The Shepherd - December 2025

DECEMBER 2025

THE

SHEPHERD CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: 4pm, 7pm, 11pm

Details

CHURCH LIFE

pg 8-9

Ministry

UPDATES pg 5-7

Upcoming

EVENTS

pg 10

Get Involved

MISSIONS pg 4

Newnan First United Methodist Church

33 Greenville Street | 770.253.7400 | hello@newnanfumc.org

Dear Friends and Family of Newnan FUMC, It is hard to believe that we have already arrived at the final month of 2025. With December comes not only the end of the calendar year but also the beginning of the Christian year—the season of Advent. Advent is the countdown to Christmas, yes, but far more than that: it is the season in which we remember that God comes to us in the incarnation, offering the greatest gift creation has ever received.

Rev. Andrew Chappell Senior Pastor

And because God gives, we learn again how to give. As John reminds us, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). In that same spirit, we enter into a season of offering our time, our resources, and the gifts God has entrusted to us. Advent is shaped by that beautiful reciprocity: God’s generosity calling forth our own.

achappell@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x202)

There is a prayer by Douglas Kaine McKelvey in his masterwork Every Moment Holy called “A Liturgy Before Giving.” It is one of the most moving reflections I know on how our giving— large or small—can become a Christ-shaped practice. I invite you to pray with it this season as you share time with family, neighbors, and friends, and as you participate in the holy rhythm of giving: “A Liturgy Before Giving” Lord, let that best love which shapes my life be evident even in my accountings.

Let that which I most treasure be revealed in long columns of expenditures, that month to month and year to year accrue like the clues of a treasure map, revealing where my heart and my hope are hidden.

Let me learn to love you by this glad practice of giving, taking joy in every opportunity to invest in that heavenly economy whose scale of return will prove to be so out of proportion to all earthly paradigms as to render them at last trivial and absurd.

Let me give—neither as begrudging duty nor from some blasphemous belief that you might be manipulated— but let me give in sincerity and cheerfulness,

as a means of making evident the infinite implications of the gospel.

Let me give to that which moves your heart.

Let me give to give food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, shelter to the homeless, relief to the refugee, aid to the orphan, freedom to the captive, justice to the oppressed, mercy to the broken, good news to the poor, healing to the sick, comfort to the distressed, consolation to the lonely, sight to the blind, hope to the hopeless, peace to the war-weary, reconciliation to those in conflict, and the liberating story of your love to those who hunger for it.

Lord, let the best love which shapes my life be evident in this and in all my small acts of giving.

Amen.

As St. Francis is said to have prayed, “It is in giving that we receive.” May this Advent be a season in which we rediscover that truth—and see God’s generosity at work in our lives, our church, and our community.

Grace and peace to you this holy season, Andrew

1

Dear friends, As I write this, I am amazed at what God has done in the last year. When I was asked to serve with you for a brief time, I never expected to remain with you for this extended time. When I was asked to stay on until July and then to December I was delighted! However, when Mom passed, it was apparent that it was time for me to slow down, so I was able to stop home visits, yet continue to teach and serve in worship bi-monthly.

It was agreed that in December I would finish out my tenure as interim associate.

Lisa Dempsey

Interim Associate Pastor ldempsey@NewnanFUMC.org 770.598.5066

I reflect on the difficult reason for your need, for your kind and loving support as I stepped in, for how much it has meant to be allowed to support your amazing pastors, Andrew and Connor, and each of your staff. I have come to love them and each of you, for your way of being Christ to all, and for the movement of the Holy Spirit evidenced in so many ways.

Jack and I are firmly seated at Newnan First UMC, and will continue to take delight in our community of active, growing and faithful people. I enjoy teaching the Women’s Bible study and Insight Sunday School as a volunteer, enjoying this new role for this season in life.

