firs word - methodist church albany...2020/03/02 · 307 flint avenue albany, georgia 31701-9998...

307 Flint Avenue Albany, Georgia 31701-9998

229-432-7407 FAX: 229-496-1240 www.firstmethodistalbany.com

March 2020 ~ Volume XLVIII, No. 3

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Firs WORD“…The Word Became Flesh…” John 1:14

Our Church Staff

Becky Herndon Administrative Asst. - ProgrammingMeri Beth Hillard Music AssistantZerike Jones CustodianBrandon Keaton Director of Music & Senior Adult MinistriesAnn King Financial SecretaryErin Loyd Director of PreschoolGloria Miller CustodianAngela Oliver Director of Food ServicesKallie Rutledge Children’s Assistant and Social MediaAllison Vandenbergh Director of Children’s MinistriesKelvin Works Maintenance Supervisor

Thad Haygood Senior MinisterAnna Miller Associate MinisterSylvia Broadaway Director of HospitalityAshlee Crawford Director of Nursery and Early Childhood MinistriesSusan Dillard Administrative Asst. - CommunicationsLeah George Manager of Administration and FacilitiesPhillip George Interim Director of Youth MinistriesAaron Goudy CustodianLaurel Griffith Director of Adult DiscipleshipKaryl Harris Administrative Asst. - Sr. Min., Assoc. Min., & MembershipLaura Haygood Director of Missions and OutreachMary Brown Heritage Lay Visitor

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (USPS 671-560) published monthly periodicals postage paid at Albany, Georgia. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to First United Methodist Church, 307 Flint Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701-2507.

March 2020

PeriodicalsPostage PaidAlbany, GA

Mission Basket March 2020: Help us thank our

Thad’s Thoughts

“I give up!” These three simple words can be used in a variety of ways. If a puzzle is too perplexing, an impatient child might shout, “I give up!” If a riddle has been shared and the answer just won’t come, the eager person will say, “I give up!” hoping to get a quick answer. When a parent is earnestly trying to discipline a stubborn child and it appears that the child just isn’t going to give in, the parent might throw up her hands, look at the father and shout, “I give up!” This of course means, “The child is all yours to deal with now.”

We have entered into the Christian season of Lent. This is the time of year when we traditionally say, “I give up.” I give up chocolate. I give up carbs. I give up social media. The point, of course, is that we try to give up something so that every time we are tempted to have that particular thing we give thanks to God for all that He has given up for us. Ultimately, God said, “I give up my one and only son, so that you might live in eternity with me.” When we reflect on that deep reality, it puts everything else into perspective. When God said, “I give up,” He didn’t walk away from humanity. Instead, He said, “I give up my everything so that you might be with me for eternity.”

Over the five Sundays in March, I will be preaching a sermon series entitled, “I Give Up.” Each week we will focus on a particular human struggle that God calls us to give up. We will look at how to give up pride, envy, fear, shame, and control. These things are not nearly as easy to give up as chocolate or social media. They take intentional effort, self-evaluation, struggle, and lots of prayer. My hope is that we can bring to light the deeper issues that pull us away from all that God intended for us to have. Each of the above mentioned struggles come from a self-centered focus. They take over our lives because we are too inwardly focused and God calls us to look outward to Him. As we enter into this season of Lent, may we shout, “I Give Up!” and turn everything over to God. I look forward to worshiping with you as we continue on this journey toward the cross together.

-Thad HaygoodLaura Haygood, Director of Missions and [email protected]

Missions and Outreach Opportunities

military men and women with care packages from our Military Support Group. They will be sent for Easter and Armed Forces Day. We are so grateful for their service to our country. These items ship well and are such a gift to those who receive them. ●Beef Jerky ●Slim Jims ●protein bars ●microwave popcorn ●individually packaged nuts or trail mix ●any non-melting candy

Spotlight on New York. Join Brandon Keaton for a quick trip to New York October 1-5, 2020. This will be a great trip for those who have never been to the Big Apple and for those who have been many times. We will enjoy visiting Greenwich Village, Wall Street, and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. We will take a trip out to Ellis Island and see the Statue of Liberty and take in 2 Broadway shows. Deadline to register is May 1, 2020. For more information and a tour brochure contact Brandon Keaton in the church office.

