The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
June 30, 2013 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.
Athens First United Methodist Church
Welcome Thank you for worshipping with us today. 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! Our ushers and greeters are happy to help you find your way, or pick up a map of the church in the narthex, at the front entrance of the sanctuary.
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] 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
Sixth Sunday After Pentecost
Gathering The Prelude
“O Beautiful for Spacious Skies”
The Welcome and Parish Notes
The Choral Call to Worship
Lachenauer 8:30 Betsy Butler 9:45 Led by Eric Fessler 11:00 Led by Martha Aenchbacher
9:45 & 11:00 “Come, Christians, Join to Sing” Sung by the Sanctuary Choir
Praise & Thanksgiving *The Processional Hymn 698 “God of the Ages ”
*The Affirmation of Faith
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.
NATIONAL The Apostles’ Creed
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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.
*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
9:45 Lucy Quinn Denham Daughter of Catherine and David Denham Lucy Quinn, 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. Lucy Quinn, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.
11:00 William Norman Lokey III Son of Meredith and Bill Lokey Will, Will, 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. Will, Will, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.
The Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer
Led by Chuck Hodges
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.
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Proclamation of the Word The Offering The Offertory Anthem 8:30 Anthem
Sung by Julie Caldwell
9:45 & 11:00 “Amazing Grace” Sung by the Sanctuary Choir
arr. Lojeski
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
Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy
The Message “Going the Distance”
Led by Beth Dickinson that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. Beth Dickinson
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, 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.
*Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.
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Sending Forth *The Hymn 696
“America the Beautiful” 1 &3 verses
*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
“Battle Hymn of the Republic”
Traditional
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Lowe and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Chandler by Edd, Edie, and Sara Mack Lowe.
June 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. Bob Green, Nat Carmack, Marty Webb, Ben Ayers, Spence Johnson, Jim Lyons, Kyle Beeson
Attendance Sunday School....................................... 421 Total Worship ..................................1,099 8:30 a.m.....................................................191 9:45 a.m.....................................................361 11:00 a.m..................................................488 Online............................................................59
Greeters Kelli & Wayne Dean, Jane Harvey, Katie & Matt Nielson, Claire Swann, Garett Walker, Joe Jordan
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 Curry Cross, Jack Chambers, John Mobley Cross 9:45 Eliza Petersen, John Cunningham, Anabel Griffith 11:00 Riley Holland, James Chesser, Madison Holland
Financial Report Budget for 2013 $2,431,217 Amount Given YTD $1,244,691 Goal for June $160,891 Amount after 3 Sundays $141,204 Current Debt Balance $1,044,066 Total Debt Reduction YTD $70,045
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Dear AFUMC Family, The Wesleyan Youth Choir Tour 2013 was amazing and we are so thankful for your year-round support and prayers! Here are a few highlights:
TO U R S U.S.S. Alabama in Mobile | lots of history and awe of the men and women who have served our country in very tight quarters! Ursuline Convent in New Orleans | built between 1748-52, it is believed to be the oldest structure in the city, and contains the oldest free-standing staircase in the country. Swamp Tour in Slidell | we got up close and personal with some gators and wild boar! Our entertaining guides pointed out spectacular birds, spiders, wild rice, and much more. Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville | our journey to Nashville was made complete with this museum of country music history. From Hank Williams to Taylor Swift, we experienced the transformation of this very American music genre.
C O N C E R T S Springhill Presbyterian Church, Mobile, AL | morning worship United Methodist Children’s Home, Mandeville, LA | we sang for and played with the residents at this special place. They appreciated us, but we received the real blessing in our time with them. Rescue Mission, Nashville, TN | we gave a concert for about 100 women who were waiting for overnight housing. It was a moving worship service – these ladies, some in dire circumstances, were still willing and able to praise God with singing and clapping. Inspiring! 61st Avenue UMC, Nashville, TN | this tiny church serves a huge area of need on the outskirts of Nashville. We sang for the kids attending Project Transformation, a summer day camp. The director gave us her moving testimony, but the real testimony of the work being done there came from a young child who was full of the Holy Spirit! When he prayed for us and our trip, we were completely humbled. Home Concert, Athens, GA | we were joined by the youth choir from Dallas, TX First UMC, for a total of 89 singers in our sanctuary! It was an awesome sound and sight and we raised $800 for Oconee Street United Methodist! With love,
Janis Maxwell, Director of Youth Music Ministry
The Steeple | 6
Announcements Baptism
Ella Katherine Jones received the Sacrament of Baptism on June 23 in our sanctuary. She is the daughter of Kelly and Matthew Jones. Finley Kate Roath received the Sacrament of Baptism on June 23 in our sanctuary. She is the daughter of Katie and Todd Roath.
