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t's back! Truth is it never really went away, not very far away anyhow. The Advent/Christmas Season is upon us. Radio stations are playing wall-to-wall Christmas music and the malls have been decorated since July 5th (or so it seems). But, lest the "Scrooge" in me break out, let me say that I am ready to enter into the busyness and the joy of the Season. Recently I've been considering the proclamation of the Angels on that "Holy Night" so long ago: "Fear not!" Easy for them to say and difficult for us to do. How do we break the stranglehold that fear so often has on us? Perhaps focusing for a bit on Mary and Joseph can provide some clues. There were many things that Mary and Joseph could not control. There was the conception that was of the Holy Spirit. They could not control the gossip in the tiny village of Nazareth. But they could leave town. They focused on what they could control and not on what they couldn't control. They could not control the census and the fact that Joseph would have to travel to Bethlehem for the count. They could not control whether or not Mary would accompany him. They could not control that there would be no room in their relatives guest chamber (often referred to as "the Inn"). They could control the decision to go where the animals were kept and to place the child in a feeding trough. They could not control that the Magi would visit the paranoid King Herod in Jerusalem and tell him that they believed a King had been born. But they could control how they would use--how they would spend--the gifts of the Magi...probably to fund their "flight to Egypt." A lot of things "came to pass" that they could not control, as there are things in our lives that we cannot control. We can choose not to focus on those things. We can choose to focus on the things that we can control, always seeking God's guidance. What are some of the things that "come to pass" in our lives over which we have no control? Health concerns, family situations, things at work or school, traffic and weather, might all be on our lists. Could be that the story of Mary and Joseph is saying to us: "Don't worry about circumstances you cannot control and work on circumstances you can control." Our priorities, our attitudes, our willingness to do the right thing, to act justly and responsibly...this is where our focus should be, not on the "biggies" that are way beyond our countrol. And the less we worry about what we cannot control and change, and the more we work on what we can control and change, the less of a hold fear has on us. Mary and Joseph played such key roles in offering hope to all humankind. "Don't worry...do work!" That's not a bad way to prepare for Christmas, is it? That's not a bad way to prepare for the rest of our lives! Merry Christmas!
CONTENTS PAGE 2 Music/General PAGE 3 General PAGE 4 General/UTH/ Children PAGE 5 Photos PAGE 6 Reporting PAGE 7 2-week Calendar PAGE 8 Preschool News FIND US ON:
NewnanFUMC.org | P 770.253.7400 | F 770.253.7404 | 33 Greenville St. | Newnan, GA 30263 Worship: 8:30AM & 10:55AM Traditional | 11AM Contemporary | Office Hours: M-F 9am - 5pm
THE SHEPHERD NEWSLETTER
THANK YOU!
DECEMBER 12, 2017
MUSIC NOTES
Thank you to all our choirs for making this past weekend so special! O Holy Night was such a blessing to me. I appreciate you and your dedication more than I can say. I pray that all of you have a blessed Christmas season. Peace and love to all!
CHANCEL & PARISH CHOIRS
Our final rehearsal of the year is tomorrow, December 13. Chancel choir, please remember we have a Messiah dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 16, at 1:45pm.
INSPIRATIONS
CHERUB CHOIR
You are singing for the 4pm Christmas Eve service. Please meet in Room 203 at 3:30pm. You will NOT wear robes.
2018 CALENDAR
All our choirs are currently on Christmas break. All choirs will resume the week of January 7, 2018. Please check out our music page online to download a copy of your choir's 2018 calendar dates. -David
Kinrade
You are singing for both Traditional services this Sunday, December 17. Please meet in the Sanctuary at 8am.
CHRISTMAS EVE SUNDAY
11:00am | Combined Sunday Worship Service | Sanctuary (NOTE: This will be a normal Sunday worship service...not a Christmas Eve service) 4* & 11*pm | Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Services | Sanctuary 5:30*pm | Contemporary Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service | Parish Hall
NEW YEAR'S EVE SUNDAY
8:30 & 11am | Combined Sunday Worship Services (NOTE: Connect is encouraged to join Traditional this Sunday) | Sanctuary
NEW YEAR STUDIES
LIFE GROUPS
Stay tuned for more information about new studies that will be starting in January. Be sure to register before the deadlines!