2021 Spiritual Travel Opportunity in Greece. Join Brandon Keaton in March 2021 and Discover Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle. This wonderful tour includes stops on mainland Greece and a 3-night Greek islands and Turkey cruise. We will visit Athens, Crete, Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos, Santorini, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Philippi, Meteora, Delphi, and Corinth. For more information, contact Brandon Keaton for a tour brochure.

Preschool Registration for 2020-2021! We will open registration to the public Monday, March 2. The registration fee is $85 per child. If you would like more information or would like to schedule a visit, please call Erin Loyd at 432-5512.

Military Support Group: Do you have a friend or family member who is currently deployed and would like to be “loved on” by our Military Support Group? If so, send their name and information to Laura Haygood at [email protected] or 432-7407.

Easter Lilies – To place lilies in the sanctuary and Walden Chapel for Easter Sunday in honor of or in loving memory of loved ones, please fill out an envelope located in the sanctuary and Walden Chapel pew pads, or in the church office. The price is $15.00 per lily, and you may take them home following the Easter Sunday 10:30 AM service. Out of town persons may mail orders to the church office. The deadline for orders is Sunday, March 29.

Alzheimer’s Outreach Center - We have openings in the daycare program. This is a rarity, so if you know of someone who is interested please call Betty Owens at 888-6555. They can come visit if they are not sure what we do, just stop by Sapp Conference Room behind the sanctuary anytime from 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM.

Stewardship Report January 26 - February 16, 2020 Budget $113,681.58Designated Gifts $16,570.96Sunday School Offering $1,194.18Family Life Enhancement $156,299.76

Sunday School Offerings March 1 Lord’s PantryMarch 8 Emergency Aid - Altar FundMarch 15 Salvation Army Night ShelterMarch 22 UMCOR (United Methodist

Committee on Relief)March 29 Miracle Meals

First Sunday is Food Pantry Sunday at First Methodist. When you come to the church, place your non-perishable items in the containers in the hallways to help restock the shelves of the Lord’s Pantry.

THELORD’SPANTRY

www.firstmethodistalbany.com firstmethodistalbany

Christian Sympathy Extended to:●Family of Audrey Wiggins.●Debbie Foreman in the death of her brother, Randy Goff.●Vicky McCollum in the death of her sister, Carolyn Pye.●Hugh Morris in the death of his father, Hugh Morris, Sr.●Gordy Gruhl in the death of his mother, Mary Scheidt.●Gina Amato in the death of her mother, Joann Murphy.

www.facebook.com/iwanttothrive

It is March already and Thrive Student Ministries is still moving full speed ahead. With more than a month of Wednesday night youth services had, Thrive Hangout and Thrive Worship in full swing, and weekly Sunday school, there is a springtime full of opportunities for students, parents, and other volunteers to be involved. We have so many ways that everyone can be a part of Thrive Student Ministries and here is the newest.Ministry Highlight:Thrive Services are the newest part of Thrive Student Ministries. We are in the process of building a weekly Wednesday night Youth Service, and I am excited to see where it goes from here. The purpose of these services is to make a place where students come to experience a move of God. We already have students who have volunteered to help lead the music portion of our worship and I have the privilege of speaking truth and life into the lives of some of the sweetest, brightest young people I have ever met. We have also been able to use time at the end of each service for reflection and prayer, which I believe will bring a new depth to the lives of each student who attends. I believe this will be a spring board for the students @ Thrive. It is really awesome to have the support of these students, and it is even better to have the support of mature adults who want to be a part of the future of the church. There are always ways to help: from hosting pre-service games, helping new students feel welcome, or just being available to pray with students who need some support. If you are looking for a place to connect and you are not afraid of a little fun and maybe the occasional tear, I would love to speak with you and I bet I know some students who would, too.

