The Shepherd - August 2026

AUGUST 2026

THE

SHEPHERD Details

Ministry

UPDATES

CHURCH LIFE

pg 9-12

pg 5-7

Get Involved

MISSIONS pg 4

Upcoming

EVENTS

pg 13-14

Newnan First United Methodist Church

33 Greenville Street | 770.253.7400 | hello@newnanfumc.org

Friends and Family of Newnan First UMC,

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e are about to embark on another school year. Choirs will begin. Studies will commence. Special Sundays will be abundant. And before you know it, we will be singing Christmas carols!

Of course in the midst of all of that, we will still live our lives. Things will still happen that are out of our control. Illness may take hold. Tragedy may strike. And as we live through the highs and the lows, the celebrations and the hardships, I hope you will remember that God is for you and loves you so much!

Four days before he died, John Wesley wrote a letter to his friend William Wilberforce. Mr. Wilberforce was working hard to end the slave trade and sometimes felt that the task was insurmountable. In his letter, Wesley wrote this:

Rev. Andrew Chappell Senior Pastor

achappell@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x202)

I see not how you can go through your glorious enterprise, in opposing that execrable villany, which is the scandal of religion, of England, and of human nature. Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But, “if God be for you, who can be against you?” Are all of them together stronger than God? O “be not weary in well doing!” Go on, in the name of God and in the power of his might, till even American slavery (the vilest that ever saw the sun) shall vanish away before it” (February 26, 1791).

Friends, as you embark on this new school year and new semester, may you each “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” May you know that whatever you face in pursuit of love of God and neighbor, your God is for you! Be not weary in well doing!

God be with you, Andrew

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Newnan First Family,

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pray that you had a restful and meaningful summer. For my family, it was a season of lots of pool time, our first visit to Jekyll Island, and Mary-Wallace growing chunkier by the day (photo for reference).

As we begin re-entering our rhythms that come with the academic year, I would encourage you to take stock of when you will carve out space to spend time with God this Fall. What group at the church will you be a part of? What day will be your sabbath, or what will be your rhythm for having time to just be with God during the day?

It always amazes me how quickly my calendar gets filled by demands on my time, and I know that your life is no different: kids’ sports, employment, family needs, social engagements, health needs... There never seems to be enough time to fit it all in, and we can get swept up in the busy-ness. But that very same busy-ness is what makes this intentionality so important. If we don’t make our relationship with God and our neighbor a priority, no one will.

Rev. Connor Bell Associate Pastor

cbell@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x208)

The good news is this: when we carve out space to be present with God and our neighbors, that time turns into something life-giving rather than another box to check.

Small Group Open House: 8/26 and 8/30 One easy way to grow in our relationship with God and one another this Fall is by participating in a small group or Sunday School class.

Many folks have not yet found a small group “home” to be a part of here at Newnan First, and we want to make that as easy as possible for you. To that end, we invite you to attend one of our Small Group Open house events on August 26th (5:30pm in the Parish Hall) or August 30th (9:45am in the Parish Hall). Come to whichever one fits your schedule. No RSVP needed. Children are welcome at either event, and childcare is also available for little ones on 8/30 via the church nursery. There will be great food, fellowship, and the opportunity to learn more about what it might look like to journey together as we seek to follow Christ. We hope that this will be an opportunity for new connections, and for those newer to the church to grow deeper roots in their faith and relationships.

Grace and Peace -Connor

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Patty Hall

Kitchen Hostess phall@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400

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Mission & Outreach Committee CONTACT MISSIONS CHAIRS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING Peter Sheren - peterandivonne@gmail.com | Lee Berry - lee@leeberry.com Tom Evans - evans.tme@gmail.com | Eneida Evans - eneida.evans@gmail.com One Roof Monthly Donations | August 16, 2026 – In June and July we delivered 551 pounds of food to One Roof. As families prepare for the new school year, please help them prepare nutritious meals. See the list of items needed for August: Vienna Sausages, Tuna, Canned Chicken, Rice (1 lb bags), grits, peanut butter, jelly, sardines, spam, canned beans (baked, kidney, black, garbanzo), oatmeal, mac & cheese, canned vegetables.

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!

Art Ministry Outreach (AMO) Summer Exhibit - AMO is having a successful Summer Exhibit in which members are enjoying seeing their favorite artwork on display in the Gallery.

We are preparing for the Fall/Winter exhibit that will be open October 1, 2026-January 11, 2027, with the theme “Journey through Faith.” We’re accepting original works that resonate with concepts of Grace, Forgiveness, Light, Freedom, and the Spiritual Journey. THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. Find the application online and submit to newnanfumc.artministryoutreach@ gmail.com.

Serve Coweta | August 29, 2026 – The next date for this community wide event is set for August 29th. If you have not participated in the past, this event focuses on helping our neighbors. There are tasks like yard work that residents are unable to handle on their own, helping at local non-profits, etc. Click here or use the QR code to the right to register.

