The Third Sunday of Easter Confirmation Sunday

---

The Third Sunday of Easter Confirmation Sunday

April 14, 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 Third Sunday of Easter

Gathering The Prelude 

Jason Bennett, Organ

The Welcome and Parish Notes 

Led by John Page

The Choral Call to Worship arr. LaBarr

9:45 “Amen Siakudumisa” 

Sung by the Wesleyan Youth Choir

11:00 “God Made Me”





Sung by the Joy Choir; Tina Lord and Sara Steger, directors; Amy McCollum, accompanist This anthem has been placed in the choir library to the Glory of God and in honor of Sarah Lawing by Layne Dyer.

Jothen

Praise & Thanksgiving *The Processional Hymn 57

“O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

*The Affirmation of Faith  Written by the 2013 Confirmation Class 

We are people who make a promise to God and each other of prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. We promise to pray for the sick and needy, for everybody even if we don’t know them, for the homeless all around us, for people going through hard times, and for the people who don’t have a relationship with God. *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.



AZMON 8:30 Led by Brittney Marzullo

We promise to be present, to come to worship every week and go to Sunday School, to study the Bible so we know what we’re talking about, to serve locally and go on mission trips, and to be the Church no matter where we are. We promise to give gifts by tithing, by making smart decisions with our

money so we can give, by blessing others out of our blessings, and by going without what we want so others can have what they need. We promise to offer service to help feed the hungry, to serve in places God wants us, to make God’s house the place to be and to go where people need Jesus. And we promise to witness so people will know our story, so people will know God’s story, so people will know and discover their story, so all people will know God’s love. We believe that with God we are strong and powerful, protected, comforted,and assured of eternal life.

Without God we are lost, incomplete, and helpless. We believe that with Jesus we are saved, forgiven, shepherded, and instructed. Without Jesus we are alone, empty, and without salvation. We believe that with the Holy Spirit we are watched over, awesome, guided, and fulfilled. Without the Holy Spirit we are powerless, vulnerable, exposed, and wandering. We believe that with the Church we are family, kept in check, connected, and supported. Without the Church we are alone, lost, confused, and empty.

*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 2013 Confirmation Class Hatton Abernathy

Riley Holland

Barrett McLanahan

Tommy Warner, III

Charles Clarke

Gracie Irvin

Greer Moseley

Evan Williams

Andrew Caldwell

Barrett Jones

John Curtis Pruett

Kate Williams

Tom Goggin

John Knight, Jr.

Grant Rogers

Anabel Griffith

Georgia Ann Laster

Anna Sennowitz

Daniel Harper, Jr.

Joseph Mahoney

George Smith

Reagan Hatch

Matthew Marvel, Jr.

Abigail Springer

Madison Holland

Hallie McCollum

A.J. Waller, Jr

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

The Reception of the 2013 Confirmation Class 

11:00

We rejoice to recognize you as members of Christ’s holy church, and bid you welcome to this congregation of the United Methodist Church. With you we renew our vows to uphold it by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, service, and witness. With God’s help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ that, surrounded by steadfast love, you may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.

The Hymn 399 

11:00 “Take My Life, and Let it Be”

The Sacrament of Baptism 8:30 Reed Elizabeth Taylor

Daughter of Elizabeth and Clay Taylor Reed, Reed, 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. Reed, Reed, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.

The Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer  8:30 Led by John Page  

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 Children’s Message  8:30 & 11:00

8:30 Led by Brittney Marzullo

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 Hymn 365 “Grace Greater Than All Our Sin” 

RESURRECTION



9:45 & 11:00 “I Believe”



Sung by the Wesleyan Youth Choir; Seul-ki Kim, accompanist This anthem has been placed in the choir library to the Glory of God and in honor of Confirmation Mentors Duke and Tammy Lindsay, by Kate Williams and Charles Clarke, Confirmation Class of 2013.

Miller

I believe in the sun, even when it’s not shining. I believe in love, even when I don’t feel it. I believe in God, even when [God] is silent.

*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  Jonah 4:11

And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?

The Message 

Chuck Hodges

“The Best Last Line in the Bible”

The Sacrament of Holy Communion  8:30

Hymnal page 9

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 577

“God of Grace and God of Glory” 

CWM RHONDDA

*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



Jason Bennett, Organ

The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mark Franklin Stewart by Jennifer Stewart, children, and grandchildren.