Phillip [email protected]

[email protected]

PAJAMAS & PANCAKES - Hey parents! You might be losing an hour of sleep for daylight saving time, but we’re here to lighten the load and help you get your family to church on a day that might not be so “easy like Sunday morning.” On March 8 bring the kids in their pjs straight from bed! No need for church clothes or feeding them breakfast. We’ll have pancakes hot and ready! THE GAP will not meet April 1 and April 8 during our local schools’ Spring Breaks. EASTER JAM - You are invited to an Easter celebration for the whole family April 5 at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary! Easter Jam will be filled with music, laughter, storytelling, skits, games, and an after party. We’ll celebrate the amazing way that the resurrection of Jesus turned the world upside down! Invite your friends and neighbors to celebrate with us! VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS): We are about 3 months away from the kick off of an awesome summer experience for kids, and I want you to join me for this adventure! During VBS, we'll dive deeper into our faith by putting our FOCUS on God and His amazing plan for us! Join us this summer, June 8 - 12, 9:00 AM -

Join us in ministry when we take our monthly trip to The Phoenix at Albany to visit our resident members and friends on Thursday, March 26. We will meet there, 1721 Beattie Road, at 9:45 AM.

The Upper Room Devotional Books (regular and large print) are located throughout the church. Pick one up to use as a devotional guide for you and your family. A 75₵ donation is requested.

firstmethodistalbany

Attention All Men of the Church! You are invited to Kamp Kirksey on Thursday, March 12 for fellowship and grilled hamburgers. 5:30 PM - Fellowship, 6:00 PM - Supper. Call the church to make your reservation by noon on Tuesday, March 10.

Register for all studies at the registration table outside the church office, Bldg. 3.

SeniorAdultMinistries

Encountering the Triune God: The doctrine of the Trinity is considered to be one of the central Christian affirmations about God, yet Christians often have difficulty articulating what it means to worship a Triune God. In this study, we will explore both the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and also learn how we distinctly relate to each Person of the Godhead. We will discuss the implications of the fellowship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for our own lives and spiritual practices. These Bible studies will be taught by Brandon Keaton and Laurel Griffith. ●Mondays, beginning March 2 from 6-7:30 PM in Conference Room A, Bldg. 3 ●Tuesdays, beginning March 10 from 10:30 AM- 12:00 PM (Ladies) in Ford Hall, Bldg. 3 ●Wednesdays, beginning March 11 from 6:30-7:30 PM in Conference Room A, Bldg. 3 FaithLife: “The Righteous will live by Faith.” Romans 1:17 Faithful living has many challenges. If you are like me, we may spend a lot of time living by the Law, checking off boxes to make sure we are doing what we are supposed to do. This can lead to being too legalistic and cause us to forget we are to live by Faith. Join Anna Miller in Walden Chapel, Bldg. 3 on Wednesdays at 6:20 PM as we explore what a FaithLife should look like. Rhythms of Renewal -Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace: Daily struggles with anxiety and depression make it difficult to receive God’s peace. In her immensely practical book, Rhythms of Renewal, Rebekah Lyons offers four profound rhythms: rest, restore, connect, and create, and shares a pathway to the flourishing life God intends. Drawing on her own experiences with anxiety and depression, she has designed a five-week class which leads participants to sustained emotional, relational, and spiritual health. Facilitated by Sylvia Broadaway and Allison Turner. Begins Wednesday, March 4 from 6:30-7:30 PM in the River Classroom, Bldg. 3 (upstairs). Book: $16.00. Men’s Group - The Father Connection: How you can make the difference in your child’s self-esteem and sense of purpose. This four-week discussion dives deep into 10 critical parenting qualities that will help you to mirror the way God fathers you. Apply these principles to become the kind of father—modeled after God’s own heart—your kids need you to be. Sign-up in the church office. Facilitated by Thad Haygood. Wednesdays beginning March 4, 6:30-7:30 PM. Location: Communion Classroom, Bldg. 3 (upstairs).

