The Shepherd - August 2025

AUGUST 2025

THE

SHEPHERD

Details

Ministry

UPDATES

CHURCH LIFE

pg 11-14

pg 3-6

Get Involved

MISSIONS pg 7

Upcoming

EVENTS

pg 9-10

Newnan First United Methodist Church

33 Greenville Street | 770.253.7400 | hello@newnanfumc.org

D

ear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you as we turn the calendar toward August! This is a month full of renewal, connection, and excitement in the life of our congregation. There are three things in particular that I would like to call your attention to for this month: 1. We’re thrilled to be kicking off our Revival worship series throughout the month of August. This will be a spirit-filled season of renewal and reflection, re-centering ourselves and our calling as disciples of Christ. We are excited to welcome guest preachers this month: Dr. Joel Richardson (who served for decades as the pastor at Central Baptist Church in Newnan) and Rev. Laurie Moeller, the Director of Connectional ministries in our North Georgia conference. Whether you’re a longtime Rev. Connor Bell member or just beginning to explore our community, this is a powerful time to engage Associate Pastor in worship together. cbell@NewnanFUMC.org 2. And what better way to embody revival than through fellowship? Mark your calendars 770.253.7400 (x208) for our free church-wide picnic on Sunday, August 10th from 4–6pm! This will be an afternoon of laughter and breaking bread together, and we want folks from all ages to be there. We will enjoy BBQ, Wow Sno snowcones, and there will be games, an inflatable slide, and a bounce-house for the young ones.

3. We’re also beginning a new rhythm with Wednesday Night Fellowship (WNF) every week, coupling weekly supper with meaningful programming for all ages. These midweek gatherings are more than meals; they’re moments to nourish body and soul, deepen relationships, and grow in faith together. Our first WNF will be August 20th at 5:15pm– more details below.

August is an exciting time of ministry and connection here at Newnan First. Let’s be inspired together as we grow in our love of God, our neighbors, and one another.

In Christ, Rev. Connor Bell Associate Pastor

Wednesdays 5:15-6:30pm AUG

College Football Night - Wear your fave team’s colors!

AUG

Wear Sunday School name tags & invite new members!

20 Patty Hall

Kitchen Hostess phall@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400

27 SEPT

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Lemon Chicken, Rice, Carrots, Salad, Dessert.

Kids: Chicken Nuggets

Beef Stroganoff, Green Beans, Biscuits, Salad, Dessert. Kids: Hot Dogs

NFL Night - Wear your fave teams colors!

Chicken Divan, Roasted Potatoes, Corn, Salad, Dessert. Kids: Chicken Nuggets

$8/person, $5/Child under 12, $25/Family of 4 1

D

ear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank you and express my heartfelt appreciation for your kindness these last weeks. As so many of you may have found, the passing of my mother, while expected, is still such a loss. I had 70 wonderful years to be her daughter and companion. I know I was blessed. Your kind words, hugs, and so many thoughtful cards have lightened my sadness. I appreciate your compassion and understanding as I adjust to this space in life. You have filled it in meaningful ways, and prayed me forward.

Jack and I are so thankful you are our family, our church.

Lisa Dempsey

Interim Associate Pastor ldempsey@NewnanFUMC.org 770.598.5066

On another note, I am looking forward to this fall, as so many opportunities open up at Newnan First. I am delighted to begin teaching the morning Women’s Bible Study on Wednesdays at 9:30am. Both the morning (9:30am) and evening (6:30pm) Women’s Bible Study will kick off their weekly studies on September 3. We are fortunate to have Kelly Stephens leading the Wednesday night study. Kelly has shown her passion for study and growth and has been a tremendous support to me as I step into this role of teaching. We are so

blessed with her leadership!

Finally, there is a church-wide Women’s Meetup on Wednesday, August 13, at 10:00am in the Annex. Bring a light snack or sweet to share for this social time as we ease back into our routine of fall. The Wednesday evening group will forgo a final summer meeting, but all are welcome to join us at the daytime event. Due to some changes with this event, we are asking anyone needing childcare to email Jodi (nursery@newnanfumc.org) directly by THIS SUNDAY, August 10. Please do this even if you’ve previously registered!

