Athens First United Methodist Church April 22, 2018 8:30, 9:45, & 11:00 a.m.
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 1804. Over the past two centuries our congregation has changed, but our mission remains the same: to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We are inspired by the words of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who encouraged believers to do all the good you can, in all the ways you can. Attendance Please let us know of your attendance this morning by completing the pew pad. Sunday School We offer Sunday school for children age 2 through adult each Sunday from 9:45 10:45 a.m. Children At Athens First United Methodist Church, we invite families to worship together. Children s Church is held for children in kindergarten through grade 2 most Sundays during the 11:00 a.m. service. Financial Report Budget for 2018 $3,231,864 Amount Given YTD $948,846 Goal for April $242,930 Amount after 2 Sundays $127,061 Attendance on April 15 Total Worship 1,104 8:30 a.m. 137 9:45 a.m. 359 11:00 a.m. 465 Online 143 Sunday School 314 Table of Contents 1 5 8 12 8:30 a.m. Order of Worship 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Order of Worship The Steeple Calendar Ministers and Directors Chuck Hodges Senior Minister chuck@athensfirstumc.org 706-206-5529 Bob Winstead Executive Pastor bob@athensfirstumc.org Martha Aenchbacher Minister of Congregational Care martha@athensfirstumc.org 678-230-9708 Betsy Butler Minister of Missions betsy@athensfirstumc.org Susan Taylor Minister of Discipleship susan@athensfirstumc.org Josh Miles Minister of Student Life josh@athensfirstumc.org Stephen Mitchell Director of Music stephen@athensfirstumc.org Janis Maxwell Director of Youth Music & Organist janis@athensfirstumc.org Sarah Lawing Director of Children s Music Ministry & 8:30 a.m. Worship Leader sarah@athensfirstumc.org Robin Stewart Director of Children s Ministry robin@athensfirstumc.org Katie Elder Assistant Director of Children s Ministry katie@athensfirstumc.org Linsey Jarrett Director of Weekday Preschool linsey@athensfirstumc.org Contact Us Office hours: Monday Friday, 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Facebook: @Athens First United Methodist Church athensfirstumc.org 706-543-1442
8:30 a.m. Flowers The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Spurgeon McAdams, David McAdams, and Barbara and Hal McAdams by the McAdams family. The Worship of God GATHERING SONG Night Has Passed (Morning Has Broken) arr. Arndt/Gungor Sweet the rain s new fall sunlit from heaven, like the first dewfall on the first grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, sprung in completeness where his feet pass. INVOCATION Chuck Hodges *HYMN OF PRAISE umh 92 For the Beauty of the Earth dix *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles' Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. *GLORIA PATRI umh 71 Glory Be to the Father 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. *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
8:30 a.m. service PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD S PRAYER Josh Miles 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. Anthem Lyrics My Lord, he said unto me, Do you like my garden so green? You may live in this garden if you will feed my sheep, and I'll return in the cool of the day. Now is the cool of the day. This earth is a garden, the garden of my Lord, and He walks in the cool of the day. And my Lord, he said unto me, Do you like my garden so green? You may live in this garden if you keep my people free. And I'll return in the cool of the day. OFFERING AND OFFERTORY ANTHEM In the Cool of the Day arr. Daniel Martin Moore *DOXOLOGY umh 95 Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow the old 100th Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heav nly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. THE SCRIPTURE READING Genesis 1:11-13 p.1 old testament 11 Then God said, Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it. And it was so. 12 The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. THE SERMON Lessons of the Seed Chuck Hodges HYMN OF PREPARATION umh 707 Hymn of Promise promise Verses 1 and 2 SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION The Lord be with you. And also with you. 2
8:30 a.m. service Let us pray. Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Holy Mystery that is wholly love, you are beyond complete knowledge, above perfect description. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Source of Life, Living Word, and Bond of Love, you are creative and self-giving, generously moving. Even when we turn away from you, you are with us; your presence never fails us, your gifts of hope and new life transform us. We praise you for Jesus Christ God incarnate, the Risen Christ who joins us together as a community of believers, striving to be his faithful servants in our time and place. In this meal we remember Jesus, his promises, and the price he paid. On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. When the supper was over he took the cup, gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said: Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. We do remember. We remember his life of love, his friendship, his teaching, his dying, and his rising to life again. In sharing this meal, we live out the mystery of our faith. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Loving God, who in Jesus Christ gives us our salvation, consecrate by your Holy Spirit these elements of Holy Communion. Bless us as we receive them this day that we may be your faithful people. In our Risen Savior s name we pray. Amen. 3