Wednesday Night Supper Ford Hall, Bldg. 3

Make reservations with the church office, 432-7407, by noon on Tuesday. If you have standing reservations, please cancel by Tuesday noon or payment is expected. Cost: 13 years & older - $6.00, 3-12 years - $4.00. Family maximum - $20.00. Buffet line 5:30-6:30 PM.

March 4 Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Sauce,

Fettuccine Noodles, Mixed Vegetables, Corn, Garlic Knots, Salad Bar, Dessert

Children’s Line: Pizza, French Fries, DessertMarch 11

Pork Loin, Rice, Lima Beans, Tomatoes and Okra, Cornbread, Salad Bar, Dessert

Children’s Line: Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Dessert

March 18Mexican Night: Taco Meat, Chicken Fajitas,

Rice, Black Beans, Corn, Soft Shells, Chips, Salad Bar, Dessert

Children’s Line: Quesadillas, French Fries, Dessert

March 25Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Collard Greens,

Peas, Cornbread, Salad Bar, DessertChildren’s Line: Hamburgers, French Fries,

Dessert

Brandon Keaton, Director of Music & Senior Adult Ministries [email protected]

March SAM Gathering. March’s SAM Gathering will be Thursday, March 19 at 11:30 AM in the Youth Center. We will enjoy some good food and learn a few helpful tips on using a smart phone and other technology. Cost is $7.00. Please RSVP by Monday, March 16 to the church office.

Welcome our Newest Members:●Emily Plummer (408 Pinecrest Drive, Albany, GA 31707).●Steve and Carrie Hutchinson (2213 Wallington Drive, Albany, GA 31721). They have one son, Elliott.●Earle and Linda Fain Spurlock (PO Box 70307, Albany, GA 31708).

We are looking for new choir members to join the Sanctuary Choir for our Easter Music presentation. If you have ever wanted to join the choir but haven’t yet, this will be a great time to join us. We practice each Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the Choir Room. Please contact Brandon Keaton for more information—or better yet, just come to practice!

Music MINISTRY

Sanctuary Choir in 2020!

Celebrate the Baptism of: ●Mary Miller Golden, daughter of Patrick and Shelly Golden, was baptized on February 9, 2020.

12:00 PM, for FOCUS to impart truth in to the lives of kids, K3-5th grade. (Children must be potty trained and have turned 3 years old by September 1, 2019 to participate.) Contact Allison if you are interested in serving. Registration opens next month!

Congratulations on the Birth of:●Reeder Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of Bob and Smith Wilson of Albany, GA, born on February 7, 2020.

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8:30 & 10:30 AM - Worship9:30 AM - Sunday School

4-7:00 PM - Youth Regular Activities*5:00 PM - Scout Den Meeting5:30 PM - Sunday Evening with our Neighbors

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10:00 AM - Flower Angels

1-3:00 PM - Staff Calendar Meeting

5:15 PM - Tabata Boot Camp6:00 PM - Encountering the Triune God6-8:30 PM - NAMI

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10:30 AM - Women's Bible Study

1:00 PM - The Joy Group

5:15 PM - Tabata Boot Camp

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12:00 PM - AOC Support Group3:00 PM - the GAP (Kdg.-5th Grade)4:45 PM - the GAP Choir (Kdg.-5th Grade)5:30 PM - Wednesday Night Supper5:45 PM - Praise Band Practice6:00 PM - Financial Peace University6:20 PM - FaithLife 6:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Practice 6:30 PM - Study of Matthew6:30 PM - Ladies’ Study Rhythms of Renewal6:30 PM - Men’s Study The Father Connection6:30 PM - Knit One - Pray Too6:30 PM - 12:2 Crew (Kdg.-5th Grade)6:30 PM - Service @ Thrive

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6:00 PM - Emmaus Gathering

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Set you clocks forward one hour before bed!

