1. family and parenting
2. children

January 2015
January Dates
to Remember
Church Closed
College Kids to
Passion Conference
1
2-3
Men’s Breakfast
Growing God’s Girls
Brothers4Christ
4
Board of Trustees
5
Faith Foundation
Committee
6
Girl Scouts
Quilters
8 & 15
8 & 22
Laugh Your Way to a
Better Marriage
Quest
Children’s & Family
Lunch Meeting
11, 18,
25
11, 25
11
OWLS Lunch
Women’s Bible Study
12
Depression Bipolar
13, 20,
27
13, 27
ReCharge Resumes
14
Created By God
16-18
Office Closed
19
OWLS Lunch/Movie
Finance Committee
ACTS articles due
20
Middle School Night
Out
23
Cub Scout Pinewood
Derby
24
ACTS Mail Team
Administrative Coun-
26
Mission Committee
27
Lit n Latte
29
Acworth United Methodist Church
Rev. James Gwin, Senior Pastor
Rev. Linda Birchall, Associate Pastor
www.acworthumc.org
4340 Collins Circle
Acworth, GA 30101
770-974-3312
“Laugh Your Way To A Better Marriage”
Join Gary & Lisa Morris host 5 Sunday evenings of laughter and discussion
with this DVD based series from Mark Gungor’s popular weekend marriage
seminar. Questions? Contact Gary & Lisa at 678-819-8885 or
garylisa@comcast.net.
Sunday Evenings from 5:30 – 7:00
January 11 – The Tale of Two Brains (Part 1)
January 18 – The Tale of Two Brains (Part 2)
January 25 – Why Does He/She Do That?
February 1 – The #1 Key to Incredible Sex
February 8 – How to Stay Married and Not Kill Anyone
Acworth Academy
Leadership is one of the four critical areas that I believe Acworth UMC must address in order to thrive as a healthy church on into the future. Acworth Academy is
a new ministry responding to this leadership need. A class of twelve participants
will address AUMC’s challenge of recruiting, developing, equipping, and supporting
a new generation of Christian Leaders.
Do you know your gifts for ministry? Acworth Academy will help you discover
what God created and gifted you to do well. Do you know how decisions are made
at Acworth UMC? Acworth Academy will help you to understand and appreciate
the decision making process we use. Topics will range from planning effective
meetings to practicing healthy ways to handle conflict. If you want to do something
meaningful and eternal for Acworth UMC in the coming year, this is a great place to
start!
Look for Class #1 of Acworth Academy to gather eight times. Each class will last
two hours. Acworth Academy will encourage a positive, effective change in your
life and the life of Acworth UMC. Expect assignments between classes and a project
to complete as part of the course. If you want to participate in this exciting, critical,
powerful ministry, call Rev. James Gwin. If you have questions, call James. If you
know someone who should be a part of this class, call them and call James. If you
are totally not interested, then pray for us and support others as they pursue this
critical, eternal calling.
WE LIFT OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS IN PRAYER
Ongoing Concerns…
Ermma Fillingham, Bob Foster, Alice Harbin, Roland Heerts, MaeBelle McAliley, Bill Remsen,
Joe Sandoval, Lynn Stotts, Melanie Strawser, Terry Strawser, Martha Thornton, Those in
harm’s way and those unspoken
Missionaries: Dorothy Mutambara, Zimbabwe; Inna Mezalumo, Malawi;
Local Mission: Blessings in a Backpack, Family Promise-North Cobb, Middle School Outreach Program, Murphy
Harpst children & staff, Regional Youth Detention Center, Rome, GA, UM Children’s Home
Military Prayer List: Charle Gothro, Graham Martin, David Sanford
MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS
To the glory of God and the General Fund
In memory of Eunice Frohberg by the
Encouagers Sunday School Class
To the glory of God and the Angel Tree Fund
In memory of Thelma Duncan by the Seekers
Sunday School Class
FAITH FOUNDATION
Did you know our actions today can help win
others to Christ long after we are gone? By investing in AUMC’s newly created endowment fund,
the Faith Foundation Fund, we will support church
priorities that would not be possible through the
yearly budget. The best part is that only the income earned from gifts will be used. The principle
amount remains in the account earning interest
and generating income far into the future.
Glory and honor to God for inspiring all of you to be a blessing to others in need. You have been so faithful in helping
so many families in this ministry.
On behalf of all the volunteers, we are thrilled to be able to be a blessing to so many people in our community. With each week the numbers continue to grow. But it is not just food we
provide. Families sit in the classroom across the hall from the pantry where they enjoy fellowship with each other and many complete a prayer request form as we get their food ready. We
always send them off with a few bags of food, and words of encouragement for peace and comfort in their lives.
We were the recipients of many food drives this past month throughout the community.
Between the community and several "food pantry angels" we are starting the New Year with our
shelves full. Thank you!
