A Service of Lessons & Carols

Athens First United Methodist Church

December 8, 2013 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is a form of the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming.” Advent is celebrated the four Sundays before Christmas Day. The liturgical

colors associated with Advent are purple and blue, representing royalty and hope.

WelcomeThank you for worshipping with us today. Our ushers and greeters are happy to help you find

your way. You may also pick up a map of the church in the narthex, at the front entrance of the sanctuary. We’d love to get to know you, so please come for coffee, donuts and conversation

beginning at 9:30 every Sunday morning in Hancock Hall!

WorshipWe ask that your cell phones be turned off or switched to silent and that you refrain from using flash photography during worship. Each Sunday, the 11:00 service is broadcast on WRFC 960 AM, and the 9:45 and 11:00 services are streamed live at athensfirstumc.org/webcast.

Nursery AvailabilityFor infants through four-year-olds Sundays | 8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays | 5:30-8:00 p.m. kindergarten–grade 5

Children’s ChurchFor children in kindergarten through second grade Wonder of Worship (W.O.W.), or Children’s Church, follows the Children’s Message during 11:00 Worship all Sundays except for Communion Sundays. Worship activity bags (age appropriate for all preschool and elementary children) are available every Sunday in the narthex and by the south entrance of the sanctuary.

WebsitePlease visit our website, athensfirstumc.org, for information about our ministries, to register for events, to give online, to view our church wide calendar, and to listen to sermons from our sermon archive. We encourage you to sign up for our newsletter that is emailed weekly by contacting amelia@athensfirstumc.org.

Church Office HoursMonday through Friday | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. If you need assistance, please call 706-543-1442. We are happy to help you!

Our Ministers and Program DirectorsChuck Hodges, Senior Minister | chuck@athensfirstumc.org | 706-206-5529Martha Aenchbacher, Minister of Congregational Care | martha@athensfirstumc.org | 678-230-9708Beth Dickinson, Minister of Discipleship | beth@athensfirstumc.orgEric Fessler, Minister of Families with Youth | eric@athensfirstumc.orgBetsy Butler, Minister of Missions | betsy@athensfirstumc.orgRobin Stewart, Director of Children's Ministry | robinafumc@bellsouth.net Stephen Mitchell, Director of Music | smitchell@athensfirstumc.orgCarol Reeves, Director of Children’s Music | creeves@athensfirstumc.orgJanis Maxwell, Director of Youth Music and Organist | janis@athensfirstumc.orgRusty Wood, Director of Recreation | rusty@athensfirstumc.org

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The Worship of God in

Lessons and Carols

GatheringThe PreluDe

“Angels We Have Heard on High” Balcombe

The Welcome anD Parish noTes Eric Fessler

The inTroiT 8:30 “Prepare Ye the Way” Oquist/ Talbot

Sung by Julie CaldwellThe Word of the Lord came one evening concerning His bride’s great sin. He’d send down His Word to renew her, to prepare for the Bridegroom again. The Word said, “Repent from seeking vain glories while the gifts in the Lord’s name you give. Repent of all the first stones cast to kill while your own self-righteousness lives.” Prepare ye the way for the Lord. Prepare ye the way for the kingdom. Prepare ye the way, prepare ye the way for the Lord. The Word said, “Repent and turn from your strivings. Repent and turn from your hatred. Repent from the doctrines of men that divide and fear like the wedding gown ripped. Walk in His love like newborn children. Walk in His love, let the wedding gown mend. Walk in His love, with humility come with pure hearts and cast all your cares to the wind.” The Word of the Lord came one evening concerning His bride’s sin. He assured me we will be forgiven and then let the marriages begin.

9:45 & 11:00 “Funga Alafia” (The Welcome Song) Sung by the Octane ChoirFunga Alafia ashe ashe. Our hearts are pure, our voices true. With open arms we welcome you! Funga Alafia ashe ashe. Our hearts are full, our friendship true. In peace and love we welcome you!

Praise & Thanksgiving*The Processional hymn 234

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” ADESTE FIDELESVerses 1-4

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The lighTing of The aDvenT canDles 8:30 Amiee and Donnie Dean 9:45 Kathy and Don Griner 11:00 Jennifer and Tom Foster

A candle is burning, a candle of peace, a candle to signal that conflict must cease. For Jesus is coming to show us the way; a message of peace humbly laid in the hay.

