Waiting I love Christmas. Christmas begins, for me, around the end of July and lasts through sometime in early June. I just can t help myself.

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1 December 4, 2016 Waiting SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT I love Christmas. Christmas begins, for me, around the end of July and lasts through sometime in early June. I just can t help myself. While others complain that October is too early for Christmas displays, I find myself wondering what could have possibly taken so long. As December nears and the temperature drops to a very festive 70 degrees, the radio stations finally start playing the songs I ve been singing for six months. And then there is Advent. Advent is like the wet blanket version of Christmas. There are rules about only singing vaguely Christmas themed dirges in minor keys, and clearing our lives of all of the awesome secular stuff that makes Christmas fun, and then there is all that WAITING. But for all of its foibles, and as much as I love Christmas, I LOVE Advent. It is my favorite season of the Christian year, but it gets overlooked. We rush to the ending -- to celebrate the joy of Christmas all season long. But, to get to Joy to the World, we have to get through the Bleak Midwinter. And Advent offers us a process Longing, Preparation, Anticipation. To me, Advent is a reminder of just how important it is to need a savior. There is a deep-seated longing throughout the Advent narrative that is transcendent of any one people or place-in-time. We recognize the familiar groanings of a people who have strayed from God's will, crying out for a messiah to save them from oppression, injustice, sin, and death. I look around at the world we live in and I feel that. I feel the need of a world longing for a savior, and Advent gives a voice to that need, that longing. Advent invites us to prepare for the Christ to be born, in our lives and in our world each day. Without an intentional season of clearing, especially this time of year, it is easy to become enamored with worldly things, trading a messiah for a manger. As I write with a one-week-old baby asleep next to me and struggling to avoid obvious clichés, I find myself thinking about preparation. Preparation was more than a coat of paint on the walls and a few hours at IKEA on a Saturday. A life-change of this magnitude has required a fundamentally new view of the way I orient myself in the world. It has, at times, been uncomfortable, frustrating, and overwhelming, but as I watch the little miracle sleeping next to me, this unspeakable joy I feel tells me that it has been worth it. The scriptures speak to us through the voices of the prophets crying, In the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord! This is a rallying cry for us to begin the often uncomfortable, frustrating, and overwhelming task of reorienting the way we are as God's people in the world. It is a message that demands a clearing of the noise and the clutter that invades our lives to make way for the miracle of the coming Kingdom. Did I mention all the waiting? How we wait defines us. We remember the coming of the Christ years ago, and we anticipate Christ's return. The anticipation should shape the way we live. We are not called to sit idly by, waiting for the day when we are finally loosed of these earthly chains. We are called to actively anticipate Christ's return by bringing the hope, joy, peace, and love of Jesus to a world that so desperately needs it. In doing that, these earthly chains become a bit lighter for us all and this place starts to look a whole lot more like the place we are all so longing for. This advent, may we all know the longing for a savior, come to save a world without enough room. May we prepare our hearts for Jesus to come into our lives anew every single day. And may we live, always, with anticipation of the Christ, who was and is and is to come. Amen. Atticus Hicks

2 8:30 and 11 a.m. ORDER OF WORSHIP December 4, 2016 Second Sunday of Advent Welcome and Announcements (Please complete and pass the red friendship pad at this time.) Dr. Glenn Ethridge Prelude Creator of the Stars of Night arr. Robert Lau Call to Worship (11:00) When I Sing At Church Braman Ms. Amanda Price, Conductor Ms. Lilly Kersh, Assistant; Mr. Philip Kersh, Assistant Ms. Jan Honea Appling, Accompanist When I sing at church I am praising God, with my voice I am praising God. When I sing at choir I am praising God, with my voice I am praising God. *Hymn of Praise Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus UMH 196 Lighting of the Advent Wreath - The Peace Candle (8:30) Andrew Hancock (11:00) Matthew Clarke The promised Christ shall bring peace to a world that longs for peace. The promised Messiah shall offer hope and peace to those who trust in God. We light this candle as a symbol of the Peace of Christ. Congregational Response It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth, to touch their harps of gold: Peace on earth, good will to all, from heaven s all gracious King. The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing. A Morning Prayer and The Lord s Prayer Rev. Susan Allen Grady 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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Our Tithes & Offerings Andantino Edward Elgar Dr. Kellie Rose, Flute *Doxology While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks UMH 236 All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace; goodwill hence-forth from heaven to earth begin and never cease, begin and never cease! *Hymn of Preparation It Came upon the Midnight Clear UMH 218 (At the 11:00 a.m. service, children are invited to come forward during the hymn.)