8 DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS

8:30 & 10:30 AM - Worship9:30 AM - Sunday School9:30 AM - Children’s Pancakes and PJ’s

4-7:00 PM - Youth Regular Activities*5:00 PM - Scout Den Meeting5:30 PM - Sunday Evening with our Neighbors


12:00 PM - Circle 9

5:15 PM - Tabata Boot Camp6:00 PM - Encountering the Triune God 6-8:30 PM - NAMI6:30 PM - Gideons

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12:00 PM - Board of Trustees’ Meeting


113-7:00 PM - Blood Drive3:00 PM - the GAP (Kdg.-5th Grade)4:45 PM - the GAP Choir (Kdg.-5th Grade)5:30 PM - Wednesday Night Supper5:45 PM - Praise Band Practice6:00 PM - Financial Peace University6:20 PM - FaithLife6:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Practice 6:30 PM - Encountering the Triune God6:30 PM - Ladies’ Study Rhythms of Renewal6:30 PM - Men’s Study The Father Connection6:30 PM - Knit One - Pray Too6:30 PM - 12:2 Crew (Kdg.-5th Grade)6:30 PM - Service @ Thrive

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5:30 PM - Men’s Fellowship Supper

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4-7:00 PM - Youth Regular Activities* 5:00 PM - Scout Den Meeting5:30 PM - Sunday Evening with our Neighbors

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5:15 PM - Tabata Boot Camp6:00 PM - Encountering the Triune God 6-8:30 PM - NAMI

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1812:00 PM - AOC Board Meeting3:00 PM - the GAP (Kdg.-5th Grade)4:45 PM - the GAP Choir (Kdg.-5th Grade)5:30 PM - Wednesday Night Supper5:45 PM - Praise Band Practice6:00 PM - Financial Peace University6:20 PM - FaithLife6:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Practice 6:30 PM - Encountering the Triune God6:30 PM - Ladies’ Study Rhythms of Renewal6:30 PM - Men’s Study The Father Connection6:30 PM - 12:2 Crew (Kdg.-5th Grade)6:30 PM - Service @ Thrive

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11:30 AM - Senior Adult Ministry

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5:00 PM - Fox/Sinyard Rehearsal


6-8:00 PM - Music Trivia

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5:00 PM - Fox/Sinyard Wedding


4-7:00 PM - Youth Regular Activities*5:00 PM - Scout Pack Meeting5:30 PM - Sunday Evening with our Neighbors

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253:00 PM - the GAP (Kdg.-5th Grade)4:45 PM - the GAP Choir (Kdg.-5th Grade)5:30 PM - Wednesday Night Supper5:45 PM - Praise Band Practice 6:00 PM - Financial Peace University6:20 PM - FaithLife6:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Practice 6:30 PM - Encountering the Triune God6:30 PM - Ladies’ Study Rhythms of Renewal6:30 PM - Men’s Study The Father Connection6:30 PM - Knit One - Pray Too6:30 PM - 12:2 Crew (Kdg.-5th Grade)6:30 PM - Service @ Thrive

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9:45 AM - Phoenix at Albany Visitation

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4-7:00 PM - Youth Regular Activities* 5:30 PM - Sunday Evening with our Neighbors

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*Regular Youth Activities during the school year on Sunday

4:00 PM - Regeneration Choir/High School Small Groups5:00 PM - Hosanna Choir/Middle School Small Groups6:00 PM - Youth Hangout @ Thrive

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

March 2020www.firstmethodistalbany.com


Deadline for April First Word submissions


Prayer Requests March, 2020 “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15

MembersBill BurgerHazel BurgerAnnie Ruth FlaniganMary Herndon

Carolyn HolmanEthan MayLevi MayMiriam MiltonJudy Rainey

Non-MembersDiane BoestenGail ChapmanGary CooperLinda Fisher

Donna HarmonKaren KennaMike McAfeeMike McLendonConnie McNabb

LaDonna MitchamTodd PetersonCalista PhillipsBill SalterBuren Womble

Prayer requests may be given to the church by using the Prayer Request Card in our worship areas or by calling the church office (229-432-7407, ext. 235). Please re-submit your prayer request by the 15th of each month if continued prayer is needed.

