Rev. Andrew Chappell
Senior Pastor
achappell@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400 (x202)
Dear Friends & Family of Newnan First UMC,
e have recently been exploring the concept of a Christ-centered life. We have learned about the importance of spiritual disciplines like prayer, Scripture reading, and sabbath rest. These practices help us draw closer to God and allow the Spirit to shape us more deeply.
Generosity is also a spiritual discipline. It is not simply a financial act; it reflects our hearts and our commitment to Jesus. Good stewardship is a hallmark of a deep, Christ-centered life, and as Richard Foster reminds us, “The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.” I believe the people of this church know what it means to be deep disciples.
We invite you to prayerfully consider contributing to the ministry of Newnan First UMC as we embark on our five-week stewardship campaign.
We are so grateful for the ways that God has called you to support Newnan First UMC already. From supporting our Early Response Team to funding renovations for our preschool, your financial generosity has enabled us to serve others effectively. Your gifts have also allowed us to support much needed local ministries in our community as well as hire dedicated staff who love our congregation and work to further the kingdom of God. This church is making a difference in many lives, from Children’s and Youth Ministries to Fun ‘n Frolic Trips, all our choirs, and so much more.
Our 2025 stewardship campaign will begin on September 29th and culminate on Commitment Sunday, October 27th. On that day, we will ask that you submit a pledge for your anticipated giving toward the church’s 2025 ministry budget. Your generosity is a tangible expression of your faith and a powerful way to bless others.
Rev. Connor Bell
Associate Pastor
cbell@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400 (x208)
Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. We simply ask that you “give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Your support helps us continue to share the love of Christ and make a positive impact in our community.
Thank you for your commitment to serving Christ through Newnan First UMC.
Blessings, Rev. Andrew Chappell
P.S. A special welcome to new members Linda Winn, Shannon Shepherd, Corinne Taylor, and Melody Webb, and to our new baptized members Ruthie and Natalie Brown.
Dear Friends in Christ,
On October 13, we will have a worship service at 8:30am in the Sanctuary. From 10AM-Noon, we will gather as a church in the Parish Hall to worship with our hands by packing meal kits with our mission partner Rise Against Hunger, who will distribute the meal kits to those in need around the world. Our goal is to pack 15,000 meals together as a congregation in an effort to fulfill the biblical call to feed the hungry (Matthew 25). This will serve as our church’s second worship service that day- we will not be meeting for our typical 11AM worship in the sanctuary.
We are excited for this opportunity for our church! The event is accessible to almost any age and ability, and it is easy to learn. We will have childcare and a separate children’s worship available that morning for those 6 years old and below. We also invite Sunday School classes to forego their usual lesson to join together as a church and focus on the spiritual discipline of service.
Although the event is open to all who show up that morning, we do ask that you register in advance for our planning purposes. We are looking forward to worshiping through our service as a congregation on October 13th!
Grace
and peace, Rev. Connor Bell
Update Missions
MISSIONS IN SEPTEMBER
View & Download Mission pictures
Our Early Response Team (ERT) deployed to assist residents in the Richmond Hill area and a Savannah area food pantry that were affected by Tropical Storm Debby in August. Our team removed damaged floors from the food pantry and then assisted a homeowner with removing saturated insulation from underneath a manufactured home. Our team included Ted Burnett (team lead), Greg Oothoudt, Carol Hartenbower, Carter West, Don Harrelson, Nancy Capponi, Dianne Glenn, Rusty Rivers, Leonard Scarboro, Eric Harlan, Wes Cato, and Randolph Douglass. We are so grateful for the dedication of our members to serve.
UPCOMING MISSIONS
October Donations for One Roof: single serve items for seniors (easy open and microwavable), soup, ramen noodles, canned tuna or chicken, pasta or rice mixes or other side dishes. 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!
Our Disaster Response Team is again getting prepared to serve, travelling to Valdosta October 4-6. Please be in prayer for their time working in the community to assist those who were affected by Hurricane Helene.