I invite you to come, bring a friend, and get to know one another in August. I will be sharing about another passion of mine - quilting as a spiritual place and have a special guest coming to share her experience of faith as it ties to her gift of quilting.

In love and peace, Pastor Lisa Welcome

NEW MEMBERS CLASSES Sundays

Sept 7 & 14

9:45AM

The Annex Hall at Newnan First United Methodist Church

If you’ve joined the church in 2024 or 2025, we strongly encourage you to attend both Sunday Sessions of the upcoming New Members Classes! These classes will focus on orienting new members to the history and doctrine of the United Methodist Church, plus details on Newnan First UMC including our ministries and how you can be more involved.

Back-To-School Party & Church Picnic August 10 | 4-6pm Parish Hall

Games & Prizes

Jumpies & Slides

Food & Fellowship WOW Sno Cones is bringing their food truck

Bring a friend and WEAR TIE DYE! 2

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his summer, Andrea, Jodi, a few amazing volunteers, and I had the joy of passing out school supplies to 100 families at the Cougar Community cookout hosted at Newnan High School! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our church members, each child received the tools they need to start the year with confidence and excitement. From crayons and glue sticks to notebooks and pencils, every item was a blessing made possible by your kindness. We are so grateful for your continued support and love—Thank you for being such an important part of our preschool family!

Susan Mitchell Preschool Director

smitchell@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.1237

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We have had a fantastic summer filled with fun camps and rest and now we are gearing up for back to school! A brand new school year is just around the corner at NFUMC and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome our little ones back! The classrooms are being filled with new technology, books, toys, and hands-on learning activities all ready for discovery, creativity, and faith-filled fun. We can’t wait to see familiar faces and meet new friends as we come together to learn, play, and grow in God’s love. With our wonderful teachers, nurturing environment, and a year full of exciting activities ahead, it’s going to be a wonderful start to an unforgettable journey!

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. - Psalm 56:3

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he next several weeks are going to be filled with wrapping up the summer and moving towards the next school year. We hope your families have had a wonderful summer. We know that school time can feel overwhelming and sometimes scary. When we trust God, he will get us through all the hard things that we may encounter.

Sunday School for 4-year-olds to 2nd grade will spend the next weeks continuing to talk about all the good things Elisha did. You do not want to miss the stories about how God encouraged Joshua. We will become spies to help out in Canaan and we will be crossing the Jordan River! This month will be so exciting and we will be doing exciting things in Sunday School! We spend our time working on activities, reading stories, and doing cute and fun crafts!

In our older Sunday school class they are continuing to travel down Route 66, and diving into the fun and exciting lessons in the Bible. They are touching on all 66 books! So don’t miss the fun!

Andrea Stuart

Director of Children’s Ministry astuart@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x209) View & Download All VBS pictures

During the 11am service, Wiggle and Worship (2 & 3-year-olds) and Children’s Worship (4yrs-2nd Grade) are having a blast exploring the scripture. We play games and have activities, interactive lessons, and super cute crafts! This month we are going to focus on the love of God! We will talk about how to show love and kindness, and explore the word “forgiveness.” We will learn all the ways God has made plans for us and how to follow God! Wiggle and Worship is in the nursery in the lower level of the Parish Hall in the Preschool. Children’s Worship is after they are dismissed from Big Church. You can pick them up after the service upstairs on the Children’s Floor! We play, pray, wiggle, and praise, and have the best time ever!

ROOT345 starts back August 17 and we will dive into being “Overwhelmed.” The beginning of the school year can be a time of excitement but also a time of fear. We are going to talk about stressing less and explore ways of handling times when we feel we are over it. We will be running to God, literally and in scripture. We are so excited to talk about all the ways we can put our trust in God and overcoming the fears that we have in life. ROOT345 meets on the Children’s Floor on Sunday evenings, from 6 to 7:45pm.

We have dinner together and then go into our lessons. Our lessons are packed full of games and activities. If you have a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade child, we would love to have them join the fun!

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ooking back on the Summer: This summer we had a blast in times of fellowship, study, and service. Over the summer, we went on choir tour, volunteered at VBS, and met on Wednesdays to dive into the Spiritual Discipline of Service and grab lunch together at local restaurants and served in our community at local mission partners. The summer was also filled with good, old fashion fun. The UTH played on Aqua Island at Callaway Gardens, had a blast at the Fun Spot driving GoKarts and riding roller coasters, and went on a roadtrip to Buc-ee’s.