We were created to be in relationship with God and one another. Being a part of a Life Group is a great way to form deeper relationships and grow in our faith. New Life Groups will be forming early in 2018. Be watching for more info and contact JoAn Kinrade if you're ready to plug in to a group! 2
THE SHEPHERD NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 12, 2017
CHRISTMAS EVE HOSPITALITY Have you ever been turned around or lost on our church campus...especially when you first started attending? Did you ever have trouble finding something...a restroom, classroom, the nursery? If it's happened to you, chances are it has happend to many other guests as well! This Christmas Eve we will host more guests and visitors than any other worship time and we want them to know that we are excited they are with us and here to help! We are looking for cheerful and outgoing adults to join our Christmas Eve Hospitality Team. It is our hope to put into practice Radical Hospitality and let people know we are so thankful that they have chosen to be with us by showing them a warm welcome and sharing the love of Jesus in every smile and hello! We still need 14 volunteers for the 11am, 20 for 4pm, 20 for 5:30, and 6 for 11pm. Training will be THIS Sunday, December 17, in the Sanctuary from 10-10:30 and after the 11:00 services. Questions? Email hospitality@newnanfumc.org or see any staff member!
DEEP ROOTS ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION RETREAT
Each year, near the Winter Solstice--or longest night of the year--we gather to honestly acknowledge the challenges that the season of Advent presents and to focus on Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. While some consider this the "most wonderful time of the year," others are overwhelmed with the busyness and stress of the season. Many people are discouraged as they battle chronic disease, suffer from depression or anxiety, grieve the loss of a loved one or change in a relationship, or are facing financial challenges and additional stress. This year's Night of Worship will provide a quiet and reflective time to come apart for awhile and experience the peace-filled presence of our Lord.
SAVE-THE-DATES: February 7-11, 2018 The theme will be personal growth through service, as we worship and study together and participate in post-hurricane restoration projects in North Carolina. Contact Rev. JoAn Kinrade (jkinrade@ newnanfumc.org) for more info.
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THE SHEPHERD NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 12, 2017
ROOT 345 NEWS
UTH SKI RETREAT 2018
SAVE-THEDATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 ROOT 345 will kick off on Sunday, January 7! See you then!
JANUARY 12-15 We’ll be heading back to the Winterplace Ski Slopes for our Ski Retreat 2017. We’ll head out at 4pm on Friday, January 12 for Bluefield. We’ll be joining with Cornerstone UMC this year and producing the retreat ourselves. So, we’ll be flip-flopping our schedule a bit. We’ll night ski on the 13th and we’ll day ski on the 14th. This will allow more rest and the ability to have a better time all around! We’ll make the trek home from the mountain on Monday.
ADULT LEADERS NEEDED: With 35 kids each week, we are in need of male and female counselors to plug in each week! Please prayerfully consider how God might be calling you to participate in this amazing and growing ministry. See Brooke (bbarksdale@ newnanfumc.org) for any questions!
It’s gonna be AWESOME! Cost: $325 (covers all expenses except two fast food road meals) | Snacks and Souvenirs are available as well. Add-ons are available for the trip: $25 Beginner Ski or Snowboard Lesson (Recommended if you have never been skiing) $36 to Snowboard instead (includes required helmet) $20 to Snowblade instead $16 – Ski Bib Rental for both days $16 – Helmet Rental for both days
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THE SHEPHERD NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 12, 2017
(top 2 rows) O Holy Night; (3rd row) Conductor Brent and the Preschool kids took a ride on the Polar Express!; (4th row) The Women's Mission Retreat to Hayesville, NC; (left) hot drinks at the Christmas Parade and our Fun 'n Frolic group at the Tate House!
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THE SHEPHERD NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 12, 2017
IN THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH:
DECEMBER 10 REPORTING th
Attendance Worship Services Total (8:30 - 96; 10:55 - 242; Connect - 137) O Holy Night (3:00 - 643; 6:00 - 490) Church Membership
BAPTISM
Russell Walker Crews--son of Justin & Mary Elizabeth-was baptized on Sunday, December 10.
SYMPATHY
Christian sympathy is extended to Todd Lee and family for the death of his mother on Sunday, December 10.