Leave your checkbook at home! Give electronically instead! Have your weekly or monthly contribution debited from your checking or savings account and transferred directly into the church account. Get started today by going directly to the GIVE tab on our website’s homepage, www.firstmethodistalbany.com, and follow the steps once you click on the DONATE Tab.

OR Would you like fast, simple electronic giving through your iPhone or Android? Download and install a QR Code App on your phone and simply scan this QR Code.

Did you know…

MARCH SERVANTS IN MINISTRY

Prayer Chain

Our prayer chain passes along urgent prayer needs. To activate the Prayer Chain after hours contact: Molly Strickland, 343-3011.

Minister on Call (after hours & weekends)

Our pastoral staff now shares one on call phone. To reach the Minister on Call after hours and on weekends call 229-733-1075.

Sunday Evening with our Neighbors

March 1 Supper Hosts - Doherty, Duggan, Hart & Tiernan; Coordinator - Diane Slomka; Dishwasher - The Bridge Sunday School Class

March 8 Supper Hosts - Covenant Presbyterian; Coordinator - Grace Renard; Dishwasher - Second Mile Sunday School Class March 15 Supper Hosts - Gillionville Baptist Church; Coordinator - Alan Dismuke; Dishwasher - Second Mile Sunday School ClassMarch 22 Supper Hosts - Bronwood Baptist Church; Coordinator - Larry Walden; Dishwasher - tbdMarch 29 Supper Hosts - Porterfield Memorial UMC; Coordinator - Larry Walden; Dishwasher - Porterfield Memorial UMC

Sunday School Greeters

March 1 Amy BeaverMarch 8 Grady ScealsMarch 15 Trena ChampionMarch 22 Nancy PalmerMarch 29 Mary Herndon

Parking Lot Duty

Sunday, 3/1 - 8:15 AM, Drew Pennington; 10:15 AM, Crisp Gatewood; 4:00 PM, tba, 3/4 - 5:00 PM, tbaSunday, 3/8 - 8:15 AM, Keith Strickland; 10:15 AM, Hollis Hood; 4:00 PM, tba, 3/11 - 5:00 PM, tbaSunday, 3/15 - 8:15 AM, Mark Moshell; 10:15 AM, Courtland Harris; 4:00 PM, tba, 3/18 - 5:00 PM, Jimmy HarrisSunday, 3/22 - 8:15 AM, Rob Douglas; 10:15 AM, Patrick Golden; 4:00 PM, tba, 3/25 - 5:00 PM, tbaSunday, 3/29 - 8:15 AM, Adam Jones; 10:15 AM, Patrick Miller; 4:00 PM, Bo Strickland

Prayer Room

March 1 Barbara HamMarch 8 Dorothy MorrisMarch 15 Jean SatterfieldMarch 22 Kay LennardMarch 29 Barbara Ham

Flower Delivery

March 2 Susan GreeneMarch 9 Grady ScealsMarch 16 Lillie SinyardMarch 23 Carl and Gail WilliamsMarch 30 Sharon Williams

Worship Greeters

8:30 AMMarch 1 Jane Smith and Carolyn StevensMarch 8 Martha and Derryl QuinnMarch 15 Becky Herndon and Mary HerndonMarch 22 Ann Crimmins and Billie FutchMarch 29 Nancy Askey and Amy Beaver

10:30 AMMarch 1 Gary Unger and Patti KnieMarch 8 Amanda Shemwell and Patsy MartinMarch 15 George Anderson and Lillie SinyardMarch 22 Susan and Bobby DillardMarch 29 Britni and Jamie Williams

Ushers

8:30 AM Jimmy Harris, Captain; Hank Hayes; Becky Herndon; Wesley Webb

10:30 AM Hank Wright and Charley Ivy, Co-Captains; David Bobo; Jeff Cook; David Hardin; Wayne Hollomon; Matt Joiner; Felix Marbury; Foy Shemwell; Bryan Smith; Stephen Syfrett; and Austin Turner

March Anniversaries: In March, Aaron Goudy celebrates one year as one of our custodians. Please take time to thank him for his service.

