@ Fayetteville First United Methodist Church

FFUMC175 E. Lanier AveFayetteville, GA 30214

to fayetteville fi rst united methodist church

Vol. XVI #6June 2013

Fayetteville First United Methodist Church175 East Lanier Avenue | Fayetteville, GA 30214-1655

p: 770-461-4313 f: 770-719-0125 w: www.fayettevillefi rst.com

Inside This Month’s Connections

Our Church Family pg. 2

Seniors & Youth pg. 3

Announcements pg. 4

Calendar of Events pg. 5

Christian Formation pg. 6

Missions & Outreach pg. 7

Non-Profi t OrganizationU.S. Postage

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Pastoral & Program Staff

Senior Minister

Rev. Mark Westmoreland MWestmoreland@fayettevillefi rst.com

Associate Ministers Emeritus

Rev. Lowell Hale and Rev. Bob Partridge

Minister of Christian Formation

Rev. Kristin Heiden KHeiden@fayettevillefi rst.com

Minister of Missions &

Membership Care

Rev. Carolyn CliftonCClifton@fayettevillefi rst.com

Youth Director

Chris MuchaCMucha@fayettevillefi rst.com

Youth & Children’s Assistant

Carson ThaxtonCThaxton@fayettevillefi rst.com

Director of Evangelism Julie Harp

JHarp@fayettevillefi rst.com

Music Director/ Organist

Rick MassengaleRMassengale@fayettevillefi rst.com

Pianist

Sonia Squires

Children’s Music Coordinator

Communications Director

Joan AycockJAycock@fayettevillefi rst.com

Pre-School/ MMO/ Nursery

Coordinator

Drew GreenbergDGreenberg@fayettevillefi rst.com

Administrative & Support Staff

Administrative Director

Joyce Mucha JMucha@fayettevillefi rst.com

Administrative Assistant

Connie RobertsonCRobertson@fayettevillefi rst.com

Administrative Support

Teresa HearnTHearn@fayettevillefi rst.com

Church Hostess

Jane Davis

Custodial Staff

Gabriel Dutra, Derrick Crawford

According to my very thorough two minutes of Google research, it takes the earth approximately 365.25636042 days to revolve around the sun. Now, bringing that fi gure to some equally careful mathematical computation, I see that Fayetteville First UMC and I are about to complete our eighth revolution together. What a long, strange trip it’s been, and it’s not over yet. Revolution Number Nine is about to commence.

I’ll readily admit that my time with you hasn’t proven exactly, well, revolutionary. Could I have done more? I have no doubt. Could another pastor have led you farther and accomplished greater things? Almost certainly. But the bishop didn’t send another person. So here we are, wrapping up eight, about to begin nine, with me giving thanks for what has been, and intrigued by what might yet be in God’s grace.

I found myself thinking about the weight of eight years on Sunday, May 19, as we confi rmed 15 sixth graders and celebrated the high school graduation of another 15. I was here when those high schoolers were confi rmed and when those confi rmands were still toddling, and while that might seem to you an obvious and less-than-exciting statement, it is for me cause for praise and awe. We pastors come and go, but while we’re around, we are allowed the holy gift of sharing people’s lives. Revolutionary? No. But strangely, wondrously miraculous.

I don’t take our shared trips around the sun lightly. Every day is a blessing, and every moment I stand before the congregation—whether for worship, wedding, funeral, or yet another meeting—is a privilege that I know I am allowed only by virtue of my ordination and your trust.

By now I have probably tried that trust to its limits a couple of times. I have probably disappointed pretty much every one of you at least once. Simple observation over the course of eight laps around the sun has proven beyond doubt that the one who faces the pews is at least as human as those occupying them (and, yes, vice versa). And yet, strangely, that, too, is cause for praise. If not for the grace of God and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, neither of us could take our place in the body of Christ. But God’s grace is real; the Holy Spirit calls us together; and together we become the church.

And so we will be the church together for another year.

