May 4
The Root of Transformation Acts 9:1-6
May 11
Mother’s Day & Graduate Sunday
The Root of Service Acts 9:36-43
May 18
The Root of Inclusion Acts 11:1-18
May 25
The Root of Mission Acts 16:9-15
Union’s 2025 VBS will be here before you know it. We are going to take a Road Trip on June 9-12. Mark your calendar now. You can sign up on our website! Go ahead and invite friends and neighbors.
By Pastor Heather Webb
As we turn the calendar to May each year, I remember the familiar adage: "April showers bring May flowers." Each time I remember that old saying, I am reminded that both sunshine and rain are needed for flowers and plants to grow. Following Jesus is a journey of daily growth with ups and downs. Yet, we can trust that God will faithfully tend all our lives' roots, shoots, and new growth.
One thing I am looking forward to this month is our 'Roots of Discipleship' sermon series. Each Sunday, we will look at how God grows us in his grace as we seek to follow Jesus faithfully. Yes, as Christians, we put some effort into our faith formation and spiritual growth, but it's God, and God alone, who gives us growth and helps us develop deeper roots in Christ.
So, this month, I want to encourage us to prayerfully ask God some big questions.
• Lord, how do you want to grow me?
• Lord, how do you want to grow us as a church?
• Lord, how do you want to grow the impact of Union's life and ministry together?
These are questions that only God can answer. As we pray, may we listen for his voice and follow his lead as we seek to grow deeper roots as Christ’s disciples and as a church. As always, I would love to hear what God is sharing with you as you consider these questions prayerfully.
Here is a prayer to get you started.
Gracious God,
You are the One who plants, waters, prunes, and gives growth. I long to be deeply rooted in you, nourished by your word and Spirit.
When life pulls me in a thousand directions, root my heart in your truth. Send your living water to refresh my soul when I feel dry or uncertain. When storms come, and winds rage, hold me fast and keep my focus steadily on you.
Oh Lord, as I pray, I also offer these questions to you and await your faithful direction. Lord, how do you want to grow me? Lord, how do you want to grow us as a church? Lord, how do you want to grow the impact of Union's life and ministry together?
Loving God, make me like a tree planted by streams of water, with good fruit for every season. Mold me into a faithful disciple who is grounded in your grace and growing ever more into the likeness of Christ.
In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Union Family, I love being your pastor and seeing how God continues to grow and guide us together!
The church office will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. Please take a moment to honor the memory of service members who have sacrificed their lives.
Men, join us for the May breakfast meeting of the Disciples Men at Strickland's (4723 Atlanta Highway, Athens) on Saturday, May 3, at 8:00 AM. We have a wonderful time, and we would love to have you come and fellowship with us.
Union’s Elders will meet on Sunday, May 4, at 9:00 AM.
The Church Council will meet on Thursday, May 15, at 7:00 PM.
Overview of Exodus 1-18: https://bibleproject.com/videos/exodus-1-18
Overview of Exodus 19-40: https://bibleproject.com/videos/exodus-19-40
After a wonderful month of April with Easter activities, it’s hard to believe May is upon us! Our Cool Kids and Courageous Youth have a few more meetings this month before having some special activities for the summer. We plan to celebrate the end of the school year on Sunday, May 18, with a picnic at the park! Look for more details from Mrs. Holly soon! Our May schedule is below. Let Holly Green know if you have any questions or would like to be included in our text groups.
Thank you, Union, for your support of our Cool Kids and Courageous Youth!!
Sunday, May 4
Cool Kids 3:00-4:15 PM • Courageous Youth 4:00 – 5:15 PM
Sunday, May 11
Mother’s Day No Meetings
Sunday, May 18
Picnic at the Park End of the Year Party
Sunday, May 25
Memorial Day No Meetings
June 9-13 CHI RHO CAMP
June 16-20 JUNIOR CAMP
June 16-18, 16-20 CHRYSALIS CAMP
June 20-22 GENESIS CAMP
June 23-28 CYF CONFERENCE
July 14-18 OASIS Directors
Find out more information or register online: www.gadisciples.org/summer-camp-2025
Make plans to join Union for our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19, at 10:00 AM. Invite a friend to join us for games, snacks, an egg hunt, and a visit by the Easter Bunny!
This year, we have a week of workdays, May 31 June 7. You can attend one or all workdays. Please bring lunch and snacks. If you need more information, contact Camp Christian at campoffice@gadisciples.org.
Union will celebrate our graduates on Sunday, May 11.
