The Third Sunday of Advent
December 15, 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 the Third Sunday of Advent
Gathering The Prelude
“Praise Ye the Lord of Hosts”
The Welcome and Parish Notes
Bish
8:30 Led by Beth Dickinson 9:45 & 11:00 Led by Martha Aenchbacher
The Choral Call to Worship 9:45 & 11:00
“Prepare the Royal Highway” Sung by the Sanctuary Choir
Praise & Thanksgiving *The Processional Hymn 220
“Angels From the Realms of Glory”
*The Lighting of the A dvent Candles
REGENT SQUARE 8:30 Julie & Jefferey Martin 9:45 The Caughrian Family 11:00 The Wyrick Family
A candle is burning, a candle of joy, a candle to welcome brave Mary’s new boy. Our hearts fill with wonder, and eyes light and glow, as joy brightens winter like sunshine on snow.
*The Passing of the Peace The Recognition of Babies Born in 2013 The Welcoming of New Members
9:45 11:00 Led by Martha Aenchbacher
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The Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer
8:30 & 9:45 Led by Betsy Butler 11:00 Led by Eric Fessler 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 Anthem
9:45 & 11:00 “Venite, Adoremus”
Forrest
Sung by the Chamber Ensemble; Kevin Rowland and Callie Waller, soloists Adeste fideles læti triumphantes, O Come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, Venite, venite in Bethlehem. O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Natum videte Come and behold Him Regem angelorum: born the king of Angels: Venite adoremus O come, let us adore Him, Dominum. Christ the Lord.
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
The Offertory Anthem
8:30 “Breath of Heaven” Sung by Julie Caldwell
9:45 “In the Bleak Midwinter” Rung by the Alleluia Ringers
11:00 “Carol Medley” Rung by the Carillon Ringers
arr. Helman arr. Moklebust
*The Doxology
W ZLOBIE LEZY Glory be to God the Father, glory be to Christ the Son, glory to the Holy Spirit, glory to the Three-in-One. Here we offer to you gladly all the gifts that you impart, as we glory in your presence, giving from a grateful heart. Worship Bulletin | 3
The Scripture
Matthew 24:42-44 42 Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
The Message
Chuck Hodges
“The Insomniac Christian”
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 230
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” Stanzas 1 and 4
ST. LOUIS
*The Blessing *The Choral Response
Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place, and with true love and fellowship each other now embrace; this holy tide of Christmas all other doth deface. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.
*Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.
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*The Postlude
“Once in Royal David’s City”
Lash
The flowers on the altar on december 8 were given in loving memory of Colonel Jack A. Turner by Mrs. Muriel Turner and her daughters Jackie, Mary, Chandelle and Sandi. The flowers on the Altar today are given in memory of Colonel William C. Mahoney, Dorothy M. Mahoney, and Charles R. Hughes and in honor of M. Jo Hughes by Ormonde and Beth Mahoney and family.
December 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, Michael & 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. Al Hawley, Charles Grimes, Henry Folsom, Tom Henson, Henry Garrard, Jim Lyons, Jake Riley, Frank Thornberg, Mike Scott
Attendance on December 8
Financial Report Budget for 2013 $2,431,217 Amount Given YTD $2,231,722 Goal for December $432,693 Amount after 1 Sunday $78,250 Current Debt Balance $139,450 Total Debt Reduction YTD $974,661
Sunday School................................. 507 Total Worship .............................2,029 8:30 a.m...............................................343 9:45 a.m...............................................673 11:00 a.m............................................911 Online..................................................102
Greeters Joye & Jerry Baker, Susan & Steve Greer, Hugh Larkey, Dianne Wall, Garett Walker, Joe Jordan
Offering Stewards
First Light Acolytes
Bob Booth and Charlie Grimes, co-chairman; Jim Lyons, Nat Carmack, Henry Garrard, Nathan King, Al Hawley, Sean Rogers, Charlie Upchurch III
8:30 Riley Holland, Isabelle Channell, Madison Holland 9:45 Curry Cross, Peyton Shedd, John Mobley Cross, Toby Chapeau 11:00 Eliza Petersen, Madeline Jackson, Tommy Warner, Evan Williams
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The Advent Wreath The keeping of an advent wreath is a common practice in churches and homes. There is much symbolism associated with the Advent wreath. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. The candles represent hope (First Sunday in Advent), peace (Second Sunday in Advent), joy (Third Sunday in Advent – the pink candle also known as the Shepherd’s Candle) and love (Fourth Sunday in Advent, also known as the Angel Candle). On Christmas Eve we light the center candle, known as the Christ candle, representing the birth of Christ. The season of Christmas begins on Christmas Day and lasts for 12 days – ending with the celebration of Epiphany on January 6.