Fortunately, our failure to attain perfection in eight has left some room for growth in nine. My prayer is that we will ask our questions with courage and seek Christ’s answers with care, that we will accept one another and the next soul that comes our way as Christ has accepted us, that we will step beyond ourselves with faith and

Revolution Number 9Mark Westmoreland

courage, that we will touch lives with compassion and hold each other close in God’s love.

In other words, my prayer is that we will be the church together for another year. Who knows what miracles revolution number nine might bring?

Vacation Bible School: June 24-28VBS 2013: Kingdom Rock is June 24-28 from 9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Children ages 3 (as of 1/1/2013) through 5th grade will enter the epic adventure that empowers kids to stand strong. Cost of VBS is now $10 per child (includes a t-shirt and music CD).

VBS Volunteers Needed: We need your help for an amazing week! Sign up today to serve in the classrooms or in a station: Music, Games, Snacks, Story-telling or Missions. Youth and adults may use the same volunteer form.

VBS Praise Team: Learn the VBS music early and help lead VBS group sessions through the VBS Praise Team. Practice is June 3, 6, 17 and 20 from 11 a.m. to noon in C-280.

Registration and volunteer forms are available on the website, the Welcome Center and church kiosks. Questions? Contact Kristin Heiden at kheiden@fayettevillefi rst.com.

Summer Music Camp: July 8-12Rising kindergarteners through rising sixth graders will learn about faith heroes through music and drama. Camp is from 9 a.m. to noon July 8-12. Cost: $50 ($60 after June 15). Scholarships are available. Contact Joan Aycock at the church offi ce or jaycock@fayettevillefi rst.com.

@ Fayetteville First United Methodist Church@ Fayetteville First United Methodist Church

Missions & Outreach

Help Feed Children & Youth in Summer Lunch Program Cookie bakers, sandwich makers, lunch packers and drivers are needed each Tuesday from June 4 to August 6 as we prepare lunches for 400 Fayette County children and youth who receive free or reduced lunches during the school year. Each lunch consists of a sandwich, fruit, chips, two cookies and a drink. This is an opportunity for FFUMC to partner with other faith ministries to serve our community. Contact Linda Ladd at 770-460-7142 or lladd941@comcast.net.

Give to the 2013 Annual Conference Special OfferingBishop Mike Watson has selected Bridges to Mission as the Annual Conference Special Offering. Bridges is an effort of the North Georgia Conference to organize churches and institutions in North Georgia and other conferences to make a difference around the world. Currently there are six Bridges: El Salvador, the Bahamas, Russia, the Philippines, Kenya and Portugal. Each Bridge seeks to achieve personal and community transformation by developing the ministries of the local church and implementing sustainable projects. This special offering will provide leadership training for our clergy and laity mission partners. Your support will strengthen the ministry of the church around the world. Simply write your check to FFUMC with “Bridges” in the memo. A representative from our church will present our gift at Annual Conference in Athens in June.

Many Thanks . . . — To those who gave to the Wesley Woods Mother’s Day offering. You gave $832 to support this ministry for senior adult care.— To those who helped clean the transition house and stock the pantry in preparation for the new family. They are excited to be in their new home.— To those who cooked and served the meal and worshiped with the clients of SafeHouse. Mark your calendars for our next day of ministry with SafeHouse on August 29. Pray for Our MissionariesDr. June Hanks, The Kents & The Stotlers

In Memoriam: Mary A. BrownMay 6, 2013

In Sympathy:Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Wilkerson & family and Becky McQueen & family upon the death of Chuck and Becky’s mother, Mary Wilkerson, on April 11. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Segars upon the death of Martha’s brother, James Castleman, on April 24, and upon the death of Richard’s sister, Gloria Goddard, on April 23. Mr. & Mrs. Don Germano upon the death of Sara Mac’s brother, Charlie Smith, on April 25.Mr. & Mrs. Fletcher Sams upon the death of Dana’s father, Daniel Dougherty, Jr., on April 25.Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Jones & family upon the death of Tanya’s grandmother, Rosemary Renner, on May 4.Mrs. Margie Smith upon the death of her son, Darren James Smith, on May 11.

