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Connections
to fayetteville first united methodist church
Vol. XVI #11
November 2014
November
Mark Westmoreland
In November the year’s currents converge with a roar before settling into the delta of December. Seasons meet;
emotions splash together; time churns.
On the first Sunday of November, time changes quite literally, as the hour taken from us in March is returned at
last (without interest).
That our clocks should be set back on that day makes sense somehow. It is, after all, All Saints Sunday, a day
that challenges our sense of time and eternity. For a little while we step out of chronos time—clock time—and
into kairos—God’s time—and we share the sanctuary with that great host of witnesses who in their own days
and moments served God and proclaimed Christ. Here at Fayetteville First we will also read the names of the
people of our congregation who died in the past year. And we will give thanks.
On that first Sunday of November we are also invited to return our Commitment Cards for 2015. With
thanksgiving for all the saints who served before us, we take our place in that place where the world and the
Kingdom of God meet. We look to next year and renew our vows to support the church with our prayers,
presence, gifts, service, and witness. It is our turn to be faithful. It is our turn to serve God and proclaim Christ.
We are the church today.
While most of us aren’t busy harvesting crops this fall, we can all pause to rejoice in the gifts of the year now
passing and the moments shared with friends in Christ, old and new. On November 23 we will celebrate
Thanksgiving together in worship. I hope you will be here as we name our blessings together and give thanks to
God. Maybe it all comes down to this: We are. That’s a pretty good reason to praise God and offer thanks.
We also have a chance to express our gratitude by sharing with others. Each Thanksgiving, FFUMC, along
with our interfaith partners, provides Thanksgiving meals for families that received meals through the Summer
Lunch Program. Because so many more children received lunches this year, the number of Thanksgiving meals
has doubled. The Latter Day Saints congregations are providing corn, green beans, potatoes and gravy from their
storehouse. FFUMC is responsible for providing the turkeys, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pies for 40 of the families.
Thanksgiving becomes anticipation with the first Sunday of Advent, November 30. We turn toward the east
and a star and a manger and Emmanuel, and we celebrate even as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. As
part of our journey, Allyson Lawrence will lead an Advent study of the book of Isaiah on Wednesday mornings
and evenings, beginning November 19, then continuing on
December 3, 10, and 17.
Inside This Month’s Connections
Our Church Family
pg. 2
Senior Adults pg. 3
Adults & Youth pg. 4
Calendar of Events pg. 5
Children’s Ministry
pg. 6
Missions & Outreach
pg. 7
The currents of the year converge, and for a little while in
November we are swept between past and future, time and
eternity, thanks and anticipation. And in every moment we
share, we discover anew, again, the Christ who is and was and
is to come.
Fayetteville First United Methodist Church
175 East Lanier Avenue | Fayetteville, GA 30214-1655
p: 770-461-4313 f: 770-719-0125 w: fayettevillefirst.com
our church family
@ Fayetteville First United Methodist Church
page 2
About Our Church Family
In Sympathy:
Dr. Douglas Howell upon the death of his brother, Glenn Howell, on September 23.
Mr. & Mrs. James Walton upon the death of Brenda’s mother, Lillian McCay, on October 11.
Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Hamil upon the death of Michelle’s mother, Sara Gravette, on October 13.
Keep Them In Your Prayers:
Brylee Bostedt
James Brown
Shirley Brown
Betty Cloud
Pauline Copeland
Crawford Family
Mary Dettmering
Bonnie Dixson
Orrie Grainger
Jerry Light
Bonnie McCraw
Hazel Mitchell
Dave Ray
Louise Pearce
Lurlene Perry
Jack Roberts
George Sparrow Jr.
Donna Sullivan
Mildred Swygert
Brenda Tierman
Miriam Tingle
Catherine Walden
Connie Warren
John Warren
Sib Watkins
Betty Wilkinson
Brad Wilkinson
Church Membership: 2058
Giving:
Month-to-Date (as of 10/21/14): $92,263.16
Year-to-Date (as of 10/21/14): $1,091,780.80
2014 Budget: $1,500,143.00
Needed to Meet Budget: $408,362.20
Donations:
The Fellowship/Discipleship Class made donations to the
Operating Budget in honor of Frances Peacock and Louise
Holland.
Amazon Purchases Benefit FFUMC
Your regular purchases through Amazon can benefit FFUMC. Simply go to Amazon’s
donation sign up at smile.amazon.com and designate FFUMC as the recipient for
donations. A percentage of each qualifying purchase will be donated by Amazon to the
church. It’s FREE. It’s EASY. It makes everyone SMILE. Sign on today!
