Rev. Andrew Chappell Senior Pastor
achappell@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400 (x202)
Clergy
Friends and Family of NFUMC,
Rev. Connor Bell
Associate Pastor
cbell@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400 (x208)
As we approach Holy Week, I am once again struck by the events – by the fickleness of humanity, celebrating a man one moment and condemning him the next. It seems inconceivable that allegiance could shift so dramatically, from Jesus-follower to Roman proponent, in less than a week. Yet, if we are honest, the story of Holy Week serves as a mirror to our own human nature. I still mourn the violence inflicted upon the Son of Man. The betrayal by a close friend is tragic; the desertion by the rest, unthinkable. I imagine the disciples, incredulous, sitting in their upper room on the evening of the crucifixion. I can almost hear their whispered questions and the quick rush of tears at the mention of the tragedy. The news on Good Friday and Holy Saturday is undeniably bad.
Even as we anticipate the dawn of Easter, we carry the echoes of that moment – the silence and sorrow that accompanied such devastating news. We all carry moments in our lives that cry out for an Easter Sunday.
In his prayer book, Every Moment Holy Volume II, Douglas McKelvey has crafted a beautiful prayer for times when the news is bad. I have included it below. I can’t help but wonder if the disciples might have prayed such a prayer while mourning the events of Good Friday.
May God be with you in this holy season, and a special welcome to new members Lynne and Bobby Suarez, Ken and Debbie Harkness, Susan Cook, Jeff Belcher, Charlotte Tondee, Avery, Alden and AJ Smith, Audrey Winne, and our confirmands Elli Barber, Mackenzie Barron, Maddison Bohannon, Luke Brightman, Annie Burg, Bo Collins, Mae Maginnis, and Benjamin Reese.
Andrew Chappell
A LITURGY FOR WHEN THE NEWS IS BAD
God my Rock, Fortress, and Eternal Foundation, Be present in this first moment of my fear, for the footings of my life as I’ve known it are shaken. Unwelcome news has tilted the world suddenly, robbing me of balance and bearing, casting all plans for pleasant futures in a wavering light. How am I to process this hard report, O Lord, this intrusive revelation of my own frailty and mortality—frailty, coupled with a fear that further tests, treatments, and consultations could lead to news still worse, and that this moment might, in hindsight, be seen as the beginning of the chapter that will close with my final breath.
O God Who Fights for Me, be present in this first confusion. Be present in this first uncertain distress. Be present in my passage through denial, anger, frustration, and fear. Shepherd me through every anxiety as I—and all who love me—seek to absorb this blow.
Be near in ways that I can sense and know. Convince me of your care. Be my everlasting rock, my unassailable fortress, my fierce defender. Steady the spinning of my world. Amen.
EASTER YARD SIGNS
Now’s the time to put up those Easter yard signs so your neighbors and passersby will learn about our Easter services! Find signs in the narthex or main lobby. If you still have your sign from last year, please go ahead and put it out (or return if not using).
Give It Up For Lent
Lisa Dempsey will be serving with us on Sunday mornings as well as providing pastoral care and teaching while Rev. Connor Bell and his family continue to grieve and heal following the loss of their son, Wallace. She comes to us with a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to ministry, having served churches across our conference including:
Harmony Grove Lilburn UMC, Candler Park UMC, Shepherd of the Hills UMC, Cokes Chapel UMC
Lisa is married to Jack Dempsey, who retired from the State of Georgia, Environmental Health Division. They are proud parents of two daughters Amanda (married to John) and Melissa, and they have two wonderful grandchildren, Luke (9) and Adam (6).
We extend a warm welcome to Lisa and her family. We are grateful for her willingness to share her talents and experience with us. Please take the opportunity to introduce yourself to her and make her feel at home. We look forward to the blessings that her ministry will bring to Newnan First UMC. We thank you for your gracious gifts, which go to our ministries
GIVING & ATTENDANCE
Aileen Burnett
Missions & Sr. Adult Coordinator
aburnett@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400 (x206)
On March 6th, we provided an appreciation lunch for the Newnan Police Department to show how much we appreciate all that they do for our church. We will be providing an appreciation lunch for Newnan Fire Department (by Wadsworth Auditorium) May 14th.
