Easter Sunday

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Easter Sunday

March 31, 2013 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.

Athens First United Methodist Church

Welcome We are glad that you are here! Thank you for worshipping with us today. We hope your experience at this church brings you blessings. We’d love to get to know you, so please come to fellowship time in Hancock Hall. Join us there for coffee, donuts and conversation beginning at 9:30 every Sunday morning! Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our ushers and greeters are happy to help you find your way!

Worship

We ask that your cell phones be turned off or switched to silent and that you refrain from using flash photography during worship. Each Sunday, the 11:00 service is broadcast on WRFC 960 AM, and all three services are streamed live at athensfirstumc.org/webcast.

Nursery Availability

For infants through four-year-olds Sundays | 8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Children’s Church

For children in kindergarten through second grade Wonder of Worship (W.O.W.), or Children’s Church, follows the Children’s Message during 11:00 Worship all Sundays except for Communion Sundays. 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.

Website

Please visit our website, athensfirstumc.org, for information about our ministries, to register for events, to give online, to view our church wide calendar, and to listen to sermons from our sermon archive. We encourage you to sign up for our newsletter that is emailed weekly by contacting [email protected].

Church Office Hours

Monday through Friday | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. If you need assistance, please call 706-543-1442. We are happy to help you!

Our Ministers and Program Directors

Chuck Hodges, Senior Minister | [email protected] | 706-206-5529 Martha Aenchbacher, Minister of Program | [email protected] | 678-230-9708 John Page, Minister of Discipleship | [email protected] Eric Fessler, Minister of Families with Youth | [email protected] Robin Stewart, Director of Children's Ministry | [email protected] Stephen Mitchell, Director of Music | [email protected] Carol Reeves, Director of Children’s Music | [email protected] Janis Maxwell, Director of Youth Music and Organist | [email protected] Rusty Wood, Director of Recreation | [email protected]

The Worship of God

on

Gathering

Easter Sunday

The Prelude

Manz

“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” 

The Welcome and Parish Notes

8:30 and 9:45 Led by Betsy Butler 11:00 Led by Eric Fessler



The Choral Call to Worship

K.L. Scott

“God’s Right Hand and Holy Arm”  Sung by the Sanctuary Choir with the Brass Ensemble

God’s right hand and holy arm have won the victory. Christ being raised from the dead shall die no more. Death has no power over Him, He lives to God. Why seek the living now among the dead? Recall His promise unto you; He lives again. Gone is death’s victory, gone is death’s sting, God gives to us the victory through Christ our Lord.

The Lighting of the Christ Candle

The light of Christ rises in glory, overcoming the darkness of sin and death. The King of kings and Lord of hosts ransoms his Church, and the gates of hell shall not overpower us. Christ is our light! Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!

Praise and Thanksgiving *The Processional Hymn 302 “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” Verses 1 – 4





*The Affirmation of Faith This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand,

*Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.

EASTER HYMN

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.

* 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.

*The Passing of the Peace The Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer 

 Led by Martha Aenchbacher

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 *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.

The Children’s Message 8:30 & 11:00

At the 11:00 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 Caravans at the end of the service.



The Offering The Offertory Anthem

“Resurrection Day” 

Sung by the Sanctuary Choir with the Brass Ensemble, David Burrell, Director

Z. Randall Stroope

When the world gave the tomb, the tomb gave new life. Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna! And when the stone sealed the light, the Light moved the stone. Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna! Behold the fire of Elijah, the strength of David’s arm! Behold the Lion of Judah: Our cloud by day, our fire by night, Promise of Abraham. Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna! Wisdom of Solomon, and the rod of Moses, Promise of Abraham, and the song of Miriam, Tears of Jeremiah, and the faith of Joshua, The Lord is all! All of these! Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna! When the nails pierced the Lamb, the Lamb freed our bonds. Righteousness, Holiness! Robed in pure white! Hosanna! Alleluia!

*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 

Chuck Hodges

The Message 

Chuck Hodges

John 11:25-26 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Big God, Big Life” 

The Response to the Word *The Hymn 303

“The Day of Resurrection” 

LANCASHIRE

Sending Forth *The Blessing *The Choral Response

“Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah  Sung by the Sanctuary Choir

Handel

*The Postlude

Held

“Jesus Shall Reign”

The Easter lilies on the altar today are given to the glory of God by members of the church in memory or in honor of loved ones.

Sermon Notes

*Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.

