athens first united methodist...

The First Sunday of AdventNovember 30, 2014

8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.

Athens FirstUnited

MethodistChurch

WelcomeWe’re glad you’re here! Thank you for joining us today. Members of this congregation have been gathering here to worship since 1804, when our church was formed to minister to the Native American and European settlers in Athens. Over the past two centuries our congregation has changed, but our mission remains the same: to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We are inspired by the words of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who encouraged believers to “do all the good you can, in all the ways you can.” At Athens First United Methodist, there are many ways to get involved, grow in your faith, and do good in our community.

If you are unable to attend worship in person, each Sunday our 11:00 a.m. service is broadcast on WRFC 960 AM, and our 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. services are live-streamed on our website at athensfirstumc.org/webcast.

NurseryOur nursery is available for infants through four-year-olds on Sundays from 8:15 a.m.– 12:15 p.m. The nursery area is located on the first floor of the building, off the Washington Street entrance.

ChildrenWorship 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. Children’s Church is held for children in kindergarten through second grade and follows the Children’s Message during 11:00 a.m. worship all Sundays except for Communion Sundays.

Sunday SchoolWe offer Sunday School for all ages, kindergarten through adult, each Sunday from 9:45– 10:45 a.m. For a list of adult Sunday School classes and locations, visit athensfirstumc.org/adultsundayschool.

ConnectWe are blessed to have a large congregation. Because of this, we offer many programs and ministries. It can be overwhelming trying to decide where to get involved. If you would like a buddy to guide you along this process, please notify a Helper. Helpers serve as part of our Welcome Ministry team. Look for them in the narthex or near the altar. You can also contact a Helper through our website athensfirstumc.org/helper.

Another great way to learn about the life of our church is through attending a Newcomer Orientation held every second Sunday of the month at 9:45 and 11 a.m. We also encourage you to visit our website, athensfirstumc.org, for information about our ministries, to register for events, and to listen to sermons from our sermon archive. Visit athensfirstumc.org/thesteeple to sign up for our weekly newsletter, the eSteeple. You can also connect with us via social media. Find us @athens_firstumc on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Our church office is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. If you need assistance, please call 706-543-1442.

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

GatheringTHE PR ELU DE

“I Want to Walk As a Child of the Light” | Burkhardt

THE LIGHTING OF THE A DV EN T CA NDLES8:30 a.m. The Smith Family | 9:45 a.m. MacKenzie and Josh Luke 11:00 a.m. Anna ConnerSung: A candle is burning a flame warm and bright,a candle of hope in December’s dark night.While angels sing blessing from heaven’s starry sky,our hearts we prepare now for Jesus is nigh.

Spoken:Loving God, as we enter this Advent season, We open all the dark places in our lives and memories to the healing light of Christ.Show us the creative power of hope.Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you,That we may walk in the light of Christ.

* THE PROCESSIONA L H Y M N 89 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” | VENI EMMANUEL

Verses 1-4

Praise & Thanksgiving * THE A FFIR M ATION OF FA ITH FOR A DV EN T

We believe in God… robed in splendorveiled in mystery, ruler alike of darkness and light.

Worship Bulletin | 3

W O R S H I P B U L L E T I N | 1

The flowers on the altar today are

given to the glory of God and in

loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. David H. Plant

by Pam and John Elliott.

The flowers on the altar on

November 23 were given to the

Glory of God and in loving

memory of Mr. and Mrs.

Milton H. Pittard and

Pat Cardin by Richard, Jody and Michael.

We encounter God… in Jesus Christ,whose touch brings a blaze of colorto a dull, drab world: reviving the weary,healing the wounded, dazzling the satisfied;who was put to death, but whose radiance could not be quenched.We walk with God… guided by the light of God’s loving Spirit,who enters the shadowed places of our heartsand leads us into truth and life.We wait for God… and for the fulfillment of God’s promise,when the darkness will hold no fear,and the light will no longer blind,but creation will be made whole once moreand God’s peace will reign forever. Amen

* THE GLOR I A PATR I

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 PA SSING OF THE PE ACE

THE SACR A MEN T OF BA P TISM 8:30 a.m.| Alden Grace HawkAlden, Alden, 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. Alden, Alden, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.

11:00 a.m. | Smith Taylor ChappellSmith, Smith, 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. Smith, Smith, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.