#SERVECOWETA Recap
A huge thank you to those that came out on Saturday, March 29th to volunteer with #ServeCoweta. NFUMC had over 40 members assist with serving breakfast, yard cleanup, chainsaw and debris removal, repairs/light construction, and assisting a nonprofit. Your willingness to serve makes a difference in our community.
Mission Guatemala Mission Trip - August 16-23, 2025
Final commitment date is Thursday, May 1st. We have several openings to participate in this wonderful global mission experience. We will be serving the Lord through light physical work (painting, etc.), and working with VBS in the local Mayan community. Please contact Peter Sheren for more information at peterandivonne@gmail.com. Be on the look out for monthly Mission Guatemala member meetings.
Volunteers Needed for One Roof Spring Fling - April 7, 2025
1:00-3:00pm | One Roof
We will have a table at this event to hand out coloring books and candy. Contact Aileen if you are willing and able to volunteer for the 1-3pm shift. The event itself begins at 11am.
ERT Recertification Class - May 3, 2025
8:30am-12:30pm | Gathering Room
Anyone with an ERT badge who needs recertification may sign up to join this free training. Register by 4/30.
Read the full April/May 2025 Missions Newsletter at this QR code!
FINALCOMMITMENT DATEISMAY1
Mission Guatemala
HAT YOU’LL LEARN
ile ERTs are not first ponders, they fill a specific need in the early days after a disaster to clean damaged homes, remove debris, place tarps on homes, and otherwise prevent further damage, while providing a caring Christian presence
$20, Includes lunch and materials. Cash and check payments accepted the day of class
Melody Webb
Discipleship Director
mwebb@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400 (x215)
Did you know that historically, Lent was a time in the church year when adults and young people who wanted to become a Christian would prepare for baptism by studying scripture and theology? Then on Easter Sunday, they would be baptized into the Church. Even during modern times, Lent is still a time when the Church emphasizes discipleship - encouraging all of us Christians to remember what it means to follow the Way of Jesus and recommit our lives to spiritual growth.
We are still a few weeks away from Easter, so now is a great time to consider what next steps you may want to take on your own spiritual journey.
DAILY DEVOTIONS: Daily Devotional books are available in the Main Building Lobby or Narthex for daily personal reflection. Or, you may wish to explore digital devotions at the QR code to the right.
STUDY & SUPPORT: We have several small groups and Sunday School classes for adults. But I am always thinking about what study and support opportunities are missing; if there is something you are particularly interested in, please let me know. I’d love to hear from you and dream together of next steps for our church programming.
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, I am here to resource and support you. Know that I will be praying for you and for all in our church all this month, that God will continue to bless and lead each of us in becoming more and more filled with God’s amazing love!
Melody Webb
Current Bible Studies
Breaking Bread - Resumes After Easter
Wednesdays, Noon (Gathering Room)
Mid-week studies with Rev. Andrew Chappell that focus on the scripture for the upcoming Sunday.
Martha Circle
3rd Mondays, 9:45am (M200)
Book study using “Moments that Take Your Breath Away” by James Moore.
Mens Prayer Breakfast
1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 8:30am (GR)
Men of all ages are welcome to join for breakfast, prayer, and bible study.
Womens AM Bible Study
Wednesdays, 9:30am (AH)
Get Connected with
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
SUNDAYS 9:45AM-10:45AM
Bring your bibles and join us as we read through the gospel of Luke. Led by Melody Webb.
Womens PM Bible Study
Wednesdays, 6:30pm (AH)
Book study using “Seven Words” by Susan Webb. Led by Kelly Stephens.
Polly Crowley
“Making sense of the bible”
Friendship
“The Last Days: A Lenten Journey Through the Gospels”
Henry Kitchens
Weekly bible study
Insights
Contemplative Spiritual Practices
The Shepherds
“A Disciple’s Path”
Agape
“Why Does Jesus Matter?”