3 Children s Time (11:00) Dr. Amy Morgan (At the 11:00 a.m. service, children in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade are invited to attend Children s Church after the Children s Time. Pick up is in room 206.) Anthem (8:30) O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arr. P. Liebergen Ms. Sarah Wiley, Soprano Dr. Rose, Flute (11:00) Lully, Lulla, Lullay Philip Stopford Chancel Choir Lully, lulla, lullay, lulla, bye, bye, lully, lullay. Lully, lulla, thou little tiny Child, bye, bye, lully, lullay. O sisters too, how may we do, for to preserve this day? This poor youngling for whom we sing bye, bye, lully, lullay. Herod, the king, in his raging, charged he hath this day. His men of might, in his own sight, all young children to slay. That woe is me, poor Child for Thee, and ever mourn and day, For thy parting neither say nor sing, bye, bye, lully, lullay. Scripture Isaiah 11:1-10 Ms. Lou Ann Harkleroad The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Sermon Sing We Now of Christmas: Dr. Ethridge Peace on Earth-Good Will to All *Sending Hymn Hark! the Herald Angels Sing UMH 240 (Those who wish to join the church are invited to come forward.) *Benediction Dr. Ethridge Postlude Angels We Have Heard on High Kyler Brengle Wesley Ringers *Congregation stand as able. UMH: United Methodist Hymnal / TFWS: The Faith We Sing Large print hymnals and bulletins and hearing assistance devices are available from an usher. Ministry of the Christmas Poinsettias You are invited to support the Ministry of the Christmas Poinsettias. Each year, volunteers visit approximately 50 homebound members and present them with a cheerful, fresh poinsettia plant on behalf of the congregation. Additional poinsettia plants will be placed in our sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. All contributors and their designees will be recognized in our bulletin on December 18. We invite you to make a gift of any amount in memory of or in honor of someone dear to you. Your generous contributions will offset the cost of the poinsettias as well as other seasonal decorations in the church. Please fill out the form below and place it in the offering plate or deliver it to the church office NO LATER THAN NOON ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 12. Your Name: (Use one form for each person memorialized / honored) Please make my contribution: In Memory Of: In Honor Of: Please indicate your interest in the following: Use my contribution for poinsettias for the homebound and decorations for the church. I will help deliver poinsettias to the homebound on December 10 or 11. I would like to pick up a poinsettia after 9:35 a.m. worship on December 18. I would like to pick up a poinsettia after 11 a.m. worship on December 18. Phone number

4 OAK GROVE NEWS December 4, 2016 Christmas is a time of joy, but sometimes recent loss, life struggles, or memories from the past can cloud the joy of Christmas. Our Service of Hope offers people the opportunity to be honest about the difficult feelings that are stirring at the holidays while claiming the hope we have in the Christ who comes at Christmas. Please invite friends and family to join you for this Service of Hope., Advent Offering During this season of giving, many people want to give to others as an expression of their gratitude for all their blessings and as a way to care for the less fortunate. A great way to share with people in need is through the Oak Grove Advent Offering. Our Advent Offering provides a large portion of the funding for the mission ministry of Oak Grove, which includes everything from Smart Lunch, Smart Kid sandwich lunches in the summer to providing financial assistance and food through the Toco Hills Community Alliance. Your giving makes a real difference in the lives of others! Please use the special Advent offering envelope that was mailed or pick one up at church. Checks should be made payable to Oak Grove UMC and marked Advent Offering. You can also give online at or through Text-to-Give using the key word Advent. Thank you for your generosity! Gloria! Grab your passport and travel around the world to learn about Christmas traditions in countries near and far! Make fun crafts, sample cookies, hot cocoa, and visit the Manger! Invite friends, neighbors, and bring the whole family for this Christmas celebration in Oak Grove s new Grand Hall! Sponsored by OGUMC Children s Ministry Team. Please bring a donation of disposable diapers to the event. Donations will be distributed to families through the Caring4Clarkston and the United Methodist Children s Home foster care missions. Thank you for your support! SANCTUARY IS OPEN Thursdays December 8, 15, and 22 7 to 9 