This summer has been amazing, and we are so looking forward to the upcoming school year!

Paul Mosley Youth Director

pmosley@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x219)

The Start of School and Beyond: We are kicking off the school year with some of the best fun and discipleship. Our Churchwide picnic and Back to School Event is on August 10 at 4pm. The UTH will both get to work and play at this event. Come have an awesome time and be blessed!

The next Sunday, August 17, is our Bite Nite: a photo scavenger hunt where teams of six accomplish tasks around Downtown Newnan. Sign up today!

Then on Sunday, August 24, our first UTH on Sundays kicks off. We will have dinner, worship, a lesson, and small group time. We are so excited for the upcoming year. To find out more about the upcoming year, come to our UTH Parents Meeting on August 24 from 4:00pm in the UTH Lounge.

We are preparing for the 2025-2026 Confirmation Class to get started this September. We are so excited for this milestone in each of these student’s lives. We want to collect information about who all will be participating this year, so follow THIS LINK. Once you fill out the information, I will follow up with each of you then. Confirmation starts September 7. Mark your calendars for this awesome journey into faith!

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Upcoming UTH Events August 10: Church Picnic and Back to School Event August 17: Bite Nite, 6-8:30pm August 20: Bible & Biscuits @ Chick-fil-A August 24: UTH Parents Meeting, 4-5pm August 24: UTH on Sundays Starts, 6-8pm September 7: Confirmation Kicks off

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s summer winds down and the familiar rhythm of fall begins to return, we in the music ministry are excited to welcome everyone back! Whether you’ve been traveling, resting, or simply enjoying a slower season, we hope your summer was filled with renewal and joy. Now, we look forward to gathering again—raising our voices in praise, reconnecting with one another, and stepping into a new season of worship and music-making together.

Chancel Choir got back into their rehearsal routine the last Wednesday in July. It was such a joy to be back in the rehearsal space with them. We have so many ensembles resuming this month, largely centered around our youth and children’s choirs. Those return schedules are as follows.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH REHEARSAL START DATES Youth Ensemble: Sunday, August 17th, 4:30-5:00 p.m.

Youth Choir: Sunday, August 17th, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

(Heads up, this is also Bite Nite 2025 - an epic scavenger hunt around downtown Newnan ensues after rehearsal! See the UTH page for more information.)

Bellissimo: Wednesday, August 20th, 4:30-5:00 p.m.

Cherub Choir: Wednesday, August 20th, 5:00-5:30 p.m.

Carol Choir: Wednesday, August 20th, 5:00-5:30 p.m.

Dr. Caitlyn Dixon Director of Music

cdixon@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x205)

Please note that due to some scheduling conflicts on our end, rehearsal start dates are a little later than last year. We hope this will help with settling back into school routines before we get going again with rehearsals. If you have any questions or concerns about choirs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or Bonnie. We are so excited to have Joanna Sherer and Kerry Moore joining our directors team to work with Cherub Choir this year. I know that’s going to be a fun place to make music this year. If you have a little one age 4 – 1st grade, you won’t want to miss it!

Joybells, Inspirations, and Celebration Singers, be on the lookout for the September start date - we plan to resume the week after Labor Day (September 8th and 9th). If there are any changes here, we will communicate with you ASAP. We have been so blessed to have so many new members and baptisms in the last year. If you’re among our new membership, we hope you’ll consider joining us in the music ministry. Whether you feel called to perform weekly with Chancel Choir, want to ring as part of our handbell ensemble, or are just wanting to try out a children’s or adult choir to see if it’s the right fit, we have a seat for you. Please contact me for more information.

Soli Deo Gloria, Caitie

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YOU ARE a Mission Team Member!

Where Will You Serve?

W

e anticipate continuing our Mission and Outreach activities. In order to be successful, we are counting on YOU to volunteer or to lead activities that you have a passion for. Below are the upcoming activities that will need YOU! Please prayerfully consider volunteering.

One Roof Donations | August 17 - In June we delivered 5 shopping carts of food, and in July they told us our donation weighed nearly 350 lbs. Thank you to everyone who donated!