ARC Blood Drive - October 3 |12:15-4:15pm | PH
Help with relief for victims of Hurricane Helene. Youth and adults can also volunteer, making sure those giving blood can locate restrooms in the Parish Hall or that they’ve had a drink and something to eat.
Munchkin Masquerade - October 31 | Downtown Newnan
We will be handing out approximately 600 bags of candy on the Square for Munchkin Masquerade. A huge thank you to the volunteers who helped to pack the bags.
In Genesis 2,
We read that God did not intend for the Human to live alone. God created us with the capacity to give and receive love. We are made for relationship with God, one another, and creation.
Here at Newnan First UMC, we have several different groups for adult discipleship - small groups that can help you connect with others and grow in your faith. When Christians meet in small groups to pray, study Scripture, fellowship, and serve others, they form relationships of love and trust. As Christians grow in love and trust with one another, they grow in holiness of heart and life, helping each other live a more Christ-centered life.
If you are not already connected to an adult Sunday School class, Bible Study, or other small group, I want to encourage you to give it a try this month.
-Melody Webb
BREAKING BREAD (Adults All Ages)
Wednesdays at Noon | Gathering Room
Weekly study with Pastor Andrew for adults of all ages; study and discussion on the scripture lesson for the upcoming sermon over the lunch hour (bring your own lunch)
OPEN HANDS (Young Adults)
Sundays at 9:45am | Annex 207
Sunday School for Young Adults (singles, couples and parents of young children); bible and video based discussions
ABIDE (30s & 40s)
Sundays at 9:45am | Annex 209
Sunday School for singles, couples and parents in their 30s & 40s; open-minded Jesus followers and people lovers, focused on learning about God and growing as people
AGAPE (Adults All Ages)
Sundays at 9:45am | Annex 205
Sunday School for adults of all ages; members are active in the life of the church, engaged in regular fellowship (dinner clubs, brunches, parties, etc.) and involved in informal discussion-based lessons using authors such as Adam Hamilton, Amy-Jill Levine & Andy Stanley
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT (Adults All Ages)
Sundays at 9:45am | Annex 212
Sunday School for adults of all ages; studies focused on spiritual disciplines and how God’s Spirit leads and enables us to minister to others
SHEPHERDS (40+)
Sundays at 9:45am | Annex 201
Sunday School for adults age 40 & up; informal discussion-based lessons using books and video studies
FRIENDSHIP (40+)
Sundays at 9:45am | Main 201 & 202
Sunday School for adults age 40 & up; bible-based lessons led by a rotation of teachers with occasional special guests and videos
POLLY CROWLEY (60+)
Sundays at 9:45am | Main 205
Sunday School for adults 60 and up; bible study with weekly scriptures and discussions
HENRY KITCHENS (65+)
Sundays at 9:45am | Main 200 Sunday School for adults 65 and up; weekly lessons using Cokesbury’s Adult Bible Studies with social events throughout the year and a community scholarship fund for high school seniors
Melody Webb Discipleship Director
mwebb@newnanfumc.org
770.253.7400 (x215)
WOMEN’S MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays at 9:30am | Annex Hall
Discussion based bible study for women of all ages; a new study begins October 9 using Melissa Spoelstra’s book “First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree,” facilitated by Melody Webb
WOMEN’S EVENING BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays at 6:30pm | Annex Hall
Discussion based bible study for women of all ages; October study - “Elijah: Spiritual Stamina in Every Season;” November Study - “What’s Your Story? Seeing Your Life Through God’s Eyes”
MARTHA CIRCLE (Women all ages) 3rd Mondays at 9:45am | Main 200 Current study - “Moments That Take Your Breath Away” by James Moore
MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST (All Ages) 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 8:30am | Gathering Room
Activities in September
On September 21st, 39 people headed to Nashville for an extended overnight trip. We stayed at the Opryland Hotel and were able to tour downtown Nashville, Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium and enjoy a show at the Opry. We enjoyed meals, entertainment and fellowship as a group. If you have any ideas for an overnight trip for 2025, please contact Aileen Burnett at aburnett@newnanfumc.org.
