Athens First United Methodist Church

Transcription

1 Athens First United Methodist Church The Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost September 14, :30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.

2 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 our 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. 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, kindergarten 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 and because of this we offer many programs and ministries. It can be overwhelming trying to decide where to get involved. If you would like a friend to guide you along this process please notify a Helper. Helpers serve as part of our Welcome Ministry team. Look for them in the narthex or near the altar. You can also contact a Helper through our website athensfirstumc.org/helper. 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, 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 The Worship of God *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type. Gathering The flowers on the altar today are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Dr. & Mrs. George H. Boyd, Dr. Jack Palmer, Betty Palmer Doyle and Jay Palmer by Mrs. Jack Palmer. THE PRELUDE O My Father Darley WELCOME AND OPENING PRAYER Beth Dickinson THE CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Shout with Joy Sung by the Sanctuary Choir Praise & Thanksgiving * THE HYMN 154 All Hail the Power of Jesus Name CORONATION * THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH We believe in God, the Root of all living, Creator of all things. We live in Christ Jesus, God s Son, who loved all people and who makes us one in his love. He suffered and died, and was raised to new life. In his death and resurrection we are also raised to life that is transformed. Christ is our Vine, and we are his branches; and without him we cannot live. We live by the Holy Spirit, flowing through us so that we may bear fruit for God, the fruit of faithfulness. In the Spirit we are one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world. WORSHIP BULLETIN 1

4 We trust in the one holy church, the communion of saints, The forgiveness of sin, the mystery of resurrection, And the grace of eternal life. 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. * THE PASSING OF THE PEACE THE PRESENTATION OF BIBLES TO THIRD GRADERS 11:00 a.m. THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD S PRAYER Betsy Butler 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 CHILDREN S MESSAGE 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. At the 11:00 a.m. service, children in kindergarten through second grade will go to W.O.W. in the Caravans room on the third floor. Parents are to pick up children from the Caravans room at the end of the service. THE OFFERING THE OFFERTORY ANTHEM 8:30 a.m. Workin on a Building Monroe Sung by Julie Caldwell I m a working on building for my Lord, for my Lord. It s a holy ghost building for my Lord, for my Lord. If I was a sinner, I tell you what I d do. I d quit my sinning and I d work on the building, too. If I was a teacher, I tell you what I would do. I d keep on teaching, and I d work on the building too. If I was a preacher, I tell you what I would do. I would keep on preaching and work on the building too. WORSHIP BULLETIN 2

5 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. When You Search for Me David Childs Sung by the Sanctuary Choir; Beth Baile, flute Surely, surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for your welfare and not for harm; plans for a future with hope. When you search for me you will find me if you seek me with all your heart. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you call me I will answer your cry! * THE DOXOLOGY 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! THE SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 21: What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, Son, go and work in the vineyard today. 29 He answered, I will not ; but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, I go, sir ; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father? They said, The first. Jesus said to them, Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him. Visit our website for a complete audio library of sermons. THE MESSAGE What Does it Mean to Say Yes? Chuck Hodges Response to the Word THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION 8:30 a.m. Please turn to page nine in your hymnal. At Athens First United Methodist, 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. Note that all gluten-free communion elements are available at both altar stations. WORSHIP BULLETIN 3

6 Sending Forth * THE HYMN 348 Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling THOMPSON Stanzas 1 and 4 * THE BLESSING * THE CHORAL RESPONSE We Receive Your Blessing * THE POSTLUDE Recessional on Holy, Holy, Holy Janzen WORSHIP BULLETIN 4

