The Fifth Sunday of Easter
April 28, 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 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 | 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 the
Gathering The Prelude
“Praeludium”
Fifth Sunday of Easter Hesse
The Welcome and Parish Notes
8:30 Led by Betsy Butler 9:45 Led by John Page 11:00 Led by Eric Fessler
The Choral Call to Worship 9:45 & 11:00 “The Strife is O’er, the Battle Done” Sung by the Sanctuary Choir
Praise & Thanksgiving *The Processional Hymn “A Sower’s Seed Fell on a Path”
CORONATION
A sower’s seed fell on a path packed hard by foot and cart, And hungry sparrows ate their fill before a root could start. Lord, give us ears to hear your word and hearts where seed can grow. And some fell down where rocky ground no sustenance could give. Beneath the scorching noonday sun no tender plant could live. Lord, give us ears to hear your word and hearts where seed can grow. And some seed fell among the weeds that wove a tangling snare To choke the green and budding plants that never fruit would bear. Lord, give us ears to hear your word and hearts where seed can grow. But some seed fell on fertile soil and flourished more and more Until the joyous harvest time, when hundred fold it bore. Lord, give us ears to hear your word and hearts where seed can grow. *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.
*The Affirmation of Faith
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.
*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
Led by Chuck Hodges
8:30 Katherine Carruth Caldwell Daughter of Julie and Chris Caldwell Katherine, Katherine, 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. Katherine, Katherine, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too. 9:45 Evan Scott Smith Son of Susan and Todd Smith Evan, Evan, 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. Evan, Evan, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.
11:00 Michael Charles Snowden Son of Maura and Jeffery Snowden Charlie, Charlie, 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. Charlie, Charlie, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.
*Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.
The Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer 8:30 Led by John Page
9:45 & 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.
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.
Proclamation of the Word The Offering The Offertory Anthem
8:30 “Be Thou My Vision” Sung by Taylor Greer, Soloist
9:45 & 11:00 “Be Thou My Vision”
Sung by the Sanctuary Choir This anthem has been placed in the choir library to the Glory of God and in honor of Mary Alice and Walter Darley by their daughter Kasey Leigh Darley The text for this anthem can be found on page 451 of the UM Hymnal
*The Doxology
Forrest
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
*The Scripture Reading Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23
13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. 6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 Let anyone with ears listen!... 18 Hear then the parable of the sower.
The Message
“The Harvest Depends on the Heart”
When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. 23 But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” 19
Chuck Hodges
The Sacrament of Holy Communion 8:30
Refer to page 9 of the Hymnal
The Receiving of the Bread and Wine 8:30
At First Methodist, all are invited to commune at Christ’s table. If you need to be served in your pew, please call this to the attention of an usher. Note that all communion elements are gluten free.
Sending Forth *The Hymn 707
“Hymn of Promise”
PROMISE
*The Blessing *The Response
“Depart in Peace”
Depart in peace, and may God’s grace sustain and bless you day by day. Depart in joy and may His truth support and guide you in His way.
*The Postlude
Lachenauer
“Lyons”
The flowers in the Narthex on April 21 were given to the glory of God and in the celebration of Pete and Betty Argo’s 65th wedding anniversary by their family. The flowers on the altar today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Sarah and Spurgeon McAdams and Thomas David McAdams by the McAdams family. April 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 9:45 a.m. Chris Bostdorff, Tom Cooper, David and Jane Disney, Mark Ellison, Mark Firth, Tom Hedges, Dan Lasseter, Jim Lyons, Dave Matthews, Sharon Milton, Tom Milton, Al Rogers, Bill Trigleth 11:00 a.m. Nat Belger, Henry Folsom, Henry Garrard, Charles Grimes, Al Hawley, Tom Henson, Jim Lyons, Bo Sorrells
Attendance Sunday School...................................... 546 Total Worship .................................1,252 8:30 a.m.....................................................173 9:45 a.m.....................................................418 11:00 a.m..................................................610 Online............................................................51
Greeters Becky & Lee Brinson, Ellen Cunningham, Robin Hardin, Martha & Bob Noble, Tina Powers, Jennifer Golden, & Caroline Block
First Light Acolytes 8:30 Elijah Bullock, Jack McLanahan, Morgan Grace 9:45 Charles Clarke, John Knight, Harrison Hedges 11:00 Joanne Timberlake, Margaret Timberlake, Lili Hollis
Financial Report OSUMC Fund $15,000 Budget for 2013 $2,431,217 Amount Given YTD $847,400 Goal for April $195,124 Amount after 2 Sunday $106,311 Current Debt Balance $1,065,997 Total Debt Reduction YTD $48,114
Offering Stewards Bob Booth and Charlie Grimes, co-chairman; Jim Lyons, Nat Carmack, Henry Garrard, Nathan King, Al Hawley, Sean Rogers, Charlie Upchurch III
Nursery Helpers 8-14 months: Katherine & Jay Drudge 14-20 months: Katie and Jason Lawson 24-36 months: HELP NEEDED 2 Year Olds: Carol Anne and Keith Kelley 3 Year Olds: Hilary and Beau Seagraves 4 Year Olds: Ansley and Lee Willis
Parenting
with Purpose Panel Discussion APRIL 28 Your entire family is invited to an evening out at our church on Sunday, April 28, from 5-7 p.m. in Hancock Hall. Parents, you’re invited to a panel discussion featuring Chuck Hodges, Monica Stewart, Linsey and Johnny Jarrett, and Gaile and Pat Allen. For children infant to age 4 nursery care will be
provided. Children K5 to 5 grade have special activities in the elementary wing before going as a group to the gym. Light snacks provided for adults, pizza for children. Hosted by the VBS Leadership Team. R.S.V.P. online by April 22. Attendees have the option to submit questions for the panel. Contact: Stacey Richardson |
[email protected] Robin Stewart |
[email protected]
Donate Saturday’s Projects: Donate items ahead for sack lunches Indoor Cleaning and hygiene kits.