Walker Bennet Allen
Son of Glenn and Cami Allen
Grandson of Larry and Sandra Allen
Graduating from Westminster Christian Academy
Chandler Bays
Son of Matt and Kristen Bays
Graduating from Oconee County High School
Mary Frank & Molly Edward Seagraves
Granddaughters of Patsy and Lanier Orr
Nieces of Angie and Byran Eades
Graduating from Stratford Academy
Maddie Triano
Daughter of John and Amanda Triano
Niece of Phillip Maxey
Graduating from Mill Creek High School
Jenna Hood
Daughter of Kathy Hood
Granddaughter of Julian and Joyce Beckwith
Graduating from Piedmont College Nursing School
Laurel Herrin
Granddaughter of Lynn Chapman
Graduating from College of Charleston, Majored in Biology, Minored in Art
Union will hold our Vacation Bible School June 9-12, from 5:30-8:30PM, daily.
Kids age 4 through completed 6th grade, pack your bag and join us on an epic road trip! We will join our friend, Scout, as we learn how to go with God throughout our lives. We will have stories, games, snacks, and so much fun! Sign up online (unionchristianchurch.net/vbs) or use the form below.
Child’s Name ________________________________________________ Age ____________
Date of Birth __________________________ Grade Completed ____________________
Parent/Guardian Name _______________________________________________________
Address
Email Address ________________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact Name ___________________________________________________
Emergency Contact Phone(s) _________________________________________________
May we photograph your child? _______________________________________________
Any Special Needs or Requests? _______________________________________________
Make plans to join Union for our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19, at 10:00 AM. Invite a friend to join us for games, snacks, an egg hunt, and a visit by the Easter Bunny!
Union will hold our annual VBS June 9-12,from 5:30-8:30PM, daily. We have many areas where we need help, from class leaders to area leaders. There is a place for everyone to help. Let Holly Green know if you can help!
In addition to volunteers, we need some supplies to make our VBS a memorable and meaningful experience on this road trip. If you would like to donate craft, recreation, and science supplies, we will soon have an Amazon list where you can order needed items. Look at the upcoming Midweek Updates for the Amazon wish list link.
Craft Group Tuesdays at 9:30 AM
GriefShare
Thursdays at 1:30 PM Through May 22
Disciples Men’s Breakfast
May 3, 8:00 AM
Dog Day at Union
Saturday, May 3, 10:00 AM
Christian Women’s Fellowship
May 8, 9:30 AM
Graduate Recognition Sunday
Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 11, 11:00 AM
Family Promise Host Week May 11-18
Vacation Bible School
June 9-12, 5:30 8:30 PM
Elders’ Meeting
May 4, 9:00 AM
Cemetery Committee Meeting
May 4, 12:00 PM
Personnel Committee Meeting
May 5, 10:00 AM
Staff Meeting
May 12, 10:30 AM
Church Council Meeting
May 15, 7:00 PM
Pastoral Relations Meeting
May 18, 12:00 PM
Worship Committee Meeting
May 20, 6:30 PM
The May meeting of the Christian Women’s Fellowship will be Thursday, May 8, at 9:30 AM, in the Fellowship Hall. All of the ladies in the church are invited to attend.
During May, the CWF will have be collecting individually wrapped treats for teachers and staff at Oconee County High School. You can leave individually wrapped snacks in the Gathering Space baskets. We will be taking these treats in early May so that the teachers can enjoy them during finals week and post-planning.
Our special person for May is Jean Dawson Lovell . Her address is 1100 Union Church Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677.
By Dennis Clark ACTS Co-Chairman
On March 22, 2025, ACTS and the Oconee County community lost a very good man. David Lovell, who lived in Oconee County for over 60 years; and I had the pleasure of knowing him for 50 of those years. A graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Agronomy, David had worked with the local Experiment Station for 40 years. His first wife, Pat, was the receptionist and secretary at Oconee County High School. That’s where I first met them when I Began working as a teacher at OCHS in 1975. They immediately invited me to join them in church at Edwards Chapel. It was the beginning of a wonderful friendship that lasted 50 years.
David was a quiet man with a gentle smile and few words. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After Pat died several years ago, I suggested to one of his daughters that he should come to ACTS and lend a hand. He did and it wasn’t long before he was coming every week. He became a regular volunteer and looked forward to being there for the service and fellowship. When he re-married, he and Jean both came to help out. David would help out anywhere he was needed. He was at ACTS during the week prior to his passing. I remember thanking him for his help that last day as we were closing. He looked straight at me and just smiled – that most gentle smile that always seemed to be there to make your day. I miss that smile. We all miss David. He loved helping out at ACTS and being among friends who shared a love for doing good works to help those in need. He will be missed. Thank you, David. In honor of David’s friendship and service, we closed ACTS on March 28, 2025, so that our volunteers could attend his memorial service and funeral.
A huge crowd was at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the opening of the new FPA Family Resource Center on April 23. The smiles in the photos express the joy, relief, and hope of getting the new center running. Madison, Clyde, and Tenaja are glad to give you a quick tour anytime you are available during office hours. No appointment is necessary. The Bray Street facility is a few blocks down North Avenue off the 10 Loop.
Our second host week is upon us: May 11-18. Union will supply the meal to our shelter families on Thursday, May 15. We are not yet sure if we will provide a meal for one family or two. The great news is that one of our families is due to move to stable housing the first week in May! They have worked extremely hard to save money and get back on their feet. We celebrate their hard work and success. If you are interested in helping with the meal, contact Patti or Kelly.