There are still seats available for Mercier Orchards on October 24th and for Christmas Made in the
Friday, November 1
Happy October, Church Family!,
We had a lot of fun in music this September. It was so great to hear the Cherub and Carol Choirs in worship. I have so much fun working with the kiddos each week - they teach me so many new things, and they’re learning a lot about music along the way. I can’t wait to explore more with them this year.
I would like to express my gratitude to everyone that supported our first fundraising efforts with the Youth Choir. We wanted to try something new this year, and this fundraiser helped to put them well on the way to earning the funds to cover their trip. Our hope is that they can fundraise the full amount this year instead of having to pay a portion out-of-pocket. Be on the lookout for fruit and cheesecake sales later this month. The cheesecakes would be especially helpful during the holiday season either as gifts or to bring to parties! We will be selling from October 13th to November 18th, and delivery will be on Saturday, December 7th.
As we approach the season of stewardship as a church, I have so much to be thankful for in this community. Your unwavering support of the music programs here at Newnan FUMC is such a testament to your desire to further God’s Kingdom in this time and place. I’m grateful for the opportunities we’re able to extend to our children and youth especially. Without your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness, this would not be possible. Thank you for affording the singers and myself these opportunities. I look forward to being a part of it for years to come!
Soli Deo Gloria, Caitie
ORPHEUS MEN’S ENSEMBLE GEORGIA OF
Sunday, October 6 at 4pm Newnan First UMC Sanctuary
The Orpheus Men’s Ensemble of Georgia (OMEGA) is the premiere men’s chorus of North Georgia. This ensemble is composed primarily of music educators and church musicians from the metro Atlanta area and beyond. Their music is especially written for tenor and bass voices, and we are incredibly excited to host them at Newnan First UMC this fall!
event.
First KIDS
Andrea Stuart Director of Children’s Ministry
astuart@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (xXXX)
September was a great month in the Children’s Ministry and we are excited about October!
Last month we explored the life of Joseph and how he continued to trust in God. This month in Sunday School we are going to learn about Moses and his life. We begin our journey with the precious baby in a basket and we will learn about God’s powerful acts. We will continue to explore the Bible as well as do fun activities like crafts and games! Sunday School is 9:45 am to 10:45 am on the Children’s Floor. All Pre K 4 through 5th graders are welcome! We also have a wonderful nursery for those of our friends that are not quite that age or feel more comfortable in a smaller setting. The nursery is located in the Preschool, the lower level of the Parish Hall.
In Children’s Worship we will continue to worship and praise God and all the gifts he continually gives. We will play games, dance, craft, and wiggle our way closer to God! Children’s Worship is three Sunday’s a month. The first Sunday is dedicated for communion with our families. We dismiss from the Sanctuary and go to the Children’s Floor. You can pick your children up from there after the service.
We continue with ROOT345. This is for our 3rd through 5th graders. It is a nighttime program that meets 6pm to 7:45pm. This is a group style program that focuses on lessons from the Bible and we play tons of games and study from the Bible. We fellowship, eat dinner together, and break into small groups to discuss the lessons we dive into! This month we dive into Acts. We will start off talking about being invited to be followers of God. No one is left out and the early church made sure of that! We will continue to look into how the Holy Spirit will provide all that we need to be faithful followers of God and how community plays a huge part in growing our own faith and helping to build others! We meet Sunday’s, 6pm to 7:45pm on the Children’s Floor in the main building. Dinner is served at 6pm and it is $5 per child.
Come and join us for all the exciting things we have planned for this year.
**October 27 we will team up with Uth for the Holy Ghost Marshmallow Roast! Mark your calendar
View & Download All First KIDS pictures
We had an amazing start to the school year.
