OCTOBER 2025
THE
SHEPHERD
Dear Church Family,
During the month of October, we will journey through a new Sunday series titled: Transformed by Grace. This series, inspired by John Wesley’s sermon “The Use of Money,” and part of our Stewardship journey, will remind us that generosity is one of the ways God’s grace changes lives. Wesley taught that “money is an excellent gift of God, answering the noblest ends,” and we are seeing this truth lived out through your faithfulness. Every gift entrusted to the work of the church becomes a tool of grace that blesses others and glorifies God. Already this year, we have seen God’s Spirit move in extraordinary ways through your generosity. Eighteen lives have been claimed in baptism, and 56 new members have found a home here — each one a living testimony of God’s grace drawing people closer to Christ. Our mission team returned from Guatemala filled with joy after serving children and schools with Christ’s love. Here at home, our youth are gathering to grow in faith, our children are learning to trust God in worship and study, and our music ministry is bursting with new energy from children’s choirs to a youth tour on the Gulf Coast to the launch of a new Gathering Choir for adults. We give thanks for all these blessings, but we also believe God is calling us to more. Jesus told his disciples, “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these” (John 14:12). To sustain and expand our ministries, we rely on the faithful financial support of our congregation. That is why we ask you to prayerfully consider what you will pledge for 2026. Your Estimate of Giving card supports the 2026 ministry plan and helps us prepare faithfully for the year ahead. Cards are available in the sanctuary and can be returned on Commitment Sunday, October 26 (or earlier) to the church office, or you can pledge online at newnanfumc.org/GIVE. You may also set up recurring donations or give through the envelopes provided in the pews. Thank you for prayerfully considering this invitation. Your generosity makes it possible for Newnan First UMC to shine Christ’s light, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to our community and beyond. As St. Francis of Assisi reminded the church long ago, “For it is in giving that we receive.” Together, through God’s grace, may we continue to be a people whose love changes lives. In Christ’s love and service, Rev. Andrew Chappell, Senior Pastor
Rev. Andrew Chappell Senior Pastor
achappell@NewnanFUMC.org 770.253.7400 (x202)
Newnan First United Methodist Church
33 Greenville Street | 770.253.7400 | hello@newnanfumc.org