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NFUMC Weekly Newsletter {Vol. 2: Issue 31}
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 This Week at Norcross First United Methodist Church
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Worship With Us!
Norcross First is a loving community of people who've found God's life through Jesus Christ and we'd be honored to share that same life and love with you! This church is alive with God's love and presence, opportunities to serve Him and plans to reach this entire community with the Good News of God's unending love.
It's our prayer you'll find a place of service and make new friends, but most importantly, that you'll grow in your spiritual commitment to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As you are in our midst, we hope you feel loved and accepted by your church family. The pastors and staff are here to serve as pastor and friend. Please don't hesitate to call.
8:17AM Traditional: Chapel 9:30AM Modern: Sanctuary
10:00AM Hispanic: Chapel 11:00AM Traditional: Sanctuary
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 NFUMC Worship and Facebook
Every Sunday you can let your friends know you are at the best Worship Experience in the city. When you arrive on campus, take out your smart phone and pull up your Facebook page. On the top right corner, select the "check in" box and you'll let your FB friends know they should be in Worship with you.
It's easy and uses social media to connect you to the world for the Kingdom. Let's all "check in" every Sunday morning.
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 Outdoor Spring Cleanup Day
THIS Saturday, April 5 | 8AM-Noon
Volunteers Needed To:
Help finish the flower beds, trim hedges and lay pinestraw. Please bring hedge trimmers and gloves. For more information, contact Pastor Terri Hoye: [email protected] |
 One of the ways in which people ensure the future ministry and upkeep of their beloved church is through "planned giving." As Christians, our desire is for God's ministry to continue in our community through God's church. I know a lot of people who have made plans for securing the future of the church and its ministry through "planned giving." If you would like to talk with someone about sharing in the ministry of Norcross First and helping to preserve the legacy of mission and outreach in the future, you may contact the Church Office and schedule an appointment for someone to come and meet with you and your family. Thank you and God Bless! Find Us Faithful, 
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 Circle of Love Easter Chocolates Available THIS Sunday and Sunday, April 13
Table in the Welcome Center
Buy your chocolate Easter eggs, crosses and candies. Sonrise eggs telling the story of Jesus will also be available.
Proceeds go to support missions.
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 Circle of Love Meeting | THIS Tuesday, April 8
10AM | Fellowship Hall
All women of the church are invited to join the Circle of Love on Tuesday, April 8 at 10AM in the Fellowship Hall to carpool to The Gwinnett Crisis Pregnancy Center for a tour, followed by lunch at the Blue Rooster Caf� on the old courthouse square in Lawrenceville. Contact Diane Walker for further information:770-381-6868 | [email protected] |
 Holy Week at Norcross First UMC
"No greater love hath anyone than to lay down one's life for one's friend."
John 15:13 NRSV
Monday-Thursday: April 14-17 | Chapel open for Communion and Prayer | 6:30AM-4:30PM Wednesday, April 16 | Supper Available | 5:30-6:30PM | $1.50/person Dramatic Presentation | 6:45PMJourney To The Cross: The Last Supper Friday, April 18 | Good Friday Service | 7:00PM | Sanctuary Saturday, April 19 | Children's Easter Celebration | 10:00AM-Noon Resurrection Sunday Sunrise Service, April 20 {new location}Sunrise Service at Lillian Webb Park Downtown Norcross | 7:00AM Resurrection Sunday Worship Services at Norcross First UMC8:17AM Traditional 10:00AM En Espanol 9:30AM Modern 11:00AM Traditional |
Women's Dinner Open Ticket Sales
THIS Sunday and Sunday, April 13
Tickets: $15 {$18 with childcare} Welcoming all ladies to our Women's Dinner on Tuesday, April 29. Enjoy an evening just for you! A delicious dinner will be provided. The men of NFUMC will serve the dinner with their own special charm and we'll finish the evening with a wonderful message by Millie Welsh. For more info, email Robin Buschell: [email protected]
 To The Men of the Church The Annual Women's Dinner is Tuesday, April 29. This is one of the largest dinner events held at Norcross First UMC {typically 400+ in attendance}. We need men to work in the kitchen and be the servers. Servers are needed 5:30-9:30PM. Bowties and a delicious meal will be provided. To serve, contact Karen Dillard: [email protected] | 770-364-0048.