I had a wonderful insight several Sundays ago, as I sat with Jack. It feels so right in my soul, to be in worship whether leading or worshipping alongside you. This confirms that this transition is of God’s plan to find such peace. I am so thankful for our powerful preachers who lead and inspire. As you may guess, former preachers could be a bit hard to please, but not once have I felt the need to “re-write” their messages! We are truly fortunate to have such gifted and God lead pastors and leadership.

May God bless you this holy season, and every other season to come. Know that you are God’s own message of love to the world. You make a difference for Christ in my life and in the lives of all you touch. Joy, hope and peace be always with you!

Love, Pastor Lisa Members of Newnan First UMC, We are still in awe of the growth in pledged giving for the upcoming year. Each pledge is unique: some of these pledges are from families newer to our church. Some are from faithful givers who have been a part of our church community for generations. Some are from families who have had a year of abundance and plenty, and some are pledging out of faithfulness to God despite financial uncertainty.

In any case, we acknowledge Rev. Connor Bell that giving Associate Pastor is a sacrifice, cbell@NewnanFUMC.org and we 770.253.7400 (x208) celebrate your faithfulness to stewarding the resources that God has given to us.

These numbers are one indication of many that point to the same thing: God is doing powerful things here at Newnan First UMC. We celebrate God’s faithfulness, and we wait and listen for how God will use us for the furthering of Christ’s kingdom in 2026!

2

33 Greenville Street | 770.253.7400 | hello@newnanfumc.org

O Holy Night

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices...

The annual music ministry advent celebration

Blue Christmas Worship

NEWNAN FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 33 GREENVILLE STREET NEWNAN, GA 30263

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22 5:30PM | CHAPEL

Sunday, December 14 3:00pm & 6:00pm | Sanctuary

All are invited to this brief service of grief and lament as we comfort each other with songs and prayers, and light candles to remind each other of the hope we share, that a Light is coming that will overcome all darkness.

Meditations at the Nativity

From Stillness to Joy: A moving worship service of reflection and praise

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 8:30 & 11am Services

3

Welcome Cole Cunningham as Co-Chair for the Mission Team!

HOW TO VOLUNTEER FOR MISSIONS Contact Peter Sheren peterandivonne@gmail.com, Lee Berry lee@leeberry.com, OR the Church Office churchoffice@newnanfumc.org Art Ministry Outreach (AMO) - Our new AMO opened its inaugural exhibition on Friday, November 21st in the Annex Hall with over 200 people attending the event. It was a huge success! There were 55 pieces of art on display, including beautiful children’s art. Many of the artists were able to discuss their work with attendees. The feedback from the community was very positive and they shared suggestions for future exhibits. Everyone enjoyed an evening of music, refreshments, and Christian fellowship while enjoying art provided by Coweta County artists.

One Roof Donations - Thank you to everyone who generously donated in 2025! We provided much needed funding, $28,820, and much needed nutritional food for many of our community neighbors. This month there is no 3rd Sunday collection, but you may continue to support the One Roof and Bridging the Gap food pantries with your financial gifts. Mark your check in the memo line “Local Food Ministry”. We will begin regular 3rd Sunday non-perishable food donations in January.

Rise Against Hunger - There were 241 volunteers of ages from 4 to 98 of all abilities, who participated in helping Rise Against Hunger! We packed over 15,100 meals! This church-wide event was a great way to show our love and the love of Jesus Christ to others beyond our immediate community. Thank you!

Joy Tree | Final Drop-off Times This Week – ALL of the wishes were claimed from the Joy Tree. Thank you to everyone who is fulfilling a wish! Remember to bring them to Annex 3rd floor. If you need assistance, please go to the 3rd floor and someone will help you.

Drop off dates to return gifts: • Friday, 12/5 4:00 - 6:00 pm • Saturday, 12/6 10:00 am - 12 noon • Sunday, 12/7 9:30 am - 12:30 pm FINAL DROPOFF! NEST Opens | December – NEST, the local warming shelter for the area’s homeless residents, is operating now through the last of the 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.

