The Shepherd - April 2026

APRIL 2026

THE

SHEPHERD Details

CHURCH LIFE

pg 9-12

Ministry

UPDATES pg 5-8

Upcoming

Get Involved

EVENTS

MISSIONS pg 4

Newnan First United Methodist Church

33 Greenville Street | 770.253.7400 | hello@newnanfumc.org

pg 13-14

Dear Church Family,

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pril is one of the most beautiful months of the year. The trees begin to green, flowers push up through the soil, and the world seems to wake up again. That is part of what makes Easter so fitting for this season. The Church does not celebrate Easter as just one Sunday, but as a whole season of resurrection, joy, and new life. And that is the good news we need.

During Lent, as we have worked through the atonement theories in worship, one truth keeps rising to the surface: whatever language we use to describe salvation, it all points to the same reality. In the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God has acted for us. Jesus has done for us what we could never do for ourselves.

Scripture says it plainly: “By grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). “For freedom Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Rev. Andrew Chappell Senior Pastor

achappell@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x202)

That is Easter. That is spring. That is grace. Wesley cared deeply about holiness, but he was clear that grace comes first. We do not transform ourselves so God will love us. God loves us, and by grace begins transforming us.

So the message of Easter is not “try harder.” It is not “fix yourself.”

It is this: Jesus Christ is risen, and you are free.

Maybe that is the word we most need to hear this month: Jesus has saved us, so we can stop resisting grace and receive it. Holiness matters. Discipleship matters. But they come after grace. They are the fruit of resurrection, not the cause of it.

You cannot shame a flower into blooming. New life is a gift. So is resurrection. So is grace. As spring unfolds around us, may we hear again the good news: Christ is risen. The tomb is empty. Grace is real. And God is still making all things new.

With hope and joy, Andrew P.S. Last month, I had the pleasure of showing Ms. Elise Krigline and her son Michael around our church. Elise was a member of our church many years ago and her son Michael was confirmed here before they moved north. It was special to show them around as Elise, along with a few others, was responsible for starting our preschool in 1967. It was a pleasure to introduce Elise to our Preschool Director Susan Mitchell who gave Elise a tour of our newly renovated preschool. Both of us were so thankful to hear stories about how the preschool began with 25 four and five year olds. Now our school serves 150 students and their families. It was inspiring to meet Ms. Elise and then walk around in the legacy of her efforts. Susan and I were both amazed to be able to hear all about those early days. I am so grateful for those who helped Ms. Elise begin such an important ministry of our church, and I am inspired by the way that God continues to move in the hearts of our littlest ones and those that guide them.

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Friends, the peace of Jesus Christ be with you all!

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want to take the opportunity to thank you all for your prayers, well wishes, and meal assistance as we welcomed our new daughter, Mary-Wallace, into the world. For my family, it is a time of complicated joy and grief. Mary-Wallace is a wonderful source of delight, and Wallace’s presence is also continually with us. He is missed daily. We are grateful for those who help us hold both the joy and the sorrow.

At the church, we have an exciting opportunity that I would like for you all to be aware of. We are starting a new, temporary Sunday School class, cleverly called the New Class. If you are new to the church or have not found a Sunday School class to join into yet, we encourage you to join us for these six weeks!

Rev. Connor Bell Associate Pastor

cbell@NewnanFUMC.org Here are the details: 770.253.7400 (x208) • Who: Connor, new(er) adult members/visitors to the church, and those who are still searching for a Sunday School class home.

• What: A six-week study focused on “Basic Bible”-- what is the bible, how do we understand it, and how do we faithfully read and understand it as Christians?

• When: Sundays April 12th- May 17th, from 9:45-10:45AM, • Where: Upstairs in the Annex Hall (bank-like building) in room 209.

• Why: To grow our faith in community, and to better understand the Bible, what it means, and how its authority should shape our lives.

If you haven’t joined a Sunday School class yet, please join us for this series! Your presence is a welcome addition. We are very excited about this opportunity to grow in our faith together, as the body of Christ.

We are winding down in our journey through Lent together. The cross is growing nearer, as is the wonder and the mystery of the resurrection at Easter. God speaks to us during this season- I pray that we can take the time to listen.

