NFUMC Weekly Newsletter {Vol. 2: Issue 44}
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.


Church Closed for Independence Dayclosed

The church office will close at Noon on Thursday, July 3 and will be closed all day Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Summer is a great time to spend some extra time with the family and maybe take a little break or vacation. The church ministries are still hard at work throughout the summer.

One way to make sure things keep running smoothly, even if you are gone, is to use your banks bill pay service to send your tithes and gifts to the church. Thank you for giving.
Norcross July 3 Dunk Tank Eventdunk
Downtown Norcross Red White & BOOM | 4PM - Dusk

Join us TONIGHT {Thursday, July 3} for Downtown Norcross' Pre-Fourth of July Celebration:
  • Downtown Festivities - S. Peachtree St. from 4 - 10PM
  • Concerts & Fireworks - 6 - 10PM.
Our Evangelism Team will host the Dunk Tank from 4PM - Dusk. 
Summerour Success Summer Programsummerour
Begins THIS Monday, July 7    
Summerour Middle School designed this program for rising
6th - 8th Grade students to help prepare them for a successful upcoming year at the school. Through this program the teachers have prepared a program to preview the materials for the upcoming year, while introducing and implementing high-order thinking strategies to help students succeed in their Fall semesters and testing. Writing / literacy is emphasized. This year's program will incorporate a World Cup theme, designed to engage and motivate students throughout the program.

How YOU Can Help?
  • Help Serve Breakfast: We'll provide and serve breakfast the week of July 14.
  • Be a Mentor: The teachers would like to have one-on-one mentors for their students during the teaching instruction. They will keep the classroom size to no more than 20 students. The teachers will provide worksheets and activities to help the students engage in the curriculum. Mentors can commit to one day a week or more depending on their schedule.
  • Help with the July 5 World Cup Kick-Off: Help coordinate our Popcorn, Snow Cone and Cotton Candy machines at this event.
  • Volunteer for the July 17 Celebration: Plans are being made to have a celebration at the end of the event.
  • PRAY: Please be in prayer as to how God can use you in the Success Summer Program to help change the life of a student. 
To volunteer, please contact:

Carey Thompson: [email protected]
Shelley Carr: [email protected]
Julie Eskridge: [email protected]
Pastor Terri Hoye: [email protected]
 
School Supplies Drive: July 6 - 28

Help "stuff the bus" and make the start of the school year special for the children in our community.

 

Schools Supported:   

- Berkeley Lake Elementary      - Beaver Ridge Elementary School

- Pinckneyville Middle School    - GIVE West

- Simpson Elementary School   - Norcross Elementary School

- Stripling Elementary School    - Peachtree Elementary School
- Summerour Middle School

 

Click here for supply list 


Job Fair | 9AM - Noon | Thursday, July 17
Family Life Center 

The Job Fair is sponsored by the Department of Labor and The

Norcross Co-Op. Volunteers needed to greet individuals as they come onto the campus for the event and pray with those attending. To volunteer, please contact Rev. Terri Hoye:

770-448-4142, ext. 105 | [email protected]
The Atlanta Vineyard

Please pray for their finances: the church is transitioning into a much younger congregation, but in many cases that means a lot less income from giving. Pray also for their missions focus as a church: they support church plants in Russia and Tajikistan and hope to send a team from the church this year.  

 

John Tyner: Celebrating 29 Years of Service

 

As previously announced by Staff Parish Relations Committee,  
John Tyner will retire on July 31, 2014 after faithfully serving as our custodian for 29 1/2 years. We will honor John with a reception  
immediately following the 11AM service on Sunday, July 20.

 

If you would like to write a note or letter expressing your gratitude for his ministry here at Norcross First, you may bring the notes with you to the reception or place in Rev. Terri Hoye's mailbox prior to July 20.  

 

Some have asked if it's possible to give John a monetary gift. If you would like to give John a monetary gift, the cash or check made payable to John Tyner may be placed in the offering plate or given to our Financial Administrator, Nancy Garrison, by Sunday, July 20. She will see all gifts are deposited as a lump sum into his personal account. John will be given a list of names but not the individual amounts. This contribution is considered a personal gift and is therefore not tax deductible.

