NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #141

COLUMBUS, GA 31904

EpworthUnited Methodist Church2400 Devonshire Drive Columbus, Georgia 31904 706-322-6973

Our ChurCh StaffChoir Director Lyn PharrisChurch Administrator Susan SniderCustodians Martha Conklin Barbie Morris Music Director Bob LeeNursery Worker Martha ConklinWorship Leader/Youth Minister Andy UngerPastor Rev. Scott Hagan

Pastor’s Home (706) 327-2927Pastor’s Cell (706) 329-2484

Church Website: epworthumc.com

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

EpworthUnited Methodist Church We are making disciples of Jesus Christ

for the transformation of the world.

thiS COming WeekSunday, December 9, 2012Second Sunday of Advent 9:00 AM Blended Worship Service10:00 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Worship ServiceMonday, December 10, 2012 7:00 PM New Life UMW Meeting 7:00 PM YouthTuesday, December 11, 2012 9:00 AM Breakfast Club11:30 AM Finance Committee Meeting 6:30 PM Growing Christians UMW MeetingWednesday, December 12, 2012 5:15 PM Prayer Team Meeting 6:30 PM Praise Team Practice 7:15 PM Choir Practice

Thursday, December 13, 2012 6:00 PM Vintage Group MeetingFriday, December 14, 2012 6:00 PM Seeker’s Christmas Class PartySaturday, December 15, 201210:00 AM Choir PracticeSunday, December 16, 2012Third Sunday of Advent 9:00 AM Christmas Cantata Service10:00 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Christmas Cantata Service 4:00 PM Parsonage Christmas Party

upCOming eventSWednesday, December 19, 2012 6:00 PM Birthday Party for JesusMonday, December 24, 2012 4:00 PM Christmas Eve Service 6:00 PM Christmas Eve Service

December 9, 2012

The Advent Wreath is given to the Glory of God and in memory of Jamie May

by The May Family

To find a form that accommodates the mess, that is the task of the artist now. - Samuel Beckett

I came across this quote while studying some from a personal productivity guru, David Allen. He wrote the book, Getting Things Done, and is a leader among leaders in the area of organizing your life and work in order to accomplish the stuff of your dreams: which might be conquering the world or just getting your desk cleaned off and empting your email inbox. I don’t know much about Beckett, but his quote inspires me. He died in 1989 and is widely regarded as among the most influential writers of the 20th century. I’ve read that “his work offers a bleak, tragicomic outlook on human nature,” which is exactly what my mind turned to when I saw his quote. Our lives are often the mess.

Our lives are messy. One corner of my desk is messy and if you saw into the junk drawer in my office you would then know messy, for sure. The world is messy. Relationships, which make up most, if not all, of what it means to live in this world, are messy. There are loose ends. There are broken connections. There are unkept promises. There are lists not yet completed. There are spills and breaks and cracks and falls. There is hurt, there are tears and even blood that is shed. Our lives are messy.

Beckett says that it is artists who find a form to accommodate the mess. I think it is the stuff of being human. All of us try and make sense of the mess, but more than that, we all try and respond in a form that makes sense. What is the form for you?

The critical, epic, history-altering truth proclaimed by believers at Christmas is captured in the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ birth allowed for his life which set up his death and resurrection. But, as Christians, we don’t stop at Easter and the life we have because of it. Jesus Christ doesn’t just make life possible, he also determines its shape.

What form have you found to accommodate the mess? Everyone has one, but are we satisfied with the shape our lives have taken? In the busyness of December, how can we allow our lives to be patterned after the shape of the One whose very birth gives us reason to celebrate? Paul said we are to be transformed as we are conformed - not the world - to Christ who gives our lives shape and purpose (Read Romans 12). In the midst of the mess, may we find the grace of Jesus.

Grace and Peace be on you, Scott

What’S happeningNew Life & God Chicks Christmas Party - Monday, December 10, at 7:00 PM, at Michele Thurman’s house.Christmas Cantata, All Is Well - will be Sunday, December 16, at both the 9 & 11 AM services. Refreshments will be served after both performances.Parsonage Christmas Open House - Everyone is cordially invited to one of the Hagan family’s favorite traditions of Christmas. Celebrate the joy of the season on Sunday, December 16, any time between 4:00-6:00 PM. Spend a few moments celebrating the great blessings of being a church family.Birthday Party for Jesus - Wednesday, December 19, at 6 PM, in the Fellowship Hall. This is a Family +1 event, open to the whole church. Pizza, story-telling and more. Cost for the meal is $1. Please sign up on the Fellowship Hall door or make reservations at church@epworthumc.com or call the church office at 706-322-6973.Upcoming Choir Practices - Wednesday, December 12, at 7:15 PM, Saturday, December 15, at 10 AM and Wednesday December 19, at 7:30 PM. Seekers Class Christmas Party - Friday, December 14, at 6 PM, in the Fellowship Hall.Keeping You Informed - Refer to the weekly, monthly and online calendars available for all events, meetings and happenings of Epworth. If you don’t see your event, call the church.

