THE SHEPHERD
Friends and Family of Newnan First United Methodist Church,
John Wesleyâthe founder of the Methodist movementâwas a practical theologian. His theology was formed on the ground, in sermons, in study, and in service. His words and his experience were constantly tested. He saw fit to actually engage the words of Jesus with his neighbor!
And because of this METHOD, Wesleyâs theology changed over time. The John Wesley we meet in his 20s is so different from the Wesley we meet at the end of his career. And this is a good example for all of us. Our faith is not meant to remain static. It is meant to grow, change, and continue to transform as we transform with it. Thus, faith was never meant to remain indoors. It must be active and allowed outside! Wesley preached:
âThe love of God naturally leads to works of pietyâŠ[and] the love of our neighbor naturally leads all that feel it to works of mercyâ (The Important Question, Sermon 84).
Our faith leads us to experience and participation in the world, and through that experience God works to shape us more and more into closer and closer disciples. Of course, sometimes it feels like engaging the gospel feels too hard. Sometimes I donât know where to start! How can we ever expect to follow the breadth of Jesusâ teaching and commandments, even as simple as love of God and neighbor? Where do I begin?
19th century Theologian George MacDonald invites us into the immediacy of discipleship:
Get up, and do something the Master tells youâŠmake yourself a disciple at once. Instead of asking yourself whether you believe or not, ask yourself whether you have this day done one thing because he said, Do it, or once abstained because he said, Do not do itâŠyou can begin at once to BE a disciple of the Living Oneâby obeying him in the first thing you can think of in which you are not obeying him. We must learn to obey him in everything, and so must begin somewhere.
We must begin somewhere. So BEGIN. Make yourself a disciple at once! Obey Jesus in the first thing you can think of. Donât hesitate! Live the life of a disciple! In the words of Wesley,
âAre you sure of living one year, one week, one day? O make haste to live! Surely the [one] that may die tonight should live todayâ (The Important Question, Sermon 84).
Grace and peace, Andrew
In The Life of Our Church
Mary-Wallace Bell | January 2, 2026
Karolyne & Connor Bell
Robert Macon Geeslin | January 11, 2026
Margaret & Will Geeslin
Births New Members In Memorium
Miles & Carol Lee Yarbrough | January 11, 2026
Children Parker, Mollie, and Bennett
Hillary Keene | January 11, 2026
Dennis Arnold Rode
July 9, 1948-December 19, 2025
Don Chapman
November 23, 1941-January 17, 2026
Sarah Anne Oliver May 30, 1930-January 20, 2026
Extending our Christian Sympathies
Janet Marie Gunnels on the death of her grandmother, Jill Gunnels, and her aunt, Susan Gunnels Nelson.
What an amazing month of music and fellowship we had in January. I am so grateful to all of those who participated in the MLK Ecumenical service. Whether you sang in the choir or participated by being there in worship, it was indeed a service of praise. We were also incredibly grateful to participate in the Shawn Kirchner event that same week. It was an amazing opportunity for our Chancel Choir to get to work with Mr. Kirchner on Wednesday, and then participate in the concert we hosted on Thursday, January 22nd. We were happy to partner with the University of West Georgia and the Blackwell Trust to make this event happen here in Newnan. Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and came to the concert. It was a delightful evening of music and fellowship!
Finally, as we reflect on January, I have to say a major thank you on behalf of our Youth Choir to everyone who donated a basket and/or bought tickets for Basket BINGO. We also have to say a big thank you to Ms. Patty for helping us with the food and to Womenâs Bible Study for helping with the baked goods for the bake sale - we couldnât have done it without all of this help. It really does take a village! We had an amazing afternoon of fun, and the prize baskets were exceptional. Thank you for stepping out with us on a brand new fundraiser. We are hopeful that this is an event that can continue on into the future!
Dr. Caitlyn Dixon Director of Music
cdixon@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x205)
Now looking ahead! We have one of my favorite events of the year coming up on February 11th - the chili cook off! Get those recipes ready - weâll be accepting different chilis, soups, and stews for the competition. We will also still have the baked goods auction as part of the event. Trust me, there are some goodies here you wonât want to miss. I know there are some cheese straws and cakes that will be worth the bidding war. The Youth Choir is so grateful to Ms. Patty and everyone that contributes for allowing this event to serve as another fundraiser for Choir Tour. We love the experience, and look forward to being part of that Wednesday evening with you!
As mid-February arrives, we will find ourselves standing at the threshold of a new and holy season. Lent invites us to slow our pace, listen more deeply, and prepare our hearts for the journey toward the cross and the promise of resurrection. In the music ministry, this means turning our attention toward sounds and texts that invite reflection, honesty, and hope. Itâs music that creates space for prayer and transformation. Thank you for walking this journey together, offering your voices, your time, and your faithful presence as we prepare to enter the season ahead with intention and grace.