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Student Ministry
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 Student Ministry Spring Break Mission TeamMonday - Friday, April 7-11
Please be in prayer for our nine students and two adults serving at Jackson Park Ministries in Charlotte, NC over Spring Break.
Maggie Carr, Carly Dubay, William Guan, Kylee Hartman, Lynn Hernandez, Danie Nauert, Tammy Padilla, Jessica Seoane, Katelyn Vincent and Liz Nauert, Ric Clark
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Items Needed
We collect items to help the homeless on an ongoing basis. Collection bin located outside The Outlet on the park bench on the lower level. Students are going to downtown Atlanta and ministering on a regular basis and need the following items: - new socks
- travel-size toiletries
- creamy peanut butter
- jelly
- small Bibles
- reading glasses
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 Mid-Hi Retreat at The Gwinnett Center Friday, May 2 and Saturday May 3
The Believe Tour will be at The Gwinnett Center. Meet at church at 6PM Friday, May 2. Return to church at 5PM Saturday,
May 3. Contact: [email protected]
April 13-Cost: $70 | April 27-Cost: $75
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 LAUNCH: worship thru service
M-F, June 16-20
8AM - 4PM
Register by Sunday, June 8We will be serving in our local area communities. Details coming soon! RSVP to Sandra Hunter: [email protected]
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 No Wednesday Night Bible Study on April 9
Gwinnett County's Spring Break is April 7 - 11. Study resumes April 16.
Wednesday Bible Study | 6:15PM | The Outlet
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Adults, are you signed up to be part of our Encouragement Card Ministry? Let's be real ... How many teenagers get communication outside email, text, Facebook or Twitter? Together, we can change that and go retro ... pen and paper. Each month, Norcross adults, in partnership with Connect Student Ministry, send handwritten notes of encouragement to 145 students between sixth grade and senior year of college. This is a great way to let our students know they matter to us and to build community one note at a time. It's also a great way to be reminded to pray for them each day. Cards and envelopes provided; we ask each adult write two cards per month. For info/to join this team: [email protected]
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Children's Ministry
Karen Ahn | 770-448-4142, ext. 116
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 NO Wednesday Kids Club ENCOUNTER on April 9
Gwinnett County's Spring Break is April 7 - 11. Kids Club ENCOUNTER will resume next Wednesday, April 16.
3 Years - Fifth Grade | 7PM
CLASSES: Art, Ballet, Bible Discovery, Crafts, Creative Movement, Worship Dance {and more!} For more info and to register, please contact Karen Ahn: [email protected].
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 Easter Celebration | Saturday, April 19 10AM-Noon | Front Parking Lot
Learning stations will follow the story of Jesus' last week on Earth, music and dance performances, art display, toddler's area, inflatables {and more!}
NEEDED: Volunteers and candy donations. Bags of candy may be placed in the collection bin located in the Welcome Center Vending area. Please contact Karen Ahn to volunteer: [email protected]
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 Vacation Bible School 2014
Monday, June 2 - Friday, June 6
NEW! NIGHT HOURS!!!
TIME:5:30-8:30PM (Supper is provided)
THEME:
SonTreasure Island (where Kids Discover God's Love)
WHO: Rising Kindergarten through Rising 6th grade
NEEDED: Empty {clean} baby food jars. Collection bin in Welcome Center vending area.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR VBS!
Registration closes Friday, May 16. COST: $5/person {$6/person if paying online}
To Volunteer at VBS Click Here
Nursery/Preschool VBS is open for volunteers' children, too! Once you've completed your Volunteer registration, you may click the "Register for VBS" link to pay your registration fee or pay in person to Karen Ahn. All volunteers {including youth}: Be sure to register yourself {and your children}
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Preschool
Martha McDermott
678-533-1321
[email protected] The Preschool will be closed next week for Gwinnett County's Spring Break. Registration for Fall 2014 is OPEN for new and current students.
