Time-Out For Marriage
"Marriage works only when each spouse takes the time to consider the other's needs and strives to meet them," writes Dr. Willard F. Harley, Jr. in his book, HIS NEEDS HER NEEDS:  Building an Affair:  Proof Marriage.  In today's world, this word of wisdom often becomes just one more item on an already too long "To-Do" list.  In this four-session group offering, we will find ways to put first things first again and allow God to refresh and revitalize our marriages.  We will meet in Room 257 on Sunday evenings from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. beginning April 13 and ending May 4.  Join Pat and Gaile Allen for this awesome opportunity to grow spiritually in your marriage.  Please email gaile@negia.net and martha@athensfirstumc.org to let us know you are coming!

Safe Sanctuaries -- Training and Information Session
Safe Sanctuaries is an overt expression of a congregation in making a safe place where children and youth may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith. We at Athens First UMC want to continue to reinforce and enhance our efforts to be a safe sanctuary by offering careful training on this subject.  Everyone who works and volunteers with children and youth in our church is encouraged to attend one presentation on April 13.  Please plan to attend one session – 8:30, 9:45, 11:00.

The training will include policy and procedures that create an environment in which children, youth and the adults who work with them are truly safe. It is about being prepared and thinking ahead.  It is designed to make everyone aware of boundaries so that ministry with children, you th, and the adults who work with them can be conducted in healthy ways. 

As followers of Jesus, our commitment as a congregation is to make a safe place where children and youth may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith.    This will provide an opportunity of information and check off as we continue our dedication to Safe Sanctuaries.

Losses, Transitions, and Grief:  The emotional and spiritual process of handling life changes

Join Samaritan counselors Virginia McKenna and Tom Camp as they lead us in considering how we experience significant changes (including changes in senior pastors), losses in our lives and how we use our spiritual resources to experience grief that leads to new life.  Join us Sundays, April 20 and 27, at 5:30 p.m. in John Wesley Parlor

 

Starting Your Faith Journey
Shepherding Dinners: We invite all guests to our Wednesday night fellowship suppers. We will match our guests with seasoned church members Wednesdays at 5:30 in Hancock Hall. Please contact Will Zant, Will@athensfirstumc.org, for more information.

Spring Orientation: We invite guests and members to learn more about our United Methodist church and Christian Discipleship on Sunday, April 6, 13 and 20 at 9:45 in Hancock Hall. Please contact Will Zant, Will@athensfirstumc.org to register.

When Godly People do Ungodly Things
A Beth Moore Women’s Bible Study
This study is a warning to believers, and helps women learn how to prepare for attacks by the Enemy. Christians can arm themselves against temptation and learn how to help other fallen believers. Please join us Wednesdays, starting April 2, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. in room 252 for this study. Registration is $16 and includes your study book. Please contact Janet Strickland (678-910-0039, jstrick361@bellsouth.net) or Jennie Armstrong (770-725-2519, jenniea614@bellsouth.net) for more information.

 

Weekday Preschool Summer Camps
AFUMC Weekday preschool is excited to announce registration for our Summer Camps. Please go to the preschool website www.preschool.athensfirstumc.org to obtain a registration form and more information about the new programs planned for this summer. Camp themes include “Camping,” “All-Stars,” “Putting on the Ritz,” and “Kids in the Kitchen.” Campers may range in age from young 2’s (as of Dec. 31, 2007) through rising kindergartners. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

 

Praying for our church
We invite you to pray for our church as we approach a season of transition. In joining this church we made a covenant to uphold this church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service. We invite you to gather with us and pray for our church on Sundays, March 30, April 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 12:15 pm-12:45 pm in the Youth Room downstairs. Please join us as we call upon God to guide us during this important time.