25 Years of Service

 

On Tuesday, July 1st, Rev. Terri Hoye completed her 25th year of service to NFUMC. Only God knew the plans He had in store for her when she began working at Norcross First as a nursery caregiver in 1989. Since then she has worn many different hats.

She has served as the Director of the Mother's Morning Out Program and as the Coordinator of the Children's Ministry. With the encouragement of Rev. Joe Peabody, Terri answered the call to pursue the candidacy program for the Local Pastor's License. In 2009, she completed her courses of study and received her license to preach.

Today, she serves as the Associate Pastor of Administration, Evangelism, and Missions.

 

As Terri achieved these milestones in her journey of faith, the congregation had the privilege of watching her daughters Shannon and Ericka grow into lovely women. The church also stood by the family's side as they prayed and supported her husband, Chuck, while he battled and beat leukemia. Knowing Terri and her family has left an impact upon our hearts and lives.  

 

To help celebrate this milestone with Terri, we encourage you to place notes of congratulations in her box in the mailroom, or you may email her at [email protected].  

 

Maybe you have a picture or two you would like to share with her. And please, remember to give her a hug and thank her for 25 years in the ministry of NFUMC.  

 

Well done, Terri, my good and faithful servant!

 

Caren Ebert, Staff Parish Relations Committee Chair


Music Ministrymusic
Jane Martin | 770-448-4142, ext. 143 | [email protected] 
Pray for Student Choir Tour
Gatlinburg, TN | July 19 - 22 

 

Please pray for FUSION Student Choir as they prepare for their choir tour.

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 

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

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***PARENTS: Please complete a Children's Information Form & Photo/Video Waiver save & email to [email protected] ***
 

Lock-In | Friday, July 11 - Saturday, July 12lockin
For Rising 4th, 5th and 6th Graders
5:30PM - 9AM | COST: $10/child

Exciting worship, water slides, dinner {and more}

Bring Bible, swimsuit, towel, sleeping bag, pajamas, change of clothes

 

For info, please contact Karen Ahn:
[email protected]| 770-448-4142, ext. 116
Play Days Wednesdays 10AM to 12:30PMplaydays

We had great fun Wednesday at our Science Day! Click here for pictures from
July 2!
 

  • July 9 | Norcross Fire Station Tour Station #1 |
    165 Lawrenceville St NW
    Meet at station at 10AM for one hour tour. We'll play at Thrasher Park after. 
  • July 16 | Water Slides Finale Here at Norcross First UMC
For more info, contact Karen Ahn: [email protected] | 770-448-4142, ext. 116
Vacation Bible School at Norcross Co-Op
{Volunteers Needed} 
  •  Monday, July 21 & Wednesday, July 23 | 10AM - Noon
  •  Tuesday, July 22 | 6 - 8PM

All materials provided!  

 

To volunteer, contact Karen Ahn:

[email protected] | 770-448-4142, ext. 116

Backpack Blessing | Sunday, August 3
9:30, 10:00 and 11:00AM Worship Services
 

Bring your school backpack to church for a prayer and blessing as we celebrate the start of a new school year!

 

For more info, please contact Karen Ahn:

[email protected] | 770-448-4142, ext. 116  

Make a Difference in a Child's Life

 

8 Good News Club Volunteers Needed

  • Beaver Ridge Elementary
    Wednesdays | 2:30 - 4:45PM
  • Stripling Elementary
    Thursdays | 2:30 - 4:45PM
4 LightShine Children's Assistants

Needed every other Sunday morning

 

Contact Karen Ahn to Volunteer: [email protected] | 770-448-4142, ext. 116 

Family Water Night Fun

95 children and adults joined our fun water night Friday, June 27 at the West Gwinnett Aquatic Center. Click here for more pictures from our event!