One Roof Monthly Donation | February 15, 2026 -
HOW TO VOLUNTEER FOR MISSIONS
Thank you for generously donating in January! We delivered 200 lbs of food, and they also appreciated the monetary donation. This month, please bring in grits, rice, canned meat such as tuna, sardines, spam, corned beef, Vienna sausages, etc., canned fruits, and applesauce. Or if you prefer to give money, just make your checks payable to Newnan FUMC and note that is for Food Ministry.
Contact Peter Sheren - peterandivonne@gmail.com, Lee Berry - lee@leeberry.com, or Cole Cunningham - colecunning@gmail.com
Give It Up For Lent | February 18-Easter Sunday This is the biggest fundraiser of the year our church has for Bridging The Gap (BTG). How does it work, you ask? We are asking everyone to donate $40, representing the 40 days of Lent. You can give online. Or place your check or cash in the offering plate marking it GIUFL.
Our goal is $12,000. Last yearâs goal was $11,000 and we donated $12,000!
Art Ministry Outreach (AMO) - Following the very successful Advent Exhibition, the AMO committee is planning upcoming events throughout 2026. The next exhibit is planned for March 7th through June 4th with a public opening on March 27th to coincide with the Downtown Newnan Art Walk. The theme will be Easter with focus on rebirth and from darkness to light. It will include art from members as well as local artists within the community. The committee will be accepting submissions starting in February.
SAVE THE DATE: Mission Trip | October 4-8, 2026 - Registration opens soon. 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 weâre 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 â everyone can serve and participate! Watch the September 2025 BOOM week video HERE. As soon as the registration links are posted youâll 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.
NEST
| February - The NEST, the local warming shelter for the areaâs 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.
Please connect directly to volunteer with one of our local Mission Partners: Bridging the Gap, Samaritanâs Clinic, and One Roof
Susan Mitchell
Preschool Director
smitchell@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.1237
Mark your calendar, the next Consignment Sale is February 27th and 28th. Our Fall Sale was an amazing success and I am excited about another successful sale this Spring. Registration to consign is open! Just like last sale, consignors will sign up for a time to drop off their items. For more information, go to our website www.nfumcpreschool.org Donât wait until the last minute to register and tag your items!! This is a great way to clean out and make room for new items from Christmas. Please tell your friends and family to come shop for some great deals!
Preschool registration for church members will open on Sunday, February 8 at 1:00 PM. This early registration period is reserved before enrollment opens to currently enrolled and the public. We are grateful for the strong connection between our church and preschool ministry. Currently, 27% of our preschool students are children of church members, which is a wonderful reflection of how this program serves and supports our congregation. If you have a child or know of a family within the church who may be interested in enrolling, we encourage you to take advantage of this early registration opportunity.
Preschool and Kindergarten Registration: Sunday, February 8th-Tuesday February 10th. Church Members have priority and register on Sunday, February 8th after church at 1:00. Currently enrolled families will register on Monday, February 9th at 10:00am Registration will open to the public on Tuesday, February 10th at 10:00am.
All the registration information can be found on our website, and all registration and payment will be online. Call me if you have questions or have friends interested in touring: 770-253-1237 or email me at smitchell@newnanfumc.org.
Paul Mosley
Youth Director
pmosley@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400 (x219)
Current UTH Series: Start Here
We opened Sunday Night UTH this year with an awesome Bingo night on January 11 that was a blast to both play and win. If you havenât learned yet, these kids love some good, healthy competition. Biscuits and Bibles started back up the following Wednesday morning, January 8. We started our study of the Gospels, diving into comparing and contrasting them to one another to learn their purpose and message, alongside some delicious Chick-fil-A biscuits. We are offering a free biscuit to anyone who comes for the first time this year, so be there for free breakfast! Sticky Faith, our high school senior study focusing on the next stage of life for these young adults, got going on January 21. NOTE: Because of weather cancelations, the Spring Parents Meeting will be Sunday, February 1 at 4pm in the Youth Lounge.
Save The Date - Confirmation Sunday is March 22, 2026!
Join us for a day celebrating our newest members. These amazing young adults have put in the time and effort to learn all about their faith and church, and now they are being confirmed. Be sure to join us that Sunday at 11am to encourage and support them. Parents of Confirmands, I will be emailing you directly with all the information you need. Be on the lookout!
Sometimes following God feels a little complicated. There seem to be many things to remember, prayers to pray, and guidelines for how weâre supposed to live. How do we even know where to start? In this three-week traditional and oneweek experience series, weâll find our starting point in the words of Jesus. Weâll point students toward the greatest thing Jesus calls us to do: love God, love others, and love ourselves. When it comes to faith, they can start here!
