The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

---

The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

August 25, 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 | 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 Beth Dickinson, Minister of Discipleship | [email protected] Eric Fessler, Minister of Families with Youth | [email protected] Betsy Butler, Minister of Outreach | [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 the

Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Gathering The Prelude

“In the Garden” 

The Welcome and Parish Notes  

The Choral Call to Worship

Bradshaw 8:30 Led by Eric Fessler 9:45 & 11:00 Led by Martha Aenchbacher

9:45 & 11:00 “O Sing Unto the Lord” 

Hassler

Sung by the Sanctuary Choir

Praise & Thanksgiving *The Processional Hymn “O Christ, the Healer” 

CANONBURY

O Christ, the healer, we have come to pray for health, to plead for friends. How can we fail to be restored, when reached by love that never ends? From every ailment flesh endures our bodies clamor to be freed; yet in our hearts we would confess that wholeness is our deepest need. How strong, O Lord, are our desires, how weak our knowledge of ourselves! Release in us those healing truths unconscious pride resists or shelves. In conflicts that destroy our health, we diagnose the world’s disease; our common life declares our ills: is there no cure, O Christ, for these? Grant that we all, made one in faith, in your community may find the wholeness that, enriching us, shall reach the whole of humankind.

Worship Bulletin | 2

*The Affirmation of Faith 

T. Anne Daniel We believe in the Most High God who strengthens us and repays us many more times than we expect. We believe in God who gives generously and who expects the same from all creatures God has made. We believe in God whose utmost, loving sacrifice is experienced through Jesus Christ, who paid it all. We believe that Jesus Christ consciously and lovingly emptied himself so that we may learn to make sacrifice and live joyfully before God. By Christ’s impartial love we learn to love all those on the margins. We believe in the Holy Spirit who enables us to represent Jesus to the world. We believe that by the power of the Holy Spirit a new community will be created without labels. We believe all has been accomplished for deliverance and salvation and is now being lived in flesh even as God is glorified in heaven. 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 Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer  



8:30 & 11:00 Led by Beth Dickinson 9:45 Led by 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.

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.

Proclamation of the Word The Offering

Worship Bulletin | 3

The Offertory Anthem 8:30 “Anthem”

Julie Caldwell

9:45 & 11:00 “When to Our World the Savior Came” 

Joseph Herl

Sung by the Sanctuary Choir

When to our world the Saviour came, the sick and helpless heard His name, and in their weakness longed to see the healing Christ of Galilee. That good physician! Night and day the people thronged about His way; and wonder ran from soul to soul, “The touch of Christ has made us whole!” His praises then were heard and sung by opened ears and loosened tongue, while lightened eyes could see and know the healing Christ of long ago. Of long ago: yet living still, who died for us on Calv’ry’s hill; who triumphed over cross and grave, his healing hands stretched forth to save. His sov’reign purpose still remains who rose in pow’r, and lives and reigns; till ev’ry tongue confess His praise, the healing Christ of all our days.

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

Luke 13:10-17 10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” 13 When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. 14 But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, “There are six days on which work

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

Led by Chuck Hodges ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day.” 15 But the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? 16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?” 17 When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing. Worship Bulletin | 4

The Message  “My Aching Back”

Chuck Hodges

The Sacrament of Holy Communion  8:30

Page 9 in the hymnal

Sending Forth *The Hymn 398

“Jesus Calls Us” 

GALILEE

Verses 1 & 2 only

*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

“Praise to the Lord” 

Jones

The flowers on the altar today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. James B. Matthews, Jr. by Mr. and Mrs. James B. Matthews III and family.

Worship Bulletin | 5

Sermon Notes

August 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 Braun 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. Al Hawley, Head. Charles Grimes, Henry Folsom, Tom Henson, Henry Garrard, Jim Lyons, Jake Riley, Frank Thornburg, & Mike Scott

Attendance on August 18 Sunday School...................................... 603 Total Worship ..................................1,377 8:30 a.m.....................................................193 9:45 a.m.....................................................478 11:00 a.m..................................................646 Online..........................................................60

Greeters Donna Bowdoin, Betty Chapeau, Paula & Scott Graffin, Robin Hardin, Dale & Ryan Nesbit, Hayden Hudson, Cameron Hedges

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

First Light Acolytes 8:30 Annabelle Woodard, Anna Marian Block, Barrett Jones 9:45 Kate Williams, Raleigh Lumpkin, Jacob Hudson 11:00 Sara Catherine Pennell, Reagan Grace, Emily Elder

Financial Report Budget for 2013  $2,431,217 Amount Given YTD  $1,619,472 Goal for August $169,952 Amount after 2 Sundays $124,786 Current Debt Balance $489,034 Total Debt Reduction YTD $625,077

Worship Bulletin | 6

P

GU AU

K

*

CH

*

Q

AR

S EN

UR

ATH

T

H

B

IS

C

B

OD

S

I

S

ITED METH

F

R

T

UN

5

E

T

K

S

2

20

13

Y * SAND

C

R

E

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO THE CHURCHWIDE BBQ

TODAY, AUGUST 25, 2013 SANDY CREEK PARK 5-7 PM

Worship Bulletin | 7

Additional Information WHAT’S AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN? We will have a variety of kid-friendly activities available for your child to participate in at the BBQ, including a moon walk, whiffle ball and other outdoor games. Parental supervision is required.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING? Henry Garrard and family will be preparing delicious BBQ once again for this event! Ample seating is provided under the pavilion, but if you'd rather sit on the lawn be sure to bring a blanket and/or camp chairs. We also encourage you to bring your tailgate tents!