Renovations to the school were completed and we were able to welcome students to a brand new school! We also had a very successful Children’s Consignment Sale, doing close to $67K in total sales! Thank you to Rainey Brown and Jordan Thompson for leading the sale and to all the members of the Consignment Sale Committee for many hours of hard work and dedication to the success of the sale! Thank you also to our amazing parent volunteers, and to Scott Harlan who saved the day by bringing a hot spot when the Internet went out! This sale is a ministry to not only help the preschool, but to the community as well. Consignors earn some extra money and the community benefits from some great prices on gently used items. One Roof and Coweta Pregnancy Center benefits from receiving the donated items that are not picked up at the end of the sale.
NOTABLE DATES THIS MONTH
School Holidays
October 4 & 7
Crews will be paving the preschool car loop this weekend, weather permitting.
Preschool Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A October 8, 5-8pm
Touch-a-Truck with NFD October 15
Preschool Spirit Night at Culvers October 22, 5-8pm
Fall Festival - All are welcome! October 23, 4:45-6:15pm
email@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400 (xXXX)
& P o t a t o / C h i l i D i n n e r WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23RD | 4:45-6:15 PM | PARISH HALL $8 Adults, $4 Children | CASH OR CHECK ONLY NO RESERVATIONS NEEDED!
Paul Mosley Youth Director
pmosley@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400 (xXXX)
We have been having a great fall semester here at UTH.
We have been learning a ton alongside having a bit for fun. Our confirmation class got off to a great start at the beginning of this past month. It has been awesome connecting with these wonderful young people and to begin this milestone journey with them as they dive into their story and how God has played a major role in it.
We have been continuing our study of the Book of Matthew at Biscuits & Bibles on Wednesday Mornings, and have finished up our first Sunday Uth series of the semester on how change is part of life but it can be a good thing, that God doesn’t change and that is a great thing, and that change can be used to make us into a better reflection of light into our world. Our second series, The Hills, kicked off last month and will go through most of October. We also closed the month out with a UTH vs Adults game night where our students went head to head with volunteers and parents in trivia from both ages and physical challenges to see who ultimately reigned supreme!
Confirmation lessons have been going really well. They are a great group of kid, and we have some awesome adults who are stepping in to lead some lessons as well! Thanks Andrew, Connor, and Melody!
View & Download All 2024 Uth pictures
Leadership team is off to a great star and functioning like a reflective and proactive worship team for our Sunday Night UTH gatherings. I am also looking into us diving in a discernment process for our UTH values and mission (alongside our church wide look at the same)
We have a lot of fun lined up for the rest of this semester as well: UTH volunteering at the Preschool Fall Festival, Holy Ghost Marshmallow Roast (where we are going to be making dual hygiene and snack bags for the students in the Elevate programs), Fall Retreat, Small Group Scatter, and our UTH Christmas Party!
The Hills: A series about shining the light of Jesus with your life.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fall Break (NO UTH!)
October 6
Preschool Fall Festival (Uth Volunteers)
October 23
Holy Ghost Marshmallow Roast
October 27
Fall Retreat @ Camp Glisson
November 8-10
Small Group Scatter
December 1
UTH Christmas Party
December 15
In Matthew 5:14, Jesus says: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” This series encourages our middle and high schoolers to understand what it means for them to be the light of the world. God created students to shine -- in every single aspect of life -- by the way they live the light and hope of Jesus into a world that seems chaotic and in desperate need of light.
Join us from September 22 through October 20 to learn how to shine your light into your communities!
UTH & ROOT345 SUNDAY NIGHT MENUS - OCTOBER
October 13 - Corn Dogs
October 20 - Ham & Cheese Sliders
October 27 - Hot Dogs
Wednesday Night Fellowship: 5:15-6:15pm, Parish Hall
Remember to RSVP by noon the Tuesday before supper! This month, that’s October 1 & October 15. This helps give us an accurate count went making food! Cost is $8/person, $5/ Child under 12, or $25/Family of 4 (with kids under 12).
OCTOBER 2: FAITH & BLUE
Brisket Sandwich, Potatoes, Lima Beans, Salad, Dessert
RSVP by Tuesday, October 1.