Open Hands
“The Will of God”
Abide
“The Will of God”
Life in the
“The Goodness
Hello, All! I’d like to start this letter by thanking everyone that came to support the community choirs the end of last month for a performance of Duruflé’s Requiem. Ronnie, from Central Baptist, and I started planning this event over a year and a half ago, and to see it finally come to life was so rewarding. To the choir members who put in so many hours of hard work, thank you for your dedication to creating this art with me. To those of you that came to support us, thank you for continuing to support the arts not only here in our own sanctuary, but in the community as well. Without your presence and gifts, events like this would not be possible.
We have yet another opportunity to appreciate music together on Thursday, April 3rd, at 6:30 p.m. here in our sanctuary. The Long Beach Middle School Choirs (from Mississippi) will be offering a concert for us that night as part of their “Atlanta Tour.” They will go on to perform as part of the Heritage Music Festival (HMF), a longstanding tradition across the United States. I had a choir sing as part of HMF in New York City back when I was teaching, so I am grateful we have the opportunity to support a group that is headed towards one of these performances. It will be a great (and not super long if you have younger ones that you’d like to expose to some music) concert of a variety of repertoire that I think you’ll greatly enjoy. Their director, Mr. Emmanuel Carney, is a friend of mine from school, so I’d love for us to be able to support him on his first big trip with these students!
Finally, as the celebration of Easter morning approaches, we have plenty more great music on the way. The Youth Choir and Carol Choir will be performing together as part of worship on Palm Sunday (April 13th). The piece is beautiful, and I am so in love with these opportunities for expanding and merging the communities here at our church. Our Chancel Choir will be joined by a brass quintet from Kennesaw State University on Easter morning for worship on April 20th. I look so forward to what their gifts will add to our worship that day as we celebrate a risen Savior!
I’ll leave you with these words from our Easter anthem:
“The voice that spans the years, stirring life, speaking hope, bringing peace to us, will sound ‘til He appears, for He lives, Christ is risen from the dead!”
Soli Deo Gloria, Caitie
Andrea Stuart Director of Children’s Ministry
astuart@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400 (x209)
View & Download All First KIDS pictures
We had a great month of March with a STEM night, Bingo, Sunday School classes, Children’s Worship, and Wiggle and Worship, and there’s more fun coming up in April! With our focus on Jesus’s loving sacrifice we will be wiggling, playing and praying all the way to Easter and beyond.
ROOT345 started the series “Overwhelmed.” We will continue talking about what the Bible teaches us when we are just plain over it: Ways that we can “RUN” to Jesus, even when we want to run away. We will also learn ways to lean on Jesus to overcome whatever obstacle we may face. ROOT345 starts at 6pm with dinner, then we move into our lesson and games.
We really have the best time in our younger Sunday School class (4yrs-2nd grade). We are diving into LOVE this month and learning of love at the Last Supper, and Jesus’ love for Peter in the garden. We will finish out the month praising the risen Lord. The Older Sunday School Class will continue on their journey down Route 66 where they are making stops at each book of the Bible. This month they have stops at 1st and 2nd Samuel, 1st and 2nd Kings, and 1st and 2nd Chronicles. They apply the lessons they learn to their daily lives.
During the 11am service our younger kiddos have a blast in Wiggle and Worship (2 and 3 year olds in the Preschool) and Children’s Worship (4 years-2nd grade) . This month we are going to explore the Lord as our great teacher, then we will learn what it means to be a faithful servant. We will talk about the resurrection of Jesus and talk about all the things we can do to share love. Wiggle and Worship is in the nursery in the lower level of the Parish Hall in the Preschool. Children’s Worship, on the Children’s Floor, is released from the Main Sanctuary in the Big Church. You can pick your children up upstairs on the Children’s Floor. We play, pray, wiggle, and praise, and have the best time ever.
Preschool registration for the 2025-2026 school year went great! We have a few spots still available! If you have friends interested in touring please have them reach out to me at: 770-253-1237 or email smitchell@newnanfumc.org.
Summer Enrichment
Visit our website for more information regarding Summer Enrichment. There will be a link on that page that will go LIVE at 9am Monday, April 14th, for church members and presently enrolled families. On Monday, April 21st, 9am, PUBLIC registration for Summer Enrichment will open. Class size is limited and registration is based on a first come, first served basis.