ENTERING THE PARK Please note there is a $2 park entry fee for persons ages 4-64. There will be golf carts available to chauffeur you from your car to the gathering point.

MAP Sandy Creek Park 400 Bob Holman Rd Athens, GA 30607

The Steeple | 8

You’re invited to the

This Is My Story Women’s Ministry Kick-Off Dessert & Coffee with Beth Dickinson & Betsy Butler Tuesday, August 27, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Hancock Hall Register online at athensfirstumc.org/registration or at the front desk by Monday, August 26. There is no cost for this event. Childcare (0-4 years) is provided by registration only. Contact: Julie Caldwell, [email protected]

The Steeple | 9

Announcements Baptism

William Grayson Bentley received the Sacrament of Baptism on August 18 in our sanctuary. Grayson is the son of Erica and Ross Bentley, and the grandson of Kris and Mike Young. Juliet Elisabeth Dyer received the Sacrament of Baptism on August 18 in our sanctuary. Julie is the daughter of Jenna and Greg Dyer, and the granddaughter of Leigh and Chris Holland. Cole Bentley Hixon received the Sacrament of Baptism on August 18 in our sanctuary. He is the son of Laura and Jay Hixon.

New Members

On August 18 we welcomed to the Athens First United Methodist family Judy and Rik Bridges, Melissa Christian, Ashley and Cory Gresham, David Griffeth, Paula and Eric Mixon, Angela and Brian Orman, William Parrish, Mark Vaughn, and Perry Walden.

Flat Screen Monitor Need | Children’s Ministry

Any members who are upgrading their computer flat screen monitors to a larger model, please consider donating your old monitor to Athens First United Methodist Children’s Ministry. They would love to have flat panels for their computer lab. Contact: Robin Stewart | [email protected]

Birthday Cards for Rev. Grady Wigley| August 26

Rev. Grady Wigley will be celebrating his birthday on August 31. If you would like to send a card to his new home in Augusta, GA, please bring it to the reception desk in the church office by Monday, August 26. We will mail the cards in a package from the church to let him know that we are thinking about him on his birthday.

Children’s Choir | Join this Wednesday

We would love to see you in Children’s Choir! We worship and praise God through singing, ringing, moving, fun, and fellowship each Wednesday night at 4:30 p.m. Rehearsals have begun and our program culminates with a spring program in April. Each year, the choirs embrace a central theme. This year we are focusing on empowering children to use their hearts, hands, and voices to love Jesus and love others. Visit athensfirstumc.org/childrensmusicministry for more information and to register. Contact: Carol Reeves | [email protected] | 706-543-1442 x213 The Steeple | 10

Jesus Calling Express Study | August 28

Come and meet with a group of women to talk about the Jesus Calling devotional and how God is moving in your life. No preparation is necessary, come as you are able. Please bring your Bible and copy of Jesus Calling. If you do not have a Jesus Calling devotional you may buy one for $8, or we can provide a copy. If you need childcare, please register online or at Cookie’s desk. This study is offered at three different times: Wednesdays beginning August 28, 4:30-5:15 p.m., led by Jennifer Foster, or 5:15-6 p.m., led by Betsy Butler, and Sundays beginning October 6, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Contact: Beth Dickinson | [email protected] | 706-543-1442 x203

Route 56 Fall Retreat| Register by August 28

Route 56 is gearing up for our Fall Retreat to Camp Glisson! We will be heading to the mountains September 13-15 for a weekend of worship and study, fun, and relationship-building! Athens First United Methodist students in grades 5 and 6 who would like to attend must register by August 28. For more information and to register, please visit the retreat’s webpage at athensfirstumc.org/route56/fallretreat. Contact | Route 56 Leadership Team | [email protected].

Bible Study 101| September 4

Come with your Bible and be ready to discuss. This is a no-homework class. Each week is a stand-alone lesson. Bring a Bible. No cost; childcare is provided by registration. This group will meet Wednesdays, September 4 - November 13, from 6-7:30 p.m. in room 254 and is led by Julie Caldwell. Register online or at the reception desk for childcare. Contact: Julie Caldwell | [email protected]

Measure of a Man Men’s Bible Study | September 4

All men are welcome to the men’s Bible study The Measure of a Man, Twenty Attributes of a Godly Man by Gene Getz. This study meets Wednesdays, September 4-November 20, 6-7:30 p.m. at Athens First Methodist Church and is led by Chris Caldwell. Cost is $15 and pre-registration is requested (online or at the desk). Childcare is available by registration only. Contact: Chris Caldwell | [email protected]