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Re creation
Pastor Joel Rodriguez | 770-448-4142, ext. 117 | [email protected]
Sign-up for Softball - Men & Co-Ed Teams Forming
Contact Joel to register.
Open to everyone {you don't have to be a church member to play!}
Batting Practice Every Saturday in April | 10AM-Noon | Ball Field
Season starts Saturday, April 26
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Music Ministry
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 Support our Student Choir: Purchase Easter Lilies
On Sale THIS Sunday and Sunday, April 13
The lilies will be placed for Easter services in the Chapel and Sanctuary. You may purchase a lily for $10 each in honor or memory of someone and may designate which student will receive the credit. Order forms located in Sunday's bulletin and on the table in the Narthex. All proceeds benefit Student Choir Trip in July to Gatlinburg, TN. For more info, contact Sandra Hunter: [email protected] |
 Ongoing Student Choir Fundraiser
Order a Delicious Pork Roast or Turkey Breast {perfect for Easter family brunch!}
Pork Roast (8-10 lbs) & Smoked Turkey Breast | COST: $35 each Turn-in completed form and fees to Sandra Hunter. Click here for Pork Roast Order Form |
 NO Wednesday Night Choirs on April 9
Gwinnett County's Spring Break is April 7 - 11. Children's Choirs will resume next Wednesday, April 16.
- Teeny Tykes: 2's & younger {must be accompanied by parent} | 6:15PM
- Melody Makers: 3's & 4's | 6:15PM
- Chorister Choir: K-2 Grade; Carol Choir: 3-5 Grade | 6:15PM
7PM Glory Ringers Bell Choir: 3rd-5th Grade
7PM Student Choir FUSION: 6th-12th Grade For more information or to register your child{ren}, please contact Sandra Hunter: [email protected].
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Christian Education & Young Adults
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NO Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner April 9Gwinnett County's Spring Break is April 7-11. WNF Dinner will resume Wednesday, April 16. 2014 Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner
5:30-6:30PM in the Family Life Center
To reserve your family's meals each week, you may:
Cost: {$15 cap per family} Adults: $5 Children 4-10: $2 Kids under 4: Free
{Deadline to make a reservation: Noon each Monday
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 Tuesdays | 7-8PM | Bride's Room
Come experience the power of a prayer-centered life as we praise God, lift each other up and powerfully pray for the ministries and missions our church supports. All are welcome!
For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20
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College-Age
Mondays at 7PM | The Bridge - Room 202 Young Adult
Tuesdays at 7PM | The Maston's Home
For more info on these and other opportunities, contact Wesley Maston: [email protected] | 770-448-4142, ext. 111
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 Family Promise Raises $35,000 in Annual Bed Race
Story by Dwayne Hood -
Gwinnett Daily PostPictures by Don ShillingtonThe Holy Rollers, Stiff Competition, Greased Lightnin', Bed of Moses, G.I. Judy and Pigs in a Blanket raced through the streets of Lawrenceville on Saturday to raise money in the fifth annual Family Promise Bed Race to help homeless women and children in Gwinnett County. The entries were among 21 sponsored contestants that pushed humorously named and decorated wheeled beds through three sides of the downtown square as hundreds of spectators cheered them on.
 "This is a great event to not only raise money but to raise awareness for our organization," said Chuck Ferraro, Network Director of Family Promise of Gwinnett County Inc. "Homelessness is increasing gradually in Gwinnett because more people are coming into the county from other areas.
"... We have room for up to 40 beds," he said of future races, "so we are working to get more business and corporate sponsorships to raise our visibility and to raise money."
Family Promise is a 9-year-old Lawrenceville-based coalition of 32 churches and businesses that provide up to three months of temporary housing for displaced women and children along with assistance in finding employment, getting transportation and addressing education and medical needs. It has aided more than 500 people, including more than 100 children, throughout the area. Click to read full story.
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 Items Needed for Pregnancy
Resource Center of Gwinnett
During the month of April we're collecting INFANT FORMULA for Pregnancy Resource Center of Gwinnett. Collection bin located in the Welcome Center Vending Area.