7 GREETERS Valerie Aldridge, Alice and Gene Deal, Jane Harvey, Cyndy Harbold, Dan Harper, Mark Williams, Mason Jones, Virginia Beth Butler, Annie Miller SEPTEMBER USHERS 8:30 a.m. Jim Belger, Ann and Paul Brown, Larry Deal, Hugh Larkey, Mack Lowery, 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. Lee Brinson, Nathan King, Ryan Brinson, Claude Felton, Steve Greer, Mack Furlow, Josh Brooks, John Bateman, Jim Lyons OFFERING STEWARDS Bob Booth and Charlie Grimes, Jim Lyons, Nat Carmack, Henry Garrard, Nathan King, Al Hawley, Sean Rogers, Charlie Upchurch III FIRST LIGHT ACOLYTES 8:30 a.m. Cate Hardman, Charles Clarke, Morgan Grace 9:45 a.m. Jackson Keene, John Knight, Meg Chandler 11:00 a.m. Margaret Timberlake, Lili and Anna Hollis ATTENDANCE ON SEPTEMBER 7 Total Worship 1,257 Sunday School 561 8:30 a.m :45 a.m :00 a.m. 564 Online 74 FINANCIAL REPORT Budget for 2014 $2,431,008 Amount Given YTD $1,827,997 Goal for August $174,049 Amount after 5 Sundays $232,074 OUR MINISTERS AND PROGRAM DIRECTORS Chuck Hodges Senior Minister athensfirstumc.org chuck@athensfirstumc.org Martha Aenchbacher Minister of Congregational Care athensfirstumc.org/caregroups martha@athensfirstumc.org Beth Dickinson Minister of Discipleship athensfirstumc.org/studies beth@athensfirstumc.org Betsy Butler Minister of Missions athensfirstumc.org/missions betsy@athensfirstumc.org Josh Miles Director of Student Ministries athensfirstumc.org/youth/students josh@athensfirstumc.org Robin Stewart Director of Children s Ministry athensfirstumc.org/sundaymorning robinafumc@bellsouth.net Sarah Lawing Director of Children s Music Ministry athensfirstumc.org/childrensmusic sarah@athensfirstumc.org Stephen Mitchell Director of Music athensfirstumc.org/adultmusicministry stephen@athensfirstumc.org Janis Maxwell Director of Youth Music & Organist athensfirstumc.org/wyc janis@athensfirstumc.org Lynn Bryant Director REACH International athensfirstumc.org/reachinternational lynn@athensfirstumc.org Rusty Wood Director of Recreation Ministries athensfirstumc.org/recreation rusty@athensfirstumc.org Lindsey Jarrett Director of Weekday Preschool lindsey@athensfirstumc.org WORSHIP BULLETIN 5

8 The Steeple On Trend September 18 7:00 p.m. A night of faith and fashion for women of all ages. There is no cost for this event but please register if you are planning to attend by visiting athensfirstumc.org/ontrend. This event is sponsored by the United Methodist Women. Kim Griffith kimgriffith@bellsouth.net WORSHIP BULLETIN 6

9 GOD DOES NOTHING BUT IN ANSWER TO PRAYER. - John Wesley THE ELIJAH PROJECT I considered it an honor and a privilege. Cookie Daniel, prayer partner The Elijah project was an incredible blessing in my life. Ben Butler, grade 12 Register athensfirstumc.org/elijahproject THE STEEPLE 7