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ur Summer Enrichment camps have been an incredible success, and we are so thankful for another wonderful summer at preschool! It has been such a joy to see our halls filled with smiling faces, laughter, and excitement. Each week has been filled with fun Christmas in July activities, learning experiences, crafts, music, movement, and playground time.

It has been especially rewarding to welcome both familiar faces and new families into our preschool community this summer!

Susan Mitchell Preschool Director

smitchell@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.1237

As much fun as summer has been, there is an unmistakable excitement building as we prepare for the start of a new school year! Our classrooms are being cleaned, organized, and decorated, supplies are being unpacked, and our teachers are busy planning engaging lessons and activities for the months ahead. We can’t wait to welcome both our returning students and the new families joining our preschool and church family.

The beginning of a new school year is always filled with excitement, anticipation, and endless possibilities. There will be new friendships to form, milestones to celebrate, and countless opportunities to discover God’s love through everyday moments.

Your prayers, encouragement, and involvement make it possible for us to provide a place where children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. We hope the remaining days of summer are filled with special family memories, and we look forward to seeing everyone very soon. We are counting down the days until our classrooms are once again filled with the joyful sounds of children learning, laughing, and growing together. We know God has wonderful things in store for this upcoming school year, and we cannot wait to begin this exciting new chapter with all of you!

-Susan 5

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” -Philippians 4:6

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e have had so much fun this summer, and now it’s time to start thinking about school! As a child, I would be so excited to go back and see my friends and hear all the fun everyone had. I loved meeting my new teachers and buying new clothes and school supplies. One of my fondest memories was getting a unicorn Trapper Keeper and showing it off to all my friends. However, in all the excitement I was often a little worried about how hard school would be and if my friends would be in my classes. I was also so sad that the summer activities were coming to an end. But here at church we are not done having fun, we are just kicking off!

Andrea Stuart

Director of Children’s Ministry

Promotion Sunday is Sunday, August 9th. All teachers and all children should sign up for this astuart@NewnanFUMC.org special service where we recognize all your hard work and we pray for you as you go into the 770.253.7400 (x209) new school year. After we have the ceremony we will have a small reception upstairs on the children’s floor with donuts, fruit, pastries, juice, and water. If your child is two years old PARENTS NIGHT OUT or going into 1st grade please fill out the form at the QR code on the page to the left.

Saturday, August 8 4:00-8:00pm in the Sunday, August 9 is also the Back to School Bash! Families are welcome to come and Preschool play games, jump in the bounce house, slide down the giant inflatable slide, participate in the cake walk, and just fellowship with other families! All are welcome and we will be Ages 0-5th grade are having hotdogs! invited for fun and fellowship! Pack a dinner or purchase pizza, snacks will be August 16th ROOT345 starts back! We are starting a four week series called “New Year, provided.

Same Faithful God,” where we’ll talk about beginning of school year jitters and more!

If you have a rising 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader, this Sunday evening program is for them. We meet on the Children’s Wing for dinner at 6pm, then have time to learn and grow closer to God through scripture, activities, and games. Pick up (7:45pm) and drop off are in the Annex building parking lot at the covered awning. We ed! itte Invit s In are in need of volunteers for this evening ministry, so if you are Everyone’’s interested, please reach out to Andrea Stuart.

Make sure you bring your children to Sunday School. We are walking through the Bible one verse, story, giggle, craft, and activity at a time. We serve children ages 4 to 5th grade on the children’s floor 9:45am to 10:45am.

o t k c Ba h s a B l o Scho

Ages 4 to 2nd grade can join us during the 11am service for Children’s Worship. They release after the children’s moment to go with a leader to the children’s floor for a special time of praise.

at Newnan Firs a First rst rs st UMC

If you have children under that age we offer nursery and Wiggle and Worship, where they have a special worship that aligns with their ages. They are in the Preschool located on the lower level of the Parish Hall.

August 9, 2026 2:00-4:00pm Parish Hall

If you aren’t getting the Children’s Newsletters, please email Ms. Andrea or visit newnanfumc.org/firstkids.

See you all soon! Blessings and Love!

Games Food Fellowship ip 33 Greenville Street, Newnan More info: astuart@newnanfumc.org 6

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ummer has been a wonderful time at UTH. We have been busy between Choir Tour, Summer Adventures, and Downtown Devos/Summer Serves. We have had great opportunities for fun and fellowship, but also some really awesome chances to learn and serve alongside one another.

This fall is shaping up to be another awesome year at UTH. We are going to be hitting the ground running in August, so please check out the dates and events below as we are going to be having a ton going on. I am so excited for the start of the school year and to see how God is going to be at work in these students’ lives this year!

Paul Mosley Youth Director

pmosley@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x219) BITE NITE is Aug. 16!

Bring $10 for dinner and the Bite Nite T-shirt. We’ll have a BRAND NEW scavenger hunt throughout downtown Newnan after dinner. Register Here or at QR code above.

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Hello Church Family!