SAVE THE DATE: Mission Trip | October 4-8, 2026 - Look for more details in 2026. This will be an in-country mission trip to North Carolina. There will be a list of projects for folks to choose from according to their passion and abilities.

4

F

ollowing a holiday of thankfulness and gratitude, I am always reminded of how thankful I am to be part of this church and have the opportunity to head up the youth ministry here. I am especially thankful for those involved with our UTH: amazing volunteers pouring into our students week to week, wonderful families partnering alongside us as we minister to these wonderful young people, and the students themselves that make this ministry so vibrant and special. This has been a wonderful year at UTH and I cannot wait for what the next year holds.

Paul Mosley Youth Director

pmosley@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x219)

We have a lot still on the way in December. Our UTH Christmas Party is on December 7 at 6pm in the UTH lounge. We will be celebrating Christ’s birth, these students, and the awesome year we have had; we will be decorating cookies, watching some Christmas classics, Christmas Games, and of course, karaoke! It will be a festive end to the year at UTH, so make sure to be there. Our UTH choir will be singing at O Holy Night on December 14 alongside our other great choirs.

We have an exciting adventure planned just before the New Year: Xtreme Winter Conference.

This trip takes us up to Gatlinburg from December 29-31 for a Christian Music festival with a bunch of big names as well as tons of different speakers and worship opportunities. We will also be having a bit of fun out in Pigeon Forge as well. Be in prayer for our UTH as they finish the remainder of this semester, and lift up this next year. God is at work in these wonderful students and adults, and I cannot wait to see how we grow and deepen our relationship with God and one another!

UTH UPCOMING EVENTS December 7: UTH Christmas Party *Final UTH function of 2025 December 29-31: Xtreme Winter Conference January 11: First UTH of Spring Semester *BINGO Night with prizes!

Andrea Stuart

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

KIDS UPCOMING EVENTS December 7: ROOT345 Christmas Party *Final ROOT345 function of 2025 December 22: Journey to Bethlehem January 4: First ROOT345 of Spring Semester 5

Hello Church Family,

A

s we step into this Advent season, our hearts are invited to linger at the manger where holy stillness meets unfolding joy. This year’s theme for special music Sunday, Meditations at the Nativity: From Stillness to Joy, calls us to pause amid the swirl of preparations and listen for the quiet rhythms of God’s presence. In that sacred calm, we find a hope that slowly rises, a peace that deepens, and a joy that begins to shine brighter with each passing day. Throughout the month, our music will guide us along this journey from tranquil contemplation to the exuberant celebration of Christ’s birth. May these sounds and stories draw us closer to the miracle unfolding in our midst.

Many thanks go out to those of you that purchased Butter Braids and cookie dough to support our youth as they prepare for choir tour. Those orders will be delivered to the church on the morning of Saturday, December 6th. Please plan to be available that morning as delivery will need to go fairly quickly to maintain the frozen nature of your products. If you will not be home, please make alternate arrangements with the person you ordered from to ensure a successful delivery!

Dr. Caitlyn Dixon Director of Music

cdixon@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x205)

And then, it’s that time once again for us to join together for O Holy Night. We hope you’ll plan to join us on Sunday, December 14th at either 3:00 or 6:00 p.m. for the annual music celebration of the season. Choirs and handbells have been diligently preparing this music for the last few months, and I know they’re all excited to share it with you! Remember, if you’ve sung with us before, please feel free to join us for the performance of “O Holy Night” at the end of the program.

Then, on December 21st, as part of our regular worship services, we hope you’ll join us for a stunning morning of meditation and joy as our Chancel Choir sings in the arrival of the holy babe. Pastors will offer meaningful meditations as we journey together to the manger.

The Holy Spirit is sure to be in our midst.

There are so many great opportunities to be together and in fellowship this month. I pray that, in the midst of the hustle and bustle, you’ll find that quiet peace that only Christ can bring. As we move through this season together, may each note we sing and each moment of quiet reflection draw us nearer to the heart of the Nativity where stillness gives way to joy, and God’s love becomes visible among us. May our worship, our music, and our shared preparation deepen our anticipation and brighten our celebration of Christ’s coming. Let us journey forward with hope, grateful for the gifts this holy season continues to unfold.

