later Book Group ROOM 247 Chamber Ensemble Rehearsal ROOM 148 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 Isaiah 12:2-6 Fashion Fitness GYM Community Bible Study SANCTUARY Children s Basketball GYM Christmas Community Meal HANCOCK HALL Fashion Fitness ROOM 119 Connect Group (Young Adult) ROOM 222 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 Luke 1:68-79 Children s Basketball GYM REACH International Bible Study & Dinner YOUTH AREA SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 Luke 3:7-9 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. LVI No. 72 Postmaster Send address changes to: AFUMC P.O. Box 1109 Athens, GA