We respectfully ask all items be new and/or unopened.
Other Items Needed
* Baby Bathtubs * Mobiles/Play Mats * Baby Monitors * Pack-n-Plays * Chair-Top High Chairs * Umbrella Strollers * Baby Carriers * Bouncy Seats THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
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 Murphy-Harpst Children's Home Workday
Saturday, May 10
All Ages Welcome!
On Saturday, May 10 we'll depart at 8AM and travel to Cedartown, GA to the Murphy-Harpst Children's Home. We'll return in the late afternoon. All ages welcome. We'll paint, clean, perform general maintenance and carpentry, landscape, yard work and groundwork {and play with the children}. For info, contact Stephanie Hodgin: [email protected]
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 Save-the-Date: Estonia/Russia Mission Team Interest Meeting Sunday, April 27 Estonia, Russia is where Charlie and Miki Chastain serve as missionaries. Watch the 4M for more details!Thru your Faith Promise Giving we able to support the Chastain's
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Your donation of children's {and juniors'} clothes, shoes and toys, clean and in good condition, can help someone go on a mission trip when sold at local consignment sales.
You may bring items to the church and place in the collection bin in the Welcome Center Vending Area. For info email Liz Nauert: [email protected]
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Evangelism
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 Christ The King
Pray for Christ The King as they make preparations for their Vacation Bible School. Pray for the team coordinating the event. May the lives of children be changed forever by the message of Jesus.
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Congregational Care
Pastor Brenda Westmoreland | 770-448-4142, ext. 101 | [email protected]
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 Dear Family,
Thank you so much for the prayers, cards, calls and hugs that I have received since my father's death. Your love and concern has nourished and strengthened me in the days since the funeral. I wish I could put into words how blessed I felt to arrive back home and find I and my family have been prayed for and thought of during our loss. You are wonderful, caring friends and I pray for God's grace and peace to be with you in abundance.
In His service, Penny Carter
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 Thank you, Church Family, for all the prayers, calls, cards and outpouring of love expressed to me on the death of my nephew.
I have been blessed by your care and compassion shown to me.
Love, Nell Meyer
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 Stephen Ministers
Need someone to talk to?
Stephen Ministers are here when you need a good Christian friend to talk to who will offer guidance, strength, inspiration, encouragement or just a good listening ear.
Our church is blessed to have Stephen Ministers who are trained caregivers available to meet with you. They will be there for you as long as you need them and will continue to offer the support you need to get you through the difficult time. Confidentiality is always priority one with every relationship. You should know that you are not alone and we encourage you to reach out to them and help them shoulder your burdens.
If you feel you need a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor Brenda Westmoreland:
[email protected]
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 Christian Counseling Available
Tuesdays | Norcross First Scout Hut
Individual, Marital and Family Counseling is currently available on Tuesdays at NFUMC. This service is provided by Cameron Butler, a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor, who meets with clients at the Scout Hut (small house located next to the church). Fees for counseling offered on a sliding scale basis.
Contact Cameron Butler for info/appointment:
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 Senior Adults 2014 Day/Extended Trips
For info & reservations, contact Wilda Warren: 770-209-7171 Day Trip to Athens, GA | Monday, May 5 | COST: $15 Will leave the church at 9AM for a 3-hour tour of Athens at 10:30AM. Price/person depends on how many participate. Give payment to Wilda at Wednesday, April 16 Jet Set meeting.Jewish Temple Tour | Monday, June 16Will visit the Jewish Temple at 1589 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. Will leave the church at 9:30AM for a 10:30AM tour. The tour is one hour. They do not charge for tours but please bring an offering for the time they spend with us. Lunch TBA.
Cape Cod Trip: October 11-19, 2014 We have one bus full for this trip. We are trying to fill a second bus. If you would like to put your name on a wait list, contact Wilda Warren: [email protected]
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Job Seekers
Greg Purves | [email protected] | 678-859-6406
Rona Rahtz | [email protected] | 678-430-6019
 Snellville United Methodist Church
2428 Main Street East
Snellville, 30078
770-972-9360
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