For info on Children's Events, contact Karen Ahn:

[email protected] | 770-448-4142, ext. 116

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Robert D. Fowler Family YMCAymca
2014 Summer Camp Held HERE at NFUMC 
Register for YCAMP Here
Click here to view Robert Fowler Website

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Recreationrecreation  
Joel Rodriguez | 770-448-4142, ext. 117 | [email protected] 
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3-Hour Upward Basketball & Cheerleading Clinicupward 

Saturdays, July 26 and August 16

COST: $10/child - For more info/to register, please contact Upward Commissioners Brad & Amy Forehand:

[email protected] | 334-447-2234 

Student Ministrystudents
Ric Clark | 770-448-4142, ext. 156 | [email protected] 
 



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TLC - Summer Retreat at Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs. Wednesday, July 9 - Sunday, July 13   Registration closed. Our theme is DIVERGENT: claim your rightful place, based on 1 Peter 2:9: "You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."

Summer HangOut Days - Thursdays, July 17 and 24, 11:00AM - 2PM.
Meet us downstairs in The Outlet. We will hang out ... and be spontaneous. Just show up!

Family Gwinnett Braves - Friday, July 18 - 7:05 - 10PM - Gwinnett Cool Ray Field
Meet us on the berm.  Tickets are $7.50.  Invite your family and friends.  

FUSION Choir Trip - Saturday, July 19- Tuesday, July 22. Gatlinburg, TN

Feed the Homeless - Sunday, July 20 - 12:15 - 6PM. Meet in The Brick to make sandwiches at 12:15PM. We'll eat at The Varsity so bring money for food. We'll return to the church at 6PM.  Remember to collect items to pass out. Must make reservation by Sunday, July 13 to have transportation provided. All Life Groups will meet as scheduled.

Homeless Ministry: 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 go to downtown Atlanta and minister on a regular basis and need the following items:

- new socks                    - travel-size toiletries

- creamy peanut butter     - jelly

- small Bibles                  - reading glasses


Student Led Night of Worship
Saturday, July 26 - 7 - 8:30PM


Meet in The Brick for a great night of worship.
Open to the congregation and our community!
Bring your friends and family.


Senior Celebration - Sunday, July 27 - 12:15 - 2PM in the Family Life Center.
All reservations are due Sunday, July 20.  Lunch is FREE.

Tubing in Helen - Sunday, July 27 - 2 - 7PM. We will leave for Helen immediately after Senior Celebration is over. Cost for tubing is $10. Registration is due on Sunday, July 20.    
For more info: [email protected]

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Weekday 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.  

 

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

Christian Education & Young Adultschristianedyoungadults
Wesley Maston | 770-448-4142, ext. 111 | [email protected]
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Romans Bible Studysummerbible
Wednesday Nights
7PM | Room 133/135


Contact Wesley Maston for more info or to register:
[email protected] | 770-448-4142 x111
Childcare available.

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Family Life Center Kitchen Clean-Up Day
Saturday, July 19 | 10AM - 2PM

Lunch provided. If you can help, email Melissa Gunderson: [email protected]

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College-Age & Young Adults
Wesley Maston
770-448-4142, ext. 111
[email protected]
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Weekly College-Age Bible Studycollegebible
Tuesdays | 7PM | Room A202

Contact Wesley Maston for details:

[email protected] | 770-448-4142, ext. 111  

The Bridge Retreat | SAT & SUN/July 19 & 20

COST: $10

RSVP by Sunday, July 13 to Wesley Maston:
[email protected] | 770-448-4142, ext. 111
Second Sunday Lunch | Sunday, July 13

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

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

Contact Wesley Maston for details:

[email protected] | 770-448-4142, ext. 111 

springclean
4M Missions Newslettermissions
"Christ alone can save the world, but Christ cannot save the world alone."

Opportunities to serve. Praises and prayer requests from our missionaries supported thru your Faith Promise Giving {and more}.
Family Promise Welcome Family Promise

Our church is hosting Family Promise this week. Please be in prayer for these families, their children & our volunteers. Wish List:
- Toilet Paper       - Bleach

- Dryer Sheets     - Laundry Detergent! 

 

Please bring donations to the Family Promise Day Center: 3495 B Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville 30044 or call 678-376-8950.  Click here to read Family Promise Newsletter.   

 

Thru your Faith Promise Giving we are able to support Family Promise.   