The Steeple | 6
H A N D E L ’ S
MESSIAH Tonight | 7:00 p.m. Hear one of the most celebrated works of all time sung by the Sanctuary Choir with orchestra and soloists in our sanctuary. The program will begin with Pergolesi Magnificat sung by the Chamber Ensemble.
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A Disciple’s Path | January 8 A Disciple’s Path is for both new and existing members to learn how we uphold the membership vows of supporting the church by our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Participants will develop spiritual practices, discover their unique gifts, and become engaged in ministry. Each session will be taught by a different pastor and will be in room 258 on Wednesdays from 5–7 p.m. This study costs $15. Register online at athensfirstumc.org/registration or at the reception desk. Contact: Beth Dickinson
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
The Steeple | 8
Announcements In Memoriam Bill Ruff December 5, 2013 Joe Echols December 8, 2013
New Arrivals
Congratulations to Ansley and Geoffrey Crisler on the birth of their daughter, Flora Mae, on December 2. Congratulations to Lisa and David Jennings on the adoption of their daughter, Elizabeth Han Yue, from China. Congratulations to Lee Ann and Keith Newberry on the birth of their son, Knox.
Sympathy
Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Dianne Morrison and family in the loss of her father, Bill Ruff, on December 7. Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Susan Echols and family in the loss of her husband, Joe Echols, on December 7.
Generation Change Financial Series | Today
The Bridges Sunday School Class, which meets Sundays at noon in the Hull Dining Room, would like to invite you to join us for a fellowship brunch on December 15 to introduce the Generation Change Financial Series. This ninelesson course helps about-to-be and newly independent young people focus on how to manage their financial lives using practical, Biblical instruction. It is based on the Dave Ramsey series and tailored for college-aged students. The course, to be led by Tammy Lindsay and Dale Greene, starts January 5 and runs through March 23. Contact: Michelle Woodward |
[email protected]
The Steeple | 9
Prayer Service| Tonight
Join us tonight in the chapel for a time of prayer and reflection 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
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
Wesleyan Youth Choir Alumni | December 24
All Wesleyan Youth Choir Alumni are invited to sing “O Holy Night” with us at the 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Please come and visit with old friends and rehearse the piece in the Music Suite at 5:30 p.m. You may sit with your families during the service and join us in the choir loft when time to sing. We hope to see you! Contact: Janis Maxwell |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
Children’s Music Ministry Christmas Eve Service| December 24
At 4:00 on Christmas Eve, the Children’s Choirs at Athens First United Methodist Church will lead the congregation in a Candlelight Service. The younger choirs portray the Nativity in costumes and songs, while our older children’s choirs lead the congregation in scripture readings, carols, prayers, and anthems. The message will be “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” and we would like to invite you to join us and experience the wonder of the Christmas season through the eyes of the children. Contact: Carol Reeves |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
Donate Items for Tijuana Mission Trips
The Tijuana mission teams are collecting items to take and distribute during the upcoming mission trips. Please help by donating youth clothing (gently worn is fine), new socks and underwear, and items for girls (such as brushes, hair bows, and nail polish). Collection bins are located in the youth hallway. Contact: Josh Miles |
[email protected] or Betsy Butler |
[email protected] The Steeple | 10
First Light Acolyte Appreciation Event | January 5 On Sunday, January 5, all acolytes are invited to go to Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park and jump with us. Please register online at athensfirstumc.org/firstlightacolyte. The deadline to register is December 20. Contact: Janis Maxwell |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
The Serenity Prayer Bible Study | Begins January 8
The Serenity Prayer: A Simple Prayer to Enrich Your Life by Trevor Hudson has a universal message to help us find peace in the midst of our “hurried, hassled, and hectic lives.” The familiar prayer is part of a longer prayer that can be a guide in our quest for deeper peace and serenity through daily prayer. No prior study required. This study is open to all, but pre-registration is requested (online or at reception desk). This study meets Wednesday evenings January 8-February 19 from 6:30-8 p.m. in John Wesley Parlor. The book for the class is $12 and is also available on Kindle and Nook. This study is led by Dianne Morrison. Contact: Dianne Morrison |