Wednesday Night Supper
5:30-6:30pm | Parish Hall*
$8/person, $5/Child
$25/Family of 4 (2 kids, 2 adults)
Feb 4 | Wear Red!
Sundried tomato chicken pasta, salad, dessert. Kids: Chicken Nuggets
Feb 17 | Shrove TUESDAY Pancake Supper
Feb 25 | *Annex Hall
Chick-fil-A Sandwiches
Patty Hall
Kitchen Hostess
phall@NewnanFUMC.org
770.253.7400
UTH UPCOMING EVENTS
February 1
Returning from Confirmation Retreat UTH still meeting Menu is Spaghetti & Garlic Bread
February 8
Super Bowl Party at The Rosseyâs
February 15 No UTH - Mid-winter Break
February 18
No Biscuits & Bibles or Sticky Faith Mid-winter Break
February 18
Ash Wednesday Service at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary
February 22
UTH - Menu is Chicken Alfredo ($5)
Worship
8:30am | Sanctuary
Sunday School
9:45am | Locations Vary
Worship
11:00am | Sanctuary
UTH Spring Parents Meeting
4:00pm | Youth Lounge
Youth Ensemble
4:30pm | Choir Room
Youth Choir
5:00pm | Choir Room
UTH
6:00pm | Youth Lounge
ROOT345
6:00pm | Childrenâs Wing
2 Joybells
4:30pm | Bell Room
Inspirations
5:45pm | Choir Room 3
Celebration Singers
9:30am | Choir Room
UTH Biscuits & Bibles
7:00am | Truettâs Chick-fil-A
Womenâs Bible Study
10:00am | Annex Hall
Breaking Bread
Noon | Gathering Room
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
Womenâs Bible Study
6:30pm | Annex Hall
Chancel Choir
6:45pm | Choir Room
UTH Sticky Faith
7:30pm | Mosley Home
Friendship Committee Mtg 10:00am | Annex Hall 7
Run For Angels & Chicken Q
8:00am | Parish Hall
Parents Night Out
4:00-8:00pm | Parish Hall
Fun ân Frolic Outing
4:15pm | Rebekahâs Barn
8
Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary
Sunday School
9:45am | Locations Vary
Confirmation
9:45am | Annex Conference
Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary
Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room
Youth Choir
5:00pm | Choir Room
8
UTH Super Bowl Party 6:00pm | Rossey Home
ROOT345 6:00pm | Childrenâs Wing
9
Joybells 4:30pm | Bell Room
Inspirations 5:45pm | Choir Room
Trustees Meeting 7:00pm | Annex Conference 10
Menâs Prayer Breakfast 8:30am | Gathering Room
Celebration Singers 9:30am | Choir Room
Parkinsonâs Support Meeting 2:30pm | Main 203
11
UTH Biscuits & Bibles
7:00am | Truettâs Chick-fil-A
Womenâs Bible Study 10:00am | Annex Hall
Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room
Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room
Carol Choir
5:00pm | Choir Room
Cherub Choir
5:00pm | Main 202
Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel
Crockpot Cookoff 5:30-6:30pm | Parish Hall
11
Womenâs Bible Study
6:30pm | Annex Hall
Chancel Choir
6:45pm | Choir Room
UTH Sticky Faith
7:30pm | Mosley Home
15
Worship
8:30am | Sanctuary
Sunday School
9:45am | Locations Vary
Worship
11:00am | Sanctuary
16
Martha Circle
9:45am | Main 200
Joybells
4:30pm | Bell Room
Inspirations
5:45pm | Choir Room
Finance Committee Meeting
6:00pm | Annex Hall
17
Celebration Singers
9:30am | Choir Room
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
5:30-6:30pm | Parish Hall
18
Womenâs Bible Study
10:00am | Annex Hall
Dementia Support
10:00am | Annex Conference
Lenten Service & Lunch
Noon | St. Paulâs Episcopal Church
Ash Wednesday Service
6:30pm | Sanctuary
February Calendar
22
Worship
8:30am | Sanctuary
Sunday School
9:45am | Locations Vary
Confirmation
9:45am | Annex Conference
Worship
11:00am | Sanctuary
Youth Ensemble
4:30pm | Choir Room
Youth Choir
5:00pm | Choir Room
UTH
6:00pm | Youth Lounge
25 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
Womenâs Bible Study
6:30pm | Annex Hall
Chancel Choir
6:45pm | Choir Room
See the full 2025-2026 Photo Album here!
Seth Crile, Building Manager
Dr. Caitlyn Dixon, Minister of Music
CHURCH STAFF
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 Childrenâs Ministries
Rev. Andrew Chappell, Senior Pastor
Rev. Connor Bell, Associate Pastor
