175 East Lanier AvenueFayetteville, GA 30214770-461-4313 fayettevillefirst.com

August 2018

August 12Promotion SundayConfirmation Kickoff3rd Grade Bible Dedication

August 15Church-Wide CookoutffumcKIDS KickoffYouth 8th Period/Worship

August 19Rise Against Hunger Event

Fayetteville First UMC is situated just steps from the center of our town, which is in fact the center of the whole county. For more than 150 years, this congregation has been making disciples, growing in faith, and investing in community. The warmth and support of the people here cannot be ignored. But what if we could do even more?

This church is YOUR church on the square, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus. As United Methodists, our mission is to make disciples for the transformation of the world. That’s why we are Fayetteville’s biggest cheerleader! We are FOR the people of Fayetteville because God is FOR them too.

We want to do even more, which is why we are introducing the FOR Fayetteville campaign. FOR Fayetteville is not a building project or a service opportunity or

a Bible study. It is a church-wide step of faith spanning all areas of ministry intended to encourage and empower individuals to share the love of God with everyday people taking love outside the walls of the church where we can be known as the church FOR Fayetteville.

How can you can get involved?* Purchase a t-shirt or other swag to serve as your “cheer uniforms” and help promote our town* Nominate a local individual, business, or groups that we can support on our Facebook page* Reach out to one person who is unaffiliated with FFUMC: buy him or her coffee or give a generous tip* Pass out popcorn at town square festivals

Learn more on our new website and stay tuned for more information on FOR Fayetteville!

>> connections FOR Fayetteville Movement

Billy ArnoldCarolyn BroadyMargaret GraingerOrrie GraingerRebecca Greenberg

Martha HaleJoe HyderRichard LoweThomasina MillerEverett Morrow

Lurlene PerryMargaret PettisMary PiersonJoyce RamseyBrenda Tierman

Brad WilkinsonDuncan Williamson

In Our Prayers:

Our Church FamilyCaring for each other and our community

In Memoriam:Olin T. Eady, May 25 Grace Arnold, May 27

Our Christian prayers and sympathy are with the family of Olin T. Eady upon his death on May 25.the family of Grace Arnold upon her death on May 27.John and Paula Littleton and family upon the death of Paula’s mother, Annette Bishop, on June 1.Jerry and Alicia Yates upon the death of Jerry’s mother, Ruby Bright Yates, on June 20.

Notes of ThanksThank you for cards, calls and prayers at the passing of my brother, Glen Blackston. — Donna KrillaThank you all for the prayers, cards, flowers and visits to the hospital and rehab. I love my church family and am grateful to be part of it. — Dorothy Swanson

About the flower ministry: The beautiful flowers were such a nice and thoughtful surprise. Thank you to each of you involved. Your thoughtfulness means a great deal. — Jerry and Alicia YatesAlthough it was pouring rain, you arrived at our door under umbrella holding a large vase of a beautiful arrangement of flowers. What a wonderful, thoughtful deed! —Mabel Wilbanks and Beverly Redd

Church Membership: 1799 Giving (as of July 24) Year to Date receipts:

$828,355.05Year to Date expenses:

$861,287.96

Ministry and Missions UpdateThe Mother’s Day fundraiser by Bethany Circle in May raised $900 for Bloom and $900 for Promise Place. Thank you for your support.

Amazon Smile donations raised more than $200 for FFUMC last year from Amazon shoppers choosing FFUMC as the designated charity. It costs you nothing while Amazon donates. Sign up at smile.amazon.com with your Amazon account or call the church office for instructions. It’s easy.

So far Dinners on the Square have raised more than $100 each evening for FFUMC this summer. We’ll have the total soon. Thanks for your support of our local businesses and for their support of FFUMC.

FFUMC received a Certificate of Recognition from the American Red Cross Premier Blood Partner Program for donating 372 units of blood in 2017. We received 79 units at our July blood drive. Thank you for donating.

Volunteers in the Summer Lunch Program provided lunch for 92 families and 284 children each week during June and July. You were an example of what the Spirit of God can look like here on earth. We appreciate the leadership of Valerie Mallon, pictured, and all our volunteers who baked, packed, and delivered. Thank you.

We are blessed with nice vehicles to get us out to serve and connect with each other. But those buses don’t drive themselves, not yet at least. We are thankful for our drivers! Wayne Harris and Jamie McKinley are our CDL licenced drivers who, along with driver Bill Webb, take us to events, drive our seniors to sing, serve and fellowship and pick up our youth on Wednesdays for 8th period.

We asked Jamie McKinley some questions about his time behind the wheel. His answers are uplifting.

Why do you drive? First, I drive because I can. I earned my CDL way back in 1977 with UPS and I have always kept my qualifications current. Second, it is a unique way to serve that very, very few people are willing to do. Third, the children and seniors I serve truly and sincerely appreciate what I do.