Beth Moore Study: Loving Well

All women are welcome at the one-month Loving Well Beth Moore study. This Bible study contains four heart-to-heart messages designed to help women embrace the Biblical mandate to love and to develop skills for loving others. The cost is $7 and childcare is provided. Register online or at the desk. Two sessions offered: Sunday, September 8-October 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m., led by Amelia Wilson, and Wednesday, September 4-October 2, 6:15-7:30 p.m., led by Betsy Butler. Contact: Betsy Butler | [email protected] | 706-543-1442 The Steeple | 11

Tijuana Missions Interest Meeting| September 4

Please plan to attend an information meeting about serving in Tijuana, Mexico Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Hull Dining Room. Anyone interested in serving in this area of our world should come. Contact: Betsy Butler | [email protected]

Wesleyan Youth Choir | September 8

Join us in the Music Suite from 4:30-5:45 on Sunday afternoons. Open to any youth grades 7-12. The 2013-14 season will be an exciting one, with lots of singing, fun, and an exciting choir tour next summer to New York City. You may join at anytime. Bring your friends! Contact: Janis Maxwell | [email protected]

Friendship Partner Training | September 8

Please join us on Sunday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m. in room 258 to explore the possibility of befriending an international student through our church’s International Friendship Partner Program. Practical guidelines will be presented along with a chance to ask questions before making any commitment. Contact: Lynn Bryant | [email protected] | 706-202-9017

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace| September 8

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace course will be offered Monday nights this fall, beginning September 23-November 18, 6:30-8 p.m. Preview the course on Sunday, September 8 at noon in room 256. Childcare is offered by registration. Cost is $100. If you have taken the course before and have an old kit, replacement kits are $49. Register online, or at the reception desk. Contact: Joy & Jack Davis | [email protected] or [email protected]

Jesus in the Gospels | September 9

Jesus in the Gospels is a 30-week study that invites believers to look at Jesus in each of the four Gospels and ask the question, “Who is the Jesus that you see?” This study will deepen discipleship through better understanding of the Biblical texts and their message. Offered on Monday nights beginning September 9 from 6-8 p.m., this study will be led by Eric Fessler. Cost is $46 and pre-registration is requested. Childcare is available by registration. Register online or at the reception desk. Contact: Beth Dickinson | [email protected] | 706-543-1442

The Steeple | 12

This Week at Athens First 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, August 25 Jeremiah 6:1-19 8:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

Worship Service (Sanctuary) Preschool Nursery and Sunday School Worship Service (Sanctuary) Sunday School Classes Worship Service (Sanctuary) Bridges Kick-Off Luncheon (Hancock Hall) Children’s Church (Caravans) Volley Performance (Gym) Cub Scout Pack 1 (Saye Scout Hut) Churchwide BBQ (Sandy Creek Park) Youth Volleyball (Gym)



Monday, August 26 Jeremiah 6:20-30 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 1:15 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

Community Bible Study Core Leader Training (Youth Area) Welcome Ministry Meeting (Hull Dining Room) Monday Bible Study Group (Room 221 & 253) Volley Performance (Gym) Staff Parish Relations Committee Meeting (Hull Dining Hall)

Tuesday, August 27 Jeremiah 1:4-10 5:30 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Fashion Fitness (Gym) Men’s Bible Study (Hull Dining) Wesley Foundation Staff Meeting (Room 252) Community Bible Study Leaders Council (Youth Area) Fashion Fitness (Room 126) Staff Parish Relations Committee Meeting (Hull Dining Room) Fashion Fitness (Room 126) Adult Pickup Volleyball (Gym) Boy Scouts | Troop 1 Meeting (Saye Scout Hut.) This is My Story, Women’s Ministry Kick Off Event (Hancock Hall) Adult Pickup Volleyball (Gym)

Wednesday, August 28 The Steeple | 13

Jeremiah 7:1-15 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:45 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Beth Moore: Living Beyond Yourself (Room 252) Beth Moore: Living Beyond Yourself (Room 252) Children’s Lyric Choir and Celebrate Chimes (Room) Fun Gym (Gym) Jesus Calling Express Study (Room 119) Prayer Shawl Ministry (221) Children’s Cherub, Celebrate, Sonshine, Joy Choirs, Lyric Chimes (Music Area) Route 56 | GPS (Room 125) Jesus Calling Express Study (Room 119) ONE Student Ministry Downtown Dinner Congregational Care Recruitment & Training (Hancock Hall) Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Room 163) Engage (Youth Area) Chamber Ensemble (Room 163)

Thursday, August 29 Jeremiah 7:16-26 5:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Fashion Fitness (Gym) Community Bible Study Fashion Fitness (Room 126) Middle School Volleyball (Gym) Fashion Fitness (Room 126)

Friday, August 30 Jeremiah 7:27-34 6:30 p.m.

REACH Bible Study & Dinner (Adult Sunday School Area)

Saturday, August 31 Jeremiah 1:1-3, 11-19 8:00 a.m. REACH International Gold Mine & Tubing Trip Departure Middle School Volleyball (Gym)

The Steeple | 14

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. 58