Daughter of Angela &

Harris Hawk

Son of Tresa &

Clay Chappell

THE PR AY ERS OF THE PEOPLE A ND THE LOR D’S PR AY ER8:30 & 11:00 a.m. | Martha Aenchbacher • 9:45 a.m. | Chuck HogdesOur 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 OFFER ING

THE OFFERTORY A N THEM 8:30 a.m.“He Was, He Is, He Will Always Be” | CaldwellSung by Julie CaldwellThe root of Jesse, life from a stump, a branch budding. Redemption has begun. Born of a virgin; Isaiah’s promised one; hope from destruction; from the darkness, sun. The one to deliver; the one to redeem; the one to rescue us; rom our unbelief. He was, he is, he will always be. Wrapped, in a manger; visited by kings; surrounded by shepherds; and all the lowly things. Joy of the angels; wonder of a star; a threat to powers; as good things often are. The one to enliven; the one to explain; the one to show us; the way to live again. He was; he is; he will always be eating with sinners and the man up in the tree stopping the stoning of the woman in adultery. Calling the simple, shaming the wise, offering the bread of life, opening our eyes. Making the lame to walk, and the blind to see, healing the lepers, and people just like you and me. The one to offer, the one to sacrifice, the one to hang upon a tree, that we may have new life. He was, he is, he will always be. Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace, Holy One, Lamb of God, Light of the World, Bread of Life, Saving grace, Jesus Christ, Messiah and King.

9:45 & 11:00 a.m. “I Was Glad” | ParrySung by the Sanctuary Choir with the Brass EnsembleI was glad when they said unto me, we will go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand in thy gates, O Jerusalem.Jerusalem is builded as a city, that is at unity in itself. O pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper that love thee.Peace be within thy walls, and plenteousness within thy palaces.

* THE DOXOLOGY | V ENI EM M A N U EL

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures here below. Praise God above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

THE SCR IP T UR E R E A DINGRomans 8:25-28But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not


This anthem has been placed

in the choir library to the Glory of God

and in memory of Marshall

Tribble and in honor of Janis

Maxwell by the Holland

Family.

know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

THE MESSAGE “Once Upon a Time” | Betsy Butler

Response to the WordTHE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION | 8:30 a.m.Please turn to page nine in your hymnal. 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 gluten-free communion elements are available at center altar station.

THE HYMN 196“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” | HYFRYDOL

Sending Forth* THE COM MISSION A ND BLESSING

Take time, in the busyness of this season, for quiet reflection—For the light of God’s love is discernible everywhere. We will let ourselves be surprised by wonder,And set aside time to offer quiet thanks.The good news of Advent is this:Christ is coming. Christ is always coming.We will welcome Christ into our hearts.We will let ourselves be guided by his ministry.We will go forth from this place in hope.

* THE R ESPONSE“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”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.

* THE POSTLU DE “Wachet Auf ” | Sobaje

Sermon Notes


GR EETER SBecky and Lee Brinson, Susan and Steve Greer, Jerry Guyer, Sharon Sellars, Duke Lindsay, Ben Griffith, Joanne Timberlake, Jacob Hudson

NOV EMBER USHER S8:30 a.m. Jim Belger, Ann and Paul Brown, Larry Deal, Hugh Larkey, Mack Lowrey, Jim Lyons, Candler Meadors, Olan Moore, Bob Noble, Grace Rabek, Ken Reece, Keith Wilson, Michael and 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 and Reeves McNeill 11:00 a.m. Mark Graham, Mike McCord, Charlie Upchurch III, Allan Hixon, Mason McWhorter, Gene Deal, Jim Lyons

OF FER ING STEWA R DSBob Booth, Charlie Grimes, Jim Lyons, Nat Carmack, Henry Garrard, Nathan King, Al Hawley, Sean Rogers, Charlie Upchurch III

F IR ST LIGHT ACOLY TES8:30 a.m. Kate Williams, John Knight, Cait Elder 9:45 a.m. Sara Catherine Pennell, Margaret Timberlake, Emily Elder 11:00 a.m. Annabelle Woodard, Isabelle Channell, Seele Jarrett

AT TENDA NCE ON NOV EMBER 23Total Worship | 1,053 Sunday School | 450 8:30 a.m. | 150 9:45 a.m. | 322 11:00 a.m. | 503 Online | 78

F INA NCI A L R EPORT Budget for 2014 | $2,431,008 Amount Given YTD | $2,457,105 Goal for November | $183,324 Amount after 3 Sundays | $186,229

OUR MINISTER S A ND PROGR A M DIR ECTOR S

Chuck Hodges Senior Minister athensfirstumc.org [email protected] | 706-206-5529

Martha Aenchbacher Minister of Congregational Care athensfirstumc.org/caregroups [email protected] | 678-230-9708