Soli Deo Gloria, Caitie

Patty Hall

Kitchen Hostess phall@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400

6

O

ur Thanksgiving Feast was a joyful highlight, as families gathered to watch the children perform and then share a delicious meal together in celebration of gratitude and togetherness. We also hosted a successful Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A, where families came out to support our school. It was a wonderful month of connection, celebration, and community partnership. We have a lot of fun events coming up in December.

Susan Mitchell Preschool Director

smitchell@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.1237

7

Our Pre-K students will be singing at Barnes and Noble on Friday, December 5th at 11:00am as a fundraiser to benefit the Carnegie Library.

Our Kindergarten students will be singing at Wesley Woods on Thursday, December 11th at 11:00am. We have a month filled with cookies with Santa, PJ’s and Pizza, and a day filled with the Grinch.

The most important celebration this month will focus on our students beginning to learn the true meaning of Christmas by exploring the story of Jesus’ birth in simple, joyful ways they can understand. Through songs, crafts, and Bible stories they will discover that Christmas is about God’s love and the gift of Jesus.

In The Life of Our Church Births

Virginia Anne | October 9, 2025 Ansley & Tyler Nix

Extending our Christian Sympathies

Robert and Renee Bready on the death of their son, Stuart Boswell Bready, on November 2, 2025.

Wallace | November 22 Emily Gray & Jonathan Pritchard

Baptisms

Benjamin David Urch | November 23, 2025

Welcome to our New Church Members

Victor & Sandy Little | November 16, 2025 Ben Urch & Annabel Court | November 23, 2025

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

8

9

December Calendar 3 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A

7 Confirmation Class 9:45am | Annex Conference

10 Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

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

Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room

11 Kindergarten Singing 11:00am | Wesley Woods

24-26 Church Office Closed

Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 203

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

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

ROOT345 Christmas Party 6:00-7:45pm | Annex Hall

Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel Wednesday Night Supper 5:30pm-6:30pm | Parish Hall Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room 4 ARC Blood Drive 11:00am-3:00p | Parish Hall 5 Joy Tree Drop-off Hours 4:00-6:00pm | Annex 3rd Floor PS Pre-K Singing 11:00am | Barnes & Noble 6 Joy Tree Drop-off Hours 10:00am-Noon | Annex 3rd Floor 7 Worship: 2nd Sunday of Advent 8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary Joy Tree Drop-off Hours 9:30am-12:30pm | Annex 3rd Floor Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary

8 Joybells 4:30pm | Bell Room Inspirations 5:45pm | Choir Room 9 Men’s Prayer Breakfast 8:30am | Gathering Room Celebration Singers 9:30am | Choir Room Parkinson’s Support Mtg 2:30pm | Main 203 10 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A

14 Worship: 3rd Sunday of Advent 8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary O Holy Night 3:00 & 6:00pm | Sanctuary 15 Martha Circle 9:45am | Main 200 Church Council Meeting 7:00pm | Sanctuary 17 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room 17 Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

21 Meditations at the Nativity 8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary

Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary

Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 203

22 Journey to Bethlehem 9:00am-1:00pm | Parish Hall

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Blue Christmas Service 5:30pm | Chapel

24 - Christmas Eve Worship Family-Friendly Service 4:00pm | Sanctuary Traditional Candlelight Service 7:00pm | Sanctuary & YT Traditional Candlelight Service 11:00pm | Sanctuary 28 Worship 10:00am | Sanctuary 29-31 UTH Winter Xtreme Trip Gatlinburg, TN 31-January 2 Church Office Closed JANUARY 4 Worship 8:30am & 11:00am | Sanctuary Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room ROOT345 6:00pm | Children’s Wing Visit the website (QR code below) for the most up-to-date schedule and sign-up links.

10

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