Rev. Andrew Chappell
Senior Pastor
achappell@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400 (x202)
Rev. Connor Bell
Associate Pastor
cbell@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400 (x208)
Dear Friends & Family of Newnan First UMC,
This past Sunday, I read a passage from Leslie Weatherhead’s chapter on “Christ and His Achievement.” I shared it in an effort to convey just how beautiful God’s commitment is to us. Here is the passage in full:
It is with a sense of deep humility and reverence, almost of awe, that I, having recently passed my seventieth birthday, sit down in this quiet study, within sight and sound of the sea, to write about the Person who has meant more to me than any other for over sixty years. As a child of nine I made my little act of dedication to him all alone on January 3, 1903, and determined to serve him for the rest of my life. I remember writing down the fact in red ink in a new diary someone had given me. Needless to say, I have gone back on him since then a thousand times, but always he has held my heart in thrall and I have known no peace outside his will and no joy to compare with the experience which I sincerely believe to be due to communion with him. I pray that I may write no word to lessen, for another, belief in that transforming, and available friendship.
It captures Charles Wesley’s question in one of the greatest hymns of all time, “Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me!”
Both Weatherhead and Wesley are commenting on the sheer force of the grace of God. It is so hard to understand, and yet it is true! And that truth is immense and good. As I think about the loss and the grief that this congregation has encountered these last several months, the memorial services and the tragedies and the deaths, it is hard not to ask, “Why God?” But even in the midst of that “why,” in the distance, if you listen carefully, you can hear the grace of God echoing through eternity, the same grace that says to its great opponent: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
As we celebrate All Saints’ and Thanksgiving this month, may you be surrounded with good memories of loved ones who have gone before. May you also be enveloped in the embrace of the living God, the one who says that loss and grief and death are not the end. There is hope. There is life. Even after all this. Especially after all this!
God be with you.
Also, I’d like to welcome our newest member, Margaret Turner Powell into the family of faith (baptized Oct. 27, 2024).
Andrew Chappell
MONTHLY FINANCE
Total Tithes/Income:$ 76,070
Total Expenses: $ 94,606
Over/(Under): $ (18,536)
TOTAL BUDGET: $ 1,732,371 AVG. ATTENDANCE: Oct 8:30 Worship: 93 11:00 Worship: 223
Let saints on earth in concert sing with those whose work is done; for all the servants of our King in heaven and earth are one.
Claudia Jean Nash
December 12, 1943-November 4, 2023
Jack Thomas Jackson, Sr.
April 13, 1927-February 15, 2024
John Paul Sides
November 1, 1936-May 13, 2024
Lewis Edward Scott
October 24, 1938-November 28, 2023
Charles Kenneth Walls
September 30, 1927-March 5, 2024
Hazel Craft Lockard May 27, 1927-July 24, 2024
Jacob “Jake” Nathaniel Shepherd, III
August 12, 1956-December 15, 2023
Frances Garrett Goodson
January 21, 1923-April 1, 2024
R. Alexander “Alex” Davis
August 15, 1928-August 22, 2024
Hazel Bogle Lewis
December 6, 1929-January 18, 2024
Ira “Bert” Leonard Bray April 12, 1925-May 3, 2024
A. Leidich June 12, 1936-August 31, 2024
Mary
Don J. Jones, Sr. July 31, 1935-September 8, 2024
Jerry Leon Cox February 3, 1945-September 17, 2024
Lynne Dudley Maddux April 17, 1951-October 11, 2024
Carole Murphy Busby March 6, 1934-October 26, 2024
Update Missions
OCTOBER RECAP
ERT: We are so grateful for the generosity of those who support and serve via our Early Response Team. Through their efforts, Newnan First UMC has sent two teams to assist those whose homes were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with a third team planning to deploy November 8th-11th. Our Early response teams assist with mucking, tarping, debris removal, and providing care for families impacted by natural disasters. Please be in prayer for our team in November. If you are interested in serving with our ERT, contact Aileen.