Beth Dickinson Minister of Discipleship athensfirstumc.org/studies [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Betsy Butler Minister of Missions athensfirstumc.org/missions [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Josh Miles Director of Student Ministries athensfirstumc.org/youth/students [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Robin Stewart Director of Children’s Ministry athensfirstumc.org/sundaymorning [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Sarah Lawing Director of Children’s Music Ministry athensfirstumc.org/childrensmusic [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Stephen Mitchell Director of Music athensfirstumc.org/adultmusicministry [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Janis Maxwell Director of Youth Music & Organist athensfirstumc.org/wyc [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Lynn Bryant Director REACH International athensfirstumc.org/reachinternational [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Rusty Wood Director of Recreation Ministries athensfirstumc.org/recreation [email protected] | 706-206-8193

Linsey Jarrett Director of Weekday Preschool [email protected] | 706-543-1442

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The Steeple

O F C H R I S T M A S

J YA Service of Lessons and Carols December 7 | 8:30, 9:45, & 11:00 a.m.

Join us on December 7 at 8:30, 9:45,or 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary for a service of readings, scripture and carols for the season featuring the choirs, handbells.

Learn moreathensfirstumc.org/joyofchristmas

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Be Joyful AlwaysThe response to our Be Joyful Always stewardship campaign has been encouraging. Though we are off to an excellent start, we must receive additional commitments if we are to maintain and grow our outstanding ministries. If you have not yet returned your pledge card for the coming year, we encourage you to do so. This will allow us to finalize the upcoming year’s budget. We hope you will complete the enclosed estimate of giving card and return it to the church as soon as possible. You may also make your pledge online at athensfirstumc.org/giving.

Each gift is an expression of thanksgiving for God’s goodness to us. Let’s join together in expressing our gratitude to God and share in the mission of Christ through our church.

The Advent WreathThe 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.

Christmas Poinsettias | Orders Due by December 1Poinsettias in honor or memory of a loved one are available for purchase through the church office. The flowers will be placed in the sanctuary by the Altar Guild and a booklet listing all of those participating will be available in the narthex Sunday, December 21. The flowers may be picked up after the 11:00 a.m. worship service the same day. Orders with payment may be made at the church office or by mail no later than December 1. The price is $11 per plant. Cookie Daniel | [email protected] 706-543-1442

Charge Conference | December 1There will be a Charge Conference on Monday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. in Hancock Hall. We hope you can attend. Please arrive at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments and fellowship.

Interfaith Hospitality Network Christmas Concert | December 2Please join us for a night of your favorite Christmas songs performed by Callie Waller on Tuesday, December 2, at 7:00 p.m. in the Athens First United Methodist Church sanctuary. A dessert reception will follow. Admission is free and an offering will be collected for the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), a mission partner of Athens First United Methodist Church. Betsy Butler | [email protected] | 706-543-1442

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Under Wraps: An Advent and Christmas Study | Begins December 3Under Wraps is a churchwide Advent experience that explores the character of God described in the Old Testament and then revealed through Jesus Christ. This study will meet from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in room 222 on Wednesdays, December 3, 10, and 17. Childcare is available with registration, and the cost is $10. We hope that you can join us for this special time to grow closer to Christ this holiday season. Register | athensfirstumc.org/registration Beth Dickinson | [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Wednesday Night Meals December 3The menu for December 3 is Fresh Air Bar-B-Que’s pulled pork, BBQ chicken, buns, sauce, macaroni and cheese, chips, and beverages. Meals are $5 each. Advance sign-ups are required. Sign up online or by calling the church office by Tuesday at noon. Contact Diana to make a standing/regular reservation. Take-out boxes will be available if you have to eat and run, or run and then eat! You and your family, friends, and/or small group are invited and encouraged to eat and spend time together in Hancock Hall. Also, consider helping serve a Wednesday night! Its a huge help to the church and a lot of fun. Register | athensfirstumc.org/registration Serve | athensfirstumc.org/serve Diana Zylow | [email protected]

Home for the Holidays & Senior Fun December 4Home For The Holidays is an annual event where we invite church members who are home-bound to a delicious meal and Christmas program. There is no cost for our special guests! If you need transportation, please let us know. If you are caring for an aging parent at home, please know that you are invited and welcome to attend this special luncheon! Contact Martha with questions. The Senior Fun lunch will be Thursday, December 4 at 12:30 p.m. in Hancock Hall and is $6. A delicious meal will be served and the program will be provided by our Director of Music, Stephen Mitchell, who will conduct an

outstanding Christmas music program. Call the church office to make your reservation by Monday, December 1. Martha Aenchbacher | [email protected]

The Impact of REACH International Thank you for your gifts of food…. Hundreds of international students have come through our doors this year to participate in the monthly Snack and Chat social events and each week 20-30 international students take part in a weekly Bible study. At these events, our members provide home cooked meals for the international students. This extra step of hospitality truly sets our program apart from others and makes Athens First Methodist Church feel like home to hundreds of international students.