What is your greatest joy in driving the youth? I genuinely love to hear their chatter and laughter (and noise) as I drive along. It is the greatest music in the world.

How is it different from driving the seniors? The kids are faster and louder.

What makes you say, “This is why I do this every week”? 1) The youth never get out of control because of Madison Hasty. She’s my “enforcer” and

always has my back if the kids try to get a little too crazy. 2) I always know what I do is appreciated by the youth. Many of them actually thank me as they exit the bus each week. 3) A kid’s laughter is the best medicine for any problem. I get to listen to a bus-load of laughter every week. There’s nothing better.

Are you inspired to be blessed like Jamie, Wayne, and Bill and serve in this unique way? Contact the church office for details on how you can be trained and serve on the FFUMC Bus Driver Team to get our children, youth and adults out and about. We need you, but more importantly, maybe you need them.

FFUMC ReAChes OUt tO seRveBus Drivers Extraordinaire

Jamie McKinley drives our youth and seniors as they connect to our community and with each other.

tAkinG it GlObAlRise Against Hunger Packing Event: August 19Pre-event lunch: noon Packing event: 1-3 p.m.

Come be part of a global effort to rise against hunger. We will prepare 30,000 highly nutritious meals for use in crisis areas or school feeding programs around the world at the Rise Against Hunger Packing Event in the FFUMC gym from 1 to 3 p.m. on August 19.

This is an important mission, but it’s also FUN! The Rise Against Hunger operation becomes an exciting mix of production, competition and cooperation in a carnival-like atmosphere. It’s a great chance to connect with others. Invite a friend, enjoy your church family and work together for a good cause.

Please sign up for the pre-event lunch at fayettevillefirst.com by August 12.

Financial Peace UniversitySundays 4:30 to 6 p.m. beginning August 19

Wanting to stretch your dollars a little farther each month? Want to learn some techniques for spending, saving, and giving? Begin a

9-week journey toward taking control of your money and join facilitators Bobby and Laurie Brooks for Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey. Cost: $100 (financial assistance is available) Room C270

GriefshareMondays 10 to 11:30 a.m. beginning August 13

GriefShare is a program where caring individuals walk with others through the journey of grief. Facilitated by Carol and Bill Webb, classes meet

Mondays starting August 13 for a 13-week session from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Room B355. Follow the GriefShare link at griefshare.org for session topics and descriptions. For more information, contact the Webbs, 404-234-1056 or carolbass@bellsouth.net.

American sign languageWednesdays 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. begins August 15

Learning American Sign Language is so much more than just learning a new skill or another language. To come to know and understand manual communication gives you new insights into what it means to communicate thoughts and not only words; it opens new ways of thinking and using your mind, and it exposes you to a silent culture that mingles within your own.

This class focuses on beginners initially, and then moves quickly into basic communication skills, while giving the students a flavor of deaf culture. Class is challenging but fun! It targets adults, but well behaved children ages 6 and up are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Questions? Contact Janice Davis at janicedav13@gmail.com. Room C220

Disciple Fast trackA Bible Study for Busy LivesWednesdays 6 to 7:30 p.m. beginning August 15

Disciple Fast Track is a great option for busy people who want to engage more deeply with the entire Biblical text. Spend 12 weeks studying the Old Testament this fall beginning with an orientation class on August

15 and the first class session on August 22. You can continue your study with the New Testament beginning in early 2019.

Class is led by Kathie Hansen at 6 p.m. each Wednesday evening through November 14 in Room C250. The cost of materials is $15 if purchased through the church.

Creative encouragementWednesdays 6:15 p.m. Starts September 5

Join with Carol Boronkas and learn to craft encouraging cards for others the first Wednesday of each month beginning September 5 at 6:15 p.m. You’ll learn how to use simple tools and paper to make greeting cards that will cheer a heart and lift a soul.

love and logicWednesdays 6 to 7:30 p.m. Starts September 26

Study parenting as Sandra Watson guides parents of young children through the Love and Logic approach on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. from September 26 to October 24.

the life You’ve Always WantedStudy with Rev. John Barnes begins September 26

table GroupsSee back cover for information.

Find out more about groups and classes and sign up at fayetteville first.com.

COnneCtinG At FAYetteville FiRstLearning and Growing in Small Groups

Sunday MorningsIt is time to dive back into our school year fun! This fall we will continue using Deep Blue for our Sunday School curriculum with a focus on a new program called At Home with God. This guides children to be followers of Jesus in our families through Bible stories and opportunities to serve as disciples in the classroom, the local community, and the world.

Wonders of Worship This ministry for families during the 11 a.m. Sunday Worship service is

designed for our youngest and wiggliest worshippers.

This is a ministry for them, but it is also a ministry for young

parents so they can worship wiggle-free :) The activities are simple, fun, and engaging for everyone involved.

