Thanksgiving Sunday
November 24, 2013 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.
Athens First United Methodist Church
Welcome Thank you for worshipping with us today. Our ushers and greeters are happy to help you find your way. You may also pick up a map of the church in the narthex, at the front entrance of the sanctuary. We’d love to get to know you, so please come for coffee, donuts and conversation beginning at 9:30 every Sunday morning in Hancock Hall!
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 the 9:45 and 11:00 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 | 5:30-8:00 p.m. kindergarten–grade 5
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 Congregational Care |
[email protected] | 678-230-9708 Beth Dickinson, Minister of Discipleship |
[email protected] Eric Fessler, Minister of Families with Youth |
[email protected] Betsy Butler, Minister of Missions |
[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]
Worship Bulletin | 1
The Worship of God on Thanksgiving Sunday
Gathering The Prelude
“Fantasia on FOREST GREEN”
The Welcome and Parish Notes
8:30 & 11:00 Led by Beth Dickinson 9:45 Led by Martha Aenchbacher
The Choral Call to Worship 9:45 & 11:00
Smith
“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”
Sung by the Sanctuary Choir with the Brass Ensemble
arr. Courtney
Praise & Thanksgiving *The Processional Hymn 694
“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”
ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR
*The Litany for Thanksgiving
Give thanks to the Lord, who is good. God’s love is everlasting. Come, let us praise God joyfully. Let us come to God with thanksgiving. For the good world: for things great and small, beautiful and awesome, for seen and unseen splendors, We thank you, O God. For human life: for talking and moving and thinking together, for common hopes and hardships shared from birth until our dying, We thank you, O God. For work to do and strength to work: for the fellowship of labor, for exchanges of good humor and encouragement, We thank you, O God. Worship Bulletin | 2
For family: for living together and eating together, for family amusements and family pleasures, We thank you, O God. For children: for their energy and curiosity, for their brave play and startling frankness, for their sudden sympathies, We thank you, O God. For growing up and growing old: for wisdom deepened by experience, for rest in leisure, for time made precious by its passing, We thank you, O God. For your help in times of doubt and sorrow: for healing our diseases, for preserving us in temptation and danger, We thank you, O God. For the church into which we have been called: for the good news we receive by Word and sacrament, for our life together in the Lord, We praise you, O God. For your Holy Spirit, who guides our steps and brings us gifts of faith and love, who prays in us and prompts our grateful worship, We praise you, O God. For your Son Jesus Christ, who lived and died and lives again for our salvation: for our hope in him, for the joy of serving him, We thank and praise you, eternal God, for all your goodness to us. Give thanks to the Lord, who is good. God’s love is everlasting. 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 Sacrament of Baptism
11:00 Eve Alizabeth Corey Daughter of Catherine Corey Eve, Eve, 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. Eve, Eve, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.
Worship Bulletin | 3
The Welcoming of New Members The Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer
11:00
8:30 & 9:45 Led by Betsy Butler 11:00 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 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 the Caravans room at the end of the service.
The Offering The Offertory Anthem
8:30 “My Tribute”
Crouch
Sung by Julie Caldwell How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me? Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me; the voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee. To God be the glory, to God be the glory, to God be the glory for the things He has done. With His blood He has saved me, with His power He has raised me; to God be the glory for the things He has done. Just let me live my life. Let it pleasing, Lord to Thee, and if I gain any praise, let it go to Calvary.
9:45 & 11:00 “We Plough the Fields, and Scatter”
arr. Rutter
Sung by the Sanctuary Choir We plow the fields, and scatter the good seed on the land, but it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand; he sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain, the breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain. All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above; then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all his love. He only is the Maker of all things near and far; he paints the wayside flower, he lights the evening star; the winds and waves obey him, by him the birds are fed; much more to us, his children, he gives our daily bread. We thank thee, then, O Father: for all things bright and good,the seed time and the harvest, our life, our health, and food; no gifts have we to offer, for all thy love imparts, and, what thou most desirest, our humble, thankful hearts.
*Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.
Worship Bulletin | 4
*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
Colossians 3:12-15 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also 12
must forgive. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
The Message
Chuck Hodges
”Find the Good and Praise It”
The Sacrament of Holy Communion 8:30
Page 9 in the hymnal
The Receiving of the Bread and Wine 8:30
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. Note that a gluten free communion station is located at each station.