Thank you for your gift of time… More than 60 students are paired with American friends who share Christ’s love with them by intentionally sowing into their international friend’s life. A friendship partner from our congregation was so moved by the stories her international friend shared that she will be traveling to Indonesia soon to volunteer in her friend’s home village.

When we respond to God’s call in our lives, He gives us strength and courage do more than we ever thought we could. Lynn Bryant | [email protected] | 706-543-1442 Sign up | athensfirstumc.org/reachinternational

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Servers and Casseroles Needed for Snack & Chat: Tree Trimming Party December 5REACH International will host their annual Snack & Chat: Christmas Dinner & Tree Trimming Party on Friday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. in Hancock Hall. After dinner the students and volunteers will trim a tree together and sing Christmas carols in various languages. Your help is needed to make this night a festive celebration! Please consider sharing your time to serve and visit with the students, and/or please consider providing a greenbean or hashbrown casserole (9”x 13”) or fruit salad. Please sign up online if you are able to provide a dish and contact Lynn if you are interested in serving that evening. Thank you for how you share Christ’s love with our international friends! Lynn Bryant | [email protected] | 706-543-1442 Sign up | athensfirstumc.org/serve

United Methodist Women Luncheon December 8All United Methodist Women Circle members and any woman interested in the United Methodist Women please bring a salad or dessert to share and come enjoy time together at our annual Christmas Luncheon on Monday, December 8. We will enjoy lunch together and sing Christmas carols. R.S.V.P. with Cookie at the church office, 706-543-1442, by Friday, December 5. Kim Griffith | [email protected] | 706-202-2179

Christmas Community Meal December 11Please consider serving at the annual Christmas Community Meal on Thursday, December 11 in Hancock Hall. Volunteers are needed throughout the day to cook, set up, serve the meal, host, and clean up. Donations of cooked hams or turkeys are also needed. This is truly a time for our church body to come together in love to serve our community. Sign-up information is online. Betsy Butler | [email protected] | 706-543-1442 Sign up | athensfirstumc.org/christmascommunitymeal

Rutter “Magnificat” & Kirchner “Behold New Joy” | December 14Join us Sunday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m. in our sanctuary to hear the much-loved Rutter “Magnificat” sung by the Sanctuary Choir with full orchestra and soloists. Stephen Mitchell | [email protected] 706-543-1442

Baby Recognition Sunday December 14As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we also celebrate the birth of babies born into our church family during 2014. Families of babies are invited to arrive at 10:15 a.m. for a reception in Hancock Hall. We will then proceed as a group into the Sanctuary for 11:00 a.m. worship where we will recognize babies born into the Athens First United Methodist Church family. Ashley Gottschalk | [email protected] 706-543-1442


A Service of Prayer & Reflection December 21 Join us in the chapel for a time of prayer and reflection on Sunday, December 21, 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. Martha Aenchbacher | [email protected] 706-543-1442

Project SAFE and Salvation Army Angel Tree Christmas AdoptionMake an impact on a child, individual, or family’s life this Christmas season by adopting them through providing gifts. You may work on your own or with your small group, Bible study, or Sunday School class. Gifts are due by December 5. Contact Diana to adopt a family, or visit the display outside her office. Diana Zylow | [email protected] | 706-543-1442

Volunteer Opportunities at Mercy Health CenterMercy Health Center is a mission partner of Athens First United Methodist Church. Through a community of volunteers, Mercy Health Center provides quality health care in a Christ-centered environment to our under-served neighbors. Mercy seeks licensed healthcare professionals to volunteer: MDs, PAs, NPs, RNs, EMTs, pharmacists, dentists, hygienists, counselors, MSWs, etc. If you would like more information about volunteering at Mercy Health Center, please contact Virginia McKenna. Virginia McKenna | [email protected] | 706-338-3688 Learn more | mercyhealthcenter.net