Hoping your New Year shines with peace, love, and happiness.
Baskets of Blessings,
'Rene
OWLS Chili Cook-Off: The Sr. Adults will hold their annual Chili Cook-Off on Monday, January 12 at noon. All entries
will be taste tested by everyone in attendance (some may even need two “tastes” to make a decision.) Come join in the fun.
If you’re not a chili chef, bring a side dish, crackers, sour cream or cheese. It’s all in fun and warms the tummy on a cold
winter’s day.
The first meeting of the 2015 Administrative Council will be Monday, January 26, at 7pm in the sanctuary. All new
and “old” members should plan to attend.
Hann ah
S tubblef ie ld
S tude nt
Mi nis te r
Hannah@acworthumc.org
HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING: January 2015
www.acworthumcyouth.com Instagram: AUMC_Youth Facebook: Acworth UMC Youth
ReMix
Sunday Night
Program:
Jan. 4: ReMix.
4:30-7:00pm
Jan. 11: ReMix
4:30-7:00pm.
Jan. 18: No Remix. Enjoy the holiday
weekend
Jan. 25: Remix. 4:30-7:00pm
We will restart “Live Like a Jesus Freak”
and “Can I Ask That?” in January!
Attic Transformation
The attic has been transformed and we
are so excited about the look of your
space! You are invited to join us on
Sunday, Jan. 4 as we celebrate this new
and improved space!
Confirmation Schedule for January
Jan. 4: Class: 9:30am-12:00pm
Youth: 4:30pm-7:00pm
Jan. 11: Class: 9:30am-12:00pm
Youth: 4:30pm-7:00pm
Jan. 18: Class: 9:30am-12:00pm
Jan. 25: Class: 9:30am-12:00pm
Youth: 4:30pm-7:00pm
Dates to Remember:
March 6-8. Confirmation Retreat
March 13-15: Spiritual Life Retreat
March 22: Confirmation Sunday
Wednesday Night Program
*Will start back on Jan. 14, 2015*
5:00pm: Dinner in the FLC
5:45: Fellowship/Study Hall in the Attic
6:30-7:30: Bible Study
6th Grade: E204
7th/8th Grade: The Loft
High School: Attic
Upcoming
Youth Events:
Jan. 16-18: Created by God. See the Children’s
page for more information!
Jan. 23: Middle School Night Out. 6-9pm. More
details to come soon!
Jan. 13: Paulding Co. &
Allatoona, 7am.
McDonald’s @ Cedarcrest &
92
Jan. 27: Cobb County, 7am
Chick-fil-A on Hwy. 41 next to
O’Charley’s
Created by God is a faith based study of human sexuality for 5th-7th graders that will be
held January 16-18 at AUMC. Kids have questions… we’ll give them the right answers!
Beth Gwin will facilitate. Register online at www.AcworthUMC.org or ask for a registration packet from either Hannah, Darlene or the confirmation leaders. Cost is $25 and includes all materials, snacks and Saturday lunch. Adult & youth small group leader volunteers needed - contact Beth Gwin bgwin82@gmail.com or Darlene@acworthumc.org
for more info! Scholarships are available. This program is also open to 5th-7th graders in
the community. Students and parents must attend all sessions! Childcare will be provided by reservation.
SPRING & SUMMER CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SALE is MARCH 6 & 7
Support Children’s & Family Ministry!
The consignment sale is our biggest fundraiser! Anyone can support the sale by consigning, shopping and/or volunteering. Lots of participation will make this sale a successful fundraiser! Returning consignors register beginning December 30. Registration opens to the public on January 8. Go to www.acworthumc.org/passiton for more information and to register to consign your premium new or gently-used infant, children’s, teen and maternity spring &
summer clothing, plus formals, shoes, children’s furniture, toys, games, accessories and sports equipment at this sale.
Consignors receive 70% of their sale proceeds!
G3 & B4C are joining forces in January for ice skating fun! 4th-6th grade girls & boys can meet at noon
(after church) on Sunday, January 4 in the FLC for sign in. We’ll have a quick lunch then go to
Ice Forum at Town Center and skate from 1-3pm. Pickup will be at 3:45pm in the
FLC. Cost is $15 each for lunch and skating - only $12 if you have your own ice
skates. Friends are always welcome! Contact Darlene@acworthumc.org, Kris Shock at
kris.shock@comcast.net, or Ed Lynch at elynch1818@bellsouth.net if you have questions.
Don’t miss the QUEST
REVERSE LOCK-IN on Dec 30 from 10am-7pm - watch for more info via email!
QUEST for 3rd-6th graders - will meet January 11 and 25 from 5-7pm DownUnder.