The biDDing Prayer Martha AenchbacherOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

The anThem“The Sky Can Still Remember”Sung by the Wesleyan Youth ChoirThe sky can still remember the earliest Christmas morn, when in the cold December the Savior Christ was born. No star unfolds its glory, no trumpet wind is blown, but tells the Christmas story in music of its own. O, angels sweet and splendid throng in our hearts and sing of the wonders which attended the coming of the King. Till we too boldly pressing where once the shepherds trod, climb Bethlehem’s hill of blessing and find the Son of God.

The firsT lessonGenesis 3:8-15, 17-19 Betsy ButlerGod tells sinful Adam that he has lost the life of Paradise and that his seed will bruise the serpent’s head.

The anThem“Come, O Come, Emmanuel” LarsonRung by the Carillon Ringers

The seconD lessonIsaiah 9:2, 6-7 Beth DickinsonThe prophet foretells the coming of the Savior.

The anThem “For Unto Us a Child is Born” from Messiah HandelSung by Sanctuary ChoirFor unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given. And the government shall be upon His shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

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ThirD lessonLuke 1:26-35, 38 Betsy ButlerThe angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The hymn 238 “Angels We Have Heard on High” GLORIAVerses 1 and 2

The anThem 8:30 “Mary Did You Know” Greene

Sung by Julie CaldwellMary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new? This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you. Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand? Did you know that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God? The blind will see. The deaf will hear. The dead will live again. The lame will leap. The dumb will speak the praises of The Lamb. Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations? Did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb? The sleeping Child you’re holding is the Great I Am.

9:45 & 11:00 “Carols Sing, Praises Bring” TaylorSung by the Lyric and Celebrate ChoirCarols sing, praises bring unto Christ our Savior. Born this night, love’s true light in a lowly manger. Angels tell the story of His wondrous birth, Jesus came from glory, bringing peace on earth. Come now, joyful shepherds, see Him in the straw; though He’s in a manger, He is Lord of all.

The hymn 238 “Angels We Have Heard on High” GLORIAVerses 3 and 4

The fourTh lesson Luke 2:1, 3-7 Beth DickinsonLuke tells of the birth of Jesus.

*Please stand as you are able.The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.

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The anThem “I Wonder As I Wander” McDermidSung by the Chamber EnsembleI wonder as I wander out under the sky how Jesus the Saviour did come for to die; for poor on’ry people like you and like I. I wonder as I wander out under the sky. When Mary birthed Jesus ‘twas in a cow’s stall with wise men and farmers and shepherds and all; but high from God’s heaven, a star’s light did fall and the promise of ages it then did recall. If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing, a star in the sky or a bird on the wing; or all of God’s Angels in heaven to sing, He surely could have it, ‘cause he was the King. I wonder as I wander out under the sky how Jesus the Savior did come for to die; for poor on’ry people like you and like I; I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

The offerTory“O Night Divine” EdwardsRung by the Alleluia Ringers

The fifTh lessonLuke 2: 8-18 Chuck HodgesThe Shepherds go to the manger.

The anThem “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” CourtneySung by the Sanctuary Choir While shepherds watched their flocks by night all seated on the ground, the angel of the Lord came down, and glory shown around. “Fear not” said he, for mighty dread has seized their troubled mind; “Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind. To you in David’s town this day is born, of David’s line, the Savior, who is Christ the Lord, and this shall be the sign: The heav’nly Babe you there shall find to human view displayed, All meanly wrapt in swathing bands and in a manger laid. All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace: Good will henceforth from heav’n to earth begin and never cease.”

The sixTh lesson John 1:1-14 Chuck HodgesJohn unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.

*The hymn 240 “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” MENDELSSOHN

The anThem “Hope for Resolution” Caldwell/IvoryThe Combined ChoirsOf the Father’s love begotten ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the Source, the Ending He. Of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see evermore and evermore. O that birth forever blessed, when the virgin, full of grace, by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bare the Savior of our race; and the Babe, the world’s Redeemer, first revealed His sacred face, evermore and evermore! O ye heights of heaven, adore Him; angel hosts, His praises sing; powers, dominions, bow before Him and extol our God and King. Let no tongue on earth be silent, every voice in concert ring, evermore and evermore. Thula Sizwe, ungabokala, (Nation, do not cry.) uJehova Wakho Uzokunqobela. (Jehovah will protect us.) Inkululeko, sizoyithola, (We will attain freedom.) uJehova Wakho Uzokunqobela. (Jehovah will protect us.)

