NFUMC Weekly Newsletter {Vol. 2: Issue 32}
toppofpageThis Week at Norcross First United Methodist Church
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.

Our Trustees are entrusted by the congregation to care for the property, facilities and furnishings of our church. Recently our Trustees have been working very hard to update our furnishings throughout our facility.  The updating of our facility would not be possible if it were not for the love and commitment of this congregation spiritually, physically and resource-wise. Therefore, as our Trustees continue to care for our facility here at Norcross, I ask that we continue to support their efforts and be thankful to God for the work God is doing here on and through our campus. Let us always remember, "When the Kingdom wins, we all win!"

Find Us Faithful,
 
Circle of Love Easter Chocolatescircle
Available THIS Sunday & Wednesday, April 16
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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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 communion
Chapel open for Communion and Prayer | 6:30AM-4:30PM

Wednesday, April 16 | Supper Availablespecialwnf
5:30-6:30PM | $1.50/person | Click here for more information

Dramatic Presentation | 6:45PMdrama
Journey To The Cross: The Last Supper

Friday, April 18 | Good Friday Service | 7:00PM | Sanctuarygoodfri

Saturday, April 19 | Children's Easter Celebration | 10:00AM-Nooneasterc
Click here for more information!

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 UMC
8:17AM Traditional    10:00AM En Espanol
9:30AM Modern        11:00AM Traditional

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Women's Dinner Open Ticket Saleshostess
THIS 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 Ministrystudents
Ric Clark | 770-448-4142, ext. 156 | [email protected] 
 



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Student Ministry Spring Break Mission Teamsbmission
Monday - Friday, April 7-11

Please continue to pray for our nine students and two adults serving at Jackson Park Ministries in Charlotte, NC.

Maggie Carr, Carly Dubay, William Guan, Kylee Hartman, Lynn Hernandez, Danie Nauert, Tammy Padilla, Jessica Seoane, Katelyn Vincent and Liz Nauert, Ric Clark

Mid-Hi Retreat at The Gwinnett Centermidhi
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
LAUNCH: worship thru service
M-F, June 16-20 
8AM - 4PM

Register by Sunday, June 8

We will be serving in our local area communities.  
Details coming soon!

RSVP to Sandra Hunter:
[email protected]
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 
Wednesday Bible Study | 6:15PM | The Outletconnectbible
 
This is our only large group study offering. Every Wednesday, students of all ages get together to study scripture and look at how to best apply it to their lives. Format more conversational than lecture. We believe students learn even more when they learn from each other and lean into diverse points of view, so we encourage conversation.
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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Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA
2014 Summer Camp Held at Norcross First UMC

Camp Open House Saturday, May 10
10AM - Noon HERE at Norcross First! 
Please join us before camp starts to get all your questions answered and let your child check things out to get ready for a summer of fun. Parents and campers are welcome.

SESSION DATES
Kick-Off: May 23* 
Session 1: May 27-30** 
Session 2: June 2-6 
Session 3: June 9-13 
Session 4: June 16-20 
Session 5: June 23-27 
Session 6: June 30-July 3** 
Session 7: July 7-11 
Session 8: July 14-18 
Session 9: July 21-25 
Session 10: July 28-August 1 

*located at Fowler Y 
**4-day week; No camp on holiday
 
The camps listed below will all be held at Norcross First UMC

Traditional Camp ages 5-10: Campers will have fun participating in a variety of activities including: outdoor games, group sports, arts & crafts, swimming weekly at the Fowler Y, and so much more.
All Sessions
Explorers: ages 5 & 6
Adventurers: ages 7-10
YMCA MEMBER: $143 YMCA PRO MEMBESHIP: $159

Math & Science Camp ages 5-13:
This camp will focus on the fun aspects of how math and science shape the world
around us. Each week, we will partner with the professionals at Engineering for Kids� of Metro Atlanta to provide a workshop with a curriculum that focuses on Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.). Campers will also participate in traditional camp activities and swim weekly at the Fowler Y.
All Sessions
YMCA MEMBER: $174 YMCA PRO MEMBERSHIP: $190

Art Camp ages 5-13: Bring your campers
creative side to life in art camp this summer.
We are proud to partner with Young Rembrandts to provide a great opportunity
for young artists to improve their talents. The curriculum is designed to teach basic to advanced drawing skills, art techniques, and
vocabulary. There will be new lessons taught
each week in an environment that will bring
out the best in every camper. You will see
increased art abilities, learned skills, self-confidence, and self esteem. Campers
will also participate in traditional camp
activities and swim weekly at the Fowler Y.
All Sessions
YMCA MEMBER: $164 YMCA PRO MEMBERSHIP: $180

Register for YCAMP Here
Click here to view brochure
Click here to view Robert Fowler Website

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Children's Ministrychildren 
Karen Ahn | 770-448-4142, ext. 116

Easter Celebration | Saturday, April 19kideaster  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!}

CANDY NEEDED:
Bags of candy may be placed in the collection bin located in the Welcome Center Vending area.

All Easter celebration volunteers, please come to the front parking lot in front of the Chapel by 9AM on Saturday morning, April 19. To volunteer, please contact Karen Ahn: [email protected]

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Junior Jam {attention 3rd, 4th & 5th Graders!}
Sunday, April 27 | 12:15PM
| Fellowship Hall

Junior Jam will meet in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, April 27 after church for lunch {then off to an adventure}!

This will be a celebration for our fifth graders as they move into youth and a welcome to our third graders.

