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NFUMC Weekly Newsletter {Vol. 2: Issue 33}
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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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 Norcross First has well over 100 people on its prayer and congregational care list each week. We have a large number of men and women who are serving in our nation's military that we pray for and offer care to their families. We also have a large number of persons who are sick and shut-in or who have family members who are in need of care. Rev. Brenda Westmoreland leads our congregational team of caregivers which consists of our pastoral staff and a wonderful group of Stephen Ministers. One of our priorities as a staff is to ensure those who have been here during the times when the church needed them to provide ministry to others that their church is here now to support and provide for them through its ministry. We ask you to pick up a prayer list from our church and join us as we pray for and reach out to God's people who have given so much and now may be in need of just as much. Jesus asks the question, "When I was sick or in prison did you visit with me?" If you would like to know more about our Stephen Ministry program, please contact Rev. Brenda Westmoreland at the church - 770-448-4142, ext. 101 or [email protected]. Find Us Faithful, 
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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
Thursday: April 17 Chapel open for Communion and Prayer | 6:30AM-4:30PM Friday, April 18 | Good Friday Worship | 7:00PM | SanctuaryCome to a place of contemplation and perhaps revelation as you prayerfully consider the cross and the depth of its meaning. Quite possibly, you have never truly come face to face with the beauty and the horror of what we now call Good Friday. On Good Friday, we invite you to not just simply watch a program. We invite you to enter into the greatest sacrifice. You are invited to let go and experience the profound love of Christ. Saturday, April 19 | Children's Easter Celebration | 10:00AM-NoonClick 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 UMC8:17AM Traditional 10:00AM En Espanol 9:30AM Modern 11:00AM Traditional |
Evangelism
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- Join us THIS Saturday morning at 9:45AM in the front Parking Lot as we meet and greet the families attending our Children's Easter Celebration!
We'll have a table set-up where we'll be giving away packets of information regarding the ministries of our church and inviting the families to come join us Sunday!
- Join us for our Sonrise Service in Lillian Webb Park at 7AM!
There will be an opportunity for you to meet individuals from our community as they come to join us as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
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 Lawrenceville First Baptist Church
Please pray that the English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at Lawrenceville First Baptist Church will be effective not only in connecting person to person with the blessing of communication, but also in connecting each person to Jesus Christ.
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 Journey to the Cross: The Last Supper
 On Wednesday, April 17, a dramatic reenactment of The Last Supper was presented. Scripture narration retold the story of Jesus' last meal with his disciples and the instruction he gave them. We witnessed Jesus breaking the bread, presenting the wine ... and we witnessed his betrayal by Judas. During the drama, the disciples all held their place, recreating the famous painting of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Afterward, all were invited to the Communion table to eat, drink and remember. 
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Annual Women's Dinner
Tuesday, April 29 6:30PM | Family Life Center
LAST Chance for Tickets
Tickets: $15 {$18 with childcare} It's a night just for you, ladies, and the Women's Ministry hopes you will plan to attend! If you haven't purchased a ticket yet, don't miss out! Contact Robin Buschell before Friday: [email protected] | 770-448-4142
 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. Return to Top
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 Administrative Council Meeting
The Administrative Council will meet Monday, April 28 at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall. A light dinner will be available beginning at 6:30pm.
All Council members are asked to please attend.
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 Phone Volunteer Opening The Church Office is looking for someone to answer the phones and greet visitors and vendors weekly on Thursday mornings from 8:30AM - Noon. Training is basic. Opportunity is available now. Please contact Robin Buschell if interested: 770-448-4142 | [email protected].
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Student Ministry
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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]
Register by Sunday, April 27-Cost: $75
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Spring Break Mission
Trip Praise Report
Spring Break Mission Trip - yes, that's right ... this year nine students came together over Spring Break to head to Charlotte, NC where they served for a week at Jackson Park Ministry.