Join us as we explore God’s
purpose for each of us! Bring friends! And mark your calendar for the QUEST SCREAM RETREAT at Sharp
Top Cove on March 20-22.. Sign up sheet on bulletin board at Darlene’s office or email Darlene@acworthumc.org if
you plan to go. Cost is $185 each but thanks to a generous donation, the first $30 has been paid! Balance is $155
payable in 3 easy payments: $50 at registration, $50 by January 25 and balance by February 22.. There are only 30
spaces available so register early!
CHILDREN’S
& FAMILY
TEAM
Sunday, January 11
Let’s meet for lunch after church!
The main topics on the agenda are discussion of space enhancements for children’s
area, planning for Palm-a-Palooza and updates/improvements for the Spring & Summer Consignment Sale. 2014 brought awesome improvements (playground, tv’s, etc.)
- there’s a lot in store for 2015! Everyone
is welcome to be a part of this team!
THANK YOU!
Children's & Family is thankful
for the Christmas Craft Camp
elves. You helped the kids have a
great time while making awesome crafts, playing & singing.
We couldn’t do it without YOU!
Tap/Ballet for preschool girls has
openings! Join Creative Movement
& Dance beginning January 7 from
1:15-2pm in the Gathering Area.
See Darlene for details.
January
12/30 10a-7p IBM Reverse Lock-in
12/ 30 Registration open for Pass It On
1/4
12-3:45p
G3 &B4C to Ice Forum
for ice skating!
1/11 12:30-2pm CFM lunch meeting
1/11 5-7pm
QUEST- DownUnder
1/14 6:00 pm
RECHARGE resumes
1/16, 17 & 18
Created by God
1/25 5-7pm
QUEST- DownUnder
Looking forward to February...
2/1 12-2:30pm G3 & B4C
2/8 5-7pm
QUEST- DownUnder
2/22 5-7pm
QUEST– DownUnder
And just around the corner…
3/1 12-2:30pm G3 & B4C
3/6-7
Pass It On Spring &
Summer Consignment Sale
MUSIC MINISTRY
Dan Martin, Director
The Hand Bells performed an enjoyable and educational Christmas program featuring readings from journals from
Christmas of 1864 and Christmas music of the era. The bells performed and were joined by actors and soloists who
gave us a real feeling of what Christmas may have been like during that time. The Hand Bells will be accepting new
members in January. If you would like to come and try it please do!
The Praise Team presented their Christmas program at the 9:30 service and was warmly received by the congregation. They performed a variety of high energy favorites and lovely, meaningful Christmas ballads as well. It set a marvelous tone for the beginning of the advent and Christmas season. Their membership is by audition. If you are interested in being a part of the Praise Team as a singer or instrumentalist, please contact Susan Croft.
The Kids on the Hill Choir presented "Isaiah Jones", a high energy, message rich musical filled with drama and wonderful songs. Complete with costumes, sets, and surprises it captivated our congregation. The message was powerful
and the performance by our kids was superb.
If there is a kid at your house who would enjoy a high energy way of learning music and have a really fun time in the
process, that kid needs to be part of Kids on the Hill! We will be happy to see new members in January.
The Chancel Choir and Sanctuary Orchestra presented their Christmas Celebration service to a packed house. The
musical offerings were woven together by Pastor James Gwin's sermon in narration form. It told the story of the birth
of our Lord and also gave the congregation an opportunity to reflect on how we can relate the miraculous gift of
Christmas in our lives.
The Chancel Choir will open its doors to new members in January. We would love for you to come.
From all of us on the Music Ministry Team; May God bless you with a very Merry Christmas!!!
AUMC Missions and Outreach looking forward in 2015
“Somewhere for everyone to serve in Missions and Outreach”
Missions and Outreach
MUST Summer Lunch Program
Rome Youth Detention Center
Zimbabwe Hope Center
Sager Brown Mission Team Feb 2015
Helping Hands
MUST Ministries
Meals on Wheels
Phoenix House
Feb 14 Sat.
Feb 14 Sat.
Feb 21-28
Feb 25-31
March
Apr 4
Apr 4-11
May 26
Aug/Sept
Blessings In A Backpack
Murphy Harpst Equine Center
Mission Yard Sale
Family Promise
Good Samaritan
Angel Tree
Giving Tree
Cancer Care
Middle School Outreach Project
Malawi Clinic
Jamaica Mission Teams
Sneaker Tree
Food Pantry
Thanksgiving Baskets
Grief Share
… and more
- Confirmation Class Project at Murphy Harpst Children’s Center Equine Facility in Cedartown, Ga
- AUMC visits Bob Richards Regional Detention Center in Rome
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- AUMC Mission Team to Sager Brown UMCOR Depot in Louisiana
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- Family Promise Cobb Co. AUMC Host Week
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- AUMC Missions Yard Sale in FLC (dates are tbd)
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- AUMC visits Bob Richards Regional Detention Center in Rome
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- AUMC Jamaica Mission Team to St. Elizabeth, Jamaica
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- Start Must Summer Lunch Program (AUMC Host Site)
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- AUMC Mission Team to Zimbabwe Hope Center/ Malawi Health Clinic
The Middle School Outreach Program at Awtrey Middle School needs 1 hour of your time each week between
4:30 and 6p any day between Monday and Thursday. There are 27 children needing your help, with more on
the waiting list. If you can share just 1 hour a week or want more information about this AUMC outreach program, contact Karen LeBleu 770-974-5535 or klebleu@mindspring.com.