  

Norcross First & Action Ministries Partnership
Grace UMC Women's Community Kitchen
Tuesday, July 15 | 9:30AM - 1PM 

Help serve a homemade lunch at Grace UMC to women and children in the process of overcoming homelessness, hunger and poverty. The mission of this program is to provide delicious meals to approximately 40 to 100 women and children.

  

Volunteers in a cheerful restaurant style setting serve the delicious meals. They not only serve the meals, they also spend some time talking with the women and children and participate in the cleanup of the kitchen.  

  

If you're unable to serve, but want to be involved, you can be a mighty help by providing:

 

* Chicken and broccoli casserole {Recipe and Casserole Pan will be provided}

* mixed salad                 * dinner rolls

* 2% milk                       * sweet tea

* chocolate chip cookies  * paper products

 

To volunteer, email:

Carey Logan: [email protected]  

Cathy Padgett: [email protected] 

 

Flea Market! United Methodist
Children's Home Auxiliary

 

July 11 - 12 | 9AM - 4PM

 

500 S Columbia Drive, Decatur 30030

 

www.umchildrenshome.org | 404-327-5820

 

Bargain hunters will find treasures including furniture, jewelry, sporting goods, crystal, china, shoes, clothing (vintage too!), baby gear, toys, books and electronics in two clean and organized buildings staffed with friendly volunteers. There will be live music, kids' activities and other entertainment for a festive shopping atmosphere. The sale supports the mission of the United Methodist Children's Home (www.umchildrenshome.org). Shoppers can feel good about finding a great bargain for themselves and helping our community's children at the same time. CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED.

 

The United Methodist Children's Home (UMCH) is a safe haven for abused children and struggling families, and we have been since 1871. Our mission is to provide redemptive, healing services that bring meaningful change to the lives of children and families. Through all our programs - including foster care, residential programs for youth, and family preservation services - we offer holistic care to children, youth and families. Our goal for everyone we serve is to find their "Forever Family" - what we call permanency. Whether that is through adoption, reunification, staying together or standing on their own, we help our children find their home.

 

UMCOR Early Response Team Training
Saturday, July 19 Here at Norcross First UMC 

 

Interested in joining Norcross First's Early Response Team trained and certified to enter disaster sites as an early responder?  

 

Then join us Saturday, July 19 at NFUMC as we offer courses taught by ERT-certified instructors from the North Georgia Conference. At the completion of the training, our team will receive national UMCOR certification allowing us to respond to a US disaster as directed by the North Georgia Conference Disaster Relief Committee. 

 

For first time participants, the ERT training will be held at the Church, July 19 from 8AM-5PM. The cost is $15 for the training book and background check. Lunch will be available for $7.

 

If your ERT certification has expired, a re-certification class will be offered at the Church, July 19 from 8AM-10:30AM. If it has been over three years since your last background check, the cost will be $8 for a new background check.  

 

To register, contact Rae Myles: [email protected] {minimum of 8 participants needed per/class}  

 

Pray for the Sager Brown Mission Team

 

The team will travel to Baldwin, LA Sunday, August 10 and return Friday, August 15. Prayers for the Team: Rick Baird,
Brian Bohrer, Cathy Bohrer, Sue Fikes {team leader} and Stephanie Hodgin
  • Good health and safety before, during and after our trip
  • Guidance for travel plans
  • Having a servant's heart during the trip.
  • Trip needs {You Can Help!}

UMCOR Sager Brown Work Day | Saturday, August 2 | 9AM - 11AM | Fellowship Hall 

Help assemble cleaning buckets and health/school kits, to be delivered by the Sager Brown Mission Team. Donated items also needed for the clean buckets, health and school kits. Collection bin located in the Welcome Center Vending Area. Click here for list of items needed.

