The Shepherd - January 2026

JANUARY 2026

THE

SHEPHERD Details

CHURCH LIFE

Ministry

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UPDATES pg 3-6

Upcoming

Get Involved

MISSIONS

EVENTS

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Basket BINGO Fundraiser January 31!

Newnan First United Methodist Church

33 Greenville Street | 770.253.7400 | hello@newnanfumc.org

Dear Friends and Family of Newnan First UMC, Happy New Year! I cannot believe it is 2026 already.

If you joined us on January 4 for Epiphany Sunday, we spent some time talking about what it might look like to follow the star this year. You were also gifted with a small wooden star to incorporate into your prayer life.

Rev. Andrew Chappell Senior Pastor

achappell@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x202)

I grabbed my star after the 8:30 a.m. service (without looking!) and written on the star was the word “HELP.” My first instinct was to focus on all the ways I needed to help my family, friends, congregation, and others beyond our walls. My mind went straight to doing more.

When I got home, I told Adair my word and what I was thinking. She said, “That’s funny. The first thing I thought was how much help you need!” And the more I sat with it, the more I realized she’s right. I need to ask for help more often in 2026.

I’m grateful to be surrounded by disciples who are ready and willing to help—and I hope you know your church staff is here for you, too, whenever you find yourself needing support.

I’d love to know: what did you think about when you received your star word on Epiphany Sunday? Have you shared it with anyone yet?

Did they have a different take on it? If you haven’t received a star, we have plenty in the office. And if you know someone who could use one, let us know. This is such a simple, meaningful way to practice prayer and pay attention to God. I hope it’s one of many little “stars” that will point you to the Big Star this year.

-Rev. Andrew

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Everyone in this church is on the Missions Team! Where will you serve?

HOW TO VOLUNTEER FOR MISSIONS Contact Peter Sheren - peterandivonne@gmail.com, Lee Berry - lee@leeberry.com, or Cole Cunningham - colecunning@gmail.com One Roof Monthly Donation | January 18, 2026 - It’s time to refill the pantry! Let’s kick off the year by showing thankfulness for all of our blessings. Please bring any canned or non-perishable food to either the sanctuary or the room next to the gathering room. If you prefer, you may make a monetary donation. Make your checks payable to Newnan FUMC and note that is for Food Ministry.

Also, our church received a grant from the United Methodist North Georgia Conference office to use for food insecurity issues. We were able to donate $500 to Bridging the Gap (BTG) and $500 to One Roof.

Art Ministry Outreach (AMO) - The initial event for this ministry was Advent themed and included artists from throughout the community as well as our own church members. It was a huge success with over 200 people attending. Several events are in the process of being planned by the AMO committee and will be scheduled throughout 2026 beginning in February.

Rise Against Hunger - There were 242 volunteers of ages from 4 to 98 of all abilities, who participated in helping Rise Against Hunger!

In 2026 we will plan on packing 16,200 meals, one thousand more than 2025. Save the date, November 8, 2026!

Thank You for your Joy Tree Participation – All of the tags were taken by November 23rd. The organization Kares 4 Kids donated fifty $75 gift cards for us pass on to the foster kids Joy Tree program. A note from the Joy Tree Committee: Your generosity once again made this year’s Joy Tree Project a heartwarming success! Thank you for taking Coweta County’s foster children into your hearts this Christmas. We appreciate your JOYful support. And a special thank you to David, John, Carol, Davis & Laney, and Mike for your excellent help. -The Joy Tree Committee NEST |January– The 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.

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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e are excited to share several upcoming events and milestones from our preschool ministry as we look ahead to a new season of growth and fellowship. Our preschool continues to be a joyful place of learning, faith formation, and community, and we are grateful for the continued support of our church family.

As we reflect back on December, our preschool was filled with the joy and meaning of the Christmas season. Students participated in classroom celebrations, shared in special Christmas programs, and learned about the true meaning of Christmas through age appropriate lessons centered on the birth of Jesus. It was a beautiful season of worship, joy, and togetherness, and we are grateful to our teachers, families, and church community for making it so special.

Susan Mitchell

Registration for the upcoming school year will be opening soon, and we are pleased to offer early registration to church members. Church members only registration will open on Sunday, smitchell@NewnanFUMC.org February 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Currently enrolled families may register beginning Monday, 770.253.1237 February 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM, followed by public registration on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM. We are thankful for the strong interest in our program and encourage families to mark these dates on their calendars. If you know anyone who is interested in attending NFUMC preschool, please share my contact information with them! I would love to set up a tour and a time to meet! My email is smitchell@newnanfumc.org.

Preschool Director

We are also looking forward to our upcoming Preschool Consignment Sale, scheduled for February 27th and 28th. This much anticipated event is a wonderful opportunity for families to shop for children’s items while supporting our preschool. Please visit our website for more details and how to shop and consign with us https://www.nfumcpreschool.org/consignmentsale Thank you for your continued prayers and support of our preschool ministry. We look forward to all that God has in store in the months ahead!