OCTOBER 16
Chicken Pasta, Green Beans, Salad, Dessert
RSVP by Tuesday, October 15.
PRESCHOOL
OPEN HOUSE WNF - October 16
Toward the end of WNF on Octoberthe16,we’llwalkdownstairstosee newPreschoolspaceandpray over it.
SAVE THE DATE FALL WNF SCHEDULE
*November 6: Mission Recognition
Ted’s Pulled Pork, Baked Beans, & Salad Bar
November 20: Friendsgiving
Ham Provided, Bring a side to share
December 4
Turkey, Stuffing, Green Beans, Cranberries, Dessert
WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS GALA December 10 | 5:30pm
Tickets are $25 and will be sold before and after Worship beginning Sunday, October 13. Women of all ages are encouraged to gather your female friends, family and neighbors for a table of 8, then have fun decorating the table together before the Gala. The event itself will feature a delicious meal, favorite holiday desserts, festive Christmas music by a live band and an inspiring guest speaker.
October Calendar
1
Mens Prayer Breakfast Resumes 8:30am, Gathering Room
Masterworks Rehearsal
6:45pm, Choir Room
2
UTH Biscuits & Bibles
7:00am, Truett’s Chick-fil-A
Women’s Bible Study
9:30am, Annex Hall
Breaking Bread
12:00pm, Gathering Room
Bellissimo Children’s Handbells
4:30pm, Bell Room
Vespers Service
5:00pm, Chapel
Wednesday Night Fellowship: Faith & Blue
5:15-6:15pm, Parish Hall
Cherub Choir
5:15pm, Henry Kitchens SS
Carol Choir
5:15, Choir Room
Women’s Bible Study
6:30pm, Annex 201
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
6:45pm, Choir Room
3
ARC Blood Drive: Hurricane Helene
12:15-4:15pm, Parish Hall
4-6
ERT Trip Valdosta, Georgia
6
Traditional Worship Services
8:30am & 11:00am, Sanctuary
Sunday School
9:45am
Confirmation Class
9:45am, Youth Lounge
8
Celebration Singers
9:30am, Choir Room
Angel House Mtg
11:30am, Polly Crowley SS
Parkinson’s Support Meeting
2:30pm, Henry Kitchens SS
PS Spirit Night
5:00-8:00pm, Truett’s Chick-fil-A
Masterworks Rehearsal 6:45pm, Choir Room
9
UTH Biscuits & Bibles
7:00am, Truett’s Chick-fil-A
Women’s Bible Study
9:30am, Annex Hall
Breaking Bread
12:00pm, Gathering Room
Bellissimo Children’s Handbells 4:30pm, Bell Room
Cherub Choir
5:15pm, Henry Kitchens SS
Carol Choir
5:15, Choir Room
9
Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm, Annex 201
Chancel Choir Rehearsal 6:45pm, Choir Room
12
Lay Servant Ministry Basic Course 9am-3pm, SW District Office, $
Fear This Driver Safety Class 4:00pm, Chapel
13
Youth Fruit Sale Begins Through November 18
Traditional Worship Service
8:30am, Sanctuary
Rise Against Hunger 10:00am-Noon, Parish Hall
Religion in the Arts 3:00pm, Central Baptist Church
ROOT345 & UTH 6:00pm, CW & YL, $
14
Inspirations 5:45pm, Choir Room
15
Men’s Prayer Breakfast 8:30am, Gathering Room
Celebration Singers 9:30am, Choir Room
15
Masterworks Rehearsal 6:45pm, Choir Room
UTH Biscuits & Bibles
7:00am, Truett’s Chick-fil-A
Women’s Bible Study
9:30am, Annex Hall
Dementia Support Group
10:00am, Annex Conference
Breaking Bread
12:00pm, Gathering Room
Bellissimo Children’s Handbells
4:30pm, Bell Room
Vespers Service
5:00pm, Chapel
WNF & Preschool Open House