June 9th-12th: Under the Big Top Circus camp
July 7th-10th: Beach Vacation
August 4th-7th: Dinosaur Discovery
Spirit night at Truett’s Chick-fil-A is Thursday, April 3rd from 5-8. Please mention the preschool when ordering!
Susan Mitchell
Preschool Director
smitchell@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.1237
Spirit night at Culver’s is Tuesday, April 22nd from 5-8. Please mention the preschool when ordering! Thank you for your support!
Confirmation Sunday was one of the best days of the year so far. It was so awesome to celebrate these students and their families. Thank you to everyone who came out in support of the hard work each confirmand put in. This past month we have been super focused on preparing for Easter through our series the Comeback Kid! We have also been tearing through the book of Matthew on Wednesday mornings, and our seniors have been looking towards the future at our Sticky Faith study on Tuesday nights!
This month we have Spring Break and Holy Week alongside a lot of fun planned! We have two fun adventures planned in April: our Spring Small Group Scatter on April 13 and UTHapalooza on April 27. April 13 is also our PreSummer Parents meeting and the night our Seniors will put their Final Handprint on the wall. I can’t wait for all the awesome programming and growth we have in store this month. Come join us.
Upcoming Events:
April 6: No UTH (Spring Break)
April 13: PreSummer Parents Meeting & Small Group Scatter
April 20: Easter Sunday (No UTH)
April 27: UTHapalooza
May 4: UTH Choir at Wesley Woods
Graduate Sunday Registration:
The end of the School year is fast approaching and for our oldest UTH that means graduation. We want to collect some information from you, so we can honor your high school seniors and those graduating from college and beyond this Graduate Sunday (May 18). Please follow the link below and answer as much of it as you can. We understand that their future plans and details may change leading up to Graduate Sunday, and we will update them as necessary.
Egg seekers ages 0 to 12th grade, all ages welcome Food and Special Prizes too!
1
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
8:30am | Gathering Room
Celebration Singers 9:30am | Choir Room
UTH Sticky Faith
7:30pm | Mosley Home
2
UTH Biscuits & Bibles
7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A
Women’s Bible Study
9:30am | Annex Hall
Lenten Lunch & Service
12:00pm | Newnan Chapel UMC
Bellissimo
4:30pm | Bell Room
Vespers
5:00pm | Chapel
Wednesday Night Fellowship
5:00-6:15pm | Parish Hall
Cherub Choir
5:15pm | Main 203
Carol Choir
5:15pm | Choir Room
Women’s Evening Bible Study
6:30pm | Annex Hall
Chancel Choir
6:45pm | Choir Room
3
Long Beach MS Choirs
6:30pm | Sanctuary
April Calendar
8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary
Sunday School 9:45am
Celebration Singers EOY Party
9:30am | WW & Frank’s
Angel House Mtg
11:30am | Main 200
Parkinson’s Support Mtg
2:30pm | Main 203
Women’s Bible Study
9:30am | Annex Hall
Lenten Lunch & Service
12:00pm | Newnan Presbyterian
ARC Blood Drive 12:15-4:15pm | Parish Hall
Worship Service - Palm Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary
14 Joybells 4:30pm | Bell Room Inspirations 5:45pm | Choir Room 15
Men’s Prayer Breakfast 8:30am | Gathering Room
UTH Sticky Faith 7:30pm | Mosley Home 16
UTH Biscuits & Bibles
7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A
Women’s Bible Study 9:30am | Annex Hall
Dementia Support Mtg 10:00am | Annex Conference
Breaking Bread 12:00pm | Gathering Room
Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room
Wednesday Night Fellowship 5:00-6:15pm | Parish Hall
Vespers 5:00pm | Chapel
4
Mission Team Mtg
11:00am | Main 200
Easter Egg Hunt 12:30pm | First Ave Park
UTH Parents Mtg
4:00pm | Youth Lounge
Youth Ensemble
4:30pm | Choir Room