p.m. Advent and Christmas will be here before we know it! As your calendar starts to fill up with shopping, parties, and travel, take a little time to breathe at Oak Grove! The Sanctuary will be decorated for the season, and you are invited to come on Thursdays December 8, 15, and 22, for Time to Breathe, a quiet time to relax, pray, and reflect on the season. Mark your calendars now; this is a wonderful opportunity to invite someone to Oak Grove! For more information, contact Carson Wiggins (ctwiggins@yahoo.com) or Rev. Susan Allen Grady. Christmas at Oak Grove Sunday, December 18, :30 p.m. & 7 p.m. One may reserve free tickets online ( through the church office ( ), or during Midweek dinners on Wednesday evening in Fellowship Hall. Don t miss this rare opportunity to experience the Advent and Christmas seasons through both the classics and your favorite carols. The program will feature the ensembles of Oak Grove with guest, Allegra Whitney, Soprano, and accompanied by Double Brass Ensemble, Organ, and Percussion. Childcare is available for both performances.

5 Christmas Tree Lot The tree lot is open! We are back in the Barbecue lot this year. Continue (or start!) a family tradition and support the Youth Ministries! Small trees (6-7 ft.) are $55; medium trees (7-8 ft.) are $65; large trees (8-9 ft.) are $85; and wreaths are $25. If you would like to help sell trees, we always need volunteers! Please visit or to register. Christmas Around The World Help the Children's Ministry with Christmas Around the World on Sunday, December 4. Meet in Grand Hall at 2:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Mitchell (smitchell@ogumc.org). Youth Holiday Schedule Sunday, December 11 Sunday School and Youth Fellowship Christmas Party Sunday, December 18 Sunday School; NO Youth Fellowship See you at the Christmas at Oak Grove concert! Sunday, December 25 NO Sunday School or Youth Fellowship Merry Christmas! Sunday, January 1 NO Sunday School or Youth Fellowship Happy New Year! The Advent Market is Coming Back to Midweek December 14, 2016 Angel tree Advent Market Calling all Oak Grove artists and crafters! The Advent Market is coming back to Midweek on Wednesday, December 14. We will offer a variety of hand-crafted items, such as paintings, pottery, glass, ornaments, and more. Mark your calendars this is a great opportunity to support local artists while checking off your Christmas shopping list. And please help us spread the word to other local artists! For more information or to reserve a table at this year s Advent Market, please contact Rev. Susan Allen Grady (sallengrady@ogumc.org or ext. 212). It s Angel Tree Time! Once again we have the opportunity to make Christmas a little brighter for families in our area. Our gifts will support families through DFCS, the United Methodist Children s Home, the Carrie Steel Pitts Home, Murphy-Harpst Children s Centers, and New American Pathways. You can help sponsor a child by visiting the table in the portico commons or Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings or by contacting Phil Perry ( or philipperry@bellsouth.net). Oak Grove s Vision Every Member will... Mention Oak Grove Church once weekly. Invite someone to Oak Grove and offer to meet them at church once quarterly. Participate in a small discipleship group every year. Share in a domestic mission project every year. Participate (as able) in an overseas mission project once every five years. Oak Grove Memorials IN MEMORY TO THE BUILDING FUND IN MEMORY OF George Nash by Jim & Carol Wright Rachel Still by Bill Whatley Betty Whatley by Barbara Barnett TO THE HONDURAS MISSIONS FUND IN MEMORY OF George Nash by Bill & Susan Widmayer TO THE LIBRARY BOOK FUND IN MEMORY OF Morris Perkins by Randy & Anne Patterson TO THE MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF George Nash by Molly Darby Nancy Rood by Max & Blackie Scott Neese Joyce Wildman (Bill Wildman s mother) by Thom Roach TO THE MISSIONS FUND IN MEMORY OF George Nash by Claud & Eloise Pounds Kirby & Dale Smith Avery & Betty Severt Faith Sunday School Class Genia Ryan TO THE UMC CHILDREN S HOME IN MEMORY OF Dot Adams by Faith Sunday School Class Drama Ministry Musical Auditions Fiddler on the Roof We will audition for our February production of Fiddler on the Roof on Sunday, December 11, at 2 p.m. and Monday, December 12, at 7 p.m. No need to prepare anything just come and sing a hymn. We will provide short scenes for folks to read. Parts are available for 14 cast members (all ages) and chorus roles. Production dates are Feb. 9, 10, and 11. Rehearsals begin right after the new year. All are welcome to come and play! For more information contact Lee Knippenberg (lknippenberg@ogumc.org).