8:30 a.m. service Receiving of the Elements At Athens First United Methodist Church, all are invited to commune at Christ s table. If you need to be served in your pew, please call this to the attention of an usher. Glutenfree elements are available at the center station in the front of the sanctuary. Song Lyrics In the garden of our Savior, no flower grows unseen. His kindness rains like water on every humble seed. No simple act of mercy escapes His watchful eye, for there is One who loves me. His hand is over mine. In the kingdom of the heavens, no suffering is unknown. Each tear that falls is holy, each breaking heart a throne. There is a song of beauty on every weeping eye, for there is One who loves me. His heart, it breaks with mine. Oh, the deeds forgotten; oh, the works unseen, every drink of water flowing graciously, every tender mercy, You re making glorious. This You have asked us, Do little things with great love. At the table of our Savior no mouth will go unfed. His children in the shadows stream in and raise their heads. Oh give us ears to hear them and give us eyes that see, for there is One who loves them. I am His hands and feet. Music During Holy Communion Little Things with Great Love Audrey Assad and Madison Cunningham Prayer of Thanksgiving Most bountiful God, we give you thanks for the world you have created, for the gift of life, and for giving yourself to us in Jesus Christ. We thank you that in the power of the Holy Spirit you have fed us in this sacrament, united us with Christ, and given us a foretaste of your heavenly banquet. We are your children, and yours is the glory, now and forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *CLOSING HYMN umh 707 Hymn of Promise promise Verse 3 In our end is our beginning; In our time, infinity; In our doubt there is believing; In our life, eternity, In our death, a resurrection; At the last, a victory, Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see. *BLESSING *POSTLUDE Lift High the Cross Shackley 4
9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Flowers The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Spurgeon McAdams, David McAdams, and Barbara and Hal McAdams by the McAdams family. The Worship of God Gathering THE PRELUDE Rondo Exultate Margaret Tucker Rung by the Alleluia Ringers THE CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP Christ Has Risen, Alleluia! Sung by the Sanctuary Choir Praise & Thanksgiving *THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN umh 152 I Sing the Almighty Power of God forest green *THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Martha Aenchbacher This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved: Christ died for our sins, was buried, was raised on the third day, and appeared first to the women, then to Peter and the Twelve, and then to many faithful witnesses. We believe Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One of God, the firstborn of all creation, the firstborn from the dead, in whom all things hold together, in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell by the power of the Spirit. Christ is the head of the body, the church, and by the blood of the cross reconciles all things to God. Amen. *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type. 5
9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services *THE GLORIA PATRI umh 71 Glory Be to the Father 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 SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 9:45 a.m. Emma Jase Fortson, daughter of Valerie and Jason Fortson Emma, Emma, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too. We this day do all agree a child of God you ll always be. Emma, Emma, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too. THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 11:00 a.m. Grace Gaines Jackson, daughter of Helen and Reed Jackson Gaines, Gaines, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too. We this day do all agree a child of God you ll always be. Gaines, Gaines, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too. 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. Proclamation of the Word THE CHILDREN S MESSAGE 11:00 a.m. Linsey Jarrett At the 11:00 a.m. service, children in kindergarten through grade 2 will go to Children s Church on the third floor where they may be picked up at the end of the service. Anthem Lyrics The text for this anthem can be found on page 136 of the United Methodist Hymnal. 6 THE OFFERING AND THE OFFERTORY ANTHEM The Lord Is My Shepherd Howard Goodall Sung by the Sanctuary Choir; Kaitlyn Gilmore, soloist; Rachael Fischer, violin; Lucas Scalamogna, violin; Serena Scibelli, viola; Ana Abrantes, cello