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...................................... 534 Total Worship .................................1,244 8:30 a.m.....................................................295 9:45 a.m.....................................................346 11:00 a.m..................................................531 Online............................................................72

Greeters Betty Chapeau, Paula & Scott Graffin, Frances & Nat Hansford, Mary Jenkins, Mary Lynn Lane, Anna Alyssa McKoy &, Garett Walker

First Light Acolytes 8:30 Caroline Block 9:45 Savannah Smith, Hayley Whitmore 11:00 Walt Chapeau, John Cunningham, Mary Martin Harper

Financial Report Budget for 2013  $2,431,217 Amount Given YTD  $741,088 Goal for March  $211,275 Amount after 5 Sundays  $223,668 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: Nat & Holly Belger 14-20 months: Allison & Bobby Chesnutt Early 2’s: HELP NEEDED 2 Year Olds: Ginna & Joe Ezernack 3 Year Olds: Sara & David Steger 4 Year Olds: Katherine & Jay Drudge

Mission Opportunities

BigStuf July 24-28 BigStuf is an exciting five-day summer camp in Panama City, Florida. We will be enjoying morning and evening largegroup worship and teaching sessions, featuring a variety of talented speakers and the dynamic BigStuf Band, as well as Church Group Time each evening with just the students and leaders from our church. See more online at athensfirstumc.org/bigstuf2013. Registration ends May 5. Contact: Erika Bates | [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Mission: Epworth Woven St. Simons Island, GA July 14-18, 2013 “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 learning and developing important skills that will serve them as they grow and mature. Register before May 5 for an early bird rate! See more online at athensfirstumc.org/epworth-2013. Contact: Erika Bates | [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Blood Drive

Sunday, April 21 from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. in the gym

Volunteers are needed to serve and give blood! Register online to donate. Walk-up appointments are welcome on Sunday, April 21. Contact: Geoffrey Hill | [email protected]

STEP RIGHT UP TO

GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

2013 Children’s Choirs Spring Musical

Sunday, April 21, 4:00 p.m. Hancock Hall

Announcements New Arrivals

Congratulations to Katie and Todd Roath on the birth of their daughter, Finley Kate, on October 29. Congratulations to Rachel and Ryan Smith on the birth of their son Jacob “Jake” Cummings, on April 3.

Wedding bells

Congratulations to Katie VanTone and Patrick Roberts who were married in our sanctuary on April 6. Katie is the daughter of Nancy and Jeff VanTone. Congratulations to Melanie Ratcliff and Zachary Kissell who were married in Athens, Georgia, on April 6.

New Member Orientation | Today

All guests are welcome to attend the Newcomer Orientation today 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 UMC 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]

Agapé | April

For April Agapé we are collecting juice boxes, small bottles of water, “salty” snacks, fruit snacks, deodorants, soaps, razors, toothbrushes and toothpastes. Supplies will go to Smart Lunch, Smart Kids and health care kits to be distributed at Project Safe. All of these supplies will be used in Great Day of Service projects on May 4. Please bring donations of these items to the basket behind the front desk. Contact: Betsy Butler | [email protected] | 706-714-1559

Senior Fun Adventure | April 18

Six seats remain for the trip to see “The Odd Couple” at the North Carolina State Playhouse in Flat Rock, NC. Cost is $60 per person, not including lunch. Lunch costs will range from $4.75 to $7.95. We will depart from Kohl’s parking lot at 8 a.m. and will return before dark the same day. This trip is so great we will even take travelers under the age of 55. Contact: Dan Maxey | [email protected] | 706-340-5097

Barbecue Chicken Fundraiser | April 21

Boy Scout Troop 1 will be selling BBQ chicken boxed lunches for $8 per plate on Sunday, April 21, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Lunches will include a freshly cooked BBQ chicken half, coleslaw, applesauce, and bread. Tickets will be sold from 9:30–11:00 a.m. in the reception area and at noon outside the sanctuary on April 7 and 14, or can be purchased from any Troop 1 member. Lunches will be available in the kitchen for carry-out, or you may dine in Hancock Hall. Limited walk-up lunches will be available, so buy a ticket to be sure you get one! Contact: Joe Wyrick | [email protected] | 706-206-2142

Children’s Choirs Spring 2013 Musical | April 21

Step right up to the Greatest Show on Earth, a spring musical presented by all children’s choirs. Join us on April 21 at 4:00 pm. This performance will be held in Hancock Hall. Contact: Carol Reeves | [email protected] | 706-543-1442 x213

Parenting with Purpose Panel Discussion | April 28

Your entire family is invited to an evening out at AFUMC on Sunday, April 28 from 5-7 p.m. Parents, you’re invited to a panel discussion featuring Chuck Hodges, Monica Stewart, Linsey and Johnny Jarrett, and Gaile and Pat Allen. For children birth to age 4 nursery care will be provided. Children K5 to 5th 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]

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

Vacation Bible School | Supplies Needed

Please consider donating your old (or new!) maps, atlases, and/or empty cereal boxes to be used for VBS craft projects. These materials will not be returned. We also need baskets, straw rugs, burlap, artificial trees, old world pictures, and vases to be donated to be used for VBS decorations. These decoration items will be returned. Please carefully label your donations, and plan to pick them up the afternoon of June 21 or the following week. Donations may be brought to the basket behind the receptionist desk. Contact: Diana Zylow | [email protected] | 706-543-1442