Wednesday Night Fellowship Suppers
Sign up each week or place your name on the permanent reservation list and enjoy
dinner with friends and family. Simply go online, call the church office or return a pew
card. Cost: Adults $6, Children 10 and under $3, Family Max: $20.
Nov. 5:
Choose one: Meat Loaf, Baked Beans, Okra or Chicken Pot Pie, Mashed Sweet Potatoes or BBQ/Buffalo
Tenders, Creamed Potatoes or Chicken Tenders or Grilled Chicken Salad. All with Salad, Bread, Dessert
Nov. 12: Fried Chicken, Rice, Gravy, Broccoli Casserole or Chicken Tenders or Grilled Chicken Salad, Bread,
Dessert
Nov. 19: Turkey, Dressing, Gravy, Sweet Potato Souffle, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce or Chicken Tenders or
Grilled Chicken Salad, Bread, Dessert
Nov. 26: No meal due to Thanksgiving Holiday
senior adults
@ Fayetteville First United Methodist Church
Senior Adult Ministries
S. A.G.E. (Senior Adults Going Everywhere)
Nuncrackers
The nuns from 2012 are back along with Father Virgil and some of Mt. Saint Helen’s most
talented students in this hilarious sequel to the musical hit, Nunsense. The show features all
new songs including “Twelve Days Prior to Christmas,” “Santa Ain’t Comin’ To Our House,”
and “We Three Kings of Orient Are Us,” as well as favorite carols. Come enjoy supper with
friends at the Downtown Grill and then get ready to celebrate the season with this show that
will make you laugh and maybe tug at your heart strings.
Date:
Cost:
Time:
page 3
Tyrone
Friday, November 21, 2014
$20 for tickets, plus dinner
5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Please register online or in the church office no later than Wednesday, November 12.
Upcoming SAGE Trip
The Atlanta Ringers in concert at Spivey Hall: Thursday, December 4
Titus II — “Set an example by doing what is good”—Titus 2:7
November 4: Dental Hygiene for Seniors by Dr. Dave Lee
December 2: Our December program will be a return of the Inman Elementary School Chorus. We are always
blessed by these children and the Christmas music they share. Invite a friend and join us for fellowship, food, and
some Christmas cheer as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the holiday. Contact Martha Turner at 770-461-2802,
by noon on Friday, November 28, for reservations. Cost: $6. If you make a reservation but are unable to attend,
please kindly remember to pay for your meal.
Share Music With Seasoned Singers
Do you like to sing? Do you enjoy good fellowship? Come join us on Tuesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the
choir room (B 225) as we prepare hymns and Christmas music to share with the community. Everyone 55 and over
who likes to make a joyful noise is welcome! Please contact Janie Raines for more information.
Walking Group Supports Scholarship Fund
Come enjoy friends as you walk and talk in a secure, weather-free environment. The Walking Group meets at
1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in the Family Life Center, except the first Tuesday of the month when
they meet at 1:30 p.m. Through $1 donations each walking day, the Walking Club supports a variety of church
projects and missions.
Shawl Ministry Lifts Spirits
This outreach ministry provides knitted or crocheted shawls and lap robes to those in our
church and community who are ill or homebound. The group meets monthly on the third
Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the library of Azalea Estates to fellowship as they work. You
may choose yarn supplied by the ministry or bring your own along with your knitting and
crochet needles. Contact Alicia Yates, 770-460-1870 or [email protected].
page 4
adults & youth
@ Fayetteville First United Methodist Church
Advent Study: Hope Amidst the Chaos
Explore the book of Isaiah in this Advent study as we journey with the people of
Israel from their Babylonian exile back to their homeland. Hear the words of the
prophet encouraging us to have radical trust as we wait and hope in God’s promise.
This study will meet November 19 and December 3, 10, and 17. Two meeting times are available: one at 10 a.m. or
one at 6:15 p.m., both in room C-260. Sign up through CONNECT online or at a kiosk or call the church office by
November 12.
COVENANT Study Update
Our four COVENANT Bible study classes have finished the first session, Creating the Covenant. Congratulations
to those who have completed this first milestone. Our study groups will continue the second session, Living the
Covenant, beginning January 7, 2015. Please continue to be in prayer for all the participants as they connect and
build deeper relationships with God and with one another.
COVENANT Testimonial: This Bible study is so user friendly in its thought-provoking daily reading, comments, and
questions, and the wonderfully informative discussion videos. The beauty of any study is in the sharing of insights with old
friends and new, in realizing that everyone’s input is valuable, and that I have so much to learn from my fellow participants.