475 1,133 2272
Year-to-Date Financial Report Week Ending: 12/9/2017 Week #49
DECEMBER 17th
Total Tithes & Income: $ 1,383,692 Total Expenses: $ 1,474,260 Over/(Under): $ (90,568) -----------------------------------------------------------------CHURCH BUDGET $ 1,681,950
TRADITIONAL Head Ushers: Kim Duncan (8:30) Matt Rossey & Phil Harris (10:55) Acolytes: TBD, TBD (8:30) Elizabeth Walker, TBD (10:55) Crucifer: TBD (10:55) Sunday School Greeters: Polly Crowley Sunday School Class Sound Techs: Jeff Williams, Jim Leake CONNECT Head Ushers: Kevin Daniell, David Camp Sound Techs: Annie Workman, Logan Patton Video Techs: Moses Lopez, Ashton Wallace
DECEMBER 24th
TRADITIONAL Head Ushers: Matt Rossey & Phil Harris (10:55) Acolytes: Daphne Thomas, TBD (10:55); Elizabeth Walker, Ila Pass, TBD, TBD (4:00) Crucifer: TBD (10:55); Susan Pass (4:00) Sunday School Greeters: Polly Crowley Sunday School Class Sound Techs: Jeff Williams, Jim Leake
THANK YOU!
GALA: Thank you to our hard working GALA committee that helped pull this incredible evening together. It was a group effort and we all had fun working together and planning the evening. AND, thank you to the men who volunteered to come and help serve. They did a fabulous job, as they always do! Thank you also to Ms. Pearl for making a special appearance! And what about that quartet of boys from McIntosh High School! They were great! It is a treat to have such a wonderful evening set aside for the women to enjoy the beginning of the holiday season, eat a delicious meal and listen to a fabulous speaker. This year’s speaker, Barbara Dooley, was especially entertaining and inspiring. Thank you to ALL who helped in any way to put this evening together. You are so appreciated!!
CHURCH OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The church office will be closed the following days for the Christmas and New Year Holidays: December 25-29 and January 1 The finance office will be open from 9am-12pm on December 27 & 28. In the event you need to contact our pastoral staff during the holidays, please call 770.855.6433.
CHILDREN'S PAGEANT: The participating children blessed everyone in attendance with their sweet, sweet retelling of the Christmas story. The pageant is one of the best ways to start off the Advent season, reminding us all of why we celebrate Christmas. So, children, thank you so much for wanting to be a part of the pageant.
CHURCH PUBLICATIONS Please note: This will be the last Shepherd Newsletter of 2017. The next Shepherd will be on Tuesday, January 9, 2018.
~Karen
For church related events and news, please see the upcoming In-betweens (December 19 & January 2), worship bulletins, website, and Facebook. 6
THE SHEPHERD NEWSLETTER
8:30am 9:45am 10:55am 11:00am 3:00pm 6:00pm
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 Traditional Worship Service (S) Sunday School Traditional Worship Service (S) Connect Worship Service (PH) Handel's Messiah (S) UTH Christmas Party (YL)
1 0:00am 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:45pm 7:00pm
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 Martha's Circle (200) Circle 2 (Wesley Woods) Martha Fuller Christmas Party (WW) Finance Committee Meeting (A212) Masterworks Chorale (CR) Church Council (A207)
7:00am 9:30am
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 UTH Breakfast (Chick-fil-A) Men's Prayer Breakfast & Study (GR) Swingin' Singin' Seniors (CR) Prayer Shawl Ministry (200)
DECEMBER 12, 2017
11:00am 4:00pm 5:30pm 11:00pm
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve Combined Worship Service (S) Traditional Candlelight Service (S) Contemporary Candlelight Service (PH) Traditional Candlelight Service (S) MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 OFFICE CLOSED
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 OFFICE CLOSED WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 7:00pm Night of Worship (S)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 7:00pm Connect Band Rehearsal (PH) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
CALENDAR ABBREVIATIONS: S - Sanctuary | PH - Parish Hall | GR - Gathering Room | C - Chapel | PS - Preschool (lower floor of Parish Hall) | CR - Choir Room | BR - Bell Room | VN - Veatch Nixon Classroom (between Gathering Room & Chapel) | YL - Youth Lounge | 200, 201, 203, 207/209, etc. - 2nd floor of Education Building | AC (Annex Conference), A - 2nd floor of Annex Building (old Bank of America Building)
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THE SHEPHERD NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 12, 2017
PRESCHOOL NEWS PRESCHOOL HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: Our last day of classes is Wednesday, December 13. On that day, our classes will be having birthday parties for Jesus! Our first day back after Christmas is January 4, 2018. Thank you for supporting our preschool and kindergarten program! SPRING CONSIGNMENT SALE: Just a reminder, the Children's Consignment Sale (March 2 and 3, 2018) will be here before you know it! Register now and begin tagging those items! Visit NFUMCPreschool.org and click on "Consignment Sale"! Thank you for your support of our preschool! Blessings,
Nancy Martin
TO: NEWNAN FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 33 Greenville St. | Newnan, GA 30263 770.253.7400 | NewnanFUMC.org