Sending Forth *The Hymn 92
“For the Beauty of the Earth”
DIX
*The Blessing *The Choral Response
“Benediction” Sung by the Sanctuary Choir
Anglea
God be with you till we meet again. By His counsels guide, uphold you, with His sheep securely fold you. God be with you till we meet again. Worship Bulletin | 5
*The Postlude
“Recessional on NUN DANKET”
Hustad
The flowers on the altar today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Milton H. Pittard and Pat Cardin by Richard, Jody and Michael.
November Ushers 8:30 a.m. Jim Belger, Ann Brown, Paul Brown, Larry Deal, Hugh Larkey, Mack Lowery, Jim Lyons, Candler Meadors, Olan Moore, Bob Noble, Grace Rabek, Ken Reece, Keith Wilson, & 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 McNeill, & Reeves McNeill 11:00 a.m. Mark Graham, Mike McCord, Charlie Upchurch III, Allan Hixon, Mason McWhorter, Gene Deal, Jim Lyons
Attendance on November 17 Sunday School.............................. 485 Total Worship ..........................1,256 8:30 a.m............................................190 9:45 a.m............................................407 11:00 a.m.........................................584 Online..................................................75
Greeters Mary Beisswenger, Brad Bowling, Cecily Callaway, and Patrick Jones. Jennifer Golden, Caroline Block
First Light Acolytes
Financial Report Budget for 2013 $2,431,217 Amount Given YTD $2,231,722 Goal for November $175,118 Amount after 2 Sundays $120,361 Current Debt Balance $139,450 Total Debt Reduction YTD $974,661
Offering Stewards Bob Booth and Charlie Grimes, co-chairman; Jim Lyons, Nat Carmack, Henry Garrard, Nathan King, Al Hawley, Sean Rogers, Charlie Upchurch III
8:30 Oliver Hedges, Larsen Block, Harrison Hedges 9:45 Joanne Timberlake, Millican Jarrett, Lili Hollis 11:00 Elijah Bullock, Lauren Griffith, Morgan Grace
The Steeple | 6
THE SEASON OF
A D V E N T
Advent Breakfast | December 1 Celebrate the start of Advent with us at the Advent Breakfast in Hancock Hall from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Please register online at athensfirstumc.org/registration before November 25. Advent Study: The Journey | Begins December 4 Using Adam Hamilton’s The Journey: Walking the Road the Bethlehem, we will journey with Hamilton, using historical information, archaeological findings, and personal reflections into the Christmas season. This class meets at 6:00 p.m., Wednesdays December 4, 11, and 18 in Hancock Hall. A Service of Lessons and Carols | December 8 A service of readings and music for the season featuring the choirs, handbells and brass during 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 worship. Prayer Service | December 15 Join us in the chapel for a time of prayer and reflection on Sunday, December 15, at 5:00 p.m. Handel’s Messiah | December 15 Hear one of the most celebrated works of all time sung by the Sanctuary Choir with orchestra and soloists at 7:00 p.m. in our sanctuary. Christmas Eve Services 4:00 p.m. | Candlelight service led by the Children’s Music Ministry 6:00 p.m. | Candlelight Communion service with music from the Wesleyan Youth Choir and a message from Rev. Chuck Hodges 11:00 p.m. | Candlelight Communion service with music from the Sanctuary Choir and a message from Rev. Chuck Hodges. Pre-service music begins at 10:30 p.m.
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Do all the good you can in all the ways you can
Upcoming Mission Opportunities To register or learn more about these events visit athensfirstumc.org/serve Mobile Food Pantry December 21 | 8:30–10:30 a.m. Smart Lunch, Smart Kid Sack Lunch Construction November 27, December, 27, January 2 | 10 a.m. | Hancock Hall A Blanket for a Child in Need Sunday, December 1 | 8–10 a.m. | Hancock Hall REACH International Christmas Dinner and Tree Trimming Party December 6 | Donate cooked items Annual Christmas Community Meal Thursday, December 19 | Shifts available between noon and 7 p.m. | Hancock Hall Gifts for Project SAFE and Salvation Army Angel Tree November 17–December 9 Interfaith Hospitality Network Volunteer Need December 29–January 5 | Various Times | Our church Souper Supper Store Donations For a complete list of donation items visit: athensfirstumc.org/soupersupper Offer Hospitality or Make a Meal for Souper Supper Thursdays in January–April | Kitchen and Hancock Hall Stop Hunger Now Saturday, February 1 | 8–10 a.m. or 10 a.m.–Noon | Hancock Hall
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Announcements Confirmation Class
On Sunday, November 17, the following young adults completed the confirmation process and joined Athens First United Methodist Church as professing members: James Ryan Brinson, Bennett Richmond Caughran, Wesley Alston Elkins, Mason William Griffeth, Megan Leigh Jackson, Donald McLaren Law, Jessica Elizabeth Mixon, Peyton Dale Shedd, Frances Grace Redwine, Harrison Mims Upton, and Dylan Payne Wyrick.