paStOral COunSelingEpworth and the Pastoral Institute offer counseling to everyone at deep discounts and with priority scheduling. This great service is such a help to families and individuals. Call the church for more information or simply give our church name when calling to schedule an appointment, (706-649-6500).

miSSiOnSHelping Our Neighbors at Christmas Offering During the season of giving, we turn our attention to ways we can directly help three of our key partners in ministry. This was a great success last year and we can do it again. Our Missions Committee has set goals to support Open Door ($2,000), the Wynnton Neighborhood Network ($1,000) and Brown Bag of Columbus ($1,000). The total received will be shared among them. If you feel led to give beyond your regular contribution to Epworth, consider supporting this opportunity. Donations can be made in honor or memory of loved ones or you can receive a certificate to give directly as a gift at Christmas.Christmas Post Office - Now open in the foyer to mail your Christmas cards to your fellow members for 25¢ each. Money collected will go to helping our Neighbors at Christmas Offering. This is a great way to connect and save money!

Change a lifeAre you interested in making our community a better place, one person at a time? Consider joining Circles in Columbus, an innovative community initiative working to end poverty. The expectation: Commit four hours a month in friendship with someone trying to get out of poverty (18 month commitment). Form a circle of support with one to three other Allies and a Circle Leader, who is working to get ahead and out of poverty. Attend a Circles meeting at least once a month for a family style dinner, fellowship and community connection (Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.). Finally, meet with your Circle Leader and other allies in your circle at a mutually convenient time and place. Call Circles in Columbus for more information, at 706.323.5518 or email: meg_odch@yahoo.com.

Sunday SChOOl at 10:00 amTHE CHILDREN’S CLASSES 3 Yrs. - Pre-k: Margaret Gosden K - 3rd Grade: Carolyn Gambill 4th - 6th Grade: Diane Morris

THE FRIENDSHIP CLASS Study: One in Jesus Christ Teacher: Class

THE JOY CLASS Study: God Came Near Teacher: Glenn Griffin

THE NATHAN PATTERSON CLASS Study: Ecclesiastes - Ch. 6 Teacher: Bobby Smith

THE NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS Study: Choosing to Cheat Teacher: Earl Phillips

THE “NO NAME” CLASS Study: What’s the Least I Can Believe... Ch. 1 Teacher: Steve Sawyer

THE QUESTORS CLASS Study: Class Discussion Teacher: Gary Tomlin

THE SEEKERS CLASS Study: The Miracle of Christmas - Ch. 2 Teacher: Faith Newton

THE WESLEY CLASS Study: One in Jesus Christ Teacher: Class

THE YOUNG ADULT CLASS Study: Confronting the Controversies Teacher: Julie Hagan

thOSe WhO Serve Sunday, deCember 9, 2012

9:00 AM Worship Service: Greeter: Barbara Stubbs Ushers: Randy Morris Acolyte: Ushers Children’s Church: Jeanne Guilbeault11:00 AM Worship Service: Greeter: Lillian Wooldridge Ushers: Bill Adamson, Steve Whittington Acolyte: Ushers Children’s Church: Michele ThurmanFinancial Secretary: Shawn JandreauTurn Key: Wayne Morris

Our SteWardShipDecember 2, 2012

Tithes & Offering: $12,265.76Received To Date: $292,365.78NEW BUILDING/MAINTENANCE

Received This Week: $440.00ATTENDANCE

Sunday School: 117Worship: 9:00 AM 63 11:00 AM 108Total 171

COntaCt uS by emailScott: scott@epworthumc.comSusan: susan@epworthumc.comAndy: andy@epworthumc.com

yOuthGift Wrapping Fundraiser- Love shopping for Christmas, but hate wrapping gifts? Our youth group can help with that! The youth will be wrapping presents during the Sunday school hour in the Fellowship Hall now until Sunday, December 16. We’ll supply the wrapping paper, bows and other items that will help make the season bright. All donations go toward our 2013 summer mission trip.Youth Bible Study - Monday, December 10, at the church. Be here at 6:30 PM along with your favorite fast food & we’ll eat together before diving into God’s word. See you here!Youth Christmas Party - Sunday, December 9, from 7-9 PM, at Natalie Morris’ house. Bring a new, unwrapped present for a child beween the ages of 9-19 for the Methodist Children’s Home. Wear a tacky Christmas sweater and we’ll watch a classic Christmas movie!

epWOrth prayer liStChurch FamilyJo Ann Chase Kristi Miller Carolyn Gambill Annie Mayton Linda Smith Ellen Ayers Vanessa DeSoto Aaron JacksonMarjorie Pearce Bob Nellums Jane Sanders Jan ShacklefordDeborah Cooper Cammie Van Over Wayne Sanders Doris ToneyLarry Cooper Sara Rice Bob Wait Diane ChampagneFred Carswell Bob Wells Blount King Andrea CarbaughEmilie Carswell Sybil Wells Elizabeth Harbert Jack Osteen