9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services *DOXOLOGY umh 94 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow lasst uns erfreuen Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia, alleluia! Praise God the source of all our gifts; praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts. Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. THE SCRIPTURE READING Genesis 1:11-13 p.1 old testament 11 Then God said, Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it. And it was so. 12 The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. THE SERMON Lessons of the Seed Chuck Hodges Response to the Word *THE HYMN umh 147 All Things Bright and Beautiful royal oak Sending Forth *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 Lift High the Cross Shackley 7
The Steeple Children's Sunday April 29 Children's Sunday is an opportunity for all ages to engage with the body of Christ and offer thanks and praise. Our children's choirs will be presenting the musical "In the Image" at the 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. services on April 29. According to our tradition on fifth Sundays, there will not be Sunday School for kindergarten through fourth grade. We will be in worship at 9:45 a.m. with our families or class! For more information, contact Sarah Lawing. Sarah Lawing sarah@athensfirstumc.org 706-543-1442 8
In Memoriam Joe Miles April 4, 2018 Stuart Sullivan April 12, 2018 Sympathy Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Mike Murphey in the loss of his father, William "Red" Murphey, on April 3. Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Joe Miles, who passed away on April 4. Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Mary Ann Sullivan in the loss of her husband, Stuart Sullivan, on April 12. Senior Fun Luncheon April 26 All who are over 50 are encouraged to join us on Thursday, April 26, at 12:30 p.m. in Hancock Hall. Georgia House of Representative members Deborah Gonzalez and Spencer Frye of Athens-Clarke County, and Representative Jonathan Wallace of Oconee County will update us on the key decisions of the recent session of the Georgia General Assembly, especially those affecting persons over 50. There will be door prizes from local vendors. Register by calling the church office by 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25. Dan Maxey 706-340-5097 Church Office 706-543-1442 New Members On April 15, we welcomed Glenda Lance; John and Sarah Robinson; TJ, Faith, Angelina, Matthew, and Olivia Mae Orr; Eileen and Brad Thacker; and Ashleigh Woodruff to the Athens First United Methodist Church family. Senior Recognition Sunday May 6 We look forward to recognizing the Senior Class of 2018 during the 11:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, May 6. Please join us in celebrating our graduating seniors! Josh Miles josh@athensfirstumc.org Wednesday Night Meals April 25 The meal on Wednesday, April 25, is provided by Fresh Air BBQ. Join us for barbecue pork sandwich, macaroni and cheese, Brunswick stew, slaw, and chips. Order your meal online or by calling the church office by Tuesday at noon. All are invited to attend and encouraged to spend time together during our Wednesday Night Meal. If you have difficulty ordering online, please call the church office and a staff member can help you order your meal. For more information, contact Cindy. Register athensfirstumc.org/registration Cindy McKoy cindy@athensfirstumc.org 706-543-1442 Adopt-a-Mom May 13 The Ark, a mission partner of our church, is looking for volunteers for their annual Adopt-a-Mom. $25 allows you to adopt a mom, who will then receive a card and flowers on Mother's Day. Visit their website for more information and to make a donation. Learn more athensark.org/adopt-a-mom 9
Register for Summer Camps Registration is now open for recreation sports camps for summer 2018! We have three different opportunities for our Junior Jam basketball camps for ages 4-10. We also have two opportunities for our volleyball camp for grades 5-12. These camps are a great opportunity to build athletic skills while growing in Christ. For more information about dates and registration, check online or contact Rusty Wood. Rusty Wood rusty@athensfirstumc.org 706-543-1442 Learn more athensfirstumc.org/recreationcamps Music and Arts Week June 12-14 Kids currently in grades K-4 are invited to join us June 12-14 for three fun-filled days of music-making, creating, and playing. This year s theme is Made for Praise. We ll be learning to praise God through playing instruments like ukulele, recorder, Orff instruments, and a junkyard jamband. The cost is $35 per student until April 30 and $45 per student starting May 1. Register athensfirstumc.org/musicandartsweek Sarah Lawing sarah@athensfirstumc.org 706-543-1442 Rolling River Rampage June 4-7 Join us as we take a ride on the Rolling River Rampage during Vacation Bible School, June 4-7! VBS is for children who turned three by September 1, 2017, through those who have completed fourth grade. We will also have opportunities for fifth graders, youth, and adults! Start your summer with a big splash- register today! The last day to order t-shirts will be May 6. Learn more and register athensfirstumc.org/vbs Robin Stewart robin@athensfirstumc.org 706-543-1442 Shannon Dupree shannondupreevbs@gmail.com Youth Service Week June 26-30 ONE Student Ministries will be participating in Youth Service Week on Tuesday morning, June 26, through Saturday morning, June 30. The primary goal of Youth Service Week is to have our youth in grades 7-12 more engaged with their community from a Christ-like perspective. We will pursue that goal through service projects, outreach, and visits to our neighbors in the Athens community. Registration will close on Sunday, May 6, at 11:55 p.m. For planning purposes, the sooner you register 10