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*The beneDicTion Chuck Hodges

*The PosTluDe “Good King Wenceslas” Otis

The flowers on The AlTAr Are given in MeMory of Colonel williAM C. MAhoney And ChArles r. hughes And in honor of M. Jo hughes by orMonde And beTh MAhoney And fAMily.

services leD by:Stephen Mitchell, Director of Music Sanctuary Choir– Jason Bennett, Accompanist Chamber Ensemble– Jason Bennett, Accompanist Alleluia Ringers Carillon Ringers

Carol Reeves, Director of Children’s Music Lyric and Celebrate Choirs– Cathy Felton and Sylvia Arant, Accompanists Eric McCollum– Children’s Music Intern Mary Carroll Waller and Lauren Covington– Youth Assistants

Janis Maxwell, Director of Youth Music and Organist Wesleyan Youth Choir–Suel-ki Kim, Accompanist; Erin McCollum, AssistantOctane (Route 56 choir)– Suel-ki Kim, Accompanist; Mason Towe, Assistant

Julie Caldwell, Director of 8:30 worship music

David Burrell, DirectorThe Brass Ensemble

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December Ushers

8:30 a.m. Jim Belger, Ann Brown, Paul Brown, Larry Deal, Hugh Larkey, Mack Lowery, Jim Lyons, Candler Meadors, Olan Moore, Bob Noble, Grace Rabek, Ken Reece, Keith Wilson, & Sharon Broun

9:45 a.m. Chris Bostdorff, Tom Cooper, David and Jane Disney, Mark Ellison, Mark Firth, Tom Hedges, Dan Lasseter, Jim Lyons, Sharon Milton, Tom Milton, Al Rogers, Bill Trigleth, Michelle McNeill, & Reeves McNeill

11:00 a.m. Al Hawley, Charles Grimes, Henry Folsom, Tom Henson, Henry Garrard, Jim Lyons, Jake Riley, Frank Thornberg, Mike Scott

Attendance on Decemeber 1

Sunday School.............................. 467 Total Worship ..........................1,306 8:30 a.m............................................171 9:45 a.m............................................445 11:00 a.m.........................................591 Online..................................................99

Greeters

Sheri & Doc Eldridge, Dan Harper, Lisa Huggins, Barbara & Cicero Lucas, Laura Meeks, Will Cunningham

First Light Acolytes

8:30 Glynn Chesser, James Chesser 9:45 Joseph Mahoney, Annie Miller, Charles Cunningham 11:00 Barrett McLanahan, Charles Clarke, Jack McLanahan

Financial Report

Budget for 2013 $2,431,217 Amount Given YTD $2,329,542 Goal for November $175,118 Amount after 4 Sundays $217,559 Current Debt Balance $139,450 Total Debt Reduction YTD $974,661

Offering Stewards

Bob Booth and Charlie Grimes, co-chairman; Jim Lyons, Nat Carmack, Henry Garrard, Nathan King, Al Hawley, Sean Rogers, Charlie Upchurch III

b a b yRECOGNITION

S U N D A YD e c e m b e r 1 5 , 2 0 1 3 | 9 : 4 5 a . m . w o r s h i p s e r v i c e

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we also celebrate the birth of babies born into our church family in 2013. Please join us at the 9:45 a.m. worship service on December 15 as we welcome our newborns into the Athens First United Methodist Church family. Contact: Ashley Gottschalk | ashley@athensfirstumc.org

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The Advent WreathThe keeping of an advent wreath is a common practice in churches and homes. There is much symbolism associated with the Advent wreath. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. The candles represent hope (First Sunday in Advent), peace (Second Sunday in Advent), joy (Third Sunday in Advent – the pink candle also known as the Shepherd’s Candle) and love (Fourth Sunday in Advent, also known as the Angel Candle). On Christmas Eve we light the center candle, known as the Christ candle, representing the birth of Christ. The season of Christmas begins on Christmas Day and lasts for 12 days – ending with the celebration of Epiphany on January 6.

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Help us serve

Thursday, December 19 in Hancock Hall.

Volunteers are needed:

12:00 p.m. | help set up 3:30 p.m. | assist in the kitchen

5:00 p.m. | greet, serve, and table host 5:30-7:00 p.m. | clean up

Donate a pound cake.