6 PLEASE PRAY FOR In the Hospital Celene Hall Emory Midtown New to Care Facilities Flo Baker AG Rhodes For a complete list of persons in care facilities, please contact the church office. Continued Prayers... Cherrie Baskette, Beth Benefield, Dottie Bonnell, Sara Bowles, Lisa Bowling, Bill Cole, Nancy Crovatt, Liz Darden, Sherry Farr-Mus, Jim Golden, Charlie Hamilton, Dot King, Carol Linder, Michele Lindner, John Long, Fred Lott, Nell McCuen, Lee McFall, Dick Muth, Cindy Mynatt, Jeannine Nash, Anne Patterson, Dan Riedford, Ray Roper, June Row, Kristen Sanders, Karen Smith, Chick Sward, Dawn Thomas, Paul Tuggle, Jane Webster, Rob White, Pete Williams, Bill Wolfe, Gene Worth Our Homebound Members... For a complete listing of homebound members, please contact the church office. Serving in Our Armed Forces... Petty Officer Steven Jones, 2LT Thomas E. Penland, SSgt. Joshua Portwood, Col. Janet Seufert Baptisms... Valerie Harper November 27, 2016 Norman Stone November 27, 2016 November 20, Kane Sebastian Chappuis November 20, Charlotte Ann Cook November 20, Melanie Kay Mayfield Sympathy... Oak Grove extends its deepest sympathy Scott Martin on the death of his father, Glenn Martin. Welcome New Members! Rick Chappuis & Melanie Mayfield; Kane Chappuis Chuck and Joan Bruce Donations for Wesley Woods Wesley Woods Senior Living has asked us to help gather items for blessing bags for the poorest senior citizens living in their five HUD facilities for Christmas. Some of these seniors live on less than $700 per month and cannot afford basic sanitary and first aid items such as soap, trash bags, toothpaste, antibiotic ointment, alcohol, and shampoo. If you or your Sunday School class is able to provide any of these or other basic care items for these members of our greatest generation, please contact Zoe Hicks ( or zoe.hicks1@gmail.com) to arrange for pickup. Thank you so much for your help! December 7, 2016 Chapel Communion 5 to 5:30 p.m. covenant 5 to 5:45 p.m. 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Dinner Reservations and cancellations must be made by noon Monday before the meal ( or click reservations ). Standing reservations (through May 3, 2017) are encouraged. Menu for December 7, 2016 Fried Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Peas and Carrots, Rolls, Salad Bar, Banana Pudding Wednesday, December 7, :30 p.m., Sanctuary During the Christmas season our lives become almost frantic. As is our tradition, we offer this Cool Yule Dinner and program so our children, their family, friends of the family, and our congregation can enjoy dinner, and then a program presented by our Children's Choirs. They will sing about the Christ child and what he means to them. We look forward to your spending an evening with us, as we rejoice in the fellowship of family and the songs of the Christmas season. DINNER RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED by Monday, December 5, at 12 p.m. Sign up online ( or by calling the church office ( ). THIS WEEK S ACTIVITIES Oak Grove Office Hours 9 a.m. 5 p.m. M F Sunday, December 4, :30am Coffee Fellowship Grand Hall 3:00pm Christmas Around the World Grand Hall 4:00pm Service of Hope Parlor 4:30pm Youth Choir Choir Rm 201/218 5:30pm Disciple 1 Rm 216/237 5:30pm Youth Fellowship Youth Hall Monday, December 5, :30am Disciple 2 Rm 216/237 7:00pm Trustees Meeting Rm 102 7:30pm Adult Volley Ball Heritage Hall Gym Tuesday, December 6, :00am Lunch Bunch: Governor's Mansion Away 9:30am Disciple 1 Rm 102 6:30pm Grief Sharing Group Rm 219/238 7:00pm Building Committee Phase 2 Rm 102 7:30pm Aerobics Class Heritage Hall Gym Wednesday, December 7, :00am UMW Executive Board Rm 102 9:30am WOW: Weekly Oxygen for Women Rm 219/238 9:30am UMW Installation of Officers Sanctuary 12:00pm UMW Christmas Tea Grand Hall 5:00pm Chapel Communion Service Sanctuary 5:00pm Covenant Kids Rm 202/223 5:30pm Cool Yule Dinner Fellowship Hall 6:00pm Youth Activities Youth Hall 6:15pm Blessing Bags Narthex 6:15pm Midweek Book Club Rm 114/136 6:30pm Cool Yule Children