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NFUMC Weekly Newsletter {Vol. 2: Issue 30}
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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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 A good definition of Christian Education is "that education process which undergirds and strengthens all areas of ministry in the local church." Over the last year I have watched our Christian Education program here at Norcross First really come alive. Our Director, Mr. Wesley Maston, has done a great job of seeking out persons to share their gifts as teachers and volunteers each week. Did you know we currently have 19 Adult Sunday school classes that meet on Sunday? We have 8 Bible studies and other classes that meet on Wednesday evening and 2 Young Adult/College age classes that meet on Sunday morning and on Monday and Tuesday evenings? Our Christian Education Department is at work as we speak preparing for summer educational opportunities. We would like to encourage everyone to become involved as a teacher, volunteer or a participant in our Christian Education program. For more information please contact Wesley Maston here at the church - 770-448-4142, ext. 111 or [email protected]Find Us Faithful, 
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Evangelism
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 The Atlanta Vineyard
Pray for Pastor Ralph Hale of The Atlanta Vineyard. Pray he will know and do the will of God as he leads the staff and congregation.
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 Lent & Easter Services at Norcross First UMC
"No greater love hath anyone than to lay down one's life for one's friend."
John 15:13 NRSV
 Son of God ClassWednesdays thru April 9 | 7PM Register in Welcome Center THIS Sunday or email: [email protected]"Who do You Say I Am?" is one of the key questions asked by Jesus in the movie, Son of God. It's also an important question in real life. Some people say Jesus was a great man and teacher; others claim he was God. Decide for yourself - join us as we look at the life, death and resurrection of the most important man who has ever lived. It's a question we all need to answer.
HOLY WEEK AT NORCROSS FIRST UMC
Monday-Thursday: April 14-17 | Chapel open for Communion and Prayer | 6:30AM-4:30PM Wednesday, April 16 | Supper Available | 5:30-6:30PM | COST: $1.50 per person Dramatic Presentation: Journey To The Cross | 6:30-8:00PM Friday, April 18 | Good Friday Service | 7:00PM | Sanctuary Saturday, April 19 | Children's Easter Celebration | 10:00AM-Noon Resurrection Sunday, April 20 | 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 |
 Outdoor Spring Cleanup Day
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] |
Women's Dinner Open Ticket Sales
THIS Sunday and Sundays, April 6 & 13
Tickets: $15 {$18 with childcare}
Welcoming all ladies! 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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 Special Connect@527 | THIS Sunday
We'll return to Hurt Park to meet and pray with homeless men and women. We'll make sandwiches and get on the bus by 1:30PM. Dinner at The Varsity {bring $$}; return by 6:30PM. We'll distribute socks, hygiene kits, etc. {see below}
Registration for this event is closed.
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
Registration and Fees
Register by THIS Sunday for best price break!
Price increases Monday, March 31 March 30-Cost: $65 | April 13-Cost: $70 | April 27-Cost: $75 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]
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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 to follow. RSVP to Sandra Hunter: [email protected]
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Make Connect@527
a DEFINITE for Sunday Nights!
Connect with the next rev of 527. It's been reformatted to make it more user friendly with:
- 30% more hang out time
- 40% more group community time
- AND snacks now available for you to purchase, along with drinks in the Welcome Center
We want you to engage your "non-NFUMC" friends and add them to your "NFUMC" friends. We want to welcome and invest in you and your friends.
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 Connect Student Ministry
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]
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Children's Ministry
Karen Ahn | 770-448-4142, ext. 116
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 Children's Council Meeting
THIS Sunday, March 30
12:15PM | Room 133/135
A light lunch will be served. All Children's Council members are encouraged to attend.
For more info, contact Karen Ahn: [email protected]
 Fifth Sunday Extended Elementary Worship THIS Sunday, March 30 | Fellowship Hall
There will be no 11AM Sunday school classes for K-5th Grade.
Children need to be dropped off and picked up at the Fellowship Hall.
Children dismissed from the 9:30AM Modern Worship Gathering will go straight to the Fellowship Hall and may be picked up there at Noon.
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Gwinnett Mothers of Multiples HUGE Consignment Sale
Saturday, March 29 | 9AM-1PM
Family Life Center {cash or check only}
NEW {and} GENTLY USED ITEMS!