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hat a wonderful summer it has been! Our Youth Choir Tour was filled with meaningful worship, new friendships, unforgettable memories, and countless moments where we saw God at work. We are so grateful for everyone who prayed for our students, supported the trip, and helped make the week such a special experience. If you’d like to catch a glimpse of all the fun, be sure to stop by the Youth Choir Tour Photo Board in the music hallway by the elevator. We hope you’ll enjoy seeing some of the highlights from an incredible week!

As summer comes to a close, we’re excited to begin another wonderful season of making music together.

Dr. Caitlyn Dixon

CHOIRS RESUMING THIS FALL August 16: Youth Ensemble & Youth Choir August 19: Bellissimo, Cherub Choir & Carol Choir Following Labor Day Weekend: Inspirations, Joybells, & Celebration Singers

cdixon@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x205)

Director of Music

Registration for our Children’s and Youth Choirs is now open! Simply scan the QR code on the choir advertisement to sign up. Be sure to keep an eye out for rehearsal times and additional details as we get closer to kickoff.

This semester is filled with inspiring music, meaningful worship, and exciting opportunities for every age and stage of life. Whether you’ve been singing or ringing for years or you’ve been thinking about joining for the first time, we’d love to welcome you. We have room for new faces across our music ministry, and there’s truly a place for everyone. If you’re looking for a way to get connected, I’d love to help you find the right fit. Feel free to reach out anytime.

Save the Date! Our next Gathering Choir weekend will be April 17–18. Mark your calendars now - you won’t want to miss this opportunity to come together in worship and fellowship with singers from across our community.

We’re looking forward to a joyful season ahead and can’t wait to make music with you!

Soli Deo Gloria, Caitie

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In The Life of Our Church

Baptisms

Emiliano Daniel Contreras | June 14, 2026 Kylie Brown

Extending our Christian Sympathies Barbara Sprayberry Hawk Thompson September 11, 1932-July 3, 2026

Robert Derek & Roman Dillard Stotts | June 21, 2026 Jacqueline & Ethan Stotts Wallace Gray Pritchard | June 28, 2026 Emily Gray & Jonathan Pritchard

New Members

Kylie Brown | June 14, 2026

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e’re pleased to report that the sanctuary accessibility project continues to progress well. The frames are now up, and the steps will be going in shortly. Wherever possible, we are preserving and maintaining the original wood, and the main wall of the chancel will be restored to look exactly as it did before.

Our anticipated move-in date has shifted slightly and is now likely to be either August 9 or 16. We will continue to keep you updated as work progresses. Please keep all those working on this project in your prayers.

See the full 2025-2026 Photo Album here!

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August Calendar AUGUST 2 Worship 8:30am | Parish Hall Sunday School | 9:45am Worship 11:00am | Parish Hall Fun ‘n Frolic: Clingstones Game 2:30pm | Meet in Parking Lot

19 Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 202

12 Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room 16 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary

5 Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

Sunday School | 9:45am

Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary

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

Church Picnic 12:00pm | Parish Hall

8 Parents Night Out 4:00-8:00pm | Preschool 9 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary Sunday School | 9:45am Kids Promotion Sunday 9:45am | Sanctuary Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary Back-to-School Bash 2:00-4:00pm | Parish Hall 10-13 Preschool Summer Enrichment 9:00am-1:00pm | Preschool 10 Trustees Meeting 7:00pm | Annex Conference

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11 Parkinson’s Support Meeting 2:30pm | Main 203

Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room UTH Bite Nite 6:00pm | Youth Lounge ROOT345 6:00pm | Children’s Wing 17 Finance Committee Meeting 6:00pm | Annex Hall 19 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A Dementia Support Meeting 10:00am | Annex Conference Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel Wednesday Night Supper 5:30-6:30pm | Annex Hall BOOM Mission Trip Interest Meeting 6:00pm | Annex Room 212 (LitS) Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room 23 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary Sunday School | 9:45am Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room UTH Parents Meeting 6:00pm | Youth Lounge UTH 6:00pm | Youth Lounge ROOT345 6:00pm | Children’s Wing 26 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

August/September Calendar 26 Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 202

2 Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

9 Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 202

Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel

Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 202

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

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

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel

Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel

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

29 Serve Coweta 8:00am | Carl Miller Park

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

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

Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

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

11-13 Faith-ology Children’s Retreat Camp Glisson

6 Worship 8:30am | Parish Hall

13 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary

Sunday School | 9:45am

Sunday School | 9:45am

Worship 11:00am | Parish Hall

Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary

UTH 6:00pm | Youth Lounge

8 AMO Art Pickup 9:00am-3:00pm | Annex Hall

Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room

ROOT345 6:00pm | Children’s Wing

Parkinson’s Support Meeting 2:30pm | Main 203

31 Church Council Meeting 7:00pm | Annex Hall

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

SEPTEMBER 2 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A

Women’s Bible Study 9:30am | Annex Hall

30 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary 5th Sunday Fellowship 9:45am | Parish Hall Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room UTH 6:00pm | Youth Lounge

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

Bonnie Chahalis, Asst. Director of Music 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

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