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New Members:Carl & Meredith Martin, 542 Brooks Woosley Road, Fayetteville, GA 30215. Carl transfers his membership from First Baptist of LaFayette in LaFayette, GA. Meredith transfers her membership from Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church in Marietta, GA. We welcome them along with their sons, James & David.

Carol Boronkas, 1059 Chapel Hill Road, Williamson GA 30292. We welcome Carol by transfer of membership from Williamson UMC.

About Our Church Family

Keep Them In Your Prayers:

Kathe AndersonMillie ArnoldRhett BlytheBrylee BostedtAlice BraleyRon BraleyJames Brown

Johnny BrownShirley BrownBetty CloudRay ColeMary DettmeringBonnie DixsonMildred Finnell

Connie GougeCatherine HardwickGloria HouseholderJune KyzerVera LangstonJeannette LeeBen Meyer

Hazel MitchellLurlene PerryJohn SingletaryRobert StephensonBrenda TiermanMiriam TinglePhyllis Towell

Kay WaltersConnie WarrenJohn WarrenSib WatkinsBetty WilkinsonBrad Wilkinson

Notes of Thanks:We thank all our church family for your kind expressions of love and sympathy upon the death of our dear mother and grandmother, Frances Cown. — Ken & Roselyn Roberts & family

I just wanted you to know that all your prayers, visits, calls and meals were very much appreciated. Thank you so much for caring. — James Watkins

Thank you for cards and prayers during our mother’s illness and for the donation to the food pantry made in her name. — Becky McQueen, Chuck & Sheila Wilkerson

Church Membership: 2042

Giving:

Month to Date (as of 5/19/13): $83,928.69

Year to Date (as of 5/19/13): $529,936.68

2013 Budget: $1,526,668

Help Our Church Grow Through Electronic GivingConsider scheduling a recurring contribution today. It’s easy. You will no longer need to write checks and prepare envelopes every week. Even when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, your electronic contributions will continue to be received on an uninterrupted basis. This can be done through the church website at fayettevillefi rst.com.

Congratulations to Our 2013 Confi rmation Class! These fi fteen students began their confi rmation journey on January 6. Each week they met with their leaders David Deason, Lynn Deason & Julie Palin. The confi rmation curriculum, Credo, offered the students lessons on understanding the Christian story, learning the core beliefs and practices of United Methodist Christians and exploring the vows taken as a professing member of The United Methodist Church. Along with Sunday morning lessons, the class enjoyed a weekend retreat at Epworth By The Sea. Confi rmands were supported along the way not only by their families but also by adult church members who volunteered to serve as confi rmation mentors. On May 19 the confi rmands stood before their church family, professed their faith and were received into The United Methodist Church. We welcome Josh Adams, Anna Agi, Christian Captino, Chris Carley, Quinn Clark, Kate Flanagan, Scott Halbert, Bryant Hamilton, Madison Helmbold, Morgan Helmbold, Sarah Higgins, Ansley Moore, Hannah Ohlmeier, Gabe Richmond and Sydney Sims as some of the newest professing members of Fayetteville First UMC.

Sunday School Spotlight: Cornerstone ClassWe are a class that truly refl ects the diversity of our congregation: young parents to great grandparents, singles and married couples. What we hold in common is the love of the Lord and each other. Our curriculum includes books on parts of scripture as well as topical studies. Each Sunday, we begin with prayer requests and a psalm followed by the lesson and business as needed. Quarterly we have social functions as well as opportunities for service. Cornerstone provides an Advent devotional, which

helps us in our yearly party for Fayette County Foster Families. We like to say that we “learn, laugh, love and live as Christ.” We hope to meet you in room C-260 any Sunday.

S. A.G.E. (Senior Adults Going Everywhere)The Blue Willow InnCome feast on a variety of Southern salads, meats, vegetables, bread and desserts at The Blue Willow Inn. We’ll take time to visit the gift shop and explore Main Street.