To volunteer, please complete the form online at athensfirstumc.org/christmascommunitymeal

or contact Betsy Butler. Contact: Betsy Butler | betsy@athensfirstumc.org |

706-543-1442

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In Memoriam Miriam TrousdaleNovember 25, 2013

Announcements

SympathyHeartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Janie Gunn and family in the loss of her mother, Miriam Trousdale, on November 25.

Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Beth Dickinson and family in the loss of her grandmother, Adell Smith, on November 26.

Prayer Service| December 15 Join us in the chapel for a time of prayer and reflection on Sunday, December 15, at 5:00 p.m. Songs will be sung, and scripture read. Come light a candle of hope as we prepare for the birth of Christ. Contact: Martha Aenchbacher | martha@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

Handel’s Messiah| December 15 Join us Sunday, December 15, at 7:00 p.m. in our sanctuary to hear one of the most celebrated works of all time sung by the Sanctuary Choir with orchestra and soloists. The program will begin with Pergolesi Magnificat sung by Chamber Ensemble.Contact: Stephen Mitchell | stephen@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

Interfaith Hospitality Network Christmas Concert December 12Please join us for a night of your favorite Christmas songs performed by Callie Waller on Thursday, December 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the Athens First United Methodist Church sanctuary. Admission is free, and an offering will be collected for the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), a mission partner of Athens First United Methodist Church. Contact: Betsy Butler | betsy@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

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Bridges Sunday School Class | Time Change Undergraduate college students and working young adults, join us in Bridges. We meet at noon in Hull Dining Room (following 11:00 a.m. worship) for fellowship, a lesson, and lunch (provided). Contact: Beth Dickinson | beth@athensfirstumc.org Dr. Michelle Woodard | mdmikki@aol.com

Host Week for Interfaith Hospitality Network December 29-January 5Interfaith Hospitality Network provides services and coordinates temporary housing at local host churches to displaced families. During our host week, volunteers are needed to help set up/take down materials, drive guests, prepare a meal, and/or serve as an evening host. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, contact Taylor Miller.Contact: Taylor Miller | miller3750@bellsouth.net

Stop Hunger Now We will be participating in Stop Hunger Now’s meal packaging program. From now until February 1, we will be collecting quarters to purchase bags of rice, soy, and dehydrated vegetables. These supplies will be delivered to our church on January 31, and as a church we will assemble meals on Febuary 1. Start saving your quarters, and mark your calendars for February 1. Contact: Betsy Butler | betsy@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

The Season of Advent We offer three Christmas Eve Services on Tuesday, December 24, at 4:00, 6:00, and 11:00 p.m. in our Sanctuary. The 4:00 p.m. service will be a candlelight service led by the Children’s Music Ministry. The 6:00 p.m. service will be candlelight Communion service with music from the Wesleyan Youth Choir and a message from Chuck Hodges. The 11:00 p.m. service will be candlelight Communion service with music from the Sanctuary Choir and a message from Chuck Hodges. Pre-service music will begin at 10:30 p.m. Contact: Stephen Mitchell | stephen@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

Extra Special People Volunteer Opportunity December 11-22Volunteers are needed at Christmas at the Classic Center. This event benefits Extra Special People (ESP), an organization that empowers children with developmental disabilities to cultivate skills, self-confidence and relationships through recreational therapy, community involvement and the arts. Volunteers work in shifts of ten people for 3-4 hours. Areas to serve include running the ticket desk, being Santa’s helper in the picture area, checking out skates at the skating rink, and more. Each volunteer will receive a ticket to re-enter the event at any time when they come for their shift. Sign up online at bit.ly/1iLcxAN.Contact: Betsy Butler | betsy@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

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This WeekFor a detailed calendar see our website, athensfirstumc.org/calendar.

Maps of the church are located in the narthex, at the front entrance of the sanctuary.

Sunday, December 8Isaiah 11:1-10 8:30 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary)

Preschool Nursery and Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) Sunday School Classes Newcomer Orientation (Hancock Hall)11:00 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) Newcomer Orientation (Hancock Hall)11:30 a.m. Children’s Church (Caravans)

12:00 p.m. Bridges Sunday School (Hull Dining Room) 1:00 p.m. Volley Performance (Gym)

3:00 p.m. Cub Scout Pack 1 (Scout Hut) 3:45 p.m. Agape Rehearsal (Room 163) 4:00 p.m. Alleluia Ringers (Room 165)

Souper Supper Store | Thursdays January-April The Souper Supper store is an opportunity for guests at the Souper Supper meal to receive necessary personal care and household items. For a complete list of items, visit athensfirstumc.org/soupersupper. Please bring any donations to the basket behind the reception desk. Contact: Kate Kelly | kate@weequahic.com or Mary DeLoach | Marymdeloach@yahoo.com