This month’s requested items are: tuna, canned chicken, Vienna sausages, SPAM, grits, oatmeal, rice, soups, mixed veggies, corn, Ramen noodles, spaghetti, canned fruit, mac & cheese, & cereal. There are also perishable item requests, contact Ivonne Sheren if you’d like to donate cash for that cause - ivonne.sheren@gmail.com.

ERT Leader Training | September 14 | 12:30-5pm - The ERT is looking for people ready to lead when we head out for disaster response missions. Those interested must have completed Basic ERT training already. #ServeCoweta | September 20 - We need a team lead to coordinate with RiverLife who will track the number of NFUMC member sign-ups, make arrangements for and serving a light breakfast, and provide church staff with information to communicate with the congregation. This is a one day event.

Teams are assigned in Coweta county to help various homeowners in need with minor home repairs and lawn care.

SIX new people were certified on the chain saw in June!

Munchkin Masquerade | October 31 - We need a team lead to coordinate with volunteers to pack 600-1,000 bags of candy. The bags include a small flyer with information about our upcoming Advent activities, Children’s Sunday School, etc. The bags are taken to the Square to hand out from 10am to Noon…if they last that long! This is a free event for children to show off their costumes and visit the downtown businesses and non-profits to get their candy in a safe environment.

Rise Against Hunger | November 16 - There are volunteer opportunities for ALL members, all ages, all abilities! This church-wide event is a great way to lead us into Thanksgiving and the Advent season. More details will be in the October Shepherd.

Thank You to the Youth for their support of church missions over their summer vacation. They dedicated time during Choir Tour and on July Wednesdays to serving others. Another thank you to the VBS Children (and Andrea!) who collected for our mission partners: Backpack Buddies, Bridging the Gap, Wesley Woods of Newnan, and the Newnan Police and Newnan Fire Departments. Our preschool also collected school supplies for the Coweta Community Cookout at Newnan High School in July. And of course, a BIG THANK YOU to Aileen Burnett for her service to the Mission Team.

Finally, Please be in prayer for the group heading to Mission Guatemala August 16-23. They will spend time painting and doing minor repairs and two afternoons will be spent with local children doing crafts and other activities.

HOW TO VOLUNTEER FOR MISSIONS

We served 500 lunches June 9-13 for BTG Summer Lunch Program. Pictured: Staff serving day.

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Contact Peter Sheren peterandivonne@gmail.com, Lee Berry lee@leeberry.com, OR the Church Office churchoffice@newnanfumc.org

FUN ‘N FROLIC OUTING TO THE

BOOTH WESTERN ART MUSEUM

August 14 | 9am-4pm *Bring A Sweater *No Bags Bigger than 11x15 *Bring extra money for LUNCH!

Contact Church Office For More Information 770-253-7400

$20 Sign Up By 8.11

Bereavement Committee

The Bereavement Committee wants to thank everyone who has participated in this vital ministry of the church. Many of you have assisted by providing food, serving at the receptions, and praying for us as we serve our church families in their time of need.

Would you like to help when you are available? For receptions, we usually ask for finger foods such as small sandwiches, cookies, or other food that can be handled without silverware, and provide help at the reception.

Please let us know if you can assist and we will add you to our list.

Please contact either Lee Berry at lee@leeberry.com or Sandra Johnson at sandyj1227@att.net.

WEEKDAY BIBLE STUDIES

WEDNESDAYS

WOMEN’S MORNING BIBLE STUDY 9:30 AM | Annex Hall | Returns Sept. 3

Details TBA

WEDNESDAYS

BREAKING BREAD

Noon | Gathering Room (Main Bldg)

Bring your own lunch for weekly discussion of the upcoming Sunday’s scripture lesson

WEDNESDAYS

WOMEN’S EVENING BIBLE STUDY 6:30 PM | Annex Hall | Returns Sept. 3

Details TBA

1st & 3rd TUESDAYS

MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST 8:30 AM | Gathering Room | Returns Sept. 2

Join us for breakfast, prayer and bible study.

3rd MONDAYS

MARTHA CIRCLE 9:45 AM | Main 200 | Returns Sept. 15

Studying “What Happens Next” by Max Lucado. All are welcome, contact the Church Office for information.