Munchkin Masquerade - October 31: We had a group packing 600 bags on October 16th in preparation of this event. Look for trickor-treating photos in the next newsletter, because we KNOW they’ll be adorable! A huge thank you to those who helped pack and distribute bags.
UPCOMING MISSIONS
Mission Sunday - November 17: Annual Winter Coat Drive! We will be collecting new and gently used coats for children and adults. We will also be collecting soup and ramen noodles for One Roof. Drop your donations off in the conference room by the work room or bring them to the altar on Sunday, October 20, where they will be blessed. Thank you for your generous donations for our monthly One Roof donations!
Newnan Emergency Shelter Team (NEST): NEST assists the homeless population in our community when the temperatures fall below 35 degrees for more than two hours prior to 4am. Our church will provide dinner and transportation to the hotel on Saturday nights and transportation back to Newnan City Church on Sunday mornings. Contact Aileen Burnett or use the QR code to the left to sign up to serve. You will need to be Safe Sanctuary certified!
Save The Dates - August 16-23, 2025 is Mission Guatemala: Our church will return to Guatemala to partner with Mission Guatemala, a United Methodist mission partner dedicated to serving the basic needs of under-served communities through health, education, nutrition, and meaningful missionary service. Our church sent a team in 2023, and the experience was wonderful and transformative. Contact Missions co-chair Lee Berry for more information. Lee@LeeBerry.com.
Joy Tree Begins November 10: The Joy Tree provides Christmas gifts to children in foster care in our local area. We normally sponsor 100+ children and provide gifts of both clothing and toys for each child we sponsor. Each child is allowed a “wish list” for toys and clothing and our congregation has always been extremely generous in helping to fulfill these lists.
JOY TREE DROP-OFF DATES
Sunday, December 1 9:30am-12:30pm
Friday, December 6 4:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday, December 7 10:00am-Noon
Sunday, December 8 9:30am-12:30pm
Thoughts from Phyllis Graham on recent ERT Missions.
Agroup of volunteers from the ERT (Emergency Response Team from NFUMC) traveled down to Valdosta to help with Hurricane Helene recovery the first part of October. The reality of Newnan and the Atlanta area escaping from any significant damage leaves one humbled and giving thanks for that grace. What we experienced in our three days was a snapshot of suffering, persistence, and love in the trauma of folks waking up to no power, debris and fallen trees and the realization that they had been spared.
We saw the downed power lines, the smashed cars, the destruction of homes and then the many noticeable miracles of trees missing houses and therefore saving lives. We saw, though, thousands of trees, some areas looking like a battlefield of fallen soldiers. It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation of what nature has created wiped out...and the economic impact on the owners of pecan and peach orchards lost to this storm. “Present danger” allows one to experience “life” with an appreciation and awe, and at the same time, fear and terror. It can bring out the wonder of surviving together. When we cleared trees, branches and debris in a neighborhood with a row of four homes, you could sense the new found connections between the four families. The memory of the tornado sweeping through our city and jumping around causing much disruption of normal life, gives one time to reflect on what our brothers and sisters are experiencing in so many communities there. The reality of life in these mountain areas is forever changed. Nature will recover slowly and new “landscapes” created, but the impact of life and the conveniences that were enjoyed will take years to rebuild.
Poinsettias
Fun ‘n Frolic
OActivities in October
ur Fun ‘n Frolic October adventure took us to Mercier Orchards and lunch at Bigun’s BBQ. We had excellent weather, food and time for fellowship. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time and travel with our seasoned adults.
Thank you to Craig Bryan for a safe journey.
SAVE THE DATE: Fun ‘n Frolic Christmas Party is Thursday, December 5, at 11:30am.