s Choirs Concert Sanctuary 6:30pm Young Adult Bible Study Rm T01 6:30pm Disciple 4 Rm 217/236 6:30pm Disciple 1x2 Rm 219/238 7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Choir Rm-201 7:00pm Evening WOW Parlor 7:30pm Boy Scout Troop 77 Meeting Scout Hall Thursday, December 8, :00pm Mobile Soup Kitchen Prep Kitchen 7:00pm Time to Breathe Sanctuary 7:30pm Aerobics Class Heritage Hall Gym 8:00pm 9.35 Band Rehearsal Fellowship Hall Friday, December 9, :00am Home-Bound Poinsettia Delivery Narthex 12:00pm Mobile Soup Kitchen Delivery Away Saturday, December 10, :00am Needles and Prayers Rm 102 Our Presence November 16, 2016 Communion Chapel 28 Our Presence November 20, 2016 Church School 428 8:30 Service 131 9:35 Service :00 Service 411 5:30pm Youth Fellowship 55 Total Worship this Week 818 Our Presence November 27, 2016 Church School 371 8:30 Service 108 9:35 Service :00 Service 382 5:30pm Youth Fellowship 90 Total Worship this Week /5/16 Our Offerings Received to date Needed to date $2,182, $2,302, Over/Under ($119,345.96) DEEP ROOTS BUILDING CAMPAIGN RESULTS Pledged to date: $6,339, Given to date: $5,308,387.12

7 OAK GROVE NEWS December 4, 2016 EXTRA Advent Devotional Booklets Pick up a devotional booklet in the Portico Commons to enhance your Advent prayer time. Church buses will depart from Oak Grove Church at 9 a.m. sharp, and will return at 1:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per person to cover the tour, bus transportation, and lunch. Registration must include fee and required medical forms for traveling with the church group. Make reservations online ( or in the Oak Grove church office. Lunch choices will be made available to the group on the day of the event. Some walking is involved, and participants will need to be able to step up into the bus. We will gladly transport folding walkers and wheelchairs (when you register, please indicate if you will bring a walking aid). Memory Café, Thursday, December 15 Please join us for our Christmas Memory Café on Thursday, December 15, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in room 101. Please enter through the church portico at the back of the building. This month we will reminisce about Christmases past: days of anticipating our church traditions of children's pageants, Christmas Eve Services, and all the wonderful music of the season, but also that new pink bicycle, or a Red Ryder BB gun, and the warnings that came with it. The Memory Café is an opportunity for caregivers, and anyone experiencing memory loss to get together for a time of socializing and fellowship. Light refreshments will be provided. Feel free to dress casually and leave as needed. For more information contact Janet Ballard ( ). MLK Decatur SERVICE Project Once again, Oak Grove will participate in the MLK Service Days project in Decatur. On January 14, 15, and 16, we will join together to help with yard work and minor repairs for a senior citizen in the Decatur area. Please mark these days on your calendar and watch for sign-up information! January 14, 15, 16, 2017 Counseling Available through Oak Grove Going through a difficult time in your life? We can help! Oak Grove works with Care and Counseling Center of Georgia to offer counseling. Financial assistance is available. Grief Support Group Grief Sharing for anyone grieving significant loss Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in room 238 Led by: Stephanie Foxman, Licensed Professional Counselor There is no charge and newcomers are always welcome. Contact Dr. Amy Morgan ( , ext. 210 or amorgan@ogumc.org) for more information. OAK GROVE NEWS Holiday Submission Deadline Please be reminded that by Thursday 12 p.m. is the deadline for information that you would like to add to the Oak Grove News. This will enable your information to appear in the following week s bulletin. Thursday, December 8, is the deadline for the December 18 edition. Due to the Christmas holiday we will not publish the Oak Grove News on December 25. Send items to oakgrovenews@ogumc.org. Thank you!