 

For more information, please contact Sue Fikes: [email protected] 
Appalachia Service Project (ASP) aspaspteam
National Short-Term Mission Team   
Where: Appalachia Service Project in Jonesville, VA
Trip Dates: Monday, September 22 - Saturday, September 27
Cost: $325/person   |  Team: We have spaces for 10 people
Projects: various home repairs
For more info, contact Ken Fikes:
[email protected] | 404-583-6916
December Nicaragua nicaraguaMission Teamnicamtg
Trip Dates:
December 27, 2014 - January 3, 2015
 
To serve on this team, please contact Team Leaders Shelley Carr and Glen Mitchell immediately {registration will soon close}
Blog Post from Bradley Carr
Missionary Serving in Nicaragua

 
Some Things I've Learned

Living in a different country gives you a pretty awesome perspective on life. Most of which, I can't even begin to put into words but I will try my best!
  1. God is at work all over the world. America isn't the only place where Christians live and people here love Jesus...a lot.
  2. People are awesome. Relationships are the building blocks of life and here in Nica, they're way more important than in the states. Whether it be a stranger on a public bus or a stranger on the street people here are, in my opinion, more friendly than in the US. Everyone talks to everyone, buses and taxis aren't quiet like they are back home. Everyone talks to everyone and everyone helps everyone. I have a trust for everyone I meet here even if it is just some guy I'm sitting next to on a bus.
  3. Time really isn't as important here. People would trade a conversation, meal, or hanging out over being on time to everything. "Nica time" is a real thing and it's awesome. No one is too busy to help or too busy to be with family. Schedules are suggested and nothing goes as planned and yet there is ALWAYS enough time in the day to get everything done.

Click here to read more and follow his blog. 

 

Congregational Carecongregationalcare 
Pastor Brenda Westmoreland | 770-448-4142, ext. 101[email protected]

New GriefShare Sessions
Sundays, August 17 - November 9 {13 weeks}
5 - 7PM Weekly | COST: $17/workbook

Who is GriefShare for? It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you've lost a spouse, child, family member or friend, you've probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things never faced before.

Your GriefShare group will meet weekly on Sunday nights to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life.
  • Video Seminar with Experts: Each week your group will watch a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects.  
  • Support Group Discussion with Focus: Your group will spend time discussing the video and what's going on in your lives.  
  • Workbook-Based Personal Study and Reflection: During the week you will have the opportunity to use your workbook for further personal study of the grieving process and to help sort out your emotions through journaling. Your group will spend time discussing questions and comments from the workbook study.
Contact Pastor Brenda Westmoreland to register: 770-448-4142 ext. 101 |  [email protected]
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). Counseling fees offered on sliding scale basis.
Contact Cameron Butler for info/appointment:
678-485-1331 | [email protected]

Circle of Peace Meetingpeace 
Carole Cline | 770-368-1763 | [email protected]

Tuesday, July 8 | 7PM
- The Circle of Peace meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7PM. All ladies of the church are welcome to join them.

Please contact Carole Cline for more information and meeting location.

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

Jonesboro Tour, Road to Tara and Stately Oaks Tour | Monday, July 14
Will leave the church at 8:30AM for 10AM tour. Lunch at Butches.
Cost: $22.95

Charlie Brown, The Musical | Saturday, July 26 | Lionheart Theater, Downtown Norcross
Will leave the church at 11:30AM to have lunch at The Crossing, formerly the Norcross Station.
Show begins at 2PM. Marie Walker is cast as Lucy.

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
 

Atlanta Jobseekers is a job networking group that meets every Friday from 7:30am to 9:30am in Atlanta, GA (Perimeter area). http://www.perimeter-jobseekers.org

We meet at 7000 Central Parkway building, Atlanta, GA 30328. Central Parkway is located between Peachtree Dunwoody and Perimeter Center West. After you park in the parking garage, enter the office building and take the elevator to the 3rd floor.

We meet in the 3rd floor conference room and we will be starting at 7:30am with our featured speaker. Don't forget to bring plenty of business cards for networking and feel free to forward along this email to those that you feel can benefit. Coffee and donuts are provided and the meeting is free.

Thanks to CCCI Atlanta for sponsoring this space! If you are an IT professional be sure to visit http://www.cccitpeople.com and tell them you're from Atlanta Jobseekers.



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CrossroadsCareer is a unique site that will walk you through the Seven Steps in your Job Search. This website is a one of a kind resource that we are pleased to share more with you.
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2500 Beaver Ruin Road, Norcross, GA 30071 www.nfumc.org