Uth
OFall semester has been a whirlwind.
ur students have so much going on, and we love celebrating them! From sports (like football, lacrosse, cross country, soccer, volleyball, cheerleading) to the arts (like band, chorus, theater, and even more), we are so excited to celebrate them and all they do alongside being members of this youth group. All of that on top of being a student can be a lot to handle, but we know you all have got it! These students are rockstars, and we are so proud!
As for what we have been doing at youth recently, our confirmation class has been going strong and has some wonderful adults leading this great group of kids alongside myself. We have finished up two of our three series this semester. The First, Roundabout, was about our own struggle with change and how we could update our mindset in order to see God at work in the changes we are experiencing. Our second series, The Hills, was amazing. This one was centered around the verse Matthew 5:14 and how we are to be like a city on a hill, shining light into all the world for all to see! We get the opportunity to be God’s light to the world and really change it through our presence and the use of our gifts. We helped out at the Fall Festival, and then had a great night serving our local community and roasting some marshmallows at the Holy Ghost Marshmallow Roast at the end of the month. We have one more series (check it out below), Biscuits & Bibles, and some of our favorite events of the Fall Semester are still ahead of us, so we are so excited to have a great rest of the year
Like a Boss Series
Let’s be honest: Nobody likes being told what to do and nobody wants to be bossed around. In this series, we’ll take a look at how we can all begin to honor and respect the authority in our lives, even when it’s hard! As we do, we’ll discover that life’s better when we learn to handle authority like a boss.
Fall Retreat @ Camp Glisson November 8-10
Small Group Scatter
December 1
UTH Christmas Party December 15
UTH Ski Trip January 17-20
We
have been having a lot of fun in the music department this month.
The kiddos in Carol Choir have been learning some Latin for O Holy Night. Look out, Chancel Choir - they may give you a run for your money! I’m super proud of how hard they have worked. And how amazing has Bellissmo been this semester? I was so proud of their performance of “Fairest Lord Jesus,” and I cannot wait to hear their Christmas music, too!
Youth Choir is busy, busy, busy fundraising for Choir Tour 2025. If you haven’t heard yet, we’ll be traveling to the Outer Banks while singing and participating in service opportunities along the way. We’ll have a healthy dose of fun planned as well!
All of these opportunities would not be possible without the bounty that is given to this church each year through your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. As we are moving out of the stewardship season, we in the music department want you to know how much your support means to us, and we can’t wait to continue bringing enriching music experiences to our community.
Caitlyn Dixon Director of Music
(x205)
Just a bit of looking ahead, we’ve got some great music planned for you this month, but we’re really looking forward to an amazing Christmas season. Make sure you have the following dates on your calendar - you won’t want to miss these opportunities to usher in the holiday season with a healthy dose of joy - and music!
December 1, 2024: Christmas Pageant - What better way to launch the Advent season than with this annual presentation by the children of the church. See the classic telling of the Christmas story with sheep and angels a-plenty! The event will be at 9:45 a.m. in the sanctuary.
December 8, 2024: O Holy Night - In keeping with tradition, the music department presents their yearly showcase. All choirs will perform, and we’ll conclude the showcase with the mass choir performance of “O Holy Night.” It’s a perfect way to celebrate the season! The event is at 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
December 15, 2024: Meditations at the Nativity - Join us during your regular worship service time for a thoughtful and worshipful series of meditations and musical reflections as we prepare our hearts for the Christ Child’s arrival.
December 24, 2024: Christmas Eve Services - At their traditional times of 11:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m., join us as we welcome the Messiah.
So much to look forward to, and plenty to do in our rehearsals leading up to them. If you’re interested in singing for Christmas, it’s not too late! Reach out ASAP and we’ll save a seat for you in the loft!
Soli Deo Gloria, Caitie
P.S. Remember to order your fruit and cheesecake from a Youth Choir member by November 17!
First KIDS
(x209) Andrea Stuart Director of Children’s Ministry
astuart@NewnanFUMC.org
October has been a fantastic month that ended with our not-so-spooky Holy Ghost Marshmallow Roast!