10 Knowing there was someone praying for the trials in your life was so meaningful, but after having the privilege of finding out who was praying for you, you were able to reflect on all the times that you knew you had been prayed for throughout out the previous year. Ben Butler, grade 12 The Elijah Project ONE Student Ministries is excited to begin our second year of an inter-generational prayer ministry called The Elijah Project. Through the partnership of youth and adult church members and consistent, expectant prayer, we anticipate seeing God move in our church in a new and powerful way, and we invite you to participate! Registration for the Elijah Project is open through September 28. Below are short testimonies from youth and adults who participated in last years Elijah Project. The Elijah Project really helped me get through some of the hard times I was going through. Whenever I was feeling down, I would just remember that someone was praying for me. It was really encouraging. Walt Chapeau, grade 11 The Elijah Project meant so much to me because I was able to experience the results of someone s prayers for me even though I didn t know who they were. It was very reassuring and humbling to know that someone was praying for me and my prayer requests all throughout the year despite the fact they didn t know me personally. To experience love like that was unbelievable! Madeline Jackson, grade 11 When I committed to praying, I did not take it lightly. I also did not think that it was the least that I could do. I considered it an honor and a privilege to lift up my youth prayer partner every day, hoping that she would be encouraged and strengthened by God s love. Cookie Daniel, adult prayer partner The Elijah project was an incredible blessing in my life not only while I was partaking in it, but even afterwards. The Elijah project was one of the best things our youth group could have done. Everyone is going through something in their life where they need to know someone is there for them and the Elijah project provided that. It is very comforting and encouraging to know that someone you barely know is taking time out of their week to pray for you. The Elijah project meant the world to me and all my friends in the youth group because we knew someone was there for us all the time, even if we didn t see them. Jessie McWhorter, grade 11 Through the daily, persistent prayer of committed adults, together with the power of the Holy Spirit, we expect to see our students lives transformed. We expect to see young lives made significant. As adults pray continually, as Paul instructed, we believe that both youth and adults lives will feel valued and connected within our church body, and that God will ultimately be glorified. Dan Foust, adult prayer partner It s valuable because the youth are getting to a stage in their life where they truly need prayer. Having someone older who is praying with them makes them gain a certain confidence they maybe haven t had before. Minnie Foster, adult prayer partner Josh Miles josh@athensfirstumc.org Member Loss Amber Dickerson September 4, 2014 Sympathy Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Terry Wingfield and family in the loss of his sister, May Wingfield Melton, on September 4 in Griffin, Georgia. THE STEEPLE 8

11 Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Mike Young and family in the loss of his father, Bill Young, on September 6 in Jefferson, Georgia. Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Randy Pearson and family in the loss of his father. Check-off KidCheck Today Today we are offering a get acquainted time for parents where you can have a hands-on experience with KidCheck, our new electronic check-in system. Come to the gym any Sunday morning now through October 5 from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. We will have stations in the gym where amazing team members will help parents create their account or rehearse checking in. Refreshments will be provided. Parents should come to the gym after they drop their children off. This check-in system will begin later this fall. Remember when creating your account to choose Athens First United Methodist from the drop down window. Website athensfirstumc.org/kidcheck Ashley Gottschalk ashley@athensfirstumc.org New Arrivals Congratulations to Amelia and Jose Melendez on the birth of their son, William Arthur, on September 3. Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace Preview Today at Noon Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University will be offered Tuesday nights this fall, September 23-November 18, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Materials for this course are $100, and couples share one set of material. There will be an opportunity to preview this course today at noon. Childcare for the course is available with registration. Register athensfirstumc.org/register Joy & Jack Davis joydavis1561@gmail.com and pjackdavis53@gmail.com Newcomer Orientation Today Everyone is invited to attend Newcomer Orientation in Hancock Hall. Two sessions are offered, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Information about Athens First United Methodist will be shared, including ways to get involved and how to become a member. Visit the Newcomer Orientation page, athensfirstumc.org/newcomerorientation, for more information. Martha Aenchbacher martha@athensfirstumc.org Wednesday Night Meals Register by Noon on Tuesdays The menu for September 17 is Barberito s taco bar and beverages. This meal is $5 and is served from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in Hancock Hall. Registration by Tuesday, September 16, at noon is required. To register visit athensfirstumc. org/registration and click on the Wednesday Night Meal September 17 Barberitos link. All registration events are listed in alphabetical order. Contact Diana Zylow to make a standing reservation. 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. Diana Zylow diana@athensfirstumc.org THE STEEPLE 9