March Ushers 8:30 a.m. Grace Rabek, Jim Belger, Ann Brown, Paul Brown, Larry Deal, Hugh Larkey, Mack Lowrey, Jim Lyons, Candler Meadors, Olan Moore, Bob Noble, Ken Reece, Keith Wilson 9:45 a.m. Chris Bostdorff, Tom Cooper, David and Jane Disney, Mark Ellison, Bill Trigleth, Tom Hedges, Mark Firth, Tom & Sharon Milton, Jim Lyons, Dan Lasseter, Al Rogers 11:00 a.m. Gene Deal, Mark Graham, Allan Hixon, Jim Lyons, Mike McClord, Mason McWhorter, Charlie Upchurch III

Attendance Sunday School ................................. 624 Total Worship ............................1,554 8:30 a.m..................................................161 9:45 a.m..................................................502 11:00 a.m..................................................810 Online........................................................81

Greeters Katherine & Frank Chandley, Kasey & Bill Clayton, Nicki & Don Goodwin, Jane Harvey, Taylor Miller, Amy O’Neill, Traci & Mike Pruett, Jack Miller, Marti & Mitch Mitchell, Sharon Sellars, Mary Jenkins, Dianne & Pat Morrison, Caroline Block & Lauren Covington

First Light Acolytes 8:30 Carden Pearson, Baylor Ward 9:45 Cameron Hedges, Graham Lawrence, Annie Miller 11:00 Lauren Griffith, Jack McLanahan

Financial Report Budget for 2013  $2,431,217 Amount Given YTD  $643,029 Goal for March  $177,488 Amount after 3 Sundays  $125,608 Current Debt Balance $1,082,944 Total Debt Reduction YTD $31,167

Offering Stewards Bob Booth and Charlie Grimes, co-chairman; Nat Belger, Charles Braucher, Nat Carmack, Henry Garrard, Nathan King, Al Hawley, Sean Rogers, Charlie Upchurch III

Nursery Helpers Thank you to all of the parents & volunteers who are helping in our nursery this Easter Sunday.

Easter Season

“The Easter Season, also known as the Great Fifty Days, begins at sunset Easter Eve and continues through the Day of Pentecost. It is the most joyous and celebrative season of the Christian year. It focuses on Christ’s resurrection and ascension and on the givings of the Holy Spirit on the First Easter (John 20:22-23) and the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Lessons from the Acts of the Apostles replace the readings from the Old Testament because the early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is the best witness to the Resurrection. The ancient Christian name for this festival is Pasch, derived from the Hebrew pesah (“deliverance” or “passover”), thus connecting the Resurrection to the Exodus. The origin of the English word Easter is disputed but may come from the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess Eastre and her festival.” - The United Methodist Book of Worship, page 368

Tijuana Mission March 30- April 5

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Chuck Chapeau

Toby Chapeau

Angela Chapeau

Walt Chapeau

Pray for the go-team as they travel and serve in Tijuana, Mexico.

Millican Jarrett

Johnny Jarrett

Kasana Page

John Page

June 4-6

Save the Date: June 4, 5, & 6 (Tues., Wed., Thurs.) 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children who have completed grades 1-5 are invited to participate! Register Now!

Contact: Carol Reeves | [email protected] | 706-543-1442 ex: 213

STEP RIGHT UP TO

GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

2013 Children’s Choirs Spring Musical

Sunday, April 21 4:00 p.m. Hancock Hall

Announcements Baptism

Lawton Daniel Martin received the Sacrament of Baptism on March 24 in our Sanctuary. He is the son of Melissa and David Martin.

New Arrivals

Congratulations to Kimberly and Wes Rogers on the birth of their son, David Harrison, on March 11. Congratulations to Beth and Rick Selleck on the birth of their son, Maxwell “Max” Emerson Selleck, on January 17.

Sympathy

Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Winifred Hemley in the loss of her sister, Latrelle Love.

New Member Orientation | April 14

All guests are welcome to attend the next Newcomer Orientation Sunday, April 14 in Hancock Hall. Two sessions are offered, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. No need to R.S.V.P. Information about Athens First UMC will be shared, including ways to get involved and how to join as a member. Find out more information online, athensfirstumc.org/ newcomerorientations. Contact: Martha Aenchbacher | [email protected]

Barbecue Chicken Fundraiser | April 21

Boy Scout Troop 1 will be selling BBQ chicken boxed lunches for $8 per plate on Sunday, April 21, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Lunches will include a freshly cooked BBQ chicken half, coleslaw, applesauce, and bread. Tickets will be sold from 9:30-11:00 a.m. in the reception area and at noon outside the sanctuary on April 7 and 14, or can be purchased from any Troop 1 member. Lunches will be available in the kitchen for carry-out, or you may dine in Hancock Hall. Limited walk-up lunches will be available, so buy a ticket to be sure you get one! Contact: Joe Wyrick | [email protected] | 706-206-2142

Blood Drive | April 21

You can put the power of faith into action and help save a life. Donate blood on Sunday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the gym. Volunteers needed! Register online to donate. Walk-up appointments welcome on April 21. Contact: Geoffrey Hill | [email protected]

Great Day of Service | May 4

Saturday, May 4, is the day for the 2013 Great Day Of Service. This is a day to serve together, both at projects out in the community and here at the church. We need advance volunteers. Advance volunteers scope out project sites, assess material and volunteer needs, become familiar with the area, and serve as the point person on May 4. Contact: John Page | [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Appalachia Mission Trip | May 16-20

Experience serving in your own country, cross-culturally in Appalachia (Frakes, KY), by repairing homes and other needed construction efforts Thursday, May 16, (leave around noon) - Monday, May 20, 2013. No construction experience is needed, just a willing spirit. Only 14 spots open! Cost is $300. Contact: John Page | [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Vacation Bible School | June 17-21

Register online to travel around the world at Vacation Bible School! Open to children ages three years old by September 1, 2012 through those who have completed the 4th grade. Adults and youth volunteers, prayerfully consider your gift of service to this ministry. More information available online, athensfirstumc.org/vbs. Contact: Stacey Richardson | [email protected] | 706-714-4100

Mission: Epworth | July 14-18

Mission: Epworth is our annual mission trip for middle school students grades 6-8. This trip is designed to introduce middle schoolers to missions and provide opportunities for them to begin learning and developing important skills that will serve them as they grow and mature. See more online at athensfirstumc.org/epworth-2013. Contact: Erika Bates | [email protected] | 706-543-1442

BigStuf | July 24-28

BigStuf is an exciting, five-day summer camp in Panama City, Florida. We will be enjoying morning and evening large-group worship and teaching sessions, featuring a variety of talented speakers and the dynamic BigStuf Band, as well as Church Group Time each evening with just the students and leaders from our church. See more online at athensfirstumc.org/bigstuf2013. Contact: Erika Bates | [email protected] | 706-543-1442

This Week at Athens First For a detailed calendar see our website, athensfirstumc.org/calendar.

Sunday, March 31 Acts 10:34-43 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service (Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery) 8:30 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) Preschool Nursery and Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) Overflow in Hancock Hall Sunday School Classes 11:00 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) Overflow in Hancock Hall Children’s Church (Caravans) 5:00 p.m. Disciple One Bible Study (Room 252)

Monday, April 1 Joshua 10:16-27 9:30 a.m. 1:15 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

UMW Exec. Board Meeting (Room 254) Monday Bible Study Group (Room 221 & 253) Athens Ath-Elite Fitness (Gym) Volley Performance (Gym)

Tuesday, April 2 Judges 4:17-23 5:30 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.

Fashion Fitness (Gym) Men’s Bible Study (Hull Dining Hall) CBS Leadership (Rooms 252 and 256) Boy Scouts Troop 1 (Saye Scout Hut) Fashion Fitness (Youth Area)

Wednesday, April 3 Luke 24:1-12 7:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 5:15 p.m.

Student Ministries Chick-fil-A Breakfast (Beechwood Chick-fil-A) “That the World Might Know” Bible Study (Room 252) “That the World Might Know” Bible Study (Room 252) Fun Gym (Gym) Children’s Lyric Choir and Celebrate Chimes (Music Suite) Prayer Shawl Ministry (Room 221) Early Book Group (Room 261) Cherub, Sonshine, and Joy Choirs (Preschool Area) Celebrate Choir and Lyric Chimes (Music Suite) Pilates'n Prayer (Room 125)

5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Disciple One (Room 252) Connect Ministry Small Group 4 (Room 362) Student Ministries Downtown Dinner (Youth Area) Facing the Cross Women's Bible Study (Hancock Hall) Connect Ministry Small Group 2 (Room 119) Athens Ath-Elite Fitness (Gym) Men's Study: Twelve Ordinary Men (Room 258) Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Room 163) Connect Ministry Small Group 3 (Room 257) Disciple Two Bible Study (Rooms 254 and 256) Lent for Everyone: Luke (Room 253) Connect Ministry Small Group 1 (Room 363) Disciple Two (Room 254 & 256) Engage | Student Ministries Bible Studies (Youth Area) Chamber Ensemble Rehearsal (Room 163)

Thursday, April 4 1 Samuel 17:1-23 5:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Fashion Fitness (Gym) Community Bible Study Souper Supper (Hancock Hall) Athens Ath-Elite Fitness (Gym) Fashion Fitness (Youth Area) Adult Softball Game (Bishop Park)

Friday, April 5 1 Samuel 17:19-32 6:30 p.m. ISM Bible Study and Dinner (Rooms 253, 255, & Chapel) 7:00 p.m. Young Life Event (Hancock Hall)

Saturday, April 6 1 Samuel 17:32-51 9:00 a.m. Youth Soccer (Clarke Central)

Worship Bulletin (614-280) Published weekly, August-May (except Christmas), and every other week, June-July by:

Athens First United Methodist Church 327 N. Lumpkin Street Athens, GA 30601-2743 Telephone | 706-543-1442 Fax | 706-546-4797 Website | athensfirstumc.org

Postmaster Send address changes to: Worship Bulletin (614-280) AFUMC P.O. Box 1109 Athens, GA 30603-1109

Periodicals Postage Paid at Athens, GA

Vol. LV No. 38