November is going to be just as fun! If you have children ages 4 to 5th grade and think they might want to come to Sunday School, November is a great time to start. It is sure to be action packed and fun! The younger Sunday School class is kicking off November in the book of Exodus. We will be exploring all the wonderful things God gives us! We will read stories about how he will always provide for us and how he brought us together through the 10 commandments. We will finish the month exploring what it takes to build a House for God! In our older Sunday School classes we started a journey on Route 66! This is the 66 books in the Bible. We will travel through the Bible and learn the important stories and lessons of God!
In Children’s Worship we will continue to focus on being good stewards of God. We have been exploring the many ways of serving others. This month we are going to wiggle our way into putting our trust in God so that we can show others God through our actions. We will be talking about the special time approaching us over the next several months! Please feel free to join us every Sunday, except the 1st Sunday of the month. We are on the Children’s Floor. We dismiss all 4 year olds through 2 graders from the 11am service.
In ROOT345, we will be starting a two part series called Grow! We will explore the ways we can be spiritually fed. We will be discussing how Jesus came so that we can have the only water that truly quenches our thirst, the living water. We will discover the ways we can work our body and soul to grow stronger in Christ. We will close the month out discussing how God makes sure to give us rest. Remember the ROOT345 Christmas Party is Sunday, December 1 at 6pm!
We have had a blast during the month of October...
And are looking forward to all the things the season brings over the next two months. We hosted our annual Potato and Chili dinner for the fall festival and enjoyed seeing all the kids dressed up in their Halloween costumes. We had a fire truck visit during community helper’s week and had a cute pumpkin patch where our students were able to pick a pumpkin of their own. At the end of the month we had a scarecrow mystery reader and hosted trunk or treat in the Parish Hall parking lot.
November we will have our Thanksgiving Celebration where our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes will sing and dance in celebration of the first Thanksgiving. On December 6th at 11:00am our older students will sing at Barnes and Noble to benefit the Carnegie library during their annual book fair fundraiser.
Our students have been learning the Lord’s Prayer and will host a series of birthday parties for Jesus to celebrate his birth and the love and sacrifice he has shown to all of us!
WNF
Patty Hall
Church Hostess
phall@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400
Wednesday Night Fellowship: 5:00-6:15pm, Parish Hall
While supper is served 5:00-6:15pm, those enjoying fellowship are welcome to stay later even if Patty and helpers are packing up! Remember to RSVP by noon the Tuesday before supper. This helps give us an accurate count when making food!
December 4th WNF is Christmas Dinner Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, Corn, Dressing, & Dessert.
UTH & ROOT345 SUNDAY NIGHT MENUS - NOVEMBER
November 3 - Chicken Tenders November 17 - Pork Sandwiches & Fries
December 1 - Soup
Women’s Christmas Gala
December 10th
5:30pm in the Parish Hall
TICKETS, $25 PURCHASE FROM LYNNMCKIBBIN46@GMAIL.COM
WOMEN OF ALL AGES ARE INVITED! GATHER YOUR GROUP OF 8 (OR LYNN WILL PAIR YOU WITH A GROUP). GROUPS CHOOSE THEIR TABLE THEME/COLOR SCHEME AND BRING THEIR OWN ITEMS TO DECORATE ACCORDINGLY.
MENU*: SMOKED GOUDA & BACON ALFREDO, SPINACH SALAD, VEGETABLES, BREAD AND A VARIETY OF DECADENT DESSERTS
CHRISTMAS TUNES FROM ATLANTA JAZZ GROUP,
Tones Collective
*Gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Emai l Patty at PHall@Newnanfumc.org by Nov. 20. Childcare avail able for children through 5th grade
Discipleship Director
mwebb@newnanfumc.org
770.253.7400 (x215) Melody Webb
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
FOOD SERVED 5:00-6:15PM PARISH HALL 20 NOV | | We’ll have Ham and Drinks, you bring the sides. Register by noon Nov 19!