- Infant, children, maternity clothes
- Baby equipment
- Infant and children's furniture
- Children's toys
- Outdoor play equipment {and more!}
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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're completed your Volunteer registration, you may click the "Register for VBS" link to pay your registration fee or pay in person to Karen Ahn.
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 Wednesday Kids Club ENCOUNTER
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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Preschool
Martha McDermott
678-533-1321
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Scouting: Grades 1-12
Boy Scout Troop 247
Started in 1983: Scoutmaster is Michael Bernard
Members are boys in 6th through 12th grades
Meets every Monday at 7:00pm in the Scout Hut
Cub Scout Pack 247
Started in 1986; Cubmaster is Donald Letteer
Members are boys in 1st through 5th grades
Meets every Monday of the school year at 7PM in Room 11
Girl Scout Troop 796
Started in 2010; Troop Leader is Julia Yoki
Members are girls in 1st through 12th grades
Meets every Monday of the school year at 7PM in Room 6
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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 | 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 thru 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 |
 Wednesday Night Children's Choirs
6:15PM Choirs
- Teeny Tykes: 2's & younger {must be accompanied by parent}
- Melody Makers: 3's & 4's
- Chorister Choir: K-2 Grade; Carol Choir: 3-5 Grade
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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Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner 20145:30-6:30PM 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}
Wednesday, April 2 Menu: Baked Potatoes, Soups and Loaded Salads, Dessert, Chicken Tenders
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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 of Gwinnett County Bed Race THIS Saturday, March 29 | 11AM
Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, Lawrenceville
Proceeds from this event benefit Family Promise, helping homeless children and their families. Family Fun Includes: Inflatables, face painting, raffle, food {and more!} To volunteer, sponsor, participate or for more info contact:
Tom Cioffi: 770-985-7353
Chuck Ferraro: 678-376-8950
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.familypromisegwinnett.org Thru Your Faith Promise Giving we are able to support Family Promise of Gwinnett
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Norcross Elementary School
11th Annual Empty Bowls Project
Monday, March 31 | 5:30PM in the school gym
Come buy a bowl and support a good cause!
Norcross Elementary School will be celebrating its 11th year in the Empty Bowls Project, an international effort to fight hunger, one bowl at a time. Students pounded, shaped, decorated and glazed raw clay to create more than 100 bowls, each a unique work of art. The bowls will be on sale at the school's Montage exhibit on Monday, March 31. At the event, guests will be invited to choose a bowl, which they will take home as a reminder that there are too many empty bowls in our world.
In exchange for the bowl, guests are asked to give a minimum donation of $5. Proceeds from the event will benefit local organizations working to end hunger in our community.
In addition to the fantastic Empty Bowls, the Montage exhibit will feature hundreds of pieces of artwork by the students, and performances by members of the chorus, drama club and more.
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 Norcross Cooperative Needs
The Co-Op is in need of children's clothing and pots & pans! If you can donate any of these items, please take them directly to the Co-Op! In addition, there is a need for volunteers to work at the Co-Op sorting clothing for the Clothes Closet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10AM-4PM and on Tuesdays from 10AM-1PM. To volunteer, call: 770-263-0013
Thru your Faith Promise Giving we are able to support the Norcross Cooperative Ministry.
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Interest Meeting THIS Sunday
Murphy-Harpst Children's Home
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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 Charlie Chastain Here THIS Sunday
9:30AM or 11AM | Family Life Center
Charlie will share how God is working through his family's ministry in Estonia, Russia. Please pray for Charlie and his family as he travels to bring in new partners to help them press forward in their mission work. He is away from his young family and asks for your prayers for safety, travel mercies, rest and peace for himself, Miki and the kids over this next month. Thru your Faith Promise Giving we are 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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Congregational Care
Pastor Brenda Westmoreland | 770-448-4142, ext. 101 | [email protected]
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 LifeSouth Blood Drive | THIS Wednesday, April 2 3:00-7:30PM | Fellowship Hall
Sign-up at table in the Welcome Center THIS Sunday, March 30. For more info/to register, contact Peggy Hilliard: [email protected]Appointments preferred; walk-ins welcome
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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 Gone With the Wind Tour | {NEW!} Monday, MARCH 31 | COST: $14.95
Will leave the church at 8:30AM for 10AM tour in Jonesboro. Cost includes tour of Jonesboro and museum. Lunch at Wizh Bonez Fried Chicken. Payment now due to Wilda.
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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