the better! Please visit our webpage for more information and to register. Register athensfirstumc.org/youthserviceweek Josh Miles josh@athensfirstumc.org 706-543-1442 community, and we want to make sure we walk with them as they are the hands and feet of Jesus to these children. All proceeds from our Children s Consignment Sale on August 10 and 11 will go to help support our Foster Care Ministry. Please consider being a consignor and/or donating gently used clothing for the sale. We will gladly accept donations whenever it is convenient for you! Preview Sale will be August 9 for our consignors and volunteers. Please contact Betsy or Sarah Beth for more information. Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org Sarah Beth Barger sarahbeth@athensfirstumc.org Summer FUNday School June & July Get ready for some FUN during Sunday School in June and July as we merge kids of all ages, kindergarten through grade 12! Our older students may elect to serve in leadership positions each Sunday. Our younger children will have the opportunity to learn by seeing how the big kids do it! Our mornings will include praise and worship, large and small groups, and games. Plan on a FUN Sunday morning each week! After checking in on KidCheck, drop-off will be in the youth room at 9:45 a.m. Kids can be picked up from the youth room at 10:45 a.m. Stay tuned for more details! Robin Stewart robinafumc@bellsouth.net Laney Jones laney@athensfirstumc.org Thank You! A BIG thank you to all who helped with our Spring Service Day and Mission Celebration Brunch! Because of you, families in our local community will have renewed hope and respite from the stress of facing homelessness. Missions Team Supporting Our Foster Families We currently have three families in our congregation who are serving as foster care families to children in our 11
8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. This Week SUNDAY, APRIL 22 John 10:11-18 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 Route 56:Fuel ROOM 120 Elementary Sunday School: Holy Ground CHAPEL Kindergarten Sunday School: City on a Hill ROOM 311 & 313 Immanuel Project ROOM 301 Sack Lunch Ministry HULL STREET ENTRANCE Worship Service SANCTUARY Preschool Nursery FIRST FLOOR UMW Spring Luncheon HANCOCK HALL Cub Scout Pack 1 Meeting ROOM 100 Carillons Ringers ROOM 150 Wesleyan Youth Choir Rehearsal ROOM 145 Connect & Grow Group JOHN WESLEY PARLOR Route 56 Open Road & Octane (Parent Orientation) ROOM 120 Alleluia Ringers ROOM 150 Encounter 10:00 a.m. 1:15 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. MONDAY, APRIL 23 1 John 4:7-21 Connect & Grow Women's Group ROOM 200 Disciplines Devotional Bible Study ROOM 200 Evening Community Bible Study SANCTUARY Connect & Grow Group TIMOTHY ROAD TUESDAY, APRIL 24 1 John 4:13-21 Community Bible Study Leaders Council Wesley Leadership Meeting HULL CONFERENCE ROOM Prayer Shawl Ministry PANERA BREAD Pickleball GYM Circle 4 Meeting HULL CONFERENCE ROOM Connect & Grow Group ROOM 229 Fashion Fitness ROOM 120 Boy Scouts Troop 1 SCOUT HUT 12
9:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:10 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 5:20 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 John 15:1-8 Wednesday Morning Bible Study ROOM 222 When Godly People Do Ungodly Things ROOM 229 Prayer Shawl Ministry ROOM 200 Celebrate Worship Arts Grades 3 & 4 ROOM 301 Lyric Choir Grades 1 & 2 ROOM 151 Music Explorers ROOM 314 Dance Ages 4-5 ROOM 145 Children's Sabbath Dress Rehearsal SANCTUARY Early Book Group ROOM 224 Wednesday Night Meal HANCOCK HALL Route 56: GPS ROOM 120 Celebrate Choir Grades 3 & 4 ROOM 151 Joy Choir Kindergarten ROOM 320 Sonshine Choir Age 4 ROOM 325 Lyric Worship Arts Grades 1 & 2 ROOM 301 Music Explorers ROOM 314 Dance Age 3 ROOM 145 66 Love Letters JOHN WESLEY PARLOR Connect Group Young Married ROOM 114 Youth Bible Study: Engage ROOM 119 Connect & Grow Group ROOM 224 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal SANCTUARY Later Book Group ROOM 247 Chamber Ensemble Rehearsal ROOM 148 THURSDAY, APRIL 26 John 15:1-8 Community Bible Study SANCTUARY Senior Fun Luncheon HANCOCK HALL Pickleball GYM The Kaleidoscope Project ROOMS 114, 120, AND 125 Souper Suppers HANCOCK HALL Fashion Fitness ROOM 120 Connect Group Young Adult ROOM 222 Adult Softball BISHOP PARK FRIDAY, APRIL 27 Acts 8:26-40 SATURDAY, APRIL 28 Acts 8:26-40 Mobile Food Pantry SANCTUARY Children's Soccer CHAPELWOOD METHODIST CHURCH 13
Worship Bulletin (614-280) Published weekly Athens First United Methodist Church 327 N. Lumpkin Street Athens, GA 30601-2743 Telephone 706-543-1442 Fax 706-546-4797 Website athensfirstumc.org Periodicals Postage Paid at Athens, GA Vol. LXI No. 16 Postmaster Send address changes to: AFUMC P.O. Box 1109 Athens, GA 30603-1109