12 Help Needed at Wednesday Night Meals Help is needed both serving the meal and helping to clean up on Wednesday nights at dinner in Hancock Hall. Dinner is served from 5:00-6:30 p.m., and clean up begins at 6:30 p.m. If you (or your small group!) is available to help with either task for any amount of time, please let Beth know. Thank you for your service! Beth Dickinson The Quarter Life Crisis Class September 21 Are you looking for a Sunday School Class? If you are between the ages of 25 and 35 then look no more. The Quarter Life Crisis Class is set to begin Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in room 224. This class is designed to reach out to the young professional members of Athens First United Methodist Church. If you are seeking more involvement in the church, friendships, or just a place to belong, this class is for you. For additional information please contact Beth Jackson. Beth Jackson ejackson3698@gmail.com The United Methodist Children s Home Offering September 21 The United Methodist Children s Home has been serving children and families in crisis since Originally founded as an orphanage after the Civil War, its services have evolved over the years to meet the ever-changing needs of children and families in North Georgia. Our goal is to help children and families find a place they can call home. This typically comes thought reunification, adoption, or the development the life skills required to stand on their own. On September 21 we will take up a special offering to support this life changing organization. Please prayerfully consider giving to The United Methodist Children s Home. Missions Bible Study Beginning September 24 Come and learn more about the mission vision in our church. We will see the role we play in serving our community, region, and world as we respond to God s call to love one another. Missions will be viewed from a Biblical and United Methodist perspective. There is no cost for this study. All materials will be provided. Please let us know of your attendance by registering online. Childcare is available with registration. This four-week study begins Wednesday, September 24 and meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Register online athensfirstumc.org/registration Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org Women s Study: Blessed and Broken September 24 This six-week women s study, Broken and Blessed traces the story of the Genesis family from Adam and Eve through the generations to Joseph, bringing blessing from brokenness. We will see that despite both good and bad traits that were passed down, God worked for good in every generation determined to transform those within THE STEEPLE 10

13 and outside the family bloodlines. The study ends with the story of Joseph, who decided to stop the cycle of previous generations, offering forgiveness and grace to his brothers. This study begins September 24 at 6:30 p.m. and is led by Jennifer Foster. The cost is $17, and childcare is available by registration. Register online athensfirstumc.org/registration Jennifer Foster it themselves later. Most don t know how to bake but are eager to learn. Sign-up athensfirstumc.org/reachvolunteer Lynn Bryant lynn@athensfirstumc.org Desserts for REACH International Friday Nights The international students really enjoy homemade desserts at their Friday night Bible study. This is a simple way to serve our international students! If you are willing to provide a dessert for 30 students on a Friday night, please sign up for a date online. You may also want to include a recipe with your dessert so the students can try Mission Harvest October 29 On Wednesday, October 29 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in Hancock Hall we will be celebrating the service completed by our church and preparing for future opportunities by harvesting donations. Our normal Wednesday night dinner will not be served. Instead, we will be celebrating with a potluck dinner. Meat will be provided; please bring sides. There is no cost for this event but please register if you are planning to attend. Sign-up athensfirstumc.org/missionharvest Margie Shedd margieshedd@gmail.com Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org This Week SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Exodus 12:1-14 8:30 a.m. Worship Service SANCTUARY Preschool Nursery & Sunday School FIRST FLOOR 9:15 a.m. KidCheck Orientation & Registration GYM 9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School SECOND FLOOR AND SAYE BULDING Elementary Sunday School THIRD FLOOR Grade 5 & 6 Sunday School: Fuel FIRST FLOOR Youth Sunday School: First Word FIRST FLOOR Worship Service SANCTUARY THE STEEPLE 11