US FOR Sign Up Here
In The Life of Our Church
Births
Jacob Nathaniel Shepherd V
October 30, 2024 | Shannon & James Shepherd
In Memoriam
Lynne Dudley Maddux
April 17, 1951-October 11, 2024
Carole Frances Murphy Busby
March 6, 1934-October 26, 2024
Baptisms
Margaret Turner Powell
October 27, 2024 | Sara & Hanson Powell
In The Life of Our Church
See the full 2024-2025 “Yearbook” album here!
In The Life of Our Church
November Calendar
1-17
Youth Choir Fruit & Cheesecake Sale
1
FnF Made In The South 9am-3:30pm, Columbus
3
All Saints Sunday
Traditional Worship Services
8:30am & 11:00am, Sanctuary
Sunday School (All Ages Small Groups)
9:45am, Locations Vary By Class
Confirmation Class
9:45am, Annex Conference
Youth Ensemble 4:30pm, Choir Room
Youth Choir
5:00pm, Choir Room
ROOT345
6:00pm, Children’s Wing, $
UTH
6:00pm, Youth Lounge, $
4
Joybells 4:30pm, Bell Room
Inspirations 5:45pm, Choir Room
5
Men’s Prayer Breakfast 8:30am, Gathering Room
Masterworks Chorale 6:45pm, Choir Room
6
UTH Biscuits & Bibles
6
Breaking Bread Bible Study
12:00pm, Gathering Room
Bellissimo 4:30pm, Bell Room
Vespers Service 5:00pm, Chapel
WNF: Mission Recognition Night
5:00pm-6:15pm, Parish Hall
Cherub Choir 5:15pm, Main 200
Carol Choir 5:15pm, Choir Room
Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm, Annex Hall
Chancel Choir 6:45pm, Choir Room
7
ARC Blood Drive
12:15pm-4:15pm, Parish Hall
8-10
UTH Retreat Camp Glisson
ERT Mission Trip - Hurricane Cleanup Thomason, GA
10
Traditional Worship Services
8:30am & 11:00am, Sanctuary
Sunday School (All Ages Small Groups) 9:45am, Locations Vary By Class
Confirmation Class 9:45am, Annex Conference
10
ROOT345 Family BINGO Night 6:00pm, Children’s Wing, $
11 Joybells 4:30pm, Bell Room
Inspirations 5:45pm, Choir Room
12
Celebration Singers 9:30am, Choir Room
Angel House Meeting 11:30am, Main 205
Parkinson’s Support Meeting 2:30pm, Main 200
Trustees Meeting 6:00pm, Annex Conference
Masterworks 6:45pm, Choir Room
13
UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am, Truett’s Chick-fil-A
Women’s Bible Study 9:30am, Annex Hall
Breaking Bread Bible Study 12:00pm, Gathering Room
Bellissimo 4:30pm, Bell Room
Cherub Choir 5:15pm, Main 200
Carol Choir 5:15pm, Choir Room
7:00am, Truett’s Chick-fil-A
Women’s Bible Study 9:30am, Annex Hall
Youth Ensemble 4:30pm, Choir Room
Youth Choir 5:00pm, Choir Room
Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm, Annex Hall
Chancel Choir 6:45pm, Choir Room
4:00-6:00pm, Parish Hall
16
Charge Conference 1:30pm, Sanctuary 17
Traditional Worship Services
8:30am & 11:00am, Sanctuary
Sunday School (All Ages)
9:45am, Locations Vary By Class
Confirmation Class
9:45am, Annex Conference
Youth Ensemble
4:30pm, Choir Room
Youth Choir
5:00pm, Choir Room
ROOT345 Movie Night
6:00pm, Children’s Wing, $
UTH
6:00pm, Youth Lounge, $
18
Martha Circle
9:45am, Main 200
Joybells
4:30pm, Bell Room
Inspirations
5:45pm, Choir Room
Finance Committee 6:00pm, Annex Hall
19