A Note from John Page
To the Church family of Athens First United Methodist, On behalf of my wife and daughters, I want to thank you for sending us off with love. Thank you to each person for the very generous love gift! Parting ways is always difficult for love has been expressed and friendships formed. But change and transformation are a part of what God does and so we embrace it. I was moved to serve with you for four years. May you keep seeking after God with all you are! Blessings, Pastor John Page and family
Smart Lunch, Smart Kid
Imagine if school was the only time during the year you ate lunch. That means that when school is out, you wouldn’t have lunch. This is almost hard to believe that this is a reality for children in Athens-Clarke and Oconee Counties. Delivery volunteers are needed July 3, 10, and 17 from 10 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and assembly volunteers are needed July 8 from 9 a.m.–11 a.m. and July 16 from 2 p.m – 4 p.m. For more details go to the Smart Lunch, Smart Kit announcement on our church website, athensfirstumc.org/contact/announcements. Contact: Betsy Butler |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
July Worship | Next Sunday
Summer worship in July will feature extended congregational singing of old hymns and camp songs as well as guest musicians. The worship schedule will remain the same: 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00. Each week a different minister will tackle a different topic pulled from the questions submitted by the congregation. Next Sunday Rev. Eric Fessler will address the authority of scripture.
New Member Orientation | July 14
All guests are welcome to attend the Newcomer Orientation July 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 United Methodist will be shared, including ways to get involved and how to become a member. Find out more information online, athensfirstumc.org/newcomerorientations. Contact: Martha Aenchbacher |
[email protected] The Steeple | 7
July Elementary Sunday School
Throughout the month of July, Sunday School for children (rising grade 1- rising grade 6) will be in the gym. You may check your child into the gym at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. They should be picked up by 10:50 a.m. There will be supervised games which encourage fellowship as well as art activities. We do need parent volunteers for each grade. To sign up, contact Robin Stewart. Preschool children (up to rising K5) should be dropped off in their preschool classrooms throughout July. Remember, Promotion Sunday is August 4. On that date, we will move to new classrooms. Look for more information in July. Contact: Robin Stewart |
[email protected]
Choir on Tour to France and England | July 2
On July 2, thirty-two choir members and friends will travel to France and England on a choir tour. Choir members will celebrate Independence Day by singing at the American Cemetery in Normandy on July 4. Additionally, they will perform Faure’s Requiem in L’église de la Madeleine in Paris where the work first premiered and where Faure was Director of Music. Finally they will do some sightseeing in London. Our group will travel with 20 members from Fort Collins, Colorado and will join more than 250 singers for the concert on Sunday, July 7. Participants are Stephen Mitchell, Deanna McDuffie, Mary Beth Pool, Nancy Guth, Nancy Sharp, Stephanie White, Carole Langley, Susan Whitehead, Beth Baile, Gayle Noblet, Don and Susan Crews, Kate Lynch, Jeanette Rowe, Janet Hill, Ruth Webb, Armand and Betty Chapeau, Dianne Wall, Jean Drury, Jane Harvey, Eva Miller, Beverly Pool, Martha Aenchbacher, Emily Harvel, Samantha Harvel, Christine Heldreth, Chris and Leigh Holland, Carlyn Haley, Arlyn Hawley and Sara Braucher. Please keep the choir in your prayers as they travel and make music to the glory of God!
Mission: Epworth | July 14-18
Mission: Epworth is our annual mission trip for middle school students in 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
Students in grades 6-12: Take the plunge with us this summer! BigStuf is unlike anything you’ve experienced: faith development, community building, and a strong mission component. Youth groups and hundreds of students from across the country will gather to unite in one powerful week (July 24-28) that will transform lives. Join us and make this summer a mountaintop experience for your faith! Contact: Erika Bates |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442 The Steeple | 8
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, June 30 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 8:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
Worship Service (Sanctuary) Preschool Nursery and Sunday School Worship Service (Sanctuary) Sunday School Classes Worship Service (Sanctuary) Children’s Church (Caravans) Volley Performance (Gym)
Monday, July 1 2 Kings 2:15-22
Tuesday, July 2 2 Kings 3:4-20 5:30 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Fashion Fitness (Gym) Men’s Bible Study (Hull Dining) Fashion Fitness (Room 126) Beth Moore Study | James: Mercy Triumphs (Home of Christy Rodgers) Volley Performance (Gym) Intermediate/Advanced ESOL Class (Room 255) Fashion Fitness (Room 126)
Wednesday, July 3 2 Kings 4:1-7 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
France/England Choir Tour Beth Moore Study | James: Mercy Triumphs (Home of Tammy Lindsay) Beth Moore Study | James: Mercy Triumphs (Room 252)
Thursday, July 4 1 Kings 22:26-40
11:00 a.m.
France/England Choir Tour Independence Day (Church Office Closed) Our Daily Bread Service
The Steeple | 9
Friday, July 5 2 Kings 1:1-12 6:30 p.m.
ISM Bible Study & Dinner (Rooms 253 & 255)
Saturday, July 6 2 Kings 1:13-18
The Steeple | 10
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
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Vol. LV No. 50