14 The Psalm Tree Connect Group ROOM 103 9:45 a.m. Newcomer Orientation (Hancock Hall) 10:00 a.m. Sack Lunch Ministry HULL STREET ENTRANCE 10:45 a.m. Third Grade Bibles SANCTUARY 11:00 a.m. Worship Service SANCTUARY 11:00 a.m. Newcomer Orientation HANCOCK HALL 11:30 a.m. Children s Church Caravans 12:00 p.m. Financial Peace University Preview Room 222 Student-Adult Leadership Team Meeting Room 125 2:00 p.m. Volleyball Performance GYM 3:00 p.m. Cub Scout Pack 1 Scout Hut 4:30 p.m. Carillons Ringers ROOM 150 4:30 p.m. Route 56 Open Road ROOM 120, 121 4:30 p.m. Wesleyan Youth Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148 5:15 p.m. Creating the Covenant C1 ROOM 224 5:30 p.m. Alleluia Ringers Room 150 5:45 p.m. Encounter Youth Area YOUTH AREA 6:30 p.m. Confirmation Sessions ROOM 222 7:00 p.m. Confirmation Parent Sessions ROOM 120 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Psalm 149 7:00 a.m. Fashion Fitness GYM 9:30 a.m. United Methodist Women Circle 3 HOME OF DIANE WALL 10:00 a.m. United Methodist Women Circle 1 ROOM 100 1:15 p.m. Listen: Praying in a Noisy World ROOM 224 6:00 p.m. Volley Performance GYM 7:00 p.m. Community Bible Study, Athens Evening Class 7:00 p.m. Creating the Covenant C1 ROOM 224 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Psalm 148 5:30 a.m. Fashion Fitness GYM 8:00 a.m. Community Bible Study Leaders Council YOUTH AREA 8:00 a.m. Senior Fun Trip KOHL S PARKING LOT 10:00 a.m. United Methodist Women Circle 7 ROOM 100 1:00 p.m. REACH International Leadership Meeting ROOM 226 5:30 p.m. Fashion Fitness GYM 6:00 p.m. Girls Middle School Volleyball GYM WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Romans 13:8-14 7:00 a.m. Fashion Fitness GYM 9:00 a.m. Creating the Covenant C1 ROOM 224 9:30 a.m. Women s Study: Beth Moore David, Seeking a Heart Like His ROOM 229 Wednesday Morning Bible Study Acts HULL DINING ROOM 12:30 p.m. Women s Study: Beth Moore David, Seeking a Heart Like His ROOM 229 3:30 p.m. Fun Gym GYM THE STEEPLE 12

15 4:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry Gathering ROOM 200 Children's Dance Class ROOM 145 Children s Choir: grades 1 and 2 ROOM 151 Worship Arts: grades 3 and 4 AMPHITHEATER 5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Meal HANCOCK HALL Early Book Group ROOM 100 Men s Prayer Group ROOM 301 Route 56 GPS ROOMS :15 p.m. Jesus Calling Express Bible Study ROOM 235 Children s Choir: 3 year-olds ROOM 311 Children s Choir: 4 year-olds ROOM 325 Children s Choir: Kindergarten ROOM 320 Children s Choir: grades 3 and 4 ROOM 151 Worship Arts: grades 1 and 2 ROOM 314 5:30 p.m. Creating the Covenant C1 ROOM 229 Sams Connect Group ROOM 301 6:00 p.m. Engage Bible Study YOUTH AREA 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148 Creating the Covenant C1 ROOM 224 Creating the Covenant C1 ROOM 222 Men s Study: The Power of God s Names ROOM 240 Allen/Anderson Connect Group ROOM 307 7:00 p.m. Adult Pick-up Volleyball GYM Men s Study: The Immanuel Project ROOM 114 8:00 p.m. Chamber Ensemble Rehearsal ROOM 148 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Matthew 18: :30 a.m. Fashion Fitness GYM 9:30 a.m. Community Bible Study 5:30 p.m. Fashion Fitness GYM 6:00 p.m. Coed Adult Volleyball League GYM 7:00 p.m. On Trend HANCOCK HALL FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Exodus 9:1-7 4:00 p.m. Route 56 Fall Retreat CAMP GLISSON 6:30 p.m. REACH International Bible Study & Dinner YOUTH AREA SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Exodus 10: :00 a.m. Girls Middle School Volleyball GYM 9:00 a.m. Interfaith Hospitality Network Board Meeting HULL DINING ROOM THE STEEPLE 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. LVI No. 11 Postmaster Send address changes to: AFUMC P.O. Box 1109 Athens, GA