8 Join Oak Grove United Methodist Church Senior Adults trip to Saint Simons Island Storytelling Festival Epworth By The Sea February 18-20, 2017 Oak Grove travelers will gather early at the church on Saturday, Feb. 18, to depart for St. Simons Island by chartered bus. Arriving in mid-afternoon, there will be time to get settled and be ready for dinner and the first round of story-telling in the evening. Four Excellent Storytellers include: Dean of Storytelling, Donald Davis, Georgia Great Whistler, Andy Offutt Irvin, Champion Liar of Tall Tales, Bil Lepp, Teller of Home-Fried Tales, Lyn Ford. After laughing until our sides ache, we will return home to Oak Grove Church at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, February 20. Transportation is by a comfortable 55 passenger tour bus. Rooms and meals come as a package deal. Five meals are included and served cafeteria style in the Epworth dining room. Meals enroute are pay on your own. The deadline for Oak Grove participants to have priority registration is December 11, 2016, requiring a deposit of $ and a completed medical form for travel (blank forms are available in the church office). After December 11, registration will be open to other churches and individuals. Double Room Occupancy (includes meals at Epworth, room for two nights, bus fee, & storytelling): $ per person. Single room occupancy (includes meals at Epworth, room for two nights, bus fee, & storytelling) $ per person Register in the Oak Grove church office. The registration fee of $150 is included in the total fee listed above. The final payment of fees is due January 2, S P R I N G March 24-26, 2017 Join us for a weekend full of fun, bonfires, hiking, kids activities, free time, and fellowship at Forrest Hills Mountain Resort and Retreat Center in Dahlonega, GA! Cost: $375/room double occupancy. Additional charges for children: $75 per child ages 3-11 years old, $90 per child ages 11 and up. Children under the age of 3 are free. For information on financial assistance, please contact Rev. Susan Allen Grady (sallengrady@ogumc.org). All prices include rustic motel lodging, two breakfast and two dinner meals, and bonfires each night complete with s'mores. Please note that Saturday lunch is not included and will be on your own. Sunday lunch is not included but available at Forrest Hills. Check in starts on Friday, March 24, at 3 p.m., and the retreat will end following a worship service on Sunday morning. Saturday will feature a getting-to-know-you morning session with separate planned children s activities, lunch on your own, and an afternoon of free time to relax or explore North Georgia attractions. Forrest Hills Mountain Resort and Retreat Center is about an hour and a half north of Atlanta. It offers motel style lodging with rooms large enough for the whole family. Each lodge has a communal kitchen, living room, outdoor space, and meeting room. You will be notified of your lodge assignment prior to arrival so you can plan snacks and drinks with others in your lodge, if you'd like. Register on the church website ( Limited spaces are available, so please register early. This is going to be a fun church family weekend for all ages! Sunday Morning Bus Drivers Needed We still need one more person to drive on a once a month rotation to transport our Clarimont Place residents to church on Sunday mornings. Drivers would pick up the bus at Oak Grove at 9 a.m. and complete their task by 12:30 p.m. Drivers need to have a valid driver s license and a clean driving record. Contact Amy Morgan (amorgan@ogumc.org or , ext. 210) for more information. December 9-11, 2016 Cobb Galleria Centre We need your help to pack over 1 million meals for starving children around the world! Over the weekend of December 9-11, 2016, Feed My Starving Children is hosting its Hope Filled Holiday meal packing event at the Cobb Galleria. It's a terrific new holiday volunteer activity that everyone can enjoy, even children ages 5 and up. In just a two-hour session, you and your family and friends will have so much fun packing thousands of meals for children suffering from severe malnutrition and starvation. If you are looking for a meaningful, fun, and user-friendly volunteer opportunity for your family over the holidays, this is it! Registration is now open online ( HopeFilledHolidayAtlanta). In addition to the meal-packing sessions held on Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11, we need 30 volunteers from OGUMC to help set up at the Cobb Galleria on Friday, December 9 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. OGUMC will be hosting its own Mobile Pack event in 2017, and the Hope Filled Holiday event is a great opportunity to see the entire process first-hand. If you are interested in helping with set up on December 9, please contact John Burgess (johnburgess822@gmail.com).