Our students were involved in several facets of the ministry's offerings ... they:
- unloaded food trucks and sorted incoming product
- distributed food supplies to families in need
- prayed with families in life transition
- led Bible story times each day
- tutored elementary aged children in homework
- led 2 Easter egg hunts
- cooked and served dinner to families living on the property
- cut grass, spread mulch and did other maintenance to the ministry's campus grounds
We are so thankful for our students and their willingness to serve Jesus by serving others.
At Connect Student Ministry, we Worship through service. Click here for more pictures!
 
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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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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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Wednesday Bible Study | 6:15PM | The Outlet
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.
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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]Return to Top
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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.
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.
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.
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 YMCA. YMCA MEMBER: $164 YMCA PRO MEMBERSHIP: $180
Register for YCAMP Here
Click here to view Robert Fowler Website
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Children's Ministry
Karen Ahn | 770-448-4142, ext. 116
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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!}
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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 LightShine Easter Sunday Worship
Kindergarten - Fifth Grade will have extended worship from 10AM - Noon in the Fellowship Hall. We'll worship, watch the movie Miracle Maker {and have an Easter egg hunt at the end!} No Sunday school.
LightShine Preschool will have regular worship at 9:30AM. At 11AM the children will watch the movie, Easter Carol {and have an Easter Egg Hunt, as well!} No Sunday school.
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 Junior Jam {attention 3rd, 4th & 5th Graders!}
Sunday, April 27 | 12:15PM | Fellowship Hall | $10
We'll have a special lunch to celebrate our fifth graders as they move into youth and welcome the third graders to our Junior Jam fun! This is the last Junior Jam for the 2013-14 School Year.
Parents and siblings are invited to have lunch with us!
After lunch we'll go to Malibu Grand Prix. Third and Fourth Grade Parents are asked to provide side dish or dessert. RSVP to Penny Carter: [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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Preschool
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.
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Re creation
Pastor Joel Rodriguez | 770-448-4142, ext. 117 | [email protected]
Saturday, April 26: Softball Practice, Meeting
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 Ministry
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 Children's Choir Musical: Jonah's Druthers
A Whale of a Tale from the Good Book
Wednesday, May 7 | 7PM | Family Life Center
Performed by the Melody Makers, Chorister
and Carol Choirs
Please join us for our last Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner for the school year before the musical, served from 5:30-6:30PM in the Family Life Center.
May 7 Menu: Pizza Party and Ice Cream Sundaes
{reservations required by Noon on Monday, May 5}
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 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 Choirs
- 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]. Return to Top
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Christian Education & Young Adults
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Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner5:30-6:30PM 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}
April 23 Menu: Thai Ginger Chicken {not spicy}, Yellow Rice, Broccoli, Asian Salad, Dessert
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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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 Norcross Cooperative Ministry
Thursday, April 24 | 7PM
Simpsonwood United Methodist Church
4500 Jones Bridge Circle, Norcross, GA 30092
Norcross Cooperative Ministry opened its door for the first time 25 years ago with a mission to help those in crisis in this community through the love of Christ. Restoring Hope! was a bold program to help families develop a pathway to transformation from poverty to economic responsibility. The campaign to underwrite the Restoring Hope! five-year program has recently come to a close. In 2013, we have received 234 pledges totaling $3,495,965. We would like to thank the NCM Board of Directors, the Campaign Leadership, Investors and the more than 100 committed volunteers who worked so hard during the Restoring Hope! initiative. Our goal is to guide 100 families from homelessness to stable housing. For more information, visit: www.norcrossco-op.orgClick here for Norcross Cooperative Ministry NewsletterThru your Faith Promise Giving we are able to support the Norcross Cooperative Ministry
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 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! Return to Top
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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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 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
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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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 Donate Old Cell Phones  {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. Return to Top
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Welcome to Angi Bransdorf
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our new joined by profession on 4/6/2014
members!
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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
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Congregational Care
Pastor Brenda Westmoreland | 770-448-4142, ext. 101 | [email protected]
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 We Extend Our Christian Love and Sympathy to:
- Katrina Daughtry and family on the passing of her father,
Federal Mizelle, on April 15. - Jessica Houck and family on the passing of her father,
Jasper Callahan, on April 15.
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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]Return to Top
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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. 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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