Parents and siblings are invited to have lunch with us!
RSVP to Karen Ahn: [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 {ALL children must be pre-registered to attend}

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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Preschoolpreschool   
Martha McDermott
678-533-1321
[email protected]

 

Registration for Fall 2014 is OPEN for new and current students. You may print the registration form at home or complete one when you come in.  

 

The $125 registration fee is due at this time to reserve a space for your child. Please call 678-533-1321 if you would like to arrange a tour. Registration forms posted below. Please complete and bring with you when you come in. 

Recreationrecreation  
Pastor Joel Rodriguez | 770-448-4142, ext. 117 | [email protected]
 
Saturday, April 26: Softball Practice, Meetingsoftball
Team Setup for Men & Co-Ed   
Open to everyone {you don't have to be a church member to play!}
Batting Practice Every Saturday in April | 10AM-Noon | Ball Field

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Music Ministrymusic
Jane Martin | 770-448-4142, ext. 143 | [email protected] 
Support our Student Choir - THIS Sunday is thelilies 
LAST day to Purchase an Easter Lily
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 

Wednesday Night Choirschoirsresume
  • 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 Adultschristianedyoungadults
Wesley Maston | 770-448-4142, ext. 111 | [email protected]
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WNF
Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinnerwnfdinnerwnf

5:30-6:30PM in the Family Life Center   


To reserve your family's meals each week, you may:
April 16 Holy Week Special Menu: Hotdogs, chips, cookie and drink
SPECIAL PRICE: $1.50/person 
Tuesdays | 7-8PM | Bride's Roomprayer
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


College-Age & Young Adults
Wesley Maston
770-448-4142, ext. 111
[email protected]
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Second Sunday Lunchsecondlunch

College, career & young adults are invited to join us for lunch THIS Sunday, April 13.

Meet in room 210/212 at noon for details and lunch location.

For more information, please contact Wesley Maston:

College-Age biblestudy
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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springclean
Missions Newslettermissions

Mayor Johnson's Summer Book Club -
YOU Can Help!


Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson has established a partnership between the city and the Norcross Cluster School Partnership (NCSP) to create a program intended to motivate kids to read this summer.

"Literacy skills are closely linked to the probability of having a good job, decent earnings and access to training opportunities," he explains. "Our teachers set rigorous standards for reading during the school year - keeping those skills fresh during summer vacation puts the kids that much ahead when they return to school in the fall."

The Mayor hopes to motivate children to check out books on their summer reading list, but first the club needs more books.

4,000 books have been donated so far for the Summer Book Club and we anticipate another 4,000+ to come in over the next several weeks. We need to get the books ready to be used by the students this summer. Volunteers are needed to help place library card pockets in the books, as well as to color-code them for the appropriate age.

We will meet at a building near City Hall. Volunteers needed to work two-hour shifts:
  • Mondays & Wednesdays: 10AM - Noon or Noon - 2PM  
  • Saturdays: 9AM - 11AM or 11AM - 1PM
If you would like to volunteer, please contact Pastor Terri Hoye:
[email protected] | 770-448-4142, ext. 105

Thru your Faith Promise Giving we were able to give $2,500 to help purchase books for the Book Club

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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 Workdaymhchildren 
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] 

 
Estonia/Russia Mission Team Interest Meeting

Sunday, April 27 | 12:15PM | Room 214 

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 Chastains
 
Donate Clothes & Shoes for Missionsclothesdonateclothesclothes

 

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] 

Donate Old Cell Phonesphone cellphones{working/non-working}

This ongoing fundraiser collects old cellphones to raise money for upcoming mission trips.

Drop-off in the collection bin located in the Welcome Center vending area.

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Perimeter Church

Pray for Perimeter Church and their Young Families Retreat in early May. Pray for their speaker, Ty Bryant and all of those who will attend. May it be a meaningful, purposeful, Christ-filled weekend.

 










  Welcome to our new church family members!
                               Rayshaun & Eurica DeVaughn                     Harry A. Ekumfi
                               joined by profession on 4/6/2014                     joined by profession
                               Children: Terrance, Dominique,                        on 4/6/2014
                               Kobe, Rayshaun & Rayanna
Congregational Carecongregationalcare 
Pastor Brenda Westmoreland | 770-448-4142, ext. 101[email protected]

LifeSouth Blood Drive

Thank you to the 17 people who donated blood at the LifeSouth Blood Drive on Wednesday, March 31. Our next Blood Drive will be Wednesday, August 20 from 3:00 - 7:30PM in the Fellowship Hall. For info, contact Peggy Hilliard: [email protected]
 
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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:
JetSet Senior Adult Luncheon & Programjetset
Wednesday, April 16 | 11AM | Fellowship Hall
 
Please bring a covered dish to share. Our program will be on fire safety for the home presented by an Atlanta City firefighter and EMT. Chuck Hartman for info: [email protected]
Senior Adults 2014 Day/Extended Tripssenioradults 
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 16
Will 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]

Job Seekersjobseekers 

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

 

Career Networking Opportunitynetworking
Monday, April 14 | 7-9PM | Snellville UMC | Building B - Wesley Hall 

Unemployed?  Under-employed?  Miserably employed? Let us help you! 

  • Share your career goals and get leads and ideas from people with similar interests
  • Understand the networking process
  • Build your network
  • Learn how networking can help your job search
  • Business cards: Why have them - How to create them - Where to get them for under $10

No registration required. No charge to attend!

 

Online Job Postings available at Ruthie's List - Click here 

 

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2500 Beaver Ruin Road, Norcross, GA 30071 www.nfumc.org