9 Text To Give You can text to give at anytime from anywhere you have service. It is very easy! 1. Enter in the TO line. Remember this is a text, not an In the message line, enter a dollar amount of at least $3.00 using this format $ After the last digit insert one and only one space then enter designation, e.g. Blessing. 4. FIRST TIME ONLY You will receive a link to Vanco where you will securely enter your information and confirm your transaction. Once you successfully register, you will receive a text and confirmation of your gift as well as an option to refund. 5. In the future, you need only to text the dollar amount and the designation. Unless you designate a fund, then the money will go to Operating. Designation options will change. Currently you may choose from the following case sensitive choices. Building (for the building fund), Blessing (for our ongoing mission offering). 6. If you have questions, please contact Church Administrator, Dale Smith (dsmith@ogumc.org). Troubleshooting 1. Make sure you enter the dollar amount in the proper format using the $ and a decimal. 2. In registering your name and in the initial registration remove any extra spaces. If you have a space at the beginning or the end, the system will not accept your donation. 3. Check the spelling on designated accounts. The words are case sensitive. Today s Worship Servants Sound: (8:30) Billie Williams Ushers: Jeanine Andrews, Mark Byrne, Tony Callaway, Carolyn Casarella, Greg Casarella, Bill Cole, Jack Graves, Tim Howard, Scot Macrae, Alec Morris, Max Neese, Davis Peacock, Phil Perry, Neil Sampson, Paul Siegel, Kirby Smith, Hodgson Thomas, James Trotti, Rob Welch Altar Guild: Regina Haynes, Sally Houghton Children s Church: Allison White and Kate Jay OUR WORSHIP TIMES 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Sanctuary 9:35 a.m. Sunday School Various 9:35 a.m. Contemporary Worship Fellowship Hall 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sanctuary OUR CHURCH INFORMATION Church Office Office Hours 9 a.m. 5 p.m. M F Emergency Contact After Hours ext. 9 Dr. Glenn Ethridge Senior Pastor ext. 211 Rev. Susan Allen Grady Associate Pastor ext. 212 Director of Administration Dale Smith ext. 225 Children s Ministry Kim Cody ext. 218 Oak Grove Christian School YCS (Young Children s School) Dr. Amy Morgan Pastor of Nurture and Service ext. 210 Rev. Mary Lou Gilbert Pastor to Senior Adults Music Ministry Ed Scruggs ext. 226 Organist Leanne Herrmann Youth Ministry Andy Webb awebb@ogumc.org Dir. of Contemporary Worship Atticus Hicks ext. 208 How to Stay Connected with Oak Grove: Information on our ministries, news, and upcoming events through our Constant Contact congregational list Specific information about our ministries or membership Change of address or contact information Log into our website, Like Oak Grove UMC on Facebook Contact Susie Mobley, Membership/Database Admin., (smobley@ogumc.org or ext. 221).