Grace and Peace, Connor

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Holy Week PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP

Mar 8:30AM & 11:00AM | SANCTUARY 29 EASTER EGG HUNT 12:15PM | FIRST AVENUE PARK

Apr WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER 1 5:30-6:30PM | PARISH HALL Apr MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE 2 7:00PM | SANCTUARY April 5 - Easter Sunday SUNRISE ECUMENICAL SERVICE 7:00AM | FIRST AVE PARK

EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30AM & 11:00AM | SANCTUARY

Remember to bring cut flowers with you to church for the cross outside the sanctuary

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Mission & Outreach Committee HOW TO VOLUNTEER FOR MISSIONS Contact Peter Sheren - peterandivonne@gmail.com or Lee Berry - lee@leeberry.com One Roof Monthly Donations | April 19, 2026 – Please bring the following: canned meats (tuna, spam, Vienna sausages, chicken breast, Manwich, sardines) baked beans, rice, grits, oatmeal, fruit, mixed veggies and jelly. We also encourage you to volunteer with One Roof.

The Thrift Store, open 10:00am to 5:00 pm Mondays-Saturdays, needs volunteers to help organize and process donations and clean.

The Food Pantry has food items to be sorted and boxed and prepared for distribution.

The Office needs help occasionally and for special events. Helping hands always welcome!

Give It Up For Lent | Now-Easter Sunday - This is the biggest fundraiser for Bridging The Gap (BTG) of the year for Newnan FUMC. Our goal is $12,000. Last year our goal was $11,000, which we exceeded. If you missed the deadline, it’s not too late! Mark your gift GIUFL. Our final report on donations will be published in the May Shepherd.

Art Ministry Outreach (AMO) - Our second AMO Exhibit kicked off on March 7th and runs through June 4th. The exhibit consists of artwork from 23 artists who have produced 35 pieces, both painted and photographed. We are especially excited to have the girls from Angel’s House create art pieces for the gallery.

SAVE THE DATE: Mission Trip | October 4-8, 2026 - The Hinton Center, in Hayesville, NC, is a retreat and mission outreach agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. The Boomers on Outreach Mission (BOOM) ministry is for adults 60+ (but we’re not checking IDs!). Participants have come from all over, including Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and local residents. The week includes working on home repair projects, meaningful worship, learning about rural poverty, enjoying the local area, plus Appalachian music and dancing, and cultivating community with one another. All skill levels needed — everyone can serve and participate! Watch the September 2025 BOOM week video HERE. As soon as the registration links are posted you’ll be notified. In the meantime, let the Mission Team know that you are interested in attending. We do have the buses reserved for the trip, depending on participation.

Bridging the Gap Summer Lunch Program | June 8-12, 2026 – Our church will distribute 125+/- nutritious sack lunches to students out of school for the summer. We will ask various groups and Sunday School classes to take a day to purchase, pack, and distribute lunches.

NEST | April - The NEST, the local warming shelter for the area’s homeless residents, is operating now through the last of the cold weather. April is an iffy month for cold weather. Located at Bridging the Gap, volunteers are needed from the community to assist on Saturday and Sunday. If you are interested in volunteering or need more information, please call 678-208-9101 or send an email to nest@ restartcoweta.org.

Please connect directly to volunteer with one of our local Mission Partners: Bridging the Gap, Samaritan’s Clinic, and One Roof.

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’all… March has been busy, but, man, what a great month! 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. We also went on our Confirmation Retreat one weekend in March, which was an absolute blast. They are a wonderful group of young people!

Paul Mosley Youth Director

At Sunday Night UTH, we have spent the whole month diving into the concept of influence and how our students have even more of an impact that they could ever imagine. This series is called the Butterfly Effect and would love to share more about it with you so come ask me about it some time! We have also been doing a bible study focusing on looking at the Gospels as a whole on Wednesday mornings, and our seniors have been looking towards the future at our Sticky Faith study on Wednesday Night!

pmosley@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x219)

This month we have Spring Break and Easter alongside a lot of great events planned! April 19 is our PreSummer Parents meeting and the night our Seniors will put their Final Handprint on the wall. We have two fun adventures upcoming: our Spring Small Group Scatter on April 26 and UTHapalooza on May 3. I can’t wait for all the awesome programming and growth we have in store this month. Come join us.

Senior Sunday: May 17, 2026 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 seniors on Senior Sunday, May 17, 2026. Please follow the QR code to the left and answer as much of the form as you can. The form allows you to fill things out partially and return to edit it if needed. We understand that their future plans and details may change leading up to Senior Sunday, and we will update them as necessary. The deadline to fill out this form is May 4, 2026.

Note: We’d also like to recognize college graduates! You can use the same QR code to fill out your information.