Date: Thursday, June 6, 2013Cost: $23 all inclusive (except any shopping you’ll do!)Time: Depart at 10 a.m. and return about 4 p.m.Register and pay in the church offi ce by Monday, June 3.

Upcoming SAGE Trip: Take a visit to the Wren’s Nest, home of Joel Chandler Harris, author of the Uncle Remus tales, on Tuesday, July 16.

Summer SchedulesWalking Group: Come walk and talk in a secure, cool environment at 1 p.m. every weekday except Wednesdays in the Family Life Center. A $1 donation each walking day helps support a variety of church projects and missions.Titus II: No meetings held in the summer. The next lunch is in September.Seasoned Singers: Our senior musical group, the Seasoned Singers, will not meet in the summer.

@ Fayetteville First United Methodist Church@ Fayetteville First United Methodist Church

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Kristin’s Kids KornerMany schools and libraries provide summer reading lists for children and youth. Let me add some of my favorite books to those lists for you and your children to enjoy now and throughout the year.

For Children“God’s Dream” by Desmond Tutu – Written by Nobel Peace Prize winner and Archbishop of South Africa, the book reminds readers of all ages that God dreams for us to act like God’s children no matter how different we may be.“Noah’s Wife, the Story of Naamah” by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso – One of my favorites! In it, the author imagines what Noah’s wife may have done in preparation for the journey on the ark.“Adam and Eve’s First Sunset” by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso – This story imagines what Adam and Eve may have experienced the fi rst time the sun set and night came. It is a great book to engage children in using their own imaginations and may be helpful for those children who are afraid of the dark.“The Pigeon Finds a Hotdog” by Mo Willems – Although it has more pictures than words, this is a good story about learning to share. It is great for younger children especially; the little duckling will surely get them laughing.

For Adults“Sabbath in the Suburbs” by MaryAnn McKibben Dana – I recently fi nished this great book by a pastor whose family attempted to truly honor the Sabbath one day a week for a year. With two working parents and three young children, it was not an easy task, but throughout it all, Dana and her family learned what value there was in resting together on the Sabbath. Complete with tips and tricks for all busy families, this book is a great read!“Growing Grateful Kids” by Susie Larson – Using stories from her own family, Larson leads her readers on a journey to understanding true gratitude through a relationship with Christ that can then be passed on to one’s children.“Parenting by the Book” by John Rosemond – This family psychologist and bestselling author uses biblical wisdom to “bring parents back to the uncomplicated basics.” Get a head start on our upcoming parenting classes!

Wonders of WorshipPlease remember that Wonders of Worship will not meet in June and July. Children’s bulletins and crayons are available at each entrance to the sanctuary.

Make the Summer Sunday School Switch on June 2On Sunday, June 2, we will begin our summer Sunday School schedule. Preschoolers will meet as they do throughout the year; however, we do need parent volunteers to help with teaching responsibilities. A sign up sheet is posted outside the room. Kindergarten and fi rst grade will meet in room C-120. A special mission-focused Sunday School event will be held for children in grades 2 to 5 in room C-280. Each week, we will focus on a different mission project within the church as special guests share their experiences and allow the children to get involved. From the Summer Lunch Program to Fayette Samaritans to SafeHouse Outreach and our own Sunshine Ministry, the children will get a great exposure to the ways they can be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.

Senior Adult Ministries

Youth News

Proud of Our Graduates!Thank you to everyone for supporting the FFUMC graduates with a great celebration.

Since sixth grade, the class of 2013 collectively has spent 5,500+ hours in worship2,200 hours in spiritual formation programs 2,500 hours in service to others1,200 hours in small groups5,000+ hours in fellowship programs.

We had honor graduates, musicians, athletes, engineers, thespians, teachers, a drum major, a homecoming queen and more. This class has had a huge impact on our church and community, and if you listened to them as they shared their hearts at the graduation luncheon, this church has had a huge impact on them as well. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to use these outstanding students.