Bigger Vision Homeless Shelter
Sparrow’s Nest Mission Church Serve
Discipleship Center Serve on Saturday morning through a variety of family-friendly projects. Children’s Ministries AFUMC
Celebrate Visit our tables this morning Celebrate on Sunday by attending the or register online Brunch & Basket Auction which sup-
athensfirstumc.org/gdos
ports local missions.
Visit our tables this morning or register online athensfirstumc.org/gdos
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
Announcements Baptism
Charlotte June Adair received the Sacrament of Baptism on April 21 in our sanctuary. She is the daughter of Melissa and Joel Adair. Jack Gilmore “Gil” Gottschalk received the Sacrament of Baptism on April 21 in our sanctuary. He is the son of Ashley and Matt Gottschalk.
New Arrivals
Congratulations to Wendy and Ben Allen on the birth of their son, Benjamin Heyward Allen IV, on March 29. Congratulations to Lucy and Jim Gillis on the birth of their son, James Lester Gillis V on April 9.
Wedding Bells
Congratulations to Sallie Hahn and Rob Belger who were married in our sanctuary on April 20. Rob is the son of Rosemary and Jim Belger.
New Members
On April 21, we welcomed to the Athens First United Methodist family Daniel Delaigle, Xiaomin Du, Catherine Rushing, Wink McWhorter & Paula Walls, Christopher Nace, Petty and Bill Thomas, David and Mary Brush.
Responding to the Need
Thank you for your incredible and generous response to the needs of Oconee Street United Methodist Church. Last Sunday you gave $15,000 toward their rebuilding efforts. We are still accepting donations and 100% of what you give goes to meet their need. Give online, or make the check to AFUMC and mark the memo line: OSUMC. Contact: David Walton |
[email protected]
Children’s Consignment Sale | Donate
Cleaning out your children’s or grandchildren’s closets? Well, hold on to those clothes for our consignment sale with a boutique section. All proceeds will go to support the Ekisa Special Needs Orphanage in Uganda. This is a back-to-school sale for gently used fall/winter boy and girl clothes (3 months to youth 16), toys, maternity clothes, and other children’s items. Donations drop-off boxes are at the Hancock and the Washington Street/Pre-school/Nursery entrances. Consignment registration and volunteer information can be found at athensfirstumc.org/childrensconsignmentsale. Contact: Julie Caldwell |
[email protected]
Children’s Consignment Sale Supporting
Children in
Uganda
National Day of Prayer | May 2
Desperate times call for fervent prayers. A “solemn assembly” is being called to gather at Cornerstone Church of God, located at 2150 Lexington Rd, Athens, Georgia. This meeting will take place May 2 at 6:45 a.m. The admission price is “concern for our nation.” The speaker will be Mr. Paul Chambers.