Patty Hall

Kitchen Hostess phall@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400

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Isaiah 60:1-3 says “Arise, shine; for your light has come.”

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e had a wonderful December celebrating the coming birth of Jesus. We are going to continue to focus on and celebrate Jesus’s birth and His love! In our younger Sunday School class we will be exploring the many people that visit Jesus in His early life.

From Shepherds to Wisemen, we will be learning and doing fun activities! In our older Sunday school classroom, we will continue to drive through Route 66 as the children will learn about all the books of the Bible! You should see how much fun they have! They have learned fun ways to memorize the order of the Books of the Bible and the fun and interesting facts and stories in each of the 66 Books!

In ROOT 345, we will be starting a new study called, Hope is Born! We will begin to explore the world’s need for hope. We will discuss that through the birth of Jesus, hope was born. We will discuss how that impacts our lives. The children are going to take that hope and dive into how God’s love is shared through our world and focus even more on our own community. As the month wraps up, discussing and learning that as Jesus grew, the hope of our future also grew.

This is a wonderful lesson to kick off our new year. All 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are welcome to join. We meet on the children’s floor at 6pm and end at 7:45pm.

Andrea Stuart

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

In our Children’s Worship and our Wiggle and Worship we will also be learning about Jesus’s early life. We will explore the wisemen through interactive play, crafts, and activities. We will be talking about Jesus’s baptism, and how Jesus loves us so very much! We will end our month looking at how Jesus healed people and what that meant for us as believers and followers! Children’s Worship are for 4 year olds to 2nd grade and dismissed from the Big Sanctuary and can be picked up from the Children’s Floor in the main building.

Wiggle and Worship are for our 2 and 3 year olds in the nursery. The nursery is in the Preschool, in the downstairs of the Parish Hall.

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e are getting started with another awesome year with UTH at our church! We hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas break season. We closed out our Christmas Break by taking a group up to Gatlinburg, TN for Winter Xtreme Conference, a music conference filled with worship, speakers, and some big names in worship music today. We had a blast in the Smoky Mountain, not only worshiping Jesus but also connecting with each other, exploring Gatlinburg, and even a few adventures along the way. You can check out photos from the trip on our socials!

Paul Mosley Youth Director

pmosley@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x219)

As we get the New Year started, youth programming will begin to start back up. Confirmation will start back on January 4 in the Annex Hall Conference Room, Biscuits and Bibles on January 7 at Truett’s Chickfila, and UTH on January 11 with a bingo night. Sticky Faith will also be launching this month. Sticky Faith is a study for our High School Seniors, helping them to prepare for the excitement and challenges of stepping out on their own following graduation.

We share a homecooked meal and dive into topics of faith and life that they will need to be responsible for as young adults. Our first meeting is on January 21 at 7pm at the Mosley House.

Start Here Series: Sometimes following God feels a little complicated. There seem to be many things to remember, prayers to pray, and guidelines for how we’re supposed to live. How do we even know where to start? In this three-week traditional and one-week experience series, we’ll find our starting point in the words of Jesus. We’ll 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!

UTH UPCOMING EVENTS January 7 Biscuits & Bibles Starts Back January 11 UTH Starts Back - BINGO Night January 18 NO UTH - MLK, Jr. Weekend January 21 Sticky Faith Starts January 25 Spring Parents Meeting & beginning of Start Here Series January 30-February 1 Confirmation Retreat 5

Hey Church Family,

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anuary arrives like a deep breath - fresh, expectant, and full of promise. As we step into a new year together, the music of the church invites us to begin again: to listen more closely, sing more boldly, and open our hearts to the ways God is still creating something new among us.

The season after Christmas moves us from the wonder of Christ’s birth into the light of Epiphany, where we are reminded that Christ is revealed not only to the shepherds and magi, but to us, here and now. Our music this month reflects that journey - songs of light, calling, and renewal that invite us to follow where God leads in this new year.

January is also a season of new beginnings within our music ministry. Rehearsals resume with renewed energy (see the schedule below), new voices are always welcome, and familiar faces return ready to sing again. Whether you have sung for years or are feeling a nudge to join for the first time, this is a beautiful moment to step in. There is a place for you, and your voice matters.

Dr. Caitlyn Dixon Director of Music

cdixon@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x205)

We are also excited to be hosting our first ever Basket Bingo Fundraiser for the Youth Choir.

Please consider purchasing tickets to attend, and we hope your Sunday School class will consider contributing a basket towards the prizes. Tickets can be purchased at the QR code to the right.

THE OTHER

January also brings two exciting opportunities to gather through music and worship beyond our regular rhythms. On January 19th, we will take part in an ecumenical Martin Luther King Jr. service, hosted off campus, as we join with churches across our community to worship, reflect, and lift our voices in unity. More details will be shared soon. Later that week, we are thrilled to welcome composer Shawn Kirchner for An Evening with Shawn Kirchner, a special event hosted in our sanctuary on January 22nd, at 7:30 p.m., in collaboration with UWG and the Blackwell Foundation. Please note that admission is $5. This promises to be a meaningful and inspiring night of music, creativity, and shared artistry.