And, of course, God speaks to me anew each time I re-read His scripture. I never fail to be aware of how very profound,
and always relevent to modern times, His Word is, and how much I have to learn each time I study! — Beth Jones
Marriage Celebration Event: January 31, 2015
Be sure to save the date for this special event for couples and parents. This informative and
Christ-centered workshop will be held January 31, 2015, at FFUMC. Workshop leaders
include Leigh and Zack Martin and Jack and Lana Snellgrove; a fantastic bluegrass concert
will feature The Wandering Shepherds. Look for details coming soon.
Youth News
Christmas Party in Griffin Coming December 14
Instead of having a Christmas party for our students, we will again provide a Christmas party for children in the
community surrounding the Kyara Dzenis Community Center and Play Park in Griffin. This is also the community where
we participated in Impact this summer. We will need a lot of help to make this a success. Save the date: December 14
from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Fantasy in Lights Event Is December 20
Our annual trip to Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens has become a great tradition for many of our families. We go to
Callaway, get dinner, and spend time exploring their Christmas village and The Night Before Christmas and the Nativity
stories through lights. Then we all get on an open air trolley together to experience more than 8 million lights in 15
scenes that is called by National Geographic one of the top ten places to experience lights in the world! Cost: $22 for
adults, $11 for kids (6-11), and free for 5 and under but they still need a ticket.
Renovatus 2015: Save the Date
This retreat is the only chance each year for our group to get away together without any other groups and focus on God
and each other. We leave the distraction of routine, of media, and even time behind as we get away to be still and know
that God is God. Of course, we have a lot of fun along the way. Save the date for January 16 to 18. Location should be
released soon. Our staff spends months praying and preparing for this retreat, and many of our former students refer
to these retreats as the moments they grew the most in their faith and as part of the group. We want every student and
adult who wants to go to have the opportunity. Cost until December 17 is $130 each ($120 each for multiple family
members). Cost December 18 rises to $150 each ($140 each for multiple family members). Scholarships are available.
Youth event signups are available through CONNECT at kiosks and fayettevillefirst.com or through SignUp Genius.
November @ Fayetteville First UMC
Normal Sunday Schedule
Choir Practice: 7:50 a.m.
Worship in Sanctuary: 8:30 a.m.
Wonders of Worship: 8:30, 11 a.m.
Sunday School: 9:40 a.m.
Worship in Chapel: 9:45 a.m.
Choir Practice: 10:30 a.m.
Worship in Sanctuary: 11 a.m.
November 1- Saturday
Christmas Marketplace: 9 a.m.
Narcotics Anon.: 7 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
November 2 - Sunday
(See Normal Sunday Schedule)
All Saints Day
Commitment Sunday
AA: 3 p.m.
November 3 - Monday
Move 4 Life: 10:30 a.m.
Walking Group: 1p.m.
Move 4 Life: 4 p.m.
Yoga Pilates Fusion: 7:15 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
Al-Anon: 8 p.m.
November 4 - Tuesday
Fayette County Elections: 6 a.m.
Titus II: 12 p.m.
Walking Group: 1 p.m.
Seasoned Singers: 1:30 p.m.
Move 4 Life: 4 p.m.
Zumba: 6 p.m.
Ethel Taylor Circle: 7 p.m.
Narcotics Anon.: 7:30 p.m.
November 5 - Wednesday
(See Normal Wednesday Schedule)
Move 4 Life: 10:30 a.m.
Intercessory Prayer: 12 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
November 6 - Thursday
Walking Group: 1 p.m.
Move 4 Life: 4 p.m.
Yoga: 5:45 p.m.
Marie Lamb Circle: 6:30 p.m.
Narcotics Anon.: 7:30 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
November 7 - Friday
Walking Group: 1 p.m.
AA: 7 p.m.
Normal Wednesday Night Schedule
8th Period: 3:30 p.m.
Children’s Ensemble: 5 p.m.
Wed. Night Dinner: 5 p.m.
1/99 Mid. & HS: 6 p.m.
Children’s Programs: 6 p.m.
Solomon’s Porch: 7 p.m.
Chancel Choir: 7:30 p.m.
November 8 - Saturday
Narcotics Anon.: 7 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
November 15 - Saturday
Narcotics Anon.: 7 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
November 22 - Saturday
Narcotics Anon.: 7 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
November 9 - Sunday
(See Normal Sunday Schedule)
AA: 3 p.m.
November 16 - Sunday
(See Normal Sunday Schedule)
AA: 3 p.m.
November 23 - Sunday
(See Normal Sunday Schedule)
AA: 3 p.m.
November 10 - Monday
Friendship Circle: 9 a.m.
Move 4 Life: 10:30 a.m.
Walking Group:1 p.m.