Youth: Volunteer for VBSOur students always come through in big ways to serve in VBS. This year VBS will be June 24-28. Youth will help in the mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and enjoy fun activities each afternoon. Please give a volunteer form to Pastor Kristin by June 14 so that placements can be made. Forms are online and in the church kiosks.

Youth Summer ScheduleJune 5-9 River of Life (Mission trip in Nashville)June 12-16 Atlanta Fest (Huge music festival and camping trip at Stone Mountain)June 19 Encounter (Youth worship night facilitated by FAYMA, the group that puts on Disciple Now)June 24-28 VBS (Students volunteer in the mornings and have fun youth activities in the afternoons)July 17 Encounter

@ Fayetteville First United Methodist Church

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June 1 - SaturdayAA: 8 p.m.

June 2 - Sunday(See Normal Sunday Schedule)AA: 3 p.m.

June 3 - MondayString Summer Camp: 9 a.m.Body Recall: 10:30 a.m.VBS Praise Team: 11 a.m.Walking Group: 1 p.m.Body Recall: 4 p.m.AA: 8 p.m.ALANON: 8 p.m.

June 4 - TuesdayString Summer Camp: 9 a.m.Summer Lunch Program: 9 a.m.Walking Group: 1p.m.Body Recall: 4 p.m.

June 5 - WednesdayImpact: 7 a.m.String Summer Camp: 9 a.m.Body Recall: 10:30 a.m.Intercessory Prayer: 12 p.m.Yoga: 6 p.m.AA: 8 p.m.

June 6 - ThursdayImpact: 7 a.m.String Summer Camp: 9 a.m.VBS Praise Team: 11 a.m.Walking Group:1 p.m.District/Ordained Ministry: 2 p.m.Body Recall: 4 p.m.AA: 8 p.m.

June 7 - FridayImpact: 7 a.m.String Summer Camp: 9 a.m.Body Recall: 10:30 a.m.Walking Group: 1 p.m.AA: 7 p.m.

June 8 - SaturdayUMM Breakfast: 8 a.m.AA: 8 p.m.

June 9 - Sunday(See Normal Sunday Schedule)Stephen Ministry Supervision Meeting: 12:15AA: 3 p.m.

June 10 - MondayPiYo: 9 a.m.Body Recall: 10:30 a.m.Walking Group: 1 p.m.Body Recall: 4 p.m.Bethany Circle: 6:30 p.m.PiYo: 7 p.m.AA: 8 p.m.ALANON: 8 p.m.

June 11 - TuesdaySummer Lunch Program: 9 a.m.Walking Group: 1 p.m.

June 12 - WednesdayIntercessory Prayer: 12 p.m.Yoga: 6 p.m.Chancel Choir Practice: 7:30 p.m.AA: 8 p.m

June 13 - ThursdayWalking Group:1 p.m.Square Foot Ministries: 6:30 p.m.AA: 8 p.m.

June 14 - FridayWalking Group: 1 p.m.AA: 7 p.m.

June 15 - SaturdayAA: 8 p.m.

June 16 - Sunday(See Normal Sunday Schedule)AA: 3 p.m.

June 17 - MondayPiYo: 9 a.m.VBS Praise Team: 11 a.m.Walking Group: 1p.m.Sunshine VBS: 5:30 p.m.PiYo: 7 p.m.AA: 8 p.m.Alanon: 8 p.m.

June 18 - TuesdaySummer Lunch Program: 9 a.m.Walking Group: 1 p.m.Sunshine VBS: 5:30 p.m.Zumba: 6 p.m.

June 19 - WednesdayIntercessory Prayer: 12 p.m.Sunshine VBS: 5:30 p.m.Yoga: 6 p.m.Chancel Choir Practice: 7:30 p.m.AA: 8 p.m.

June 20 - ThursdayVBS Praise Team: 11 a.m.Walking Group: 1 p.m.Sunshine VBS: 5:30 p.m.AA: 8 p.m.