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August Calendar AUGUST 3 Worship 8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary

20 Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 203

14 FnF Booth Western Art Museum 9:00am-4:00pm

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Promotion Sunday 9:45am | Sanctuary

16-23 Mission Guatemala

4-7 Preschool Summer Enrichment 8:00am-Noon | Parish Hall

16 Parents Night Out 4:00-8:00pm | Parish Hall

6 Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

17 Worship 8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary

Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary

ARC Blood Drive 11:15am | Parish Hall

Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room

10 Worship 8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary Churchwide Picnic 4:00-6:00pm | Parish Hall 11 Trustees Meeting 7:00pm | Annex Conference 12 Parkinson’s Support Mtg 2:30pm | Main 203 13 Women’s Summer Meetup 10:00am | Annex Hall Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room 9

13 Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room UTH Bite Nite 6:00-8:00pm | Youth Lounge ROOT345 6:00-7:45pm | Children’s Wing 18-21 Preschool Summer Enrichment 8:00am-Noon | Parish Hall 20 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A Dementia Support Mtg 10:00am | Annex Conference Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

Evening Prayer Service 5:15pm | Chapel Wednesday Night Fellowship 5:30pm-6:30pm | Parish Hall Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room 21 Life Line Screening 9:00am-4:00pm | Parish Hall 24 Worship 8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room UTH Parents Meeting 4:00pm | Youth Lounge UTH 6:00-8:00pm | Youth Lounge ROOT345 6:00-7:45pm | Children’s Wing 25 Finance Meeting 6:00pm | Annex Hall Church Council Meeting 7:00pm | Sanctuary

August Calendar 27 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A

3 Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

7 Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

UTH 6:00-8:00pm | Youth Lounge

Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 203

ROOT345 6:00-7:45pm | Children’s Wing

Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 203

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Evening Prayer Service 5:15pm | Chapel

Evening Prayer Service 5:15pm | Chapel

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

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

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

Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

28 Preschool Open House 9:00-11:00am | Parish Hall

4 ARC Blood Drive 11:15am-4:15pm | Parish Hall

31 Worship 8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary

6 UTH Stripers Game 3:00-10:30pm

5th Sunday Fellowship 9:45am | Parish Hall

7 Worship 8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary

SEPTEMBER 1 - Labor Day Church Office Closed 2 Preschool Tears or Cheers 8:00am | Parish Hall 3 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A Women’s Bible Study 9:30am | Annex Hall

Please check the website at https:// newnanfumc.org/events (QR code below) for the most up-to-date events schedule and all the sign-up links.

WELCOME to our New Church Members Natalie Nix June 1 Mark Burk Peyton & Tony Portante June 8

Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary

Cassandra & Matthew Cannon Alyssa Payson June 15

New Members Class 9:45am | Annex Hall

Amy & Brent Ryals June 29

Confirmation Intro w/ Parents 9:45am | Youth Lounge

Will & Chyna Wright July 6

Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room

Ryan & Bethany Hutcherson with children Van and Elle Hutcherson July 13 10

In The Life of Our Church Births

Annie Lynn Chappell | July 6, 2025 Adair & Andrew Chappell

In Memoriam

Harold D. Williford, Jr. September 12, 1931 - May 21, 2025 Susan Brittain Boehms Harris April 25, 1938 - June 19, 2025

Baptisms

Jacob Nathanial Shepherd V | June 22, 2025 Shannon & James Shepherd Linden & Sedona Wright | July 6, 2025 Chyna & Will Wright Eleanor James Ligon | July 27, 2025 Sarah & Conner Ligon

Richard D. Rye April 22, 1940 - July 14, 2025 Larry A. Taylor July 23, 1933 - July 24, 2025

Extending our Christian Sympathies

Rev. Lisa Dempsey on the death of her mother, Janet Marie Kelley, on July 8, 2025.

See the full 2024-2025 “Yearbook” album here!

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In The Life of Our Church

CLASS OF 2025!

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In The Life of Our Church

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In The Life of Our Church

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CHURCH STAFF Rev. Andrew Chappell, Senior Pastor Rev. Connor Bell, Associate Pastor Rev. Lisa Dempsey, Interim 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 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