Move 4 Life: 4 p.m.
Yoga Pilates Fusion: 7:15 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
Al-Anon: 8 p.m.
November 17 - Monday
Move 4 Life: 10:30 a.m.
Walking Group: 1 p.m.
Move 4 Life: 4 p.m.
Yoga Pilates Fusion: 7:15 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
Al-Anon: 8 p.m.
November 24 - Monday
Walking Group: 1 p.m.
Yoga Pilates Fusion: 7:15 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
Al-Anon: 8 p.m.
November 11 - Tuesday
Walking Group: 1 p.m.
Seasoned Singers: 1:30 p.m.
Move 4 Life: 4 p.m.
Zumba: 6 p.m.
Joy Circle: 6 p.m.
Narcotics Anon.: 7:30 p.m.
November 18 - Tuesday
Shawl Ministry: 9:30 a.m.
Walking Group: 1p.m.
Seasoned Singers: 1:30 p.m.
Move 4 Life: 4 p.m.
Zumba: 6 p.m.
Narcotics Anon.: 7:30 p.m.
November 12 - Wednesday
(See Normal Wednesday Schedule)
Move 4 Life: 10:30 a.m.
Intercessory Prayer: 12 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
November 19 - Wednesday
(See Normal Wednesday Schedule)
Promise Circle: 9:30 a.m.
Move 4 Life: 10:30 a.m.
Intercessory Prayer: 12 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
November 13 - Thursday
Walking Group: 1 p.m.
Move 4 Life: 4 p.m.
Yoga: 5:45 p.m.
Bethany Circle: 6:30 p.m.
Square Foot Ministries: 6:30 p.m.
Narcotics Anon.: 7:30 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
November 20 - Thursday
Faith Circle: 10 a.m.
Walking Group: 1 p.m.
Move 4 Life: 4 p.m.
Yoga: 5:45 p.m.
UMW Executive Board: 6:30 p.m.
Narcotics Anon.: 7:30 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
November 14 - Friday
Walking Group: 1 p.m.
AA: 7 p.m.
November 21 - Friday
Walking Group: 1 p.m.
AA: 7 p.m.
November 25 - Tuesday
Walking Group: 1p.m.
Seasoned Singers: 1:30 p.m.
Narcotics Anon.: 7:30 p.m.
November 26 - Wednesday
Thanksgiving: Holiday: No Regular
Programs
Intercessory Prayer: 12 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
November 27 - Thursday
Thanksgiving Day: Office Closed
Narcotics Anon.: 7:30 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
November 28 - Friday
Thanksgiving: Office Closed
AA: 7 p.m.
November 29 - Saturday
Narcotics Anon.: 7 p.m.
AA: 8 p.m.
November 30 - Sunday
(See Normal Sunday Schedule)
First Sunday of Advent
AA: 3 p.m.
children’s ministry
@ Fayetteville First United Methodist Church
page 6
Carson’s Corner
During November, our ministry will be focusing on gratitude — letting others know you see how they’ve helped
you. It’s one thing to say we’re thankful but quite another to show that thankfulness to others. We believe as
Christians we always have something to be grateful for. So this month……have an attitude of gratitude.You don’t
need to feel saditude. Turn that frown upside down with some gladitude. It’s going to be a good month.
“Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank Him because you believe in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In His Love,
Carson Thaxton, Children’s Director, 770-461-4313, [email protected]
Upcoming Children’s Calendar
November 2 : All children’s choirs participate in worship, 9:45 a.m. & 11 a.m.
November 16: Children’s Ensemble presents “Grateful for Who You Are” at Azalea Estates, 3:30 p.m.
December 14: Children’s Christmas Program, 9:45 a.m.
Get to know one of our two four-year-old classes. Kathy Pace is the lead
teacher and Karen Brady is her assistant. Both are members of FFUMC
and are exceptional teachers to our children.
BUZZZZZZ.. what’s that sound?
It’s the sound of Ms. Kathy and
Ms. Karen’s Busy Bees hard at work. September brought us outer space
adventures and lots of Safari fun. October was “spooktacular” as well. We
studied fire safety, toured the “fire bus, ” and discussed making healthy food
choices. Making crafts is fun, but learning our ABC’s is #1......Thank you for
all your support. — Kathy Pace
CONNECT
Giving & Event Registration
Discover a quick and easy way to make a one-time donation, sign up
and pay for a class or an activity, or volunteer for a special project.
Just go through the CONNECT system accessed in any of these
ways: Questions? Call the church office at 770-461-4313.