Youth Choir
5:00pm | Choir Room
UTH Senior Handprints & Small Group
Scatter
6:00pm | Youth Lounge
Cherub Choir 5:15pm | Main 203
Carol Choir 5:15pm | Choir Room
Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm | Annex Hall
Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room
17
Maundy Thursday Service 6:30pm | Sanctuary
Sunrise Worship Service 7:00am | Greenville St. Park Easter Sunday Services 8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary
April Calendar
9:45am | Main 200
4:30pm | Bell Room Inspirations
5:45pm | Choir Room
FnF Lunch & BINGO 11:30am | Annex Hall PS Spirit
5:00-9:00pm | Culver’s UTH Sticky Faith 7:30pm | Mosley Home
UTH Biscuits & Bibles
| Truett’s Chick-fil-A
Women’s Bible Study
9:30am | Annex Hall
12:00pm | Gathering Room
Bellissimo
4:30pm | Bell Room 23
Cherub Choir
5:15pm | Main 203 Carol Choir
5:15pm | Choir Room
Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm | Annex Hall Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room
| Parish Hall
Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room
Youth Choir
5:00pm | Choir Room
ROOT345
6:00pm | Children’s Wing
UTHAPALOOZA
6:00pm | Camp Welcome
28 Joybells 4:30pm | Bell Room
Inspirations
5:45pm | Choir Room
29
UTH Sticky Faith
7:30pm | Mosley Home
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
Bellissimo
4:30pm | Bell Room
Cherub Choir
5:15pm | Main 203
Carol Choir
5:15pm | Choir Room
Women’s Evening Bible Study 6:30pm | Annex Hall
Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room
MAY
3
ERT Recertification Class 8:30am | Gathering Room
4
Worship - Children’s Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary
Sunday School
9:45am
Youth Choir Wesley Woods Concert
3:30pm | Wesley Woods of Newnan
ROOT345
6:00pm | Children’s Wing
Please check the online calendar for the most up-to-date events schedule!
In The Life of Our Church
Baptisms
Charlotte Hill Tondee | March 2, 2025
Katherine and Christopher Tondee
Avery Juliet & Alden Taylor Smith | March 9, 2025
Taylor Ann and AJ Smith
Audrey Sullivan Winne | March 16, 2025
Darby and Jack Winne
Easter Lily Orders Easter Lily Orders
We invite you to purchase Easter Lilies in honor or memory of a loved one, which will be displayed in the sanctuary on Easter Sunday.
1
Fill out the Easter Lily Order Form (Include your contact info!)
a Paper forms found in Main Lobby
Google form (preferred) found at QR code below or via newnanfumc org/events
2
b Send payment for the number of Easter Lilies
you’re purchasing
b
a Give check with “Easter Lilies” in memo to Church Office
Google Form takes you to credit/debit payment on Realm (or newnanfumc org/give)
$15 per Lily, Order by April 17
Lenten Service + Lunch
Noon | $5
April 2
Newnan Chapel UMC
April 9
Newnan Presbyterian Church
Welcome Confirmands
Ellie Barber*
Mackenzie Barron
Maddison Bohannon
Luke Brightman
Annie Burg
Bo Collins
Mae Maginnis*
Benjamin Reese
*Also baptized
Holy Week Services
Palm Sunday Services - April 13
8:30am & 11am | Sanctuary
Maundy Thursday Service - April 17 6:30pm | Sanctuary
Easter Sunday Services*
Sunrise 7:00am | Greenville St Park
8:30am & 11am | Sanctuary
*Remember to Bring cut flowers for the cross on Easter Sunday!
In The Life of Our Church
In The Life of Our Church
CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Andrew Chappell, Senior Pastor
Rev. Connor Bell, Associate Pastor
Rev. Lisa Dempsey, Interim Associate Pastor
Aileen Burnett, Missions & Sr Adult Coordinator
Seth Crile, Building Manager
Caitlyn Dixon, Minister of Music
Janet Marie Gunnels, Communications Director
Patty Hall, Kitchen Hostess
Tiffany Hanson, Church Sexton
Carol Hartenbower, Administrative Assistant
Jodi Horne, Nursery Coordinator
Carrie Horsley, Church Sexton
Bonnie Krider, Asst. Director of Music
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