NFUMC Weekly Newsletter {Vol. 2: Issue 34}
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.

We all know about the diversity of our community and throughout the city of Norcross. However, did you know that our Preschool has families from 12 different countries represented by their children? 

Mrs. Martha McDermott and her staff do a wonderful job of reaching out to our community through the inclusiveness of our Preschool program. This is another very important way our church is sharing the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please, keep up the good work!

Find Us Faithful,
 
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. 
Annual Women's Dinnerdinner
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: robinb@nfumc.org | 770-448-4142

HOSTESSES: Table decorating hours are:
  • Monday, April 28: 2 - 9PM {and}
  • Tuesday, April 29: 10AM - 6PM
All tables should be decorated before 6:30PM on Tuesday, April 29.

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: karen@accuauto.net | 770-364-0048

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United Methodist Menumm
Jim Cline | 770-368-1763 | jrc0528@comcast.net

United Methodist Men's Meeting
THIS Sunday, April 27 | 12:15PM | Room 204

 

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Administrative Council Meetingadcouncil

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 Wednesday afternoons from Noon - 4PM. Training is basic.

Opportunity is available now. Please contact Robin Buschell if interested: 770-448-4142 | robinb@nfumc.org

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Student Ministrystudents
Ric Clark | 770-448-4142, ext. 156 | ric@nfumc.org 
 



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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: student@nfumc.org

Register by THIS Sunday, April 27-Cost: $75
Special Connect@527 THIS Sunday, April 27mayorconnect
Mayor's Book Club | 12:15PM

Meet in the Family Life Center for pizza, then we'll head to downtown Norcross to help get thousands of books ready for the Mayor's Book Event.

The books are located in the Old Cotton Gin Building (white building next to City Hall).

We'll return to NFUMC at 6PM.
RSVP: student@nfumc.org
Connect Student Ministry This Summer

Be on the lookout for some dates to be posted soon for Sunday Afternoon/Evening Activities for the summer!

For more info: student@nfumc.org
LAUNCH: worship thru service

Monday - Friday, June 16-20 

8AM - 4PM | COST: $50

Register by Sunday, June 8

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

RSVP to Sandra Hunter:
student@nfumc.org
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: NFUMCecmp@yahoo.com

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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 MEMBERSHIP: $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 Ministrychildren 
Karen Ahn | 770-448-4142, ext. 116

Junior Jam {attention 3rd, 4th & 5th Graders!}jrjam
THIS Sunday | 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: carter73@bellsouth.net

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Summer Plays Days: Brief Parent Survey
Click HERE for Survey

Dear Parents and Friends at Norcross First,

We are in the process of planning Summer Play Days. The goal for these Wednesday mornings {approx. time 10AM - Noon} is to give us a time to gather, for the children to play and to invite friends to join the fun. Please let us know through this survey what you would like to see.
  • Would you like to help with the planning?
  • Do you have ideas to make these events fun for everyone?  

If you have questions, please contact Karen Ahn.

Thanks so much for your participation and support. We look forward to a great summer.

In His Service, Your Children's Ministry Team
Karen Ahn, Children's Director & Donna Brandt, Asst. Children's Director

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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)
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
martham@nfumc.org

 

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
joel@nfumc.org
 
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 | jmartin@nfumc.org 
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. There will also be a performance by the Wednesday night dance groups. 

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}
Ongoing Student Choir Fundraiser
Order a Delicious Pork Roast or Turkey Breast  

Pork Roast (8-10 lbs) & Smoked Turkey Breast | $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: music@nfumc.org.
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Christian Education & Young Adultschristianedyoungadults
Wesley Maston | 770-448-4142, ext. 111 | wmaston@nfumc.org
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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:
Cost: {$15 cap per family} Adults: $5 Children 4-10: $2 Kids under 4: Free
{Deadline to make a reservation: Noon each Monday}

April 30 Menu:
BBQ Grilled Chicken Breasts, Mac & Cheese, Baked Beans, Slaw, Ice Cream Sundaes, Chicken Tenders
College-Age & Young Adults
Wesley Maston
770-448-4142, ext. 111
wmaston@nfumc.org
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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:

wmaston@nfumc.org | 770-448-4142, ext. 111

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springclean
Missions Newslettermissions

null Mayor Johnson's Summer Book Club:mayoradults
We Need YOUR Help!

4,000 books have arrived so far and we need your help!  All the books need to have library pockets and color coded tags placed on the books and then sorted to the various schools in the Norcross School Cluster.  

 

The following shifts have been setup to prepare the books for the Mayor's Summer Reading Club:

 

  • Thursday, April 24: 10AM - Noon; 1 - 3PM
  • Saturday, April 26: 9AM - Noon
  • Sunday, April 27: NFUMC Connect Students will serve!

Special Connect@527 Student Event
THIS Sunday, April 27 | 12:15PM
Students will meet in the Family Life Center at 12:15PM, eat pizza, then head to downtown Norcross to help get thousands of books ready for the Mayor's Book Event. Return to NFUMC by 6PM. Students may sign-up by email: student@nfumc.org

The books are located in the Old Cotton Gin Building (white building next to City Hall).  Tables and chairs are set up for you to be able to process the books. If you are able to volunteer during any of the above shifts, please contact Deborah Harris at nonijoharris@me.com

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

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Norcross Cooperative Ministryncmcoopaniv
25th Anniversary Celebration
TONIGHT - 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.org

Click here for Norcross Cooperative Ministry Newsletter

Thru your Faith Promise Giving we are able to support the Norcross Cooperative Ministry
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: hhodgin@bellsouth.net 

 
Sager Brown Mission Team Interest Meeting 
Sunday, May 4 | 12:15PM | Room 214

Trip Dates: August 10-15, 2014


We have room for 14 team members. For more information, please contact Sue Fikes: suzifikes@mindspring.com 

 
Estonia/Russia Mission Team Interest Meetingrussia
THIS Sunday, April 27 | 12:15PM | Room 214 

Estonia, Russia is where Charlie and Miki Chastain serve as missionaries. If you can't attend the meeting, contact Pastor Terri Hoye: thoye@nfumc.org  |  770-448-4142, ext. 105

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: liznauert@aol.com 

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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Congregational Carecongregationalcare 
Pastor Brenda Westmoreland | 770-448-4142, ext. 101brendaw@nfumc.org

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: brendaw@nfumc.org

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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:
Senior Adults 2014 Day/Extended Tripssenioradults 
For info & reservations, contact Wilda Warren: 770-209-7171

Day Trip to Athens, GA | Monday, May 5 | COST: $10/person
{price approximate - total cost of trip is $150}
Will leave the church at 9AM for a 3-hour tour of Athens at 10:30AM.  Price/person depends on how many participate. Payment now due to Wilda.

Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra | Saturday, May 10 | 8PM
Classic Hollywood movie music. Puccini, Rossini and Strauss. Music from Star Wars, Gone with the Wind and James Bond, along with a few surprises. Dinner TBA. Price around $20-$24.

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.

Gaither Vocal Band Friday | Friday, July 11 | 7:30PM
Concert at First Baptist Church of Woodstock. Cost is $20 if we have 15 or more going. Dinner TBA. If we go to this concert we will have to carpool. All the buses are already reserved.

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: wildakwarren@aol.com

Job Seekersjobseekers 

Greg Purves | gpurves@att.net | 678-859-6406

Rona Rahtz | rrahtz@snellvilleumc.org | 678-430-6019

 

Snellville United Methodist Church
2428 Main Street East
Snellville, 30078
770-972-9360
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2500 Beaver Ruin Road, Norcross, GA 30071 www.nfumc.org