Music Trivia 2.0. We are reviving our Music Trivia night for 2020. Join us for all the fun Friday, March 20 at 6:30 PM. Cost is $50.00 per team/table (maximum 8 per team). Dinner and snacks will be available at an additional cost. This is a great multi-generational evening where we all can have fun and remember our favorite music. And, of course, there will be prizes for the top three teams and the coveted Music Trivia trophy! For more information, contact Brandon Keaton in the church office. Proceeds go to support Hosanna Choir tour.

American Red Cross Blood DriveWednesday, March 11 3-7 PM Gym, Bldg. 1

Visit RedCrossBlood.org and make your appointment online using sponsor keyword: ALBANYMETHODIST

-Wednesday Night Supper & Services Survey Results-Thank you to those who filled out our WNS Survey. Your feedback is valuable in helping us know how First Methodist can best meet the spiritual needs of your family. We have many options available for you to serve, to utilize your gifts and talents, and to meet the spiritual needs of your family. If you are not already attending Wednesday services you may be wondering, “Is Wednesday Night Supper and Services an option for me?” This is what we want you to know. Supper line is open from 5:30-6:30 PM. The praise band, choir, and teachers are encouraged to fix a plate at 5:15 PM so they can get to practice, be in place to teach, or be ready to receive children. We currently offer five Bible studies for adults with varying levels of time and study commitment. Our Chapel service is open for all ages and ends by 6:45 PM while all other activities go until 7:30 PM. We have ministries for children and youth, as well as choir and a worship team for those with musical talents. Do you like to knit or would you like to learn how? We have a Knit One - Pray Too group who meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 6:30 PM. We are thrilled to have Sylvia Broadaway as our new Director of Hospitality! We will continue to evaluate Wednesday night supper to better meet various dietary needs and to ensure it is an enjoyable experience. We invite and encourage all to get involved and stay connected with your church family midweek to fellowship and as Jude 1:20 says, “To build each other up in your most holy faith!”

Winter Family Festival - The fellowship and music with the Easters was just what our church family needed. The evening included: over 140 adults and children enjoying each other, hearing children run and play outside, as well as "Bingo" being called in the dining hall, sounds of the joy of Christ, and a Chili Cook-Off including 14 pots of delicious chili! Winners of the cook-off were 1st place Teresa Breen Johnson and honorable mention Maelu Culpepper and Jodi Anderson. We have many great cooks at First Methodist. A big thanks to our fantastic judges Susan and Keith Strickland, Debbie and Randy Bischoff, and Joyce and Mark Shoemaker. Watch for the next church-wide family event at Kamp Kirksey, you don't want to miss it.

Last month in children’s ministry, we had the joy of exploring the SeaWorld, Orlando park after dark! We took 28 of our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders with 7 adult chaperones to sleep overnight inside the park. Once we arrived on Friday night, the sleepover staff gave us a behind the scenes tour of the kitchen where food for animals in the park is prepared daily. We also visited the dolphin nursery. Soon after, we enjoyed a Shrinky Dink SeaWorld themed craft and ate dinner. Following dinner, we toured the park after hours and settled into our sleeping spot for the night among sea turtles and manatees. We awoke early Saturday for more behind the scenes touring and a special experience of feeding the manatees breakfast – heads of lettuce! The remainder of our day included an up close encounter with dolphins, seeing exciting shows, checking out other animal attractions, and riding thrilling rides before hopping on the bus to return to Albany. We were able to do what some people only dream of! It was a fun-filled adventure where we saw some of the creativity of our Creator and enjoyed spending time together. We will all look forward to this trip next year!

firs word - methodist church albany...2020/03/02 · 307 flint avenue albany, georgia 31701-9998...

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