Souper Supper | Thursdays, January-April Souper Suppers are a warm meal served once a week on Thursday evenings January-April at 5:00 p.m. in Hancock Hall to those in need in the community. Individual and group volunteers are needed. Individuals are needed to offer hospitality, and groups (such as Sunday School classes, small groups and United Methodist Women Circles) are needed to prepare the weekly meal. Serving a weekly meal for four months requires many volunteers, so please considering serving. To sign up, please visit athensfirstumc.org/soupersupper or contact Glenda Greenhaw at sweetpea2glenn@gmail.com for hospitality, and Suzanne Rutledge at suzannerutledge@gmail.com or Amy Lou Reynolds at scottandamylou@charter.net for meal preparation.

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4:30 p.m. Wesleyan Youth Choir Rehearsal (Room 163) 5:00 p.m. Carillon Ringers (Room 165) 5:30 p.m. Disciple 1 (Room 256) Disciple 2 (Room 254) Namesake Women’s Study | Yun (Room 252) Cornerstone Sunday School Class Christmas Party (John Wesley Parlor)

5:45 p.m. Wesleyan Youth Choir and ONE Student Ministries Christmas Party (Youth Area) 6:00 p.m. Young Life Committee & Leader Christmas Party (Hancock Hall)

Monday, December 9Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

5:30 a.m. Fashion Fitness (Room 126) 7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study (Hull Dining) 5:00 p.m. Children’s Basketball (Gym)

Tuesday, December 10Romans 15:4-13

5:30 a.m. Fashion Fitness (Room 126) 9:00 a.m. Community Bible Study Leaders Council (Youth Area) 11:00 a.m. Our Daily Bread Service (First Baptist Church) 5:00 p.m. Children’s Basketball (Gym) 7:00 p.m. Fashion Fitness (Room 126)

Boy Scouts | Troop 1 Meeting (Saye Scout Hut) Winter Volleyball League (Gym)

Wednesday, December 11Matthew 3:1-12

5:30 a.m. Fashion Fitness (Room 126) 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Bible Study (Hull Dining Hall) 4:30 p.m. Children’s Lyric Choir and Celebrate Chimes (Music Suite) Jesus Calling Express Study (Room 254) Prayer Shawl Ministry (Room 221) Chick-fil-a Pick-up (Hull Dining Room) 5:15 p.m. Children’s Cherub, Celebrate, Sonshine, Joy Choirs, Lyric Chimes (Music Area) Jesus Calling Express Study (Room 254) 5:30 p.m. Connect Small Group Meeting | Dean (Room 255) 6:00 p.m. Advent Study (Hancock Hall) Connect Small Group | Allen (Room 128) Connect Small Group | Sams (Room 257) 6:15 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Room 163) 6:30 p.m. Men’s Study | 33 The Series: A Man and His Story (Room 119) Winter Volleyball League (Gym) Later Book Study (Room 261) 7:00 p.m. Engage (Youth Area)

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8:00 p.m. Chamber Ensemble (Room 163) Tijuana Youth Trip Prep Session (Room 120)

Thursday, December 12Malachi 3:5-12

5:30 a.m. Fashion Fitness (Room 129) 9:00 a.m. Community Bible Study 5:00 p.m. Children’s Basketball (Gym) 7:00 p.m. Fashion Fitness (Room 126)

Winter Volleyball League (Gym)

Friday, December 13Malachi 3:13-18

7:30 a.m. Young Life Basketball 9:30 a.m. Namesake Women’s Study | Deal (Room 252 ) 5:00 p.m. Children’s Basketball (Gym) 6:00 p.m. District Scouting Lock-in (Youth Area) 6:30 p.m. REACH Bible Study & Dinner (Adult Sunday School Hall)

Saturday, December 14Malachi 3:1-4

8:00 a.m. Children’s Basketball (Gym)

Worship Bulletin (614-280)Published weekly

Athens First United Methodist Church327 N. Lumpkin StreetAthens, GA 30601-2743Telephone | 706-543-1442Fax | 706-546-4797Website | athensfirstumc.org

PostmasterSend address changes to:Worship Bulletin (614-280)AFUMCP.O. Box 1109Athens, GA 30603-1109

Vol. LV No. 74

Periodicals Postage Paid at Athens, GA