June 21 - FridayWalking Group: 1 p.m.Sunshine VBS: 5:30 p.m.AA: 7 p.m.

June 22 - SaturdayAA: 8 p.m.

June 23 - Sunday(See Normal Sunday Schedule)AA: 3 p.m.

June 24 - MondayVBS: 9 a.m.Walking Group:1 p.m.PiYo: 7 p.m.AA: 8 p.m.ALANON: 8 p.m.

June 25 - TuesdayVBS: 9 a.m.Summer Lunch Program: 9 a.m.Walking Group: 1:30 p.m.Zumba: 6 p.m.

June 26 - WednesdayVBS: 9 a.m.Intercessory Prayer: 12 p.m.Yoga: 6 p.m.Chancel Choir Practice: 7:30 p.m.AA: 8 p.m.

June 27 - ThursdayVBS: 9 a.m.Walking Group: 1 p.m.AA: 8 p.m.

June 28 - FridayVBS: 9 a.m.Walking Group: 1 p.m.AA: 7 p.m.

June 29 - SaturdayAA: 8 p.m.

June 30 - Sunday(See Normal Sunday Schedule)AA: 3 p.m.

June @ Fayetteville First UMC

Normal Sunday ScheduleChoir Practice: 7:50 a.m.

Worship in Sanctuary: 8:30 a.m.Sunday School: 9:40 a.m.

Worship in Chapel: 9:45 a.m.Orchestra Practice: 10 a.m.Choir Practice: 10:15 a.m.

Worship in Sanctuary: 11 a.m.

Fitness Class Schedules are modifi ed for June:Monday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 4 - No classesMonday, June 10 - Both PiYo classes as scheduledTuesday, June 11 - No ZumbaMonday, June 17 - Both PiYo classes as scheduledTuesday, June 18 - Zumba as scheduledMonday, June 24 - No morning PiYo (VBS)Tuesday, June 25 - Zumba as scheduled

Try a New Class in JulyTry something new! The class will be 30 minutes of kickboxing and 30 minutes of weight training. Participants will need to bring their own weights or use the exercise bands provided. Class will meet on

Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. in the gym. This will be a trial to see if we can offer it on a regular basis.

Body Recall Summer ScheduleBody Recall classes will change for the summer session. From July 8 through mid September, classes will be held two days a week instead of the usual three days per week. Morning sessions will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and afternoon sessions will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. Cost is $2 per class and participants can attend any or all of the classes each week.

FFUMC Preschool Ends Year With Learning and FunThe FFUMC Preschool ended the year with a fantastic few weeks and special events. They enjoyed special days with their moms and dads, raised money for St. Jude’s Hospital, tumbled with Gym South Gymnastics and showed off their new skills and learning. April: Doughnuts for Dads, Transportation Day and Trike-a-Thon May: Muffi ns for Mom, All About Rainbows (end-of year program) and Field Day

Preschool summer offi ce hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Worship at Azalea EstatesFFUMC will lead worship at Azalea Estates on Sunday, June 30 at 10 a.m. If you would like to help by greeting worshipers or singing, arrive15 minutes before worship. Rev. Carolyn Clifton will bring the message and Tom Robinson will serve as our pianist.

FFUMC Women’s Retreat, September 13-14Join the women of Fayetteville First UMC for an overnight retreat September 13-14 at the Calvin Retreat Center. Kim Reindl will be our speaker as we grow our faith, relationships, smiles and hearts. All are invited for this time of rest and renewal. Registration forms are available on the website. Cost of the retreat is $100, which includes lodging and meals for Friday night through Saturday afternoon. Contact Susan Burch (showburch@bellsouth.net) or Janet Baileys (janet7700@att.net) with any questions.

Fitness Schedules Change for the Summer

Make a Joyful Noise This SummerSummer is a great time to sing in the choir. Early choir rehearses at 7:50 a.m. each Sunday. The Chancel Choir meets Wednesdays on June 12, 19 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and then on Sunday mornings only during July at 10:15 a.m. in the choir room.