Souper Supper During Thursday night Souper Suppers, we provide more than just friendly hospitality and a warm meal to our guests. We also provide each guest with tickets to trade for two personal items. These items, such as toilet paper, paper towels, body wash, home cleaning products, and food, are provided by you, our Athens First United Methodist Church family, and are gratefully received by our guests. While shopping this winter, please consider picking up a few extra items and bringing them to the basket behind the reception desk. This is a small way to show love and care to our neighbors! A full list of items is available online. Learn more | athensfirstumc.org/soupersupper Betsy Butler | [email protected]


This WeekS U N DAY, NOV E M BE R 3 0 | Deuteronomy 8:7-18

8:30 a.m. Worship Service SANCTUARY

Preschool Nursery & Sunday School FIRST FLOOR

Family Advent Breakfast & Worship Service HANCOCK HALL

9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School SECOND FLOOR AND SAYE BULDING

Elementary Sunday School THIRD FLOOR

Grade 5 & 6 Sunday School: Fuel FIRST FLOOR

Youth Sunday School: First Word FIRST FLOOR

Worship Service SANCTUARY

The Psalm Tree Connect Group ROOM 103

10:00 a.m. Sack Lunch Ministry HULL STREET ENTRANCE

11:00 a.m. Worship Service SANCTUARY

Quarter Life Crisis Class ROOM 224

11:30 a.m. Children’s Church CARAVANS 3:30 p.m. Wesleyan Ringers ROOM 150

4:30 p.m. Carillons Ringers ROOM 150

Route 56 Open Road ROOM 120-122

Wesleyan Youth Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148

5:30 p.m. Alleluia Ringers ROOM 150

5:45 p.m. Encounter Youth YOUTH AREA

MON DAY, DE C E M BE R 1 | Psalm 65 9:30 a.m. United Methodist Women Executive Board Meeting ROOM 226

5:00 p.m. Children’s Basketball GYM

5:30 p.m. Church Council Meeting HANCOCK HALL 7:00 p.m. Annual Charge Conference HANCOCK HALL

Community Bible Study, Athens Evening Class

T U E SDAY, DE C E M BE R 2 | 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 8:00 a.m. Community Bible Study Leaders Council YOUTH AREA

1:00 p.m. REACH International Leadership Meeting ROOM 226


7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts | Troop 1 SAYE HUT

Interfaith Hospitality Network Christmas Concert SANCTUARY

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M BE R 3 | Luke 17:11-19 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Bible Study | Acts HULL DINING ROOM

3:30 p.m. Fun Gym GYM

4:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry ROOM 200

Children's Dance Class ROOM 145

Children’s Choir: Grades 1-2 ROOM 151

Worship Arts: Grades 3–4 AMPHITHEATER

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4:45 p.m. Early Book Group ROOM 100

5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Meal HANCOCK HALL Route 56 GPS ROOMS 120-122

5:15 p.m. Children’s Choir: 3 year-olds ROOM 311

Children’s Choir: 4 year-olds ROOM 325

Children’s Choir: Kindergarten ROOM 320

Children’s Choir: Grades 3–4 ROOM 151

Worship Arts: Grades 1–2 AMPHITHEATER

Jesus Calling Express Study ROOM 235

5:30 p.m. Sams Connect Group ROOM 301

Men’s Prayer Group ROOM 307

6:00 p.m. Engage Bible Study YOUTH AREA

6:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148

Allen/Anderson Connect Group ROOM 307

Listen: Praying in a Noisy World ROOM 229 Men’s Study: Follow Me ROOM 240

6:30 p.m. Under Wraps: An Advent and Christmas Study ROOM 222

8:00 p.m. Chamber Ensemble Rehearsal ROOM 148

T H U R SDAY, DE C E M BE R 4 | 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 9:30 a.m. Community Bible Study12:30 p.m. Senior Fun HANCOCK HALL

F R I DAY, DE C E M BE R 5 | Deuteronomy 30:11-1410:00 a.m. United Methodist Women Nurturing Group Meeting HULL DINING ROOM

12:15 p.m. Tuck Sunday School Class Christmas Party HANCOCK HALL


6:30 p.m. REACH International Snack and Chat HANCOCK HALL

S AT U R DAY, DE C E M BE R 6 | Matthew 4:18-22

Worship Bulletin (614-280)Published weekly

Athens First United Methodist Church327 N. Lumpkin StreetAthens, GA 30601-2743Telephone | 706-543-1442Fax | 706-546-4797Website | athensfirstumc.org

PostmasterSend address changes to:AFUMCP.O. Box 1109Athens, GA 30603-1109

Vol. LVI No. 22

Periodicals Postage Paid at Athens, GA

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