5:15-6:15pm, Annex Hall
Cherub Choir
5:15pm, Henry Kitchens SS
Carol Choir
5:15, Choir Room
Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm, Annex 201
Chancel Choir Rehearsal 6:45pm, Choir Room
17
Prayer Shawl Meeting
10:00am, Gathering Room
19
Lay Servant Ministry Basic Course
9am-3pm, SW District Office, $
20
Traditional Worship Service
8:30am & 11:00am, Sanctuary
Sunday School
9:45am
Confirmation Class
9:45am, Youth Lounge
20
Youth Ensemble
4:30pm, Choir Room
Youth Choir
5:00pm, Choir Room
ROOT345 & UTH
6:00pm, CW & YL, $
21
Martha Circle 9:45am, Main 200
Inspirations
5:45pm, Choir Room
Finance Committee Meeting
6:00pm, Annex Hall
22
Celebration Singers 9:30am, Choir Room
Masterworks Rehearsal 6:45pm, Choir Room
23
UTH Biscuits & Bibles
7:00am, Truett’s Chick-fil-A
Women’s Bible Study 9:30am, Annex Hall
Breaking Bread 12:00pm, Gathering Room
Bellissimo Children’s Handbells 4:30pm, Bell Room
PS Fall Festival/Chili Dinner 4:45-6:15pm, Parish Hall
Cherub Choir 5:15pm, Henry Kitchens SS
Carol Choir 5:15, Choir Room
Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm, Annex 201
23
Chancel Choir Rehearsal 6:45pm, Choir Room 24
FnF Mercier Orchards Outing 9am-6pm, Blue Ridge
Delta Kappa Gamma 5:00-8:30pm, Annex Hall
27
Commitment Sunday Traditional Worship Services 8:30am & 11:00am, Sanctuary
5th Sunday Fellowship 9:45-10:45am, Parish Hall
Confirmation Class 9:45am, Youth Lounge
Youth Ensemble 4:30pm, Choir Room
Youth Choir 5:00pm, Choir Room
Holy Ghost Marshmallow Roast 6:00pm, Parish Hall & Lot
Inspirations 5:45pm, Choir Room
Celebration Singers 9:30am, Choir Room
Masterworks Rehearsal 6:45pm, Choir Room
30
UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am, Truett’s Chick-fil-A
Women’s Bible Study 9:30am, Annex Hall
Breaking Bread 12:00pm, Gathering Room
30
Bellissimo Children’s Handbells 4:30pm, Bell Room
Cherub Choir 5:15pm, Henry Kitchens SS
Carol Choir 5:15, Choir Room
Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm, Annex 201
Chancel Choir Rehearsal 6:45pm, Choir Room
31
Munchkin Masquerade 10am-Noon, Downtown
NOVEMBER
1
FnF Made In The South 9am-3:30pm, Columbus
3
All Saints Sunday Traditional Worship Services 8:30am & 11:00am, Sanctuary
5th Sunday Fellowship 9:45-10:45am, Parish Hall
Confirmation Class 9:45am, Youth Lounge
Youth Ensemble 4:30pm, Choir Room
Youth Choir 5:00pm, Choir Room
ROOT345 & UTH 6:00pm, CW & YL, $
In The Life of Our Church
Baptisms
Natalie JoAnne Brown & Ruthie Louise Brown
September 22, 2024 | Joanna & Colby Brown
In Memoriam
Mary A. Leidich
June 12, 1936 - August 31, 2024
Don Jones, Sr.
July 31, 1935 - September 8, 2024
Jerry Leon Cox
February 3, 1945 - September 17, 2024
Vernon Austin Johnson
September 30, 1945 - September 27, 2024
Extending our Christian Sympathies
Cate and Charlie Causey on the death of their daughter, Julie Causey.
Alice and Mike Jackson on the death of their son, Sean Jackson.
Ivey Fulmer on the death of her sister, Katherine McCall.
In The Life of Our Church
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
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