Great Day of Service | May 4
Help us make this the greatest day of service yet! Donate items ahead for sack lunches and hygiene kits. Serve on Saturday morning through a variety of family-friendly projects. Celebrate on Sunday by attending the Brunch & Basket Auction which supports local missions. Stop by the library or the front of the Sanctuary this Sunday to learn how you can be a part of the Great Day of Service (GDOS). More information is available online, athensfirstumc.org/gdos. Contact: John Page |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
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Great Day of Service Celebration Brunch & Basket Auction | May 5
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Join us in Hancock Hall on Sunday, May 5, for a church-wide brunch benefitting Oconee Street UMC and Our Daily Bread. There will be 10:45 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. seatings as well a silent basket auction. Your attendance is considered participation in Great Day Of Service! Purchase tickets online: athensfirstumc.org/ registration. To donate a basket or other auction items contact Tracie Hedges. Contact: Tracie Hedges |
[email protected]
Senior Sunday | May 12
Senior Sunday for the class of 2013 will be May 12. Please drop by Hancock Hall between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to support the members of our graduating class! Seniors will also be recognized during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Parents, if you have a senior who would like to participate in Senior Sunday, please contact Erika Bates. Contact: Erika Bates |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
Music, Art, Rhythm, and Strumming | June 4-6
Save the date for Music & Arts Week 2013 June 4, 5, & 6 (Tues., Wed., Thurs.) 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Children who have completed grades 1–5 are invited to participate! Registration is going on now. Contact: Carol Reeves |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442 x: 213
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 | Register by May 5
BigStuf is an exciting five-day summer camp in Panama City, Florida, for students grades 6-12. The camp takes place July 24-28. Campers will enjoy morning and evening large-group worship and teaching sessions, featuring a variety of talented speakers and the dynamic BigStuf Band. If you are interested, please contact Erika Bates. See more online at athensfirstumc.org/bigstuf2013. Contact: Erika Bates |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
Recreation Summer Camps
The Recreation Program is excited to offer a variety of camps for students ages 5 to 18 this summer! We will be offering VBS Day Camp, Jr. Jam Basketball Camp, and several different volleyball camps. Please visit our webpage, athensfirstumc.org/recreationcamps2013, for dates, prices, registration, and information about each camp. Contact: Rusty Wood |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442 x220
“On the Other Side of Poplar Pond”
Anjanette Walschauser, former member of our church’s youth group (A. J. Martin then), now living in Texas, has written a book for children about adoption. “On the Other Side of Poplar Pond” employs friendly animal families to teach life lessons with a Christian viewpoint. As a mother of three (two adopted) and wife of a minister, Anjanette connects with parents and teachers regarding adoption as a loving and enriching experience. The illustrations by Paul Miller are thoughtful and appealing. Our church library has two copies of this unique new book.
This Week at Athens First For a detailed calendar see our website, athensfirstumc.org/calendar.
Sunday, April 28 Revelation 7:9-17 8:30 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) Preschool Nursery and Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) Sunday School Classes 11:00 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) Children’s Church (Caravans) 12:15 p.m. Bridges College Ministry (Hancock Hall) 3:00 p.m. Cub Scout Pack 1 (Saye Scout Hut) 4:00 p.m. Wesleyan Youth Choir Rehearsal (Room 163) 5:00 p.m. Disciple One Bible Study (Room 252) Carillon Ringers (Room 165) Parenting with Purpose (Hancock Hall) 5:45 p.m. Encounter | Student Ministries (Youth Area) 6:00 p.m. ISM Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (East Hibachi Grill)
Monday, April 29
Revelation 15:1-4 1:15 p.m. Monday Bible Study Group (Room 221 & 253) 6:00 p.m. Athens Ath-Elite Fitness (Gym) 6:30 p.m. Volley Performance (Gym)
Tuesday, April 30 John 10:31-42 5:30 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Fashion Fitness (Gym) Men’s Bible Study (Hull Dining Hall) CBS Leadership (Rooms 252 and 256) Spring League Volleyball (Gym) Boy Scouts Troop 1 (Saye Scout Hut) Fashion Fitness (Youth Area)
Wednesday, May 1 Acts 9:32-35 7:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
Student Ministries Chick-fil-A Breakfast (Beechwood Chick-fil-A) Wednesday Morning Bible Study (Hull Dining Room) Fun Gym (Gym) Prayer Shawl Ministry (Room 221)
4:45 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Early Book Group (Room 261) Celebrate Choir and Moms Rehearsal (Sanctuary) Disciple One (Room 252) Engage | Student Ministries (Downtown Dinner) Athens Ath-Elite Fitness (Gym) Men's Study: Twelve Ordinary Men (Room 258) Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Room 163) Acts Video Group (Room 253) Connect Ministry Small Group 3 (Rooms 261) Disciple Two (Room 254 & 256) Classic City Volleyball Clinics (Gym)
Thursday, May 2 Ezekiel 11:1-25 5:30 a.m. Fashion Fitness (Gym) 9:00 a.m. Altar Guild meeting (Room 119) 9:30 a.m. Community Bible Study 11:00 a.m. Our Daily Bread Service (First Baptist Church | 355 Pulaski Street) 5:00 p.m. Souper Supper (Hancock Hall) 6:00 p.m. Athens Ath-Elite Fitness (Gym) Spring League Volleyball (Gym) 7:00 p.m. Fashion Fitness (Youth Area) 8:30 p.m. Adult Softball Game (Bishop Park)
Friday, May 3 Revelation 5:1-10
Saturday, May 4 Luke 12:29-32 7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
Great Day of Service (Hancock Hall) Youth Soccer (Clarke Central HS)
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. 42