Extended Church FamilyMichael Taff Ryan Corkron Sue Sasser Judy PattersonCheryl Crosby Chris Conklin Susan Simpson Jean Flowers Patrick Brannen Alverta Champagne Ricky Clark Katie FortButch & Anita Sloan Bill Garnto Wanda Crowe John Rogers Victoria Thompson Daisy Purvis Jacob Freiler Lin & Dora Spires Dr. Edith Thompson Steve Guilbeault Frank Karastury Wilie RylesJudy McMann Roy McMann Jeff Waldo Joseph EldridgeEmory & Betty Gilbert Bill Hortmann Goyne Family Jeffrey Titmus Lawrence Martin Derby III Trent George Joe Mock Kim Williams Ronnie Bridges Crowder Family Eli Letchworth Jarred Family

Asheville, NC - Susan Squiers Magnolia Manor-Brenda Goodwin, Lillian WaitCovenant Woods - Nelle Lloyd Lonnie WhitehurstGardens at Calvary - J. Wood Browning, III Morningside - Alta Kimbrough Hilton Head, SC - Bertha Carter Wesley Glen (Byron, GA) - Nancy Hiller

Due to changes in privacy laws, hospitals have restricted or eliminated a list of patients by church denomination. Please help us minister to you effectively by calling the

church office at 706-322-6973 about yourself or a family member.

Updating Prayer List: If anyone on the prayer list needs to be removed or added, please call or email the church office or leave a note with updates. Thank you for your help.

epWOrth prayer liStChurch FamilyJo Ann Chase Kristi Miller Carolyn Gambill Annie Mayton Linda Smith Ellen Ayers Vanessa DeSoto Aaron JacksonMarjorie Pearce Bob Nellums Jane Sanders Jan ShacklefordDeborah Cooper Cammie Van Over Wayne Sanders Doris ToneyLarry Cooper Sara Rice Bob Wait Diane ChampagneFred Carswell Bob Wells Blount King Andrea CarbaughEmilie Carswell Sybil Wells Elizabeth Harbert Jack Osteen

Extended Church FamilyMichael Taff Ryan Corkron Sue Sasser Judy PattersonCheryl Crosby Chris Conklin Susan Simpson Jean Flowers Patrick Brannen Alverta Champagne Ricky Clark Katie FortButch & Anita Sloan Bill Garnto Wanda Crowe John Rogers Victoria Thompson Daisy Purvis Jacob Freiler Lin & Dora Spires Dr. Edith Thompson Steve Guilbeault Frank Karastury Wilie RylesJudy McMann Roy McMann Jeff Waldo Joseph EldridgeEmory & Betty Gilbert Bill Hortmann Goyne Family Jeffrey Titmus Lawrence Martin Derby III Trent George Joe Mock Kim Williams Ronnie Bridges Crowder Family Eli Letchworth Jarred Family

Asheville, NC - Susan Squiers Magnolia Manor-Brenda Goodwin, Lillian WaitCovenant Woods - Nelle Lloyd Lonnie WhitehurstGardens at Calvary - J. Wood Browning, III Morningside - Alta Kimbrough Hilton Head, SC - Bertha Carter Wesley Glen (Byron, GA) - Nancy Hiller

Due to changes in privacy laws, hospitals have restricted or eliminated a list of patients by church denomination. Please help us minister to you effectively by calling the

church office at 706-322-6973 about yourself or a family member.

Updating Prayer List: If anyone on the prayer list needs to be removed or added, please call or email the church office or leave a note with updates. Thank you for your help.

Poinsettias for Loved Ones

In Memory Of: Given By:William K. Gambill Carolyn GambillMr. & Mrs. Knowlen Gambill Carolyn GambillNorma Gambill Heath Carolyn GambillRip & Boots Beard Vickie BeardHenry & Laura Ledbetter Gary, Debra, Matthew and Elizabeth LedbetterIrene & Lloyd Britton Becky BrittonTommy Britton Becky BrittonWesley Crews Lonnie & Anne WhitehurstOllie Griffin, Jr. Frances GriffinStephen J. Creamer Betty CreamerThomas L. Rodgers Mildred RodgersSarah Combs Lee RogersCurtis Combs Lee RogersKathy Combs Lee Rogers

In Honor Of: Given By:Harold & Jean Morris Gary, Debra, Matthew and Elizabeth Ledbetter

Poinsettias for Loved Ones

In Memory Of: Given By:William K. Gambill Carolyn GambillMr. & Mrs. Knowlen Gambill Carolyn GambillNorma Gambill Heath Carolyn GambillRip & Boots Beard Vickie BeardHenry & Laura Ledbetter Gary, Debra, Matthew and Elizabeth LedbetterIrene & Lloyd Britton Becky BrittonTommy Britton Becky BrittonWesley Crews Lonnie & Anne WhitehurstOllie Griffin, Jr. Frances GriffinStephen J. Creamer Betty CreamerThomas L. Rodgers Mildred RodgersSarah Combs Lee RogersCurtis Combs Lee RogersKathy Combs Lee Rogers

In Honor Of: Given By:Harold & Jean Morris Gary, Debra, Matthew and Elizabeth Ledbetter