Wednesday Nights Wednesday Night L.i.F.E. from 6 to 7:30 p.m. is a blast for kids from PreK4 - 5th Grade. Using Draw Near BiG Curriculum, we will

focus on 9 lessons to help us draw near to Jesus through Prayer, Position, and Praise. Throughout the semester we will also be incorporating mission projects and family gatherings to fellowship and grow together in Christ.

Serving in Children’s MinistryWe always need ffumcKiDS Shepherds! These are volunteers who help guide our Wednesday Night

programming, lead Sunday School classes, or assist during Wonders of Worship or Parents Night Out. If you are interested, please contact us. We would love to talk with you about ministry opportunities. Promotion Sunday is August 12Everyone will move up to their next grade. Bibles will be presented to our rising third graders that day during the 11 a.m. worship service. Wednesday Night Kickoff August 15 We kick off the new season on Wednesday, August 15 with a church-wide cookout followed by outdoor festivities together. We are SO ready for this.

Creative Faith Fellowship Returns August 24Come to a group especially designed for ffumcPreschool and ffumcKiDS/Youth parents. Nursery available! Join in Friday mornings at 10 a.m. in Room C200 beginning August 24.

It’s going to be an incredible year together as a church family. We can’t wait to see what God will do in and through us as a congregation, as leaders, parents, and followers of Jesus. Our prayer is that our ministries would be a genuine reflection of His way in our world. We look forward to growing in Christ’s love together.

Carson Thaxton & Allie Hansen

ChilDRen AnD FAMilY MinistRYA New Season at FFUMC I Carson Thaxton & Allie Hansen

Preschool Starts New Year August 13It’s that time of year again! Backpacks are being bought, lunch boxes are being picked out and supplies are being gathered. This holds true for the youngest of students too. Preschool will start back Monday, August 13. Please take a moment to pray for our preschool families, our students and our preschool staff. We will be starting in full swing, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see what this school year holds for us.

— Drew Greenberg, FFUMC Preschool Director

YOUth MinistRYGrowing in 2018 I Kena Newkirk

Youth ScheduleAugust 3-4 - La Grange District Lock-In

Cost $35, 8 p.m. - 8 a.m. *August 8 - Sixth Grade Orientation

FFUMC, 6 - 8 p.m.August 12 - Confirmation Kick-Off & Promotion Sunday

9:45 a.m. - 12 p.m. *August 15 - Wednesday Cookout & Kickoff

Register for FREE t-shirt & 8th period bus pickup *

August 29 - Youth Open House 6 p.m. - All parents encouraged to attend (Fellowship Hall)

September 16 - Braves vs Nationals

12-6 p.m., Cost $10 + Lunch *

*Register Online*

Meet our “new” Youth Ministry CoordinatorJordan Hart has been working with our Youth Ministry for three years. This summer he officially joined our staff to work with our young people. Here’s what Jordan has to say about himself.

“Hi! My name is Jordan Hart. I am 26 years old, and I was born in Falls Church, Virginia, but was raised in Paulding County, Georgia. If you don’t know about Paulding, think of the most country place you can, and add the hustle and bustle of big name stores. My first love in life was baseball, and to this day if I could do anything it would be to play in the majors. My second love was a completely rusted 1972 VW Beetle that a buddy and I winched out of someone’s woods, and I am still a European car fanatic to this day. I am a big adrenaline junkie, and I am always up for a big rush. I hope one day to travel to all of my dream destinations.....there are A LOT. Also, I love the outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping, being on the lake, hiking, anything that gets me up and out of the house.”

New This Fall

As iron sharpens

iron, so one person

sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

The first building owned by Methodists was an old foundry building which they used for worship and small group meetings. This fall, our Wednesday program will be making an old tradition new again. We welcome you all to The Foundry, a place in which we are refined as disciples of Jesus. Embracing the virtues of acceptance, trust, dedication, and honesty, each student will be forged into a new creation and find a place to call home.

Regular sunday scheduleChoir Practice: 8 a.m.Worship in Sanctuary: 8:30 a.m.Sunday Small Groups: 9:45 a.m.Worship in Chapel: 9:45 a.m.Choir Practice: 10:30 a.m.*Worship in Sanctuary: 11 a.m.Kids Wonders of Worship: 11:30 a.m.AA: 3 p.m.Financial Peace: 4:30 p.m.**

Regular Monday schedule GriefShare: 10 a.m.*Move 4 Life: 10:30 a.m.AA: 7 p.m.

Regular tuesday scheduleCreative Sharing Group: 9:30 a.m.Narcotics Anon.: 7:30 p.m.