Sympathy
Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Ree Kavouklis and family in the loss of her father, Wyatt Bernard Albea, Jr., in Lincolnton, Georgia. Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Sally Haugabook and family in the loss of her grandmother, Myra Rumph, in Montezuma, Georgia.
New Arrivals
Congratulations to Tabitha and Nate King on the birth of their twins, William Stripling and Caroline Ruth, on November 8. William and Caroline are the grandchildren of Alice and Nathan King, and the great grandchildren of Ina Claire and Gene Weekley. Congratulations to Sarah and Isaac Moore on the birth of their son, Sebastian Hill, on June 18. Sebastian is the grandson of Debbie and Phil Kincaid.
Baptism
On Tuesday, November 12, Mason William Griffeth received the Sacrament of Baptism. Mason is the son of David Griffeth. On Sunday, November 17, Megan Leigh Jackson received the Sacrament of Baptism in our sanctuary. Megan is the daughter of Missy and Travis Jackson. On Sunday, November 17, Peyton Dale Shedd received the Sacrament of Baptism in our sanctuary. Peyton is the son of Paree and Dale Shedd. On Sunday, November 17, Dylan Payne Wyrick received the Sacrament of Baptism in our sanctuary. Dylan is the son of Jennifer and Joe Wyrick.
The Steeple | 9
The Ark | Gift of Hope
The Ark, a mission partner of Athens First United Methodist Church, has invited us to give to the twenty-third annual Gift of Hope. This fund is used throughout the year to provide emergency assistance for rent, utilities, prescription medicines, and other basic life necessities. Mail your taxdeductible donation to The Ark, 640A Barber Street, Athens, Georgia 30601. If you would like your donation to be made in honor of family or friends, include a list of names and addresses with your donation. The Ark appreciates your help in making a difference in the community this holiday season. Contact: Betsy Butler |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
Action Ministries | December 1
Be a life changer on Action Ministries Sunday, December 1. We will have the opportunity to contribute to one of our mission partners next Sunday. Any donations left on the altar rail during Holy Communion will be collected and given to Action Ministries, who serve those in need in our local community. Erin Barger, director of Action Ministries, will speak during the worship service about the great work they are doing in Athens.
Advent Breakfast | December 1
Celebrate the start of Advent with us at the Advent Breakfast in Hancock Hall from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Breakfast includes pancakes, bacon, fruit, coffee, juice, and more. A nativity-themed children’s craft will be available. The cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-12, and no charge for children under 2. The max cost per family is $15. Please register online at athensfirstumc.org/ registration before November 25. Contact: Jennifer Chambers |
[email protected]
Poinsettias | December 2
Poinsettias in honor or memory of a loved one are available for purchase through the church office. The flowers will be placed in the sanctuary by the Altar Guild, and a booklet listing all of those participating will be available in the narthex Sunday, December 22. The flowers may be picked up after the 11:00 a.m. worship service the same day. Orders with payment may be made at the church office or by mail no later than December 2. The price is $11 per plant. Contact: Cookie Daniel |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
The Steeple | 10
es.
Charge Conference | December 2
Our annual Charge Conference is Monday, December 2, at 6:30 p.m. in Hancock Hall. All are invited to attend this meeting. Contact: Katherine Hodges |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
REACH International Christmas Dinner and Tree Trimming Party | December 6
On Friday, December 6, REACH International will host our annual Snack & Chat: Christmas Dinner and Tree Trimming Party for our international friends! Volunteers are needed to provide green bean casseroles, hash brown casseroles, fruit salads, and desserts for the party. Please contact Lynn Bryant if you are able to contribute something for the dinner or to serve. Contact: Lynn Bryant |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
Home for the Holidays & Senior Fun | December 5
Home For The Holidays is an annual event where we invite church members who are home-bound to a delicious meal and Christmas program. There is no cost for our special guests. If you need transportation, please let us know. At this luncheon we will enjoy an inspiring devotion by Senior Minister Chuck Hodges, followed by a thrilling performance by the University of Georgia Trombone Choir. The fifteen-member choir performs under the direction of Professor Josh Bynum from the UGA School of Music and will be joined by our Director of Music, Stephen Mitchell, to lead the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” Call the church office (706-543-1442) to make your reservation by Monday, December 2. Contact: Martha Aenchbacher |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
Advent Study: The Journey| Begins December 4
Using Adam Hamilton’s The Journey: Walking the Road the Bethlehem, we will journey with Hamilton, using historical information, archaeological findings, and personal reflections into the Christmas season. This class meets at 6:00 p.m., Wednesdays December 4, 11, and 18 in Hancock Hall. Pre-registration requested; register online at athensfirstumc.org/registration or at the reception desk. There is no cost and childcare is provided. Optional materials are available for purchase (daily devotional, $10; book, $15); order and pay online or at the reception desk. Contact: Beth Dickinson |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
The Steeple | 11
Prayer Service| December 15
Join us in the chapel for a time of prayer and reflection on Sunday, December 15, at 5:00 p.m. Songs will be sung and Scripture read. Come light a candle of hope as we prepare for the birth of Christ. Contact: Martha Aenchbacher |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
Baby Recognition | December 15
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we also celebrate the birth of babies born into our church family during 2013. Please join us at the 9:45 a.m. worship service on December 15, as we welcome our newborns into the Athens First United Methodist Church family. Contact: Ashley Gottschalk |
[email protected]
Christmas Community Meal | December 19
Help us serve the community at the annual Christmas Community Meal on Thursday, December 19, in Hancock Hall. Volunteers are needed at noon to help set up, 3:30 p.m. to assist in the kitchen, 5:00 p.m. to greet, serve, and table host, and from 5:30-7:00 p.m. for clean up. Donations of hams and pound cakes are also needed. If you are able to volunteer, please complete the form online at athensfirstumc.org/christmascommunitymeal or contact Betsy Butler. Contact: Betsy Butler |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
Souper Supper Store | Thursdays January-April
The Souper Supper store is an opportunity for guests at the Souper Supper meal to receive necessary personal care and household items. For a complete list of items, visit athensfirstumc.org/soupersupper. Please bring any donations to the basket behind the reception desk. Contact: Kate Kelly |
[email protected] or Mary DeLoach |
[email protected]
Souper Supper | Thursdays January-April
Souper Suppers are a warm meal served once a week on Thursday evenings January-April at 5:00 p.m. in Hancock Hall to those in need in the community. Individual and group volunteers are needed. Individuals are needed to offer hospitality and groups (such as Sunday School classes, small groups and United Methodist Women Circles) are needed to prepare the weekly meal. Serving a weekly meal for four months requires many volunteers, so please considering serving. To sign up, please visit athensfirstumc.org/soupersupper or contact Glenda Greenhaw at
[email protected] for hospitality, and Suzanne Rutledge at
[email protected] or Amy Lou Reynolds at
[email protected] for meal preparation. The Steeple | 12
This Week For a detailed calendar see our website, athensfirstumc.org/calendar. Maps of the church are located in the narthex, at the front entrance of the sanctuary.
Sunday, November 24 Haggai 1:15-2:9 8:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
Worship Service (Sanctuary) Preschool Nursery and Sunday School Worship Service (Sanctuary) Sunday School Classes Worship Service (Sanctuary) Children’s Church (Caravans) Ingathering (Youth Area) Volley Performance (Gym) Alleluia Ringers (Room 165) Senior Fun Christmas Tree Decorating (Hancock Hall) Route 56 | Open Road (Music & Missil) Carillon Ringers (Room 165) Disciple 1 (Room 256) Disciple 2 (Room 254) Namesake Women’s Study | Yun (Room 252)
Monday, November 25 Psalm 145:1-5 5:30 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Fashion Fitness (Room 126) Men’s Bible Study (Hull Dining) Altar Guild - Decorating Sanctuary for Christmas United Methodist Women Circle 5 (Hull Dining Room) Children’s Basketball (Gym)
Tuesday, November 26 Psalm 145:17-21 5:30 a.m. 9:25 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Fashion Fitness (Room 126) Preschool Program Practice (Sanctuary) Children’s Basketball (Gym) United Methodist Women Circle 4 (Hull Dining Room) Fashion Fitness (Room 126) Boy Scouts | Troop 1 Meeting (Saye Scout Hut) Winter Volleyball League (Gym)
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Wednesday, November 27 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Bible Study (Hull Dining Hall) 10:00 a.m. Make Lunches for Smart Lunch, Smart Kid (Hancock Hall) Wesleyan Youth Choir Alumni Breakfast (Panera Bread) 12:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Holiday (Church Office Closed)
Thursday, November 28 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 Thanksgiving Holiday (Church Office Closed)
Friday, November 29 Luke 20:27-38 Thanksgiving Holiday (Church Office Closed)
Saturday, November 30 Luke 20:1-8 8:00 a.m.
Children’s Basketball (Gym)
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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
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. 70
