F
ootprints in the Sand by Mary Stevenson is perhaps the best known faithbased poem of recent decades. Most of us have probably read it dozens of times. There may even be a framed copy in your home or office. But just in case you’re not familiar with the poem, allow me to summarize its message: This guy dreams that he’s walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he notices two sets of footprints in the sand, his and the Lord’s. As the last scene of his life flashes before him there is only one set of footprints. In fact, at the lowest and saddest times of his life there is always only one set of prints. He asked the Lord why, reminding the Lord of the promise the Lord made to always be with him. And the Lord’s response was, “It was then that I carried you.” I have decided to “slightly rewrite” the poem. Please bear with me and forgive me if need be...
CONTENTS PAGE 2 Music/General
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that oftentimes there were many sets of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest time in his life. This confused him and he questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, You said that once I decided to follow You, You’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there are footprints all over the place. What’s up with that?”
PAGE 3 General
The Lord replied, “My precious child, I love you and I created My church – the Body of Christ on earth – to support you and care for you and encourage you when your own strength was not sufficient. During your time of trial and suffering, when you see all those different-sized footprints, it was then that MY Church carried you.”
PAGE 6 Reporting
My version of this poem will never adorn posters, plaques and coffee mugs. But there have been many times when the Body of Christ has carried me through some tough spots. And I bet that has been the case for many of you. Since my arrival at Newnan FUMC a few short months ago, I have been impressed by so much of what I have heard and seen. This is definitely a part of the Body of Christ that cares for those who are hurting and broken whether they be in the Church or in the God-loved world that surrounds us.
PAGE 4 General/UTH/ Children PAGE 5 Photos
PAGE 7 2-week Calendar PAGE 8 Preschool News FIND US ON:
I am grateful to be part of a Church that continues to leave “footprints” (too many to be counted!) in those places where hopelessness and helplessness would love to gain a “toehold."
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
SWINGIN' SINGIN' SENIORS
OCTOBER 3, 2017
MUSIC NOTES
You are singing for BOTH Traditional services this Sunday, October 8. Please meet in the Sanctuary at 8am.
INSPIRATIONS
CHERUB CHOIR
You are singing for the 10:55 Traditional service next Sunday, October 15. Please meet in Room 105 at 10:45am.
You are singing for BOTH Traditional services next Sun- -David day, October 15. Please meet in the Sanctuary at 8am.
Kinrade
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER & ACTIVITIES Dinner is from 5:15-6:15pm | $6 adults, $3 kids (10 & under), $20 families | Please RSVP by Monday @ noon for the following Wednesday, or sign up permanently! Sign up on Connection Cards, online, or app!
OCTOBER 15-NOVEMBER 12 Please support our Youth Choir as they raise funds for their 2018 Choir Tour! More details coming soon!
UPCOMING: 10/4: Poppyseed chicken, rice, broccoli - October birthdays recognized! 10/11: Ham - Ice Cream Bar! SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 3-6:30pm | Fair Grounds (275 Pine Rd.)
UNCLE BOB'S PUMPKIN PATCH
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: There are several areas in which to volunteer. To volunteer, please contact Karen Oothoudt either by email, phone call, or online by clicking the banner on the website. The schedule for Ultimate this year is: 3:00 – Stop Hunger Now Packing Event 3:30-5:00 – Activities for ALL ages (Corn Hole, Ladder Ball, Inflatables, Sno-Cones, Hayride, Bingo, Photo booth, SpyderBall, & more!) 5:15-6:00 – Worship inside the barn 6:00-6:30 – Dinner (Sprayberry’s BBQ)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 2-5pm | 3781 Happy Valley Cir. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Come down for a hayride, fellowship, pumpkins, and much more! $7/person; $25/family max; 2 & under: FREE
JOB NETWORKING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 6pm | Parish Hall
The needs are: Set-up and clean-up for Stop Hunger Now, dinner, and worship. Also, there is the need for people to oversee and/or run the various activities. Most set-up can begin around 2:30.
"The Power of Hope" with Brett Smith
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
ZOE KENYA TRIP: LAST CALL!!!
THIS SATURDAY OCTOBER 7 9am | Parish Hall Lot
Last call for June 2018 team members! If God is calling you to travel to Kenya, contact Brooke or JoAn ASAP!
Bring your pets (and the rest of your family) for a prayer of blessing with Rev. JoAn Kinrade! (Please bring a leash or carrier & be prepared to clean up after your pet!) 2
THE SHEPHERD NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 3, 2017
SUNDAY SCHOOL NETWORK
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKLET The Worship Ministry Team would like to publish an Advent Booklet again this year. This Booklet will contain short devotions written by our own Newnan First members & staff, and will provide our members the opportunity for spiritual focus and renewal during the Advent Season. The devotion is based on faith and the preparation and waiting for Christ’s birth. It needs to be no more than 300 words. This devotion can be based on your own reflections and/or can include favorite scripture, poems, words to songs... You may conclude with a short prayer that encourages your readers to respond to what you have written by lifting their hearts to God. We ask that the devotion be typed and be submitted in an email. If you are not able to do it electronically, that is OK. Just drop it off at the church office. In order for us to finish this project on time, we ask that you make your submissions by Tuesday, October 31. These should go to Brent (britter@newnanfumc. org). If you have any questions for this booklet, please contact Karen Oothoudt (koothoudt@ newnanfumc.org). Thank you!
"Fall" into Sunday School
Every year during the season of Fall we find the UMC asking us to remember our membership vows through Stewardship Campaigns. For our Sunday school class members here at Newnan FUMC, remember how Stewardship is more than just giving money. This can be a great time to get back in touch with your small church family. Prayers – We have many members with aging parents, experiencing life changing illnesses and/or situations. Your Sunday school class connects you with your church family and supports each other when needed. Please pray daily for your class members. Presence – Our Sunday school Fall studies are kicking into gear. Please plan to attend! The class is better with YOUR voice and YOUR presence. Gifts – The classes all contribute to a variety of mission projects throughout the year that each class decides on. Some projects are – to name a few – collecting and giving coats; giving money for Advent bags; sponsoring a ZOE child; giving to World Vision; giving to local or foreign church missions or providing gifts for children at Christmas time. The Fall is always a busy time of providing for others. Service – The classes, who are able, work together to participate in a variety of service projects - which could be packing groceries for BTG, sorting clothes, providing transportation to a homebound member,... We’d love to have you join us! Help us be the hands and feel of Christ! Witness – Be witnesses in your community. Invite a friend to come with you!
STEWARDSHIP BOOKLETS AVAILABLE NOW! These booklets, corresponding to our upcoming Stewardship Campaign, are available around the campus now! • One book per family (unless one spouse travels and needs to take an additional copy) • $5 donation suggested, but not required! • Consider following through the devotional booklet as an entire family! Kids need to learn about stewardship also! • Start the book anytime, but if you want to follow along with your church family (and be in sync with the sermon series), start Day 1 on Monday, October 9.
If you are NOT involved with a Sunday school class, there are 10 adult Sunday school classes to choose from. The classes are listed and described on the church website, but better yet, talk to Karen Oothoudt about the classes (koothoudt@newnanfumc.org). She can help steer you towards the right class for you. “Fall” into God’s Word!
Thank you! And please begin praying for our church as we approach a time of remembering our stewardship vows!
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THE SHEPHERD NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 3, 2017
FUN ‘N FROLIC ANNUAL APPLE TRIP | Monday, Oc-
tober 16 | 9am-5:30pm | $7 (for travel) | Apples, fried pies, and lots more at Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, GA. Lunch will be at Bub-Ba-Q in Jasper.
CHRISTMAS MADE IN THE SOUTH CRAFT SHOW | Friday, Octo-
ber 27 | 9am-3:30pm | $10 (for ticket & travel) | Sign up by October 13 | As Christmas time approaches what better way to get ready for the holiday season than to stroll the aisles for treasures at this year's award winning 26th annual Christmas Made in the South! This event offers amazing craftspeople, outstanding art, and unique gourmet food.
TATE HOUSE: CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE LUNCH TOUR |
Tuesday, December 12 | 9:30am-4pm | $38 (for travel) | Sign up by October 8 | The Tate House, known as the Pink Marble Mansion, was built in 1926. It is a stately plantation with gardens that invite you to stroll through the centuries-old oaks. It has been named one of the top “must see” places in Georgia by Georgia Magazine. This tour includes a wonderfully prepared lunch and the house will be decorated for Christmas.
CANCER CARE TEAM NEEDS YOU! Are you looking for a way to live out your faith in a personal way? Prayerfully consider joining our team. Experience the blessing of supporting those living with cancer with your prayers, words of encouragement, and the gift of presence. Team member Gwen Moore shares: NFUMC's Cancer Care is a ministry of hope, courage, and compassion; it's purpose to bring light to those in our church who are suffering under the shadow of cancer--both patients and their caregivers. This ministry has required that I put all of ME aside to accompany them on their journeys. It has made me hope, and see that the glass is half full, not half empty. It has made me want to visit, pray for, care for, uplift, and encourage cancer patients and their caregivers. It has brought me joy and sorrow and precious new friends in Christ. It has made me aware all over again each day of the beauty of God's earth, of His love for me and all His children, and to appreciate and treasure every precious moment of life. The responsibility of being part of this team and sharing in these lives has humbled me in ways that I never dreamed. It has made me want to be more like Christ. It is where God wants me to serve Him.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
J.A.M. HELPERS First Kids Children's Ministry is looking for energetic and engaging youth (6th grade and older) who would like to volunteer in JAM; children's church for 4 year olds through 2nd grade kids. Volunteers help prepare and participate with story telling, crafts, snack, and games.
10/8: Not meeting (Fall Break) 10/15: Bring a few $$ for dinner & missions! We'll be starting our next series: "Decisions, decisions." 10/22: Not meeting (ULTIMATE) 10/29-11/12: Meeting at our usual time.
If you are a youth who has been volunteering or are interested in joining this service opportunity, or have questions email Brooke (bbarksdale@ newnanfumc.org) and plan to attend a MANDATORY training session Sunday October 15th at 3:00 PM in the JAM room! 4
THE SHEPHERD NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 3, 2017
(top-bottom/left-right) Peace Preachers receiving Bibles brought to them from our church; Leadership: Julie Daniell, Josephine Kathure (Treasurer), Erick Koome (Secretary), Japhet Mwenda (Preacher), Elias Dereva (Chairman), Monica Nochoro (group mentor), Brooke Barksdale; Some of the Peace Preachers receiving their business start up kits and being prayed over that God would bless the work of their hands; ROOT 345 @ Avalon; fun in the Sunday AM Nursery; Confirmation Class; Night of Worship; Preschoolers learning and having a blast doing it!
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THE SHEPHERD NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 3, 2017
IN THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH:
OCTOBER 1
ST
REPORTING
Attendance Worship Services Total (8:30 - 220; 10:55 - 300; Connect - 94) Church Membership
SYMPATHY
Christian sympathy is extended to Eddie Lovett and family for the death of his sister on September 16. Christian sympathy is extended to Garnet Reynolds and family for the death of his uncle on September 24.
614 2272
Year-to-Date Financial Report Week Ending: 9/30/2017 Week #39
Christian sympathy is extended to the family of Rosemary Payton for her passing on September 25.
Total Tithes & Income: $ 1,073,796 Total Expenses: $ 1,203,930 Over/(Under): $ (130,134) -----------------------------------------------------------------CHURCH BUDGET $ 1,681,950
Christian sympathy is extended to the family of Faye Lipford for her passing on September 26. Christian sympathy is extended to Pam Ford and family for the death of her father on September 28.
ZOE UPDATE
OCTOBER 8
th
What a joy it was to journey to Maua, Kenya and meet our partners, the Peace Preachers, our church's ZOE working group in September. Our group consists of 28 Heads of Household, supporting 103 children overall. The heads of each household range from 15-20 years old, and are supporting themselves and anywhere from one to five siblings. Since their first group meeting in June, they have already received training on food security and business training. They have presented their business plans to their group members and are already receiving the seed money to begin their businesses as well as start up kits for those already having knowledge about certain skills, such as tailoring, salon, or farming. (PICTURES ON p. 5)
TRADITIONAL Head Ushers: Kim Duncan (8:30) Matt Rossey & Phil Harris (10:55) Acolytes: TBD, TBD (8:30) Lily Fox, TBD (10:55) Crucifer: TBD (10:55) Sunday School Greeters: Martha Fuller 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
OCTOBER 15th
Over the next few months they will continue to visit one another's homes, assess each other's needs, and increase their skills knowledge in their respective businesses. Thank you for your support and prayers of this group! Through our partnership, we are learning more about how to come together as a community, to focus on empowerment and not just relief, and to show radical, selfless hospitality and generousity.
TRADITIONAL Head Ushers: Kim Duncan (8:30) Matt Rossey & Phil Harris (10:55) Acolytes: Griffin Conoly, TBD (8:30) Luke Hice, Nathan Dewberry (10:55) Crucifer: TBD (10:55) Sunday School Greeters: Martha Fuller 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
We look forward to sharing more about the individual families and their journey toward sustainable and empowered living. If you are interested in joining a Zoe Trip of Hope to visit our group, please see Brooke or JoAn for more information!
IN MEMORIAM
IN MEMORIAM
3/2/1923 - 9/25/2017
9/12/1922 - 9/26/2017
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” -Psalm 23:6
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” -Psalm 23:6
Faye Lipford
Rosemary Payton
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THE SHEPHERD NEWSLETTER
8:30am 9:45am 10:55am 11:00am
OCTOBER 3, 2017
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 Traditional Worship Service (S) Sunday School Traditional Worship Service (S) Connect Worship Service (PH)
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 NO PRESCHOOL: SCHOOL HOLIDAY 4:30pm Joybells Rehearsal (BR) 5:45pm Inspirations Rehearsal (CR) 6:45pm Masterworks Chorale (CR) 7:00am 9:30am 10:30am 1:00pm 2:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 UTH Breakfast (Chick-fil-A) Swingin' Singin' Seniors (CR) Ladies Service Group (???) Bridge Club (Annex Kitchen) Parkinson's Support Group (GR) Job Networking (PH) Safe Place (YL) Men's Study: Heart of God (A212) Women's Study: Armor of God (A205)
9:00am 4:15pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 5:15pm 5:45pm 6:30pm 6:45pm
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 Women's Study (A212) GROW (211) Cherub Choir (203) Wesley Choir (CR) The Grove Meeting (200) Mid-Week Communion (C) Wednesday Night Supper (PH) Carol Choir (CR) Parish Choir (BR) Let's Talk Group (203) UTH Bible Study (YL) Chancel Choir (CR)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12 6:30pm Stephen Ministry Supervision (A212) 7:00pm Connect Band Rehearsal (PH) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13
THANK YOU!
Thank you all who supported One Warm Coat. Your donation is a true blessing to our community. If you want to make a financial donation please find a drop box outside of office till end of October. Tax receipts can be found on their website if needed: OneWarmCoat.org/tax-receipt
8:30am 9:45am 10:00am 10:55am 11:00am 12:00pm 3:30pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 6:00pm
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 Traditional Worship Service (S) Sunday School Safe Sanctuary Training (C) Traditional Worship Service (S) Connect Worship Service (PH) Safe Sanctuary Training (C) Youth Volunteer JAM Training (211) Youth Choir Ensemble (CR) Youth Choir Rehearsal (CR) ROOT 345 (211) Confirmation Class (A212) UTH Worship & Small Groups (YL)
9:00am 10:00am 4:30pm 5:45pm 6:00pm 6:45pm
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16 FnF: Apple Trip Circle 2 (WW) Joybells Rehearsal (BR) Inspirations Rehearsal (CR) Finance Committee Meeting (A212) Masterworks Chorale (CR)
7:00am 9:30am 10:00am 6:30pm 7:00pm
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17 Men's Prayer Breakfast (GR) UTH Breakfast (Chick-fil-A) Prayer Shawl Ministry (GR) Swingin' Singin' Seniors (CR) Angel's House Board Meeting (200) Safe Place (YL) Men's Study: Heart of God (A212) Women's Study: Armor of God (A205)
9:00am 4:15pm 5:00pm 5:15pm 5:45pm 6:30pm 6:45pm
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18 Women's Study (A212) GROW (211) Cherub Choir (203) Wesley Choir (CR) Mid-Week Communion (C) Wednesday Night Supper (PH) Carol Choir (CR) Parish Choir (BR) Let's Talk Group (203) UTH Bible Study (YL) Chancel Choir (CR)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 7:00pm Connect Band Rehearsal (PH) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 8:00pm Chrysalis Winter Flight (C/VN/GR/201)
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
OCTOBER 3, 2017
PRESCHOOL NEWS CONSIGNMENT SALE: UPDATE The Fall Consignment Sale was a success! The gross sales total was $60,000, and the Preschool will keep 30% of that. Thank you for your support of the sale. It not only is a great way to find some good deals on children's items, it is also a ministry to the community in the donation of left-over items we give to One Roof. GRANDPARENTS DAY We invite any grandparents of our children to next week's Grandparents Day! Friday, October 13 (Thursday, October 12 for Ms. Cynthia & Ms. Katie's classes). PRESCHOOL SPIRIT NIGHT @ UNCLE MADDIO'S Tuesday, October 17 | 5-8pm | A portion of ALL PURCHASES will go to NFUMC Preschool! FALL FESTIVAL & POTATO/CHILI DINNER! Wednesday, October 25 | 4:45-6:15pm | Parish Hall | Mark your calendars now! Blessings,
Nancy Martin
TO: NEWNAN FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 33 Greenville St. | Newnan, GA 30263 770.253.7400 | NewnanFUMC.org