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
8:30am, Gathering Room
Celebration Singers 9:30am, Choir Room
PS Spirit Night
5:00-8:00pm, Truett’s Chick-fil-A
19
Masterworks
6:45pm, Choir Room
20
UTH Biscuits & Bibles
7:00am, Truett’s Chick-fil-A
Women’s Bible Study 9:30am, Annex Hall
Dementia Support Meeting 10:00am, Annex Conference
Breaking Bread Bible Study 12:00pm, Gathering Room
Bellissimo 4:30pm, Bell Room
WNF: Friendsgiving
5:00-6:15pm, Parish Hall
Vespers Service
5:00pm, Chapel
Cherub Choir
5:15pm, Main 200
Carol Choir
5:15pm, Choir Room
Women’s Bible Study
6:30pm, Annex Hall
Chancel Choir
6:45pm, Choir Room
21
Prayer Shawl Meeting 10:00am, Gathering Room
24 - Mission Sunday (Joy Tree)
Traditional Worship Services
8:30am & 11:00am, Sanctuary
Sunday School (All Ages) 9:45am, Locations Vary By Class
28
DECEMBER
Traditional Worship Services
8:30am & 11:00am, Sanctuary
Children’s Christmas Pageant 9:45am, Sanctuary
Confirmation Class 9:45am, Annex Conference
Happy Birthday Jesus Party 11:00am, Children’s Wing
Youth Ensemble
4:30pm, Choir Room
Youth Choir
5:00pm, Choir Room
ROOT345
6:00pm, Children’s Wing, $
UTH
6:00pm, Youth Lounge, $
2
Joybells
4:30pm, Bell Room
Inspirations
5:45pm, Choir Room 3
Men’s Prayer Breakfast 8:30am, Gathering Room
Celebration Singers 9:30am, Choir Room
Masterworks 6:45pm, Choir Room 4
UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am, Truett’s Chick-fil-A
Women’s Bible Study 9:30am, Annex Hall
4 Bellissimo 4:30pm, Bell Room
Vespers Service 5:00pm, Chapel
WNF: Christmas Dinner
5:00pm-6:15pm, Parish Hall
Cherub Choir 5:15pm, Main 200
Carol Choir
5:15pm, Choir Room
Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm, Annex Hall
Chancel Choir 6:45pm, Choir Room
5
FnF Christmas Luncheon 11:30am, Annex Hall
6
PS Concert for Carnegie 11:00am, Barnes & Noble
Masterworks Concert 7:00pm, Nixon Centre Blackbox
7
Youth Choir Fruit Pickup 9:00am-Noon, Parish Hall
Historic Church Tour 5:00-8:00pm, Sanctuary
8
Traditional Worship Services 8:30am & 11:00am, Sanctuary
Sunday School (All Ages) 9:45am, Locations Vary By Class
Confirmation Class 9:45am, Annex Conference
HAPPY
Breaking Bread Bible Study 12:00pm, Gathering Room
O Holy Night 3:00pm & 6:00pm, Sanctuary
CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Andrew Chappell, Senior Pastor
Aileen Burnett, Missions & Sr Adult Coordinator
Caitlyn Dixon, Minister of Music
Danika Ford, Nursery Coordinator
Janet Marie Gunnels, Communications Director
Patty Hall, Kitchen Hostess
Tiffany Hanson, Church Sexton
Carol Hartenbower, Administrative Assistant
Carrie Horsley, Church Sexton
Bonnie Krider, Asst. Director of Music
Rev. Connor Bell, Associate Pastor
Owen Lambert, Finance & Business Director
Dr. Dawn McCord, Organist
Susan Mitchell, Preschool Director
Paul Mosley, Youth Minister
Julie Perkins, Accompanist
Kim Stokes, Finance Secretary
Andrea Stuart, Director of Children’s Ministries
Melody Webb, Discipleship Director