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Lent was just something that came out of the dryer 'til 1976.
I started seminary that year and learned that it is a 40-day season designed to prepare Christians for the Easter Celebration. It's about getting yourself ready to meet the Risen Lord, which is gonna surely happen for all of us one day.
Some folk skip eating breakfast
and
lunch once a week and ponder their hunger for God.Jesus did it for 40 days in a row -- don't ask me how. Some folk give up something they truly enjoy and focus on the joy only God can give. Most folk commit to being more faithful to saying their prayers, attending worship and helping somebody for no reason but for the sake of love. Any and all of these practices are good for the soul.
Lent always begins on ASH WEDNESDAY, which is on March 1, and I want all y'all to come. Be in the Sanctuary before 7 p.m. and hush yourself, because this is serious. The music and scripture and sermon will remind you that you are going to die. We will put ashes on your forehead and tell you that you are going to die. If it doesn't scare you a little, you've wasted your time. Generally speaking, it tends to make us aware that the time we have is a gift from God and we make better use of it. Give it a try and you can thank me later.
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Good Life Club plans an evening with Garrison Keillor
The Good Life Club, Alpharetta Methodist's ministry for adults age 50 and older, will visit the Cobb Energy Center on Thursday, March 9, for
An Evening of Storytelling by Garrison Keillor. One of the most prolific American storytellers of all time, Keillor is a
writer and humorist best known for his popular live radio variety show, A Prairie Home Companion, which attracts millions of listeners on more than 600 public radio stations each week.
His live shows are known to captivate audiences with a unique blend of comedy, charisma and wisdom.
The church bus will depart from the Methodist Youth Center parking lot at 6:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show.
Tickets are $50 each. Space is limited, so
RSVP by March 1.
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Single adult? There's a luncheon
just for you on Feb. 26
Singles age 40 and up are invited
to an informal lunch on Sunday, February 26. Enjoy a home-cooked meal and get to know other singles in the church family. This is a great opportunity to also learn about the New Life Sunday School class. The meal begins at 12:30 p.m. in the Bagley House, the white house adjacent to the Sanctuary on the corner of Main and Cumming Streets.
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Men's study: Journey through the New Testament with Dr. Martin
All men are invited on a 12-week journey into the New Testament, Thursdays, starting February 23, from noon to 1 p.m. in the library. The study will be led by Senior Pastor
Dr. Don Martin
. You'll read several chapters in the New Testament each day, while keeping notes and questions in your Disciple Fast Track study manual.
This study is a great option for busy men who want to spend their lunch hour growing in faith and friendship! The goal is to gain a solid understanding of the New Testament and the Christian life. The learning and discussion will be lively and honest.
The first meeting, February 23, we'll focus on getting started and meeting other members of the group.
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Upcoming service opportunities
When we serve others in the name of Christ, we become doorways through which others can experience God's love. What's your #doorstory? Here are a few upcoming ways to consider serving in Christ's name locally, nationally and internationally:
Learn about our Africa mission trip. A team from Alpharetta Methodist will travel to Swaziland in southern Africa, July 7-17. An interest meeting is scheduled for
Sunday, February 26, at 12 p.m. in the library, and you are invited. Learn about the trip and
how you can join the mission team. No RSVP required.
 Join our South Georgia Tornado Relief Team.
Our Disaster Response Team is recruiting volunteers to serve in south Georgia,
March 23-26,
helping the region recover from catastrophic tornadoes that struck the area late last year. No specific skills or experience are necessary, but all team members must be age 18 or older. To volunteer or receive more information, please contact Chris Day.
Action After School Program is a new ministry serving low-income students at Vickery Mill Elementary School in Roswell. Sponsored by Action Ministries, the program meets on Mondays and Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Roswell Public Library. Volunteers are needed. To help, contact Gilma Cantu.
Children's Ministry announces volunteer opportunities for next school year.
200
helping hands are needed to lead children to Christ through Sunday School and Children's Worship during
the school year that begins in August. You can make a big difference by serving just one hour per month! Contact Children's Ministry Director
Ellen Sanders
to sign up.
Donate flowers:
We have many openings on the 2017 flower calendar. If you'd like to donate altar flowers in memory or honor of a loved one, contact Mary Ann Coram to reserve your date.
Volunteer at the Maker Fun Factory!
Vacation Bible School is coming
June 12-15
, and this year's theme is "Maker Fun Factory." The Children's Ministry is seeking a couple more co-leaders to help organize and lead recreation and games.
To help, please contact Children's Ministry Director Ellen Sanders.
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Alpharetta First United Methodist Church
69 N. Main Street,
Alpharetta, Georgia 30009
770-475-5576,
Pastor Emergency: 678-689-3629
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