WINNER OF THE 2026 BLACKWELL PRIZE IN MUSIC

As we begin 2026 together, may our songs be prayers, our harmonies a sign of community, and our music a witness to hope.

Thank you for the ways you share your gifts so faithfully. I look forward to all that God will do in and through our music in the months ahead.

Let us begin this year singing.

Soli Deo Gloria, Caitie REHEARSALS RESUME

Join us for a mass choir experience, including members from community, high school, and University of West Georgia choirs, all conducted by internationally renowned composer Shawn Kirchner.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 / 7:30 PM TOWNSEND CENTER, UWG CARROLLTON REGISTER

January 7: Chancel Choir January 11: Youth Ensemble & Youth Choir

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 / 7:30 PM FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, NEWNAN REGISTER

$5 GENERAL ADMISSION / FREE FOR STUDENTS

January 13: Celebration Singers January 14: Bellissimo, Cherub Choir, and Carol Choir 6

In The Life of Our Church In Memorium

Wallace David Browning August 25, 1936 - December 1, 2025

New Members

Pamela Ann Ashman | December 7, 2025 Scotty & Kayla Reeves, and son Andrew | December 14, 2025

Rhonda Reynolds Pate July 9, 1959 - December 2, 2025

Jeff & Rhonda Schultes | December 14, 2025

Extending our Christian Sympathies

Margaret and Steven Diaz on the death of their granddaughter, Ryleigh-Rose Elizabeth Broadbelt.

See the full 2025-2026 Photo Album here!

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

12 Joybells 4:30pm | Bell Room

18 Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary

21 Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

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

Inspirations 5:45pm | Choir Room

Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary

UTH Sticky Faith 7:30pm | Mosley Home

Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

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

19 Church Office Closed

22 An Evening with Shawn Kirchner 7:30pm | Sanctuary

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 8 District Clergy Meeting 5:00pm | Annex Hall

Parkinson’s Support Meeting 2:30pm | Main 203 14 UTH Biscuits & Bibles 7:00am | Truett’s Chick-fil-A Women’s Bible Study 10:00am | Annex Hall

MLK, Jr. Day Ecumenical Service 10:00am | Summherhill Baptist Finance Committee Meeting 6:00pm | Annex Hall 20 Celebration Singers 9:30am | Choir Room

25 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary Confirmation Class 9:45am | Annex Conference Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary

Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

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

UTH Spring Parents Meeting 4:00pm | Youth Lounge

Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

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

Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room

Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Confirmation Class 9:45am | Annex Conference

Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 202

Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

UTH 6:00pm | Youth Lounge

Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary

Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

ROOT345 6:00pm | Children’s Wing

Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room

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

Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 202

Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

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

Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel

26 Joybells 4:30pm | Bell Room

UTH BINGO Night 6:00pm | Youth Lounge

Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room

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

ROOT345 6:00pm | Children’s Wing

18 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary

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

11 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary

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Celebration Singers 9:30am | Choir Room

Martha Circle 9:45am | Main 200

Inspirations 5:45pm | Choir Room Trustees Meeting 7:00pm | Annex Conference 27 Men’s Prayer Breakfast 8:30am | Gathering Room

January/February Calendar 27 Celebration Singers 9:30am | Choir Room

FEBRUARY 1 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary

4 Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel

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

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

Celebration Singers 9:30am | Choir Room

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

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

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

Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary

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

Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary

Breaking Bread Noon | Gathering Room

Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room

Bellissimo 4:30pm | Bell Room

Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

Carol Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room

UTH 6:00pm | Youth Lounge

Cherub Choir 5:00pm | Main 202

ROOT345 6:00pm | Children’s Wing

Evening Prayer Service 5:05pm | Chapel

2 Joybells 4:30pm | Bell Room

Sunday School 9:45am | Locations Vary

Inspirations 5:45pm | Choir Room

Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary

3 Celebration Singers 9:30am | Choir Room

Youth Ensemble 4:30pm | Choir Room

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 7:30pm | Mosley Home 29 Life Line Screening 9:00am-5:00pm | Parish Hall 30-February 1 Confirmation Retreat Camp Glisson 31 Basket BINGO Fundraiser 1:00-4:30pm | Parish Hall

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

Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room UTH Sticky Faith 7:30pm | Mosley Home 7 Run For Angels & Chicken Q 8:00am | Parish Hall 8 Worship 8:30am | Sanctuary

Youth Choir 5:00pm | Choir Room UTH Super Bowl Party 6:00pm | Youth Lounge ROOT345 6:00pm | Children’s Wing 9 Joybells 4:30pm | Bell Room Inspirations 5:45pm | Choir Room

Women’s 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 Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm | Annex Hall Chancel Choir 6:45pm | Choir Room UTH Sticky Faith 7:30pm | Mosley Home

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

Trustees Meeting 7:00pm | Annex Conference 10

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 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