Confirmands (Top-left to bottom-right. Star notes who was also baptized.): Molly Patton Gamble, Frances Odell Gardner*, Luke Mason Goembel*, Ryan Paul Goembel*, Preston Harris Hines, II, Patrick Alexander Jackson, Evelyn Rose Mitchell*, Thomas Briggs Pass, Catherine Ann Stephenson*

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UTH UPCOMING EVENTS April 5 - Easter Sunday No UTH April 12 NO UTH April 19 Pre-Summer Parents Meeting - 4pm UTH - Menu is mac & cheese ($5) April 26 Senior Handprint & Small Group Scatter May 3 Youth Choir at Wesley Woods - 2pm UTHAPALOOZA - 6pm

Happy April, Easter People!

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s we enter the month of April, our hearts are still full from the beauty and depth of the Lenten season and the coming joy of Easter morning. Throughout these past weeks, our choirs have helped lead us in worship that invited reflection, repentance, and renewal.

From the solemnity of this Holy Week to the triumphant celebration of the Resurrection, it is a gift to witness how music continues to proclaim the hope at the center of our faith. Easter reminds us that even in the quiet and waiting, God is at work bringing new life, and what a privilege it is to share that story in song. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

We are especially grateful for the leadership and presence of the Gathering Choir on Palm Sunday. Their offering added a meaningful and vibrant dimension to our worship, helping to usher us into Holy Week with energy and intention. It is always a joy to collaborate across ensembles and with those who are not normally able to sing with us, and we give thanks for the time, preparation, and heart they shared with our congregation.

Dr. Caitlyn Dixon Director of Music

cdixon@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x205)

As April unfolds, we also begin turning our attention toward a full and exciting month of May. Preparations are well underway for Children’s Sunday on May 3rd, where our youngest musicians and worshipers will lead us, reminding us of the beauty of faith expressed through creativity and joy. At the same time, our Youth Choir is entering the final stages of preparation for their summer tour. Their dedication, both musically and spiritually, has been inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how they will share God’s love through music and service in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned for a description of their theme, destinations, and fun along the way in next month’s newsletter. Go ahead and start praying for our youth and this ministry.

They will be traveling May 30th – June 4th, and will perform their tour program for you (in its entirety) at homecoming worship on June 7th. Save the date!

Thank you for your continued support of our music ministry. Your encouragement, presence, and prayers make this work possible. It is a blessing to journey through these seasons together, lifting our voices in worship and bearing witness to the hope we have in Christ.

Soli Deo Gloria, Caitie

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Susan Mitchell Preschool Director

smitchell@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.1237

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s we approach Easter, we begin teaching our youngest learners about the true meaning in a Christian setting. We focus on the story of Jesus, his love for us, and the significance of his resurrection. Through activities, storytelling, and chapel time, we help our students understand that Easter is not only a joyful celebration, but also a foundational part of our faith. It is a beautiful opportunity to nurture their spiritual growth while celebrating the hope and love that Easter represents.

We are especially looking forward to our upcoming summer enrichment programs, which promise to provide fun and engaging opportunities for our students to continue learning and growing even after the school year ends. We still have a few spots available if anyone is interested! Our summer enrichment camps are for ages 2-1st grade!

Next month we will have a petting zoo visit campus after a fun unit with Mrs. Betsy learning all about animals on the farm. This is always a favorite event with lots of smiles. Culver’s spirit night will help finish out our month on April 21st. Please visit and mention the preschool on that night from 5-9.

We are so grateful for the continued support of our church family. Your encouragement, prayers, and involvement mean so much to our preschool and help us create a loving, nurturing environment for our children. Thank you for being such an important part of all that we do!

Patty Hall

Kitchen Hostess phall@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 7

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said - Matthew 28:6

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e is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! We have had a great March and I am so eager for April.

And what a way to start it with the risen Savior. We will be having some fun and you will need to set the dates in your calendar.

Spring Break is coming up and ROOT345 will not be meeting April 5th, but we will be back next week. We are starting a series called “Living the Resurrection.” We will be answering questions about how the Resurrection changed everything, creating new life from our old lives, and being powered by the Holy Spirit and sharing God’s message. We will explore the fruits of the spirit and learn how we can represent those fruits well. We are going to learn how to leave bad habits behind and how we can grow closer to God when we do. We will also look at fears and how Jesus being alive can help us. Don’t miss the fun! 3rd grade to 5th grade will meet at 6pm on the Children’s Floor, and pick up is at 7:45pm at the covered awning parking side in the Annex Parking Lot.

Andrea Stuart

Director of Children’s Ministry astuart@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x209)

Every Sunday morning from 9:45 am to 10:45 am we are learning about the books of the Bible and the stories that we cherish. The younger Sunday School class is 4 years old through 2nd grade and they are learning the stories in the Bible and get to experience the lessons those stories bring. The older Sunday School class has been having so much fun exploring the books of the Bible in order. These kiddos are learning the important lessons behind the books. Sunday School is taught by amazing volunteers that love the kids in our church well.