Save the date for our next host weeks: July 13-20 and 20-27. We are trying back to back host week, and we will be helping kids get ready for back to school along with our support congregations, Ashford Memorial and First Christian Watkinsville.
Thanks for your participation and prayers for this ministry, Patti Clark and Kelly Hansford
May 4
Worship Leader
Alan Hickerson
May 11
May 18
May 25
Annette Saul Ken Clark Jonathan Byrd
Elder Alan Hickerson Wanda Maxey Ken Clark Jonathan Byrd
Deacon
Children’s Church
Children’s Helper
Lindy Lively, Lynn Chapman, Larry Allen, TBA
Patti Clark
Lindy Lively, Ruth Cook, Ann Thomas, TBA
Mary Brookshire. Lynn Chapman, Ruth Cook, Larry Allen
Kay Smith, Ann Thomas, TBA, TBA
David & Jyoti Webb Angie Eades Holly Green
Sandra Allen Ann Thomas Patsy Orr Betsy Peck
Greeter Lynn Chapman
Susan Hancock Ann Thomas
Sanctuary Prep Larry Allen Ken Clark Jonathan Byrd
Safety Volunteer Leonard Williams Larry Saul Phillip Maxey Ken Clark
Children’s Chat Angie Eades Holly Green Patti Clark Jonathan Byrd
Global Prayer:
Those facing economic hardship
Community Prayer:
Everyone involved with education as they finish their school year
Prayers for Health, Healing, and Care:
AHS and Barrow County Schools
Betty Allen (Breast Cancer)
Joyce Aument
Mimi Benkoski
Myla Bennett
Lynn Berry (Recovery Following Surgery)
Bonnie Butler
Jen Crane (Hepatic Encephalopathy)
Doc Crawford (Hospice)
Jeff Cummings (Cancer)
Yvonne Davenport (Heart Surgery Recovery)
Nan Deal
Doug Dickens (Eye Surgery Recovery)
Wanda Dickens (Cancer Treatments)
Jeff Donahue (Cancer)
Holley Downs
Autumn Graham (Hospitalized, Stroke)
Sandy Green (Colon Cancer)
Domonic Haines (Shepherd Center)
Mike and Linda Hall (Back Surgery)
Mike and Crystal Hall
Hope Hansford
Brandy Harris (Health Concerns)
Nancy Huff
Eddie B. Jones (Cancer)
Melissa Justice
Kathy Jones (Hospitalized)
Howard Karloff (Terminal Illness)
Adam Karloff
Sari Karloff
Jean Kerr (Hospitalized, Kidney Complications)
Charlotte Laurence (18-Year-Old, Leukemia)
Brayden Lord (Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma)
Gloria Manley (High-Risk Pregnancy)
Henry Mauldin (Spinal Injury)
Ann Maxey
Jayne McCluskey (Skin Cancer)
Gina McKinney
Caroline McLeroy (Stroke Recovery)
Wayne McTyre (Health Concerns)
Angela Madaras (Kidney Failure & Lupus)
Maxine (Colon Cancer)
Albert Munguia (Addiction Issues)
Roman Munguia (Mental Health Concerns)
Kathy Peters
Martha and Neil Phillips (Assisted Living)
Andy Portwood
Julia and Emily (Health Concerns)
Johnny Pritchett (Brother of Herschel Pritchett)
Margie Provost (Complications from Surgery)
Kierra Reeves (Health Issues)
Linda Rice (Lung Cancer Treatment)
Edna Roper (Lung Cancer)
Chip (Parkinsons) and Debbie Semergian
Evelyn Shelnutt (Treatment)
Mont Shelnutt
Carlton Shelton (Health Concerns)
Billy Skinner (Cancer)
Jackson Snipes (2-year-old with Cancer)
Ashely Spearing (Thyroid Cancer, 19-Years-Old)
Zane Springer
Ann Stephens
Jim and Brenda Stephens
Eddie Stroud
Sandra Sullivan (Broken Hip)
Troy Tatum (ALS)
Laura Thomas (Brain Cancer Returned)
Tony (Cancer Treatment)
Harry Tracy
Kim and Brad Tyler (Colon Cancer)
Heather Webb
Cathie Wettlaufer
Journey Willhite (Reconstructive Face Surgery)
Angela Whitehead (Cancer)
Kelly and Philip Wood
Wyatt (Seizures)
Mike Zech (Father-In-Law of Suzanne Zech)
Prayers for Those Who Mourn:
The Family and Friends of Henry Maxey
The Family and Friends of Scott Truluck, Son of
Sue Truluck
Prayers for Our Military:
Harrison "Harry" Booth
Tyler Brown
Austin Hansford
Charlie Witkowski
1130 Union Church Rd.
Watkinsville, GA 30677