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Church Kiosk
Online at fayettevillefirst.com
Your smart phone and the QR code on the church bulletin each week
The QR code right here!
missions & outreach
@ Fayetteville First United Methodist Church
page 7
Stop Hunger Now Update
We are delighted to announce that the 30,000 meals from our packaging event in
August were shipped in a container with 285,120 meals and 15 boxes of clothes to
Haiti Outreach Ministries (HOM), a Christian mission supporting the local Haitian
organization MICECC (Mission Communautaire de l’Eglise Chretienne des Cites). HOM
and MICECC work holistically in extremely impoverished areas around the capital of
Port au Prince to provide basic needs, education, medical care and spiritual guidance.
They also operate a medical clinic, a vocational program, and four schools with more
than 1,300 elementary students, 140 high school students, and 80 students in colleges. Teachers report that their
students have gained weight, are overall healthier, and are more attentive after beginning to eat Stop Hunger Now
meals. To learn about HOM visit haitioutreachministries.com.
Holiday Missions
Thanksgiving Boxes
Each Thanksgiving, FFUMC, along with our partners in the Summer Lunch Program, provides
Thanksgiving meals for families that receive lunches. Because so many more children received
lunches this year, the number of Thanksgiving meals is more than double from last year. The
LDS congregations are providing corn, green beans, potatoes, and gravy for all of the families
from their storehouse. FFUMC is responsible for providing the turkey, cranberry sauce,
stuffing, and pie for 40 of the families. If you are interested in helping deliver a meal or providing contents for a box,
please contact Linda Ladd at [email protected].
DFCS Angel Tree
A holiday tradition at FFUMC is to partner with the Department of Family and Child Services to provide foster
children with a very merry Christmas. As an individual, family, or small group, you are invited to adopt one child
or several children, purchase gifts from the provided wish list, and drop them off unwrapped but labeled with the
child’s identification number at the DFCS office at 905 Georgia 85 (just south of Ramah Road). The Angel Tree with
information about the children and more specific instructions will be in the Welcome Center by mid-November.
Thank you for giving of your time and your love this holiday season.
Thank You ...
— For all the food and other items brought for Fayette Samaritans during the month of October.
— For donating 79 pints of blood in October. The next blood drive will be January 18, 2015.
Pray for Our Missionaries
— Craig and Patsy Kent have returned to Southeast Asia leaving all four children
in school in the States for the first time. Please pray for their empty nest, their
growing relationships with friends and coworkers as well as Craig’s work at the
hospital. Email [email protected] for their newsletter.
— Elliott, Katherine, and Cason Stotler serve with the Mission Society to
develop spiritual, educational, and economic empowerment ministries and build
relationships with the people of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Follow their
ministry at www.stotlersinafrica.blogspot.com or email them at stotlersinafrica@
gmail.com.
The Stotlers in South Africa
misc. information
Pastoral & Program Staff
Senior Minister
Rev. Mark Westmoreland
[email protected]
@ Fayetteville First United Methodist Church
FFUMC
175 E. Lanier Ave
Fayetteville, GA 30214
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #20
Associate Minister Emeritus
Rev. Bob Partridge
Return Service Requested
Minister of Discipleship & Evangelism
Rev. Allyson Lawrence
[email protected]
Minister of Missions &
Membership Care
Rev. Carolyn Clifton
[email protected]
Youth Director
Chris Mucha
[email protected]
Children’s Director
Carson Thaxton
[email protected]
Children’s Assistant
Julie Harp
[email protected]
Music Director/ Organist
Rick Massengale
[email protected]
Pianist
Sonia Squires
Children’s Music Coordinator
Communications Director
Joan Aycock
[email protected]
Pre-School/ MMO/ Nursery
Coordinator
25th Annual Christmas Marketplace
Saturday, November 1
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Largest fundraiser of the year for
United Methodist Men and United Methodist Women
Profits benefit local charities
Christmas Marketplace
Drew Greenberg
featuring 80+ unique vendors located throughout the entire church
and offering a large variety of items.
Administrative & Support Staff
offers a hot lunch so you can eat and keep shopping.
[email protected]
Administrative Director
Joyce Mucha
[email protected]
Administrative Assistant
The Grill
Gingerbread House
delights with homemade baked goods including cookies, cakes, pies, breads,
muffins, salty stuff & more.
Timeless Treasures
[email protected]
Kim Copeland
offers gently used items for sale
and one-of-a-kind items in our Unique Boutique.
Administrative Support
Shredding Service
Teresa Hearn
[email protected]
disposes of sensitive documents for a small fee.
Church Hostess
Jane Davis
Custodial Staff
Gabriel Dutra, Derrick Crawford
Visit fayettevillefirst.com for details!