[email protected] | 706-207-5538
Beth Moore Study The Law of Love | January 8
The Law of Love is an overview of the book of Deuteronomy, which is considered by many to be “the heartbeat of the Old Testament.” There is nothing that the world can give you that compares to the love of God. This study examines the law, how Christ fulfills the law, and the importance of fellowship. This is a seven-week study with two sessions offered, 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. There is no homework. This study begins January 8 and costs $15. Register with Janet Strickland. Contact: Janet Strickland |
[email protected] | 678-910-0039
Parenting with Purpose | January 12
All parents are invited to this small group meeting and discussion time on Sunday afternoons beginning January 12, at 4:30 p.m. Contact: Beth Dickinson |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
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Jesus Calling Bible Study
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 the reception desk.This study is offered at two different times on Wednesdays , 4:30-5:15 p.m. or 5:15-6 p.m. Contact: Beth Dickinson |
[email protected] | 706-543-1442
Contribute to Children’s Consignment Sale
As you’re cleaning out your closets this winter break, please consider donating your gently used children’s items to the second annual Children’s Consignment Sale. We will accept: gently used fall and winter children’s clothes in good to excellent/new condition, sizes 3 months to youth 16; toys in good condition and complete with all pieces; miscellaneous baby & child supplies, furniture, saucers, bouncy seats, swings, pack & plays, and strollers; and maternity clothes. Please bring donations to Diana Zylow’s office, behind the reception desk. Donation receipts are available upon request. Contact: Julie Caldwell |
[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, December 15 Isaiah 35:1-10 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:45 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Worship Service (Sanctuary) Preschool Nursery and Sunday School Baby Recognition Reception (Hancock Hall) Worship Service (Sanctuary) Sunday School Classes Baby Recognition Sunday (Sanctuary) Worship Service (Sanctuary) Children’s Church (Caravans) Bridges Sunday School (Hull Dining Room) Volley Performance (Gym) Cub Scout Pack 1 (Scout Hut) Agape Rehearsal (Room 163) Alleluia Ringers (Room 165) Wesleyan Youth Choir Rehearsal (Room 163) Route 56 | Open Road (Rooms 123, 124, & 125) Carillon Ringers (Room 165) Prayer Service (Chapel) Disciple 1 (Room 256) Disciple 2 (Room 259) Namesake (Room 252) Handel’s Messiah (Sanctuary)
Monday, December 16 Luke 1:47-55 5:30 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Fashion Fitness (Room 126) Men’s Bible Study (Hull Dining) United Methodist Women Circle 1 (Room 119) Children’s Basketball (Gym)
Tuesday, December 17 James 5:7-10 5:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.
Fashion Fitness (Room 126) United Methodist Women Circle 7 (Room 119) The Steeple | 13
5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Children’s Basketball (Gym) Fashion Fitness (Room 126) Winter Volleyball League (Gym)
Wednesday, December 18 Matthew 11:2-11 5:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
5:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Fashion Fitness (Room 126) Wednesday Morning Bible Study (Hull Dining Hall) Children’s Lyric Choir and Celebrate Chimes (Music Suite) Prayer Shawl Ministry (Room 221) Chick-fil-a Pick-up (Hull Dining Room) Children’s Cherub, Celebrate, Sonshine, Joy Choirs, Lyric Chimes (Music Area) Jesus Calling Express Study (Room 254) Connect Small Group Meeting | Dean (Room 255) Advent Study (Hancock Hall) Connect Small Group | Allen (Room 128) Connect Small Group | Sams (Room 257) Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Room 163) Men’s Study | 33 The Series: A Man and His Story (Room 119) Winter Volleyball League (Gym) Chamber Ensemble
Thursday, December 19 Amos 6:1-8 5:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Fashion Fitness (Room 129) Children’s Basketball (Gym) Community Christmas Meal (Hancock Hall) Fashion Fitness (Room 126) Winter Volleyball League (Gym)
Friday, December 20 Amos 8:4-12 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Children’s Basketball (Gym) REACH Bible Study & Dinner (Adult Sunday School Hall)
Saturday, December 21 Amos 9:8-15 9:00 a.m.
Mobile Food Pantry
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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. 75