Children Worship is a fun experience for our 4 year olds to 2nd grades during the 11 am service. They get dismissed from the church service and go upstairs to praise and worship, learn scripture, and the lesson behind them. This time is a center style and they get to hear the scripture and then get to dive deeper with fun crafts and activities.

May 3rd will be a special Children’s Sunday that will center on the beauty of trusting God. Inspired by the words in Matthew 18:3, the children in our church will express what it means to believe, love, and follow God with open hearts. Don’t miss this Sunday as we hear messages of kindness, hope, forgiveness, and love.

June 22-25 is our annual VBS! If you have not signed up yet, do it now! We need children and volunteers! We also have childcare for volunteers with younger children. The theme is Snowball Mountain Challenge. We are going to spend the week finding our strength in God! Go online and sign up today.

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In The Life of Our Church

See the full 2025-2026 Photo Album here!

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In The Life of Our Church

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1 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A

5 Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary

15 Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 202

Women’s Bible Study 10:00am | Annex Hall

6 Church Office Closed

Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel

Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

9 ARC Blood Drive 11:00am-3:00pm | Parish Hall

Wednesday Night Supper 5:30-6:30pm | Parish Hall

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 202 Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel Wednesday Night Supper 5:30-6:30pm | Parish Hall Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm | Annex Hall Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room UTH Sticky Faith 7:00pm | Mosley Home 2 ARC Blood Drive 11:00am-3:00pm | Parish Hall Maundy Thursday Service 7:00pm | Sanctuary 3 GOOD FRIDAY Church Office Closed

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April Calendar

12 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary Sunday School | 9:45am Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary ROOT345 6:00pm | Children’s Wing 13 Joybells 4:30pm | Bell Room

Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm | Annex Hall Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room UTH Sticky Faith 7:00pm | Mosley Home 19 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary Sunday School | 9:45am Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary

14 Men’s Prayer Breakfast 8:30am | Gathering Room

UTH Parents Meeting 4:00pm | Youth Lounge

Celebration Singers 9:30am | Weley Woods

Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room

Parkinson’s Support 2:30pm | Main 203

Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

15 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A

UTH Senior Handprint Night 6:00pm | Youth Lounge

Women’s Bible Study 10:00am | Annex Hall

ROOT345 6:00pm | Children’s Wing

5 EASTER SUNDAY Sunrise Service 7:00am | First Avenue Park

Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

20 Martha Circle 9:45am | Main 200

Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary

Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

Inspirations 5:45pm | Choir Room

Sunday School | 9:45am

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Finance Committee Meeting 6:00pm | Annex Hall

21 Preschool Spirit Night 5:00-9:00pm | Culver’s 22 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A Women’s Bible Study 10:00am | Annex Hall Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

April/May Calendar 26 Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room

Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room UTH Small Group Scatter 6:00pm | TBD ROOT345 6:00pm | Children’s Wing

MAY 3 CHILDREN’S SUNDAY Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary Sunday School | 9:45am Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary Youth Choir Concert 3:00pm | Wesley Woods

28 Men’s Prayer Breakfast 8:30am | Gathering Room

UTHAPALOOZA 6:00pm | Camp Welcome

29 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A

6 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A

Women’s Bible Study 10:00am | Annex Hall

Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel

Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

Wednesday Night Supper 5:30-6:30pm | Parish Hall

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm | Annex Hall

Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 202

Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel

10 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary

Wednesday Night Supper 5:30-6:30pm | Parish Hall

Sunday School | 9:45am

Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm | Annex Hall

Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary

Sunday School | 9:45am

Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

Youth Choir Makeup Rehearsal 5:00pm | Choir Room

Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary

UTH Sticky Faith 7:00pm | Mosley Home

Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 202 Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel Wednesday Night Supper 5:30-6:30pm | Parish Hall Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm | Annex Hall Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room UTH Sticky Faith 7:00pm | Mosley Home 23 Fun ‘n Frolic Outing 10:45am | Trilith Studios 26 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary

Visit the website (QR code to the left) for the most up-to-date schedule and sign-up links.

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CHURCH STAFF Rev. Andrew Chappell, Senior Pastor

Rev. Connor Bell, Associate Pastor

Seth Crile, Building Manager Dr. Caitlyn Dixon, Minister of Music Janet Marie Gunnels, Communications Director Patty Hall, Kitchen Hostess Jodi Horne, Nursery Coordinator Tiffany Hanson, Church Sexton Carol Hartenbower, Administrative Assistant 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