R

EA

AY OF SE RV T D

IC

E

*

*

G

Great Day of Service Celebration Brunch & Basket Auction | May 5

CELEBRATION

AND

B A SKE

*

S

CT T AU

ION

*

U

ND

0 AY MAY 5 2

13

Join us in Hancock Hall on Sunday, May 5, for a church-wide brunch celebrating the work done during the Great Day of Service. Sponsored by the UMW/Women’s Ministry, the brunch will feature recipes by Gena Knox and other church members. All proceeds go to support Action Ministries Adult Literacy/GED Program. Your attendance is considered participation in Great Day Of Service! Purchase tickets online: athensfirstumc.org/registration. Tickets must be purchased by Thursday, May 2. Contact: Tracie Hedges | [email protected]

Great Day Of Service Basket Auction | Sunday, May 5

During the Great Day of Service Celebration Brunch you will have the opportunity to purchase gift baskets made by various small groups and Sunday School classes. Sunday School and Group Leaders can participate by making a basket. Baskets need to be brought to AFUMC by Friday, May 3. All proceeds support Action Ministries Adult Literacy/GED Program. Contact: Tracie Hedges | [email protected]

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

“Hello, thank you for calling Athens First.”

Volunteers are needed to greet church guests and take phone calls on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12–1 p.m. and Tuesdays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. We would like three volunteers to fill these three time slots. This is a great way to get tuned in to church events and share the kindness of our church family with visitors. Contact: Katherine Hodges | [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

This Week at Athens First For a detailed calendar see our website, athensfirstumc.org/calendar.

Sunday, April 14 Acts 9:1-6 8:30 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) Preschool Nursery and Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) Sunday School Classes Newcomer Orientation Session (Hancock Hall) 11:00 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) Newcomer Orientation Session (Hancock Hall) Children’s Church (Caravans) 12:15 p.m. Bridges College Ministry (Hancock Hall) 3:00 p.m. Cub Scout Pack 1 (Saye Scout Hut) 3:45 p.m. WYC Leadership Meeting (Music Suite) 4:00 p.m. Alleluia Ringers (Room 165) 4:30 p.m. Wesleyan Youth Choir Rehearsal (Room 163) 5:00 p.m. Disciple One Bible Study (Room 252) Carillon Ringers (room 165) 5:45 p.m. Encounter | Student Ministries (Youth Area)

Monday, April 15 Ezekiel 1:1-25 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:45 a.m. 1:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

UMW Circle 3 Meeting (Home of Dianne Wall) UMW Circle 1 Meeting (Room 119) UMW Circle 6 Meeting (Member’s Home) Monday Bible Study Group (Room 221 & 253) Finance Committee Meeting (Hull Dining Room) Athens Ath-Elite Fitness (Gym) Volley Performance (Gym)

Tuesday, April 16 Ezekiel 1:26-2:1 5:30 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Fashion Fitness (Gym) Men’s Bible Study (Hull Dining Hall) UMW Circle 7 Meeting (Room 119) CBS Leadership (Rooms 252 and 256) Circle 2 Meeting (Hull Dining Hall) Confirmation Banquet (Hancock Hall) Boy Scouts Troop 1 (Saye Scout Hut) Fashion Fitness (Youth Area)

Wednesday, April 17 Isaiah 6:1-8 7:30 a.m. Student Ministries Chick-fil-A Breakfast (Beechwood Chick-fil-A) 9:30 a.m. That the World Might Know Bible Study (Room 252) Wednesday Morning Bible Study (Hull Dining Room) 12:30 p.m. That the World Might Know Bible Study (Room 252) 3:00 p.m. Fun Gym (Gym) 4:30 p.m. Children’s Lyric Choir and Celebrate Chimes (Music Suite) Prayer Shawl Ministry (Room 221) 4:45 p.m. Early Book Group (Room 261) 5:15 p.m. Cherub, Sonshine, and Joy Choirs (Preschool Area) Celebrate Choir and Lyric Chimes (Music Suite) Pilates'n Prayer (Room 125) 5:30 p.m. Disciple One (Room 252) Connect Ministry Small Group 4 (Room 362) 6:00 p.m. Engage | Student Ministries (Downtown Dinner) Connect Ministry Small Group 2 (Room 119) Athens Ath-Elite Fitness (Gym) Men's Study: Twelve Ordinary Men (Room 258) 6:15 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Room 163) Connect Ministry Small Group 3 (Room 257) 6:30 p.m. Acts Video Group (Room 253) Connect Ministry Small Group 3 (Room 257) Disciple Two (Room 254 & 256) Classic City Volleyball Clinics (Gym) 8:00 p.m. Chamber Ensemble Rehearsal (Room 163)

Thursday, April 18 Isaiah 5:11-17 5:30 a.m. Fashion Fitness (Gym) 9:30 a.m. Community Bible Study 5:00 p.m. Souper Supper (Hancock Hall) 6:00 p.m. Athens Ath-Elite Fitness (Gym) 6:30 p.m. Adult Softball Game (Bishop Park) 7:00 p.m. Fashion Fitness (Youth Area)

Friday, April 19 Isaiah 6:1-4 6:30 p.m.

ISM Bible Study & Dinner (Rooms 253 & 255)

Saturday, April 20 Genesis 18:1-8

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. 40