From Senior Pastor
Rev. James Gwin
Acworth UMC Betterment
“If you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans.” I’ve heard that a lot over the span of my life. Let
us see if this statement is also true for churches. For January 2015, I thought I would share a few
“plans” that I have for Acworth UMC. These plans involve you. They might make you laugh. Yet, if
you want Acworth UMC to be more faithful, dynamic, loving, and relevant, then I challenge you to join
me in doing these four simple things.
Thing 1: Come to worship.
If you come to worship every Sunday that you are not sick or out of town, Acworth
UMC will be better. Most people, old and young, are so busy that it is common to
have “Sunday morning conflicts” multiple times per month. Be afraid! These conflicts pull you away from the warmth of loving, supportive relationships with God
and friends. Perhaps you are spiritually strong enough to skip church on a regular
basis. Even so, there are people who are at church that need your encouragement
and spiritual guidance. When you come to church—AUMC and others are better.
Thing 2: Connect with some group.
Find a way to connect with an Acworth UMC group. This can be a Sunday School
class, choir, ministry, softball, Wednesday night study, or volunteer with Youth or
Children’s ministries. If you cannot find a group, start a group. The size of the
group or what the group does is not as important as the personal friendships that
are grown. Worship builds unity. Groups help us to grow as people.
Thing 3: Serve somewhere.
You might serve by leading a group. Perhaps you have a very good job that requires you to travel. You might serve through generous giving. From washing windows to feeding the hungry, there are countless ways to serve somewhere through
Acworth UMC. Find something you love to do, then imagine a way you can do that
through Acworth UMC to serve others. When we all have a place to serve through
the church—heaven does a happy dance.
Thing 4: Invite someone.
I get scared and overwhelmed when I realize how many people in our loving
church are going through tremendous heart-ache. The reality is, in our immediate
community, thousands of people struggle each day without friends, faith, and very
little hope. You and I can help. Make a friend. Be a friend. Bring a friend to Christ.
There is much rejoicing in heaven (and Acworth UMC) when a lost person comes to
Christ.
Will you join me in these four things for 2015? God knows it will make Acworth UMC even better.
That is my plan for 2015. You can laugh, but I think it is a good one.
Your Jesus Following, Church Loving brother,
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of
witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that
slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And
let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Hebrews 12: v1 (NLV)
Ring in the New
Rev. Linda Birchall
Ring in the New
I like new things. I bet you do too. New clothes, new electronics, a new car! How about a new house? New things
can be wonderful. But I don’t always want to get rid of the old things, and that’s okay. Keeping old friends is good.
Hanging on to memories of the good times is nice and comforting. Remembering places
I’ve been and things I’ve learned – all these are fine and wonderful.
When I was growing up in Tuscaloosa, I belonged to a Girl Scout troop. I remember one
of the songs we used to sing went something like this:
Make new friends
But keep the old
One is silver
And the other’s gold.
I feel that way about years, too. We get to start a new year each January 1, but it doesn’t mean we throw away
everything that is “old.” Instead, we learn from those things; we treasure them; and we enjoy memories.
But we do seem more willing to focus on change at the start of a new year. We’re more eager to take a stab at
something new. Our enthusiasm is in high gear.
With that said, what new things are you planning for 2015? Do you want to lose weight? (I do.) Do you want to
exercise more? (I do.) Eat right? (Yep.) How about taking a new class? I’d love to learn Italian. How about deepening your faith? I know I’d like to do that. Well, we have several ways that can happen.
Joining a small group Bible study is one fresh start we can all make. Taking a turn in
the prayer room. Volunteering in the Food Pantry. Helping with our next Church in
Action day. There are so many ways we can ring in the new with gusto and commitment. Not only will doing so make you and me stronger, but it will also make
Acworth UMC stronger, and in turn, that can make the kingdom of God here in
Acworth stronger.
If you’re looking for things to do or ways to start anew, please call me. I would love
to help you start doing something new or even START something new here at
AUMC. If you have an idea for a class, a project, a mission, or …well, anything …
just let me know. I’d love to help you get started.
As 2015 kicks off, let’s make a plan to try something new this year, as individuals
and as a church, so that we grow together in faith, increasing our love of God and one another, and making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Let’s ring in a new day here as we come, connect, grow
and go.
Blessings, Linda