Regular Wednesday scheduleMove 4 Life: 10:30 a.m.Overeaters Anonymous: 12 p.m.Intercessory Prayer: 12:30 p.m.Youth 8th Period: 3:30 p.m.*Wednesday Night Supper: 5 p.m.*Children’s Groups: 6 p.m.*Youth Groups: 6 p.m.*Disciple Fast Track: 6 p.m.*American Sign Language: 6:15 p.m.*Music Rehearsals: 7:30 p.m.*AA: 8 p.m.

Regular thursday scheduleYoga: 10 a.m. Yoga: 5:45 p.m.Narcotics Anon.: 7:30 p.m.

* Begins week of August 13** Begins August 19

Regular Friday scheduleAA: 7 p.m.

Regular saturday scheduleNarcotics Anon.: 7 p.m.AA: 8 p.m.

Committee MeetingsTrustees: 8/20, 6 p.m.Finance: 8/28, 6 p.m.Leadership: 8/28, 7 p.m.

Check out our NEW website at fayettevillefirst.com!

What’s happening @ Fayetteville First UMCGet specific information on happenings and times at fayettevillefirst.com or 770-461-4313.

sAGesenior Adults Going everywhereAugust 16, Anniston, AlabamaMuseums and dinner. $10.501 p.m. to 9 p.m.

looking Aheadtitus ii - September 11, Noon in GymDanny Beck and Friends share music, stories and fun! table Groups - September 5Small group meetings for spiritual transformation (see back cover)Wednesday night Groups Creative Encouragement - September 5Love and Logic - September 26The Life You’ve Always Wanted - September 26

COOkOUt kiCks OFF the YeAR On WeDnesDAY, AUGUst 15It’s time to gather again for Wednesday Night Suppers for food and fellowship! We start the season on August 15 and continue throughout the year at 5 p.m. Sign up each week or get on the permanent reservation list at fayettevillefirst.com. Note new pricing: Adults: $7, Children 10 and under: $4, Family Max: $22

August 15 – Hamburgers, Hotdogs, French Fries, Baked Beans, Snow Cones

August 22 – Bacon/Lettuce/Tomato Sandwiches, Chips, Potato Salad, Fruit

August 29 – Barbecue Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes, Salad, Bread, Dessert

Other options each week: Chicken Tenders/French Fries or Grilled Cheese Sandwich. (Option to be added in September: Chicken Tender Salad)

Charity Sale Benefits FFUMC Shop the Belk Charity Sale and you’ll help raise funds for FFUMC (and get major bargains). How? Simply purchase a $5 ticket from a trustee or the church office

(the church gets to keep 100% of these ticket sales) and you’ll gain entry into the Private Ticketed Event on Saturday, August 25, from 6 to 10 a.m. See the sales flyer at fayettevillefirst.com. You can also shop in advance of the sale and pick up your items any time on August 25. Get your ticket, save the date, and get ready for a win-win charity event!

Clean it Out Yard sale at FFUMC Head to the FFUMC gym on Saturday, August 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for our “Clean It Out Yard Sale.” What’s for sale? Chairs, desks, cabinets and other useful but no longer needed items at the church. If you have large item donations to contribute such as furniture and artwork, you may drop them off in the gym between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday, August 6 -10. Funds raised will benefit the trustee fund. Call the church office for information at 770-461-4313.

FFUMC175 E. Lanier AveFayetteville, GA 30214

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #20

Return Service Requested

Pastoral & Program staffsenior Minister

Rev. John Barnes JBarnes@fayettevillefirst.com

Associate Minister emeritusRev. Bob Partridge

Minister of Discipleship & evangelism Rev. Allyson Lawrence

ALawrence@fayettevillefirst.com

Minister of Missions & Membership Care

Rev. Michael PhillipsMPhillips@fayettevillefirst.com

Director of Youth MinistryKena Newkirk

KNewkirk@fayettevillefirst.com

Director of Children & Family MinistryCarson Thaxton

CThaxton@fayettevillefirst.com

Assistant Director of Children & Family Ministry

Allie HansenAHansen@fayettevillefirst.com

Music Director / Organist Rick Massengale

Rick.Massengale@gmail.com

Pianist Sonia Squires

Pre-school/ MMODrew Greenberg

DGreenberg@fayettevillefirst.com

Administrative & support staff

Church business Administrator Joyce Mucha

JMucha@fayettevillefirst.com

Administrative Assistants Janet Gazaway

Dian Nelson admin@fayettevillefirst.com

Church hostess Jane Davis

Communications Joan Aycock

JAycock@fayettevillefirst.com

Facilities ManagerGary Sampson

God’s kingdom nOW at FFUMCYour church on the square

Table Groups — a small group meeting with the goal of spiritual transformation ... a place for real, honest, and deep conversations about life and faith. Beginning Wednesday, September 5, at 9:30 AM, 6 PM, and 7:30 PMLearn the Wesleyan tradition behind Table Groups on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM. Sign up at fayettevillefirst.com.

The most profitable exercise of any

is a free inquiry into the state of the heart.

Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke