The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Athens First United Methodist Church

February 9, 2014 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.

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 on

The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

GatheringThe Prelude

“Love Divine, All Love’s Excelling” arr. BurkhardtGreg Kirby, organist

The Welcome and oPening Prayer 8:30 & 9:45 Led by Betsy Butler 11:00 Led by Beth DickinsonThe call To WorshiP

9:45 “Shout with Joy” Courtney Sung by the Sanctuary Choir

11:00 “Music is a Gift” Schram Sung by the Joy Choir; Tina Lord, Director; Rosemary Belger, Accompanist

Praise & Thanksgiving*The hymn 159

“Lift High the Cross” CRUCIFER

*The aFFirmaTion oF FaiTh The Apostles’ CreedI believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

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I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*The gloria PaTri Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

*The Passing oF The Peace

The recogniTion oF The scouTing Program aT aThens FirsT uniTed meThodisT church Dale Greene

The Prayers oF The PeoPle and The lord’s Prayer 8:30 Led by Beth Dickinson 9:45 & 11:00 Led by Martha Aenchbacher Our 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.

Proclamation of the WordThe children’s message 8:30 & 11:00 At the 11:00 service, children in kindergarten through second grade will go to W.O.W. in the Caravans room on the third floor. Parents are to pick up children from the Caravans room at the end of the service.

The oFFering

The oFFerTory anThem 8:30 “In Christ Alone”

Sung by Julie CaldwellIn Christ alone my hope is found; he is my light, my strength, my song; this cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when striving cease! my comforter, my all in all— here in the love of Christ I stand. In Christ alone, who took on flesh, fullness of God in

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

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helpless babe! This gift of love and righteousness, scorned by the ones He came to save. Till on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied; for ev’ry sin on Him was laid— here in the death of Christ I live. There in the ground His body lay, light of the world by darkness slain; then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory, sin’s curse has lost its grip on me; for I am His and He is mine— bought with the precious blood of Christ. No guilt in life, no fear in death— this is the pow’r of Christ in me; from life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand; till He returns or calls me home— here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand.

9:45 & 11:00 “Our Soul Waiteth for the Lord” PinkstonSung by the Sanctuary Choir Our soul waiteth for the Lord, for He is our help and our shield. Our heart shall rejoice in Him, for we have trusted in His holy name.

*The doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below! Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The scriPTure I Corinthians 1:18-31

18 The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are being destroyed. But it is the power of God for those of us who are being saved. 19 It is written in scripture: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will reject the intelligence of the intelligent. 20 Where are the wise? Where are the legal experts? Where are today’s debaters? Hasn’t God made the wisdom of the world foolish? 21 In God’s wisdom, he determined that the world wouldn’t come to know him through its wisdom. Instead, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of preaching. 22 Jews ask for signs, and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ

crucified, which is a scandal to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. 24 But to those who are called—both Jews and Greeks—Christ is God’s power and God’s wisdom. 25 This is because the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 26 Look at your situation when you were called, brothers and sisters! By ordinary human standards not many were wise, not many were powerful, not many were from the upper class. 27 But God chose what the world considers foolish to shame the wise. God chose what the world considers weak to shame the strong. 28 And God chose what the world considers low-class and low-life—what is

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

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considered to be nothing—to reduce what is considered to be something to nothing. 29 So no human being can brag in God’s presence. 30 It is because of God that you are in Christ Jesus. He became wisdom from God for us. This

means that he made us righteous and holy, and he delivered us. 31 This is consistent with what was written: The one who brags should brag in the Lord!

The message Chuck Hodges“The Foolishness of God”

Response to the WordThe sacramenT oF holy communion

8:30 Page 9 in the hymnal

The receiving oF The bread and Wine At Athens First United Methodist Church, all are invited to commune at Christ’s table. If you need to be served in your pew, please call this to the attention of an usher. Note that gluten free communion elements are located at the stations in the front of the sanctuary.

*The hymn 368 “My Hope is Built” THE SOLID ROCK

*The blessing

*The resPonse “Depart in Peace”Depart in peace, and may God’s grace sustain and bless you day by day. Depart in joy and may His truth support and guide you in His way.

*The PosTlude “Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens, Adore Him” arr. Blake

The flowers on The alTar Today are given To The glory of god and in loving memory of roberT Carson by his wife, mrs. barbara Carson, and his Children.

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February 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, Michael & 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. Bob Green, Nat Carmack, Marty Webb ,Ben Ayers, Spence Johnson, Jim Lyons, Kyle Beeson

Attendance on February 2

Sunday School................................. 538 Total Worship .............................1,417 8:30 a.m...............................................195 9:45 a.m...............................................499 11:00 a.m............................................639 Online....................................................84

Greeters

Vic Armstrong, Dianne Graham, Linda and Bob Snipes, and Jennifer Stewart, Hayden Hudson, Virginia Beth Butler

First Light Acolytes

8:30 Sara Catherine Pennell, Millican Jarrett, Emily Elder 9:45 Annabelle Woodard, Lauren Griffith 11:00 Kate Williams, Elijah Bullock, Jacob Hudson

Financial Report

Budget for 2014 $2,431,007 Amount Given YTD $207,268 Goal for January $244,133 Amount after 4 Sundays $207,268

Offering Stewards

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

Sermon Notes

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Scouting ministries at Athens First United Methodist Church again thrived in 2013. We now sponsor four Scouting units that provide leadership development, outdoor skills, and faith support to youth ages 5–20. The successes listed below are due to your steadfast support of this ministry through your prayers, your gifts, and your support of our money-earning projects. We thank you!

BSA Venture Crew 1 (Girls & Boys, Age 14-20) – Crew 1 was chartered last August and is our newest scouting unit. Crew 1 has 15 youth members and is led by Crew President Parrish McWhorter. Adult co-advisors are experienced Scouters Amy Atao and Marcus Fechheimer, while the adult Crew Committee is chaired by Jim Timberlake. Since August, Crew 1 has kayaked the Broad River, hiked in the north Georgia mountains, and cooked and served the church Souper Supper on Jan. 16. They have a February trip planned to climb the 100-foot rock face on Mount Currahee, and a two-day whitewater trip planned for August. Crew 1 is an exciting program for older youth interested in leadership, a relaxed co-ed setting, and challenging outdoor activities. Contact any youth/adult leader or Rev. Eric Fessler (eric@athensfirstumc.org) if you’re interested in joining Crew 1.

Girl Scout Troop 12051 (Girls, Grades K-5)– is in its second year at Athens First United Methodist Church. They have 23 Girl Scouts, four troop leaders, and several support volunteers. Last year, several girls were recognized for bridging up to the next level (Brownie and Junior). They also enjoyed their first troop campout at Camp Otaki and a service project for the Athens Humane Society. Last summer, three girls participated in a week-long camp at Camp Tanglewood. This school year, the girls have been working on a variety of badges, and Juniors will work to achieve the Bronze Award (the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve). Several girls are also planning to work on the religious medals for their faiths. Troop 12051 will work a Souper Supper in April. If you are looking for a Girl Scout troop for your girl or a volunteer opportunity for yourself, come join us! Contact Jennifer Fishburn for meeting dates and times (gs12051@gmail.com).

Scout Sunday Annual Update | 2014

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Cub Scout Pack 1 (Boys, Grades 1-5)– celebrated its third year at the Blue and Gold Banquet this past Friday night. Pack 1 currently includes 45 boys and 13 adult leaders and earned Gold Status under BSA’s quality unit system –the top rating possible–for the second straight year. Boys from the pack participated in summer day camps, overnight camps, and fall family camp, in addition to smaller outings for older Cub Scouts. Five Webelos Scouts crossed over to Boy Scouts during the Blue and Gold Banquet. Pack 1 supports the faith development of boys from many religious traditions with 18 Cub Scouts earning religious medals during 2013–fully 40 percent of the active boys. Pack 1 meets weekly – most Dens meet on Sunday afternoon. To learn more about Cub Scouting with Pack 1, contact Nat Carmack (nat@bosstaff.com).

Boy Scout Troop 1 (Boys, Grades 5/6 -12)– has completed its 78th consecutive year of bringing the Scout program to our youth while again earning Gold Status. The troop has 13 members and is led by Tim Miller as Senior Patrol Leader. Four Troop 1 Scouts will earn religious medals in their faith this year. Some activities this past year included canoeing in the Okefenokee Swamp, shooting sports, bike riding at Fort Yargo, backpacking in South Carolina, and hiking in the Tallulah Falls Gorge. Troop 1 attended a week of summer camp at Camp Rainey Mountain in June while three Scouts served on their staff in 2013. Two scouts and one adult attended the National Scout Jamboree in West Virginia and one father/Scout pair hiked a trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Scouts also participated in several service projects including two January Souper Suppers. Troop 1 meets on Tuesday nights and camps monthly except for July. For more information, contact Joe Wyrick (joewyrick@charter.net).

Religious Medals– We thank Dan Foust for his service as the religious emblems coordinator for our Scouting units this past year. In addition to 25 plus youth who will earn religious medals, three adults have also been recognized for their Scouting and faith leadership: Charlie Carabello–St. George Award (Episcopal); Jim Hilliard, outgoing Pack Committee Chair; and Joe Wyrick, current Troop Committee Chair–God & Service Award (United Methodist).

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More than 40,000 Meals PackagedThank you for your participation in Stop Hunger Now 2014! 253 volunteers packaged 40,513 meals to feed the hungry around the world. This sweet girl lives in Belize and is eating a Stop Hunger Now meal. For videos and pictures visit athensfirstumc.org/stophungernow.Contact: Betsy Butler | betsy@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

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Member News

Ways to Fish

New Arrivals Congratulations to Ginny and Andrew Turff on the birth of their daughter, Eva Reese, on January 25. Eva is the granddaughter of Sissy and Rocky Moore and the great-granddaughter of Mary Moore.

Newcomer Orientation | TodayAll guests are welcome to attend the Newcomer Orientation February 9 in Hancock Hall. Two sessions are offered, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. No need to R.S.V.P. Information about Athens First United Methodist will be shared, including ways to get involved and how to become a member. Find out more information online, athensfirstumc.org/newcomerorientations.Contact: Martha Aenchbacher | martha@athensfirstumc.org

For more information about fishing, visit athensfirstumc.org/im-new/sermons and listen to January 26 sermon, “Those Called to Fish Must Fish.“

Donations Needed for Souper Supper on February 13 Cans of SpamThank you for bringing in peanut butter crackers and cans of ravioli. This week, donations of cans of Spam are needed for the Thursday evening Souper Supper store. These items go to those in need in our community. Please bring donations to the basket behind the reception desk.Contact: Mary DeLoach | marymdeloach@yahoo.com or Kate Kelly | kate@weequahic.com

Youth Soccer | Register nowBoys and girls ages 3-6 are invited to join us for our spring season, March through May 2014. All teams are co-ed. Practices and games will take place at Clarke Central High School on Saturday mornings. Please visit our webpage, athensfirstumc.org/youthsoccer, for program information and to register!Contact: Rusty Wood | rusty@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

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United Methodist Men Retreat| March 21-22 Join the United Methodist Men at their annual retreat, March 21-22. The cost for this retreat is $50. Barbecue will be served at this local retreat. Additional details about this retreat will be announced as available. Register online, athensfirstumc.org/registration, or at the reception desk, 706-543-1442. Contact: Mason McWhorter | masonmc64@gmail.com

Women’s Study | One Thousand Gifts In One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, Ann Voskamp invites you to embrace everyday blessings and embark on the transformative spiritual discipline of chronicling God’s gifts. Multiple small group sessions are available on Sunday and Wednesday, visit athensfirstumc.org/smallgroupsbiblestudies for times and leaders. Both the book and study guide are necessary for the small group. Purchase both and register online, athensfirstumc.org/registration, or by calling the reception desk. Study cost is $21 ($12 book, $9 study guide). You may order materials individually if you already have the book.Contact: Julie Caldwell | julie@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

The Prayer of Self Denial | February 17Betsy Butler will be sharing at the Prayer of Self Denial Program presented by United Methodist Women on Monday, February 17, at 10 a.m. in Hancock Hall. All United Methodist Women circle members are invited to attend. Contact Kim Griffith for more information.Contact: Kim Griffith | kimgriffith@bellsouth.net

Day of Prayer | March 5Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6Begin Lent by participating in a churchwide day of prayer, from sunrise on March 5 through sunrise on March 6. You may sign up to pray individually or with your family. Pray anywhere you are located. The Chapel will be available to pray in from 6 a.m.–11 p.m. on March 5. Sign ups will be available online or at the reception desk.Contact: Martha Aenchbacher | martha@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

Evolution of the Boy Band | March 2What was the first boy band? Did boy bands exist before the era of ‘N Sync and the Jonas Brothers? These are a few of the deep questions that members of the Wesleyan Youth Choir have been studiously pondering over the past few months, and at long last they are prepared to present their findings to the public- complete with the songs and dances of boy bands from a variety of eras, tracing all the way back to the twelfth century Franciscan monks. Join us on Sunday, March 2 at 5:00 for this year’s variety show, Evolution of the Boy Band. No reservations or tickets are required, but a love offering will be taken. Contact: Janis Maxwell | janis@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

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Sunday, February 9Isaiah 58: 1-12 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) 10:00 a.m. Sack Lunch Ministry (Hull Street Entrance)11:30 a.m. Children’s Church (Caravans)11:00 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary)

Women’s Study | One Thousand Gift (Room 256) Newcomer Orientation (Hancock Hall) 12:00 p.m. Bridges Sunday School (Hull Dining Room) 2:00 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) 4:30 p.m. Wesleyan Youth Choir Rehearsal (Room 163) Route 56 Open Road (Rooms 123-125) Boundaries with Kids Small Group Meeting (Room 221)

5:00 p.m. Carillon Ringers (Room 165) Women’s Study | One Thousand Gifts (Room 252)

5:30 p.m. Disciple 1 (Room 256) Disciple 2 (Room 254)

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.

Vacation Bible School | June 23-27Children ages three years old by September 1, 2013, through those who have completed grade 4, are invited to join us for Weird Animals, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., June 17-21. Online registration is available through June; paper registration begins March 23. Adults and youth volunteers, your gift of service is wanted! Please prayerfully consider sharing your time and talents. Volunteer needs range from prep work to shepherding, crafts, and more. For more information and to register, visit athensfirstumc.org/vbs.Contact: Director: Mary DeLoach | marymdeloach@yahoo.comCo-Director: Stacey Richardson | copelan_sa@hotmail.com | 706-714-4200

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Monday, February 10Psalm 121: 1-10 7:00 a.m. Fashion Fitness (Gym) 7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study (Hull Dining Room) 1:15 p.m. Monday Bible Study Group (John Wesley Parlor) 5:00 p.m. Children’s Basketball (Gym) 6:30 p.m. Financial Peace Course (Room 256) 7:00 p.m. Volley Performance (Gym)

Tuesday, February 111 Corinthians 2:1-12 5:30 a.m. Fashion Fitness (Gym) 9:00 a.m. Wesley Foundation Staff Meeting (Hull Dining Hall) Community Bible Study Leaders Council (Youth Area)

5:00 p.m. Children’s Basketball (Gym) 5:30 p.m. Fashion Fitness (Room 126) 7:00 p.m. Winter Volleyball League (Gym) Boy Scouts | Troop 1 (Scout Hut)

Wednesday, February 12Matthew 5:13-20 7:00 a.m. Fashion Fitness (Room 126) 9:30 a.m. Beth Moore | The Law of Love (Room 252) Gospel of John Bible Study (Hull Dining Room) 10:00 a.m. Women’s Study | One Thousand Gifts (Room 258) 12:30 p.m. Beth Moore | The Law of Love (Room 252) 4:15 p.m. Women’s Study | One Thousand Gifts (Room 256) 4:30 p.m. Children’s Lyric Choir and Celebrate Chimes (Music Suite) Prayer Shawl Ministry (Room 221) Fun Gym (Gym) Chick-fil-a (Hull Dining Room) 4:45 p.m. Early Book Group (Room 261)

5:15 p.m. Jesus Calling Express Study (Room 252) Route 56 GPS (Rooms 123-125) Children’s Cherub, Celebrate, Sonshine, Joy Choirs, Lyric Chimes (Music Suite) 5:30 p.m. Connect Small Group | Sams (Room 257)

5:45 p.m. Connect Small Group Meeting | Dean (Room 255) 6:00 p.m. A Disciple’s Path (Room 258)

Connect Group Meeting | Tabernacle (Room 363) Captured by Grace Men’s Bible Study (Room 256) 6:15 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Room 163) Connect Group Meeting | The Psalm Trees (Room 362)

Women’s Study | One Thousand Gifts (Room 119) Men’s Study | 33 Series: A Man and His Design (Room 254)

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6:30 p.m. The Serenity Prayer Bible Study (John Wesley Parlor) Connect Small Group Meeting | Allen/Anderson (Room 128) Later Book Study (Room 261)

7:00 p.m. Engage | One Student Ministries (Youth Area) 7:30 p.m. Adult Pickup Volleyball (Gym) 8:00 p.m. Chamber Ensemble (Room 163)

Thursday, February 131 Corinthians 2: 13-16 5:30 a.m. Fashion Fitness (Gym) 9:30 a.m. Community Bible Study 5:00 p.m. Souper Supper (Hancock Hall) Children’s Basketball (Gym) 5:30 p.m. Fashion Fitness (Room 126) 7:00 p.m. Winter Volleyball League (Gym)

Friday, February 14Jeremiah 17:5-10

12:00 p.m. Hand Bell Retreat 5:00 p.m. Children’s Basketball (Gym) 6:30 p.m. REACH International Bible Study & Dinner (Adult Sunday School Hall)

Saturday, February 15Jeremiah 17:1-4

Hand Bell Retreat 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. 83

Periodicals Postage Paid at Athens, GA