#1. Worship This Week
Starting THIS Sunday, September 12
New 4-Week Sermon Series: There's No Place Like Home

Ralph Waldo Emerson and Charles Dickens both called it the “greatest story ever written.” Rembrandt and other artists have immortalized it in famous works of art. And theologians across the ages have long referred to as it as the “gospel within the gospel.” 

So, what is it about Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son that connects with us at such a deep, personal level?

Join us starting Sunday, September 12 for our new 4-week series, “There’s No Place Like Home.” Together, we’ll explore the intricate details of Jesus’ most beloved parable and discover new—and maybe even surprising—ways that it continues to teach us about God, grace, and what it means to hear the words, “Welcome home.”

This week's sermon title: Leaving Home
by Rev. Jeremy Lawson
Scripture: Luke 15: 1-3, 11-13

We don’t like to admit it, but many of even the most faithful Christians can tell you about a time when they wandered from their faith. Sometimes it’s deliberate and immediate. Other times it’s slowly and unintentional. But on the journey faith, it’s not uncommon to become “lost” along the way. So how does Jesus feel about those who have strayed from God? Today, we’ll look at the very beginning of the most famous parable Jesus ever told: The parable of the prodigal son.

We look forward to seeing you either in person or via live stream for our very special Welcome Home Sunday, this Sunday, September 12 at 9:15 am or 11:00 am. Lots of special outside events planned too - see below!

We look forward to seeing you Sunday!

#2. Join Us TONIGHT!
Wednesday Nights Are BACK!

Join us TONIGHT for dinner from 5:30 - 6:30 and stay for grow groups for all ages! Be sure to read all the different activities planned tonight in this newsletter. While some things will look different and we are keeping everyone's safety as our top priority, we are looking forward to gathering together each Wednesday night!

This week's meal is: Pork Loin with Plum Sauce, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad, Rolls & Dessert

Next Wednesday is Beef Tips, Noodles, Mixed Veggies, Rolls, Salad, and Desserts.

Be sure to register for supper in advance by going to hmumc.org/wednesdaynightsupper

Please note: With the rise in Delta Variant of COVID 19 in our community, we will continue working to keep our congregants, particularly students and kids, safe. As we return to Family Ministry programming, our Kids and Student Ministry and Kids Choir participants will be strongly encouraged to wear masks in programming scenarios where safe distancing is not possible.

For more information visit hmumc.org/wednesday-nights
Back to the Basics Wednesday Night Study
with Pastors Jeremy, Jason, and Natalee 
September 1 - October 6 from 6:30 - 7:45 - No signup required

Let’s be honest, we’ve all had questions about the Christian faith that we felt like we were supposed to know but were too embarrassed to ask. Questions about God or the Bible or certain doctrines of the faith like baptism, communion, or the Trinity.

Starting Wednesday, September 1st, Pastor Jeremy, Pastor Jason, and Pastor Natalee will lead a 6-week Wednesday night study that will cover all of the most essential fundamentals of the Christian faith called, “Back to Basics.” Together, we’ll refresh our memories about what we believe as Christians and why. It will also give us a chance to ask the questions you’ve always wondered about but never had the
opportunity. 

This class will also be available ONLINE via Facebook LIVE, YouTube, and our website (similar to watching our online Sunday morning worship services).

Tonight's topic: What do we believe about the Bible?

Please join us either in person or online - No registration is required. We hope you can join us!

Kitchen Angels Volunteers Needed Once a Month

Our Kitchen Angels prepare delicious home-cooked meals every Wednesday Night. Do you like the special feeling that comes from helping others all while having fun? Then we have a place for you! We need Kitchen Angels to serve once a month on Wednesday night from 4:30 pm- 7 pm during the school year. The amount of time involved is short, but the rewards are great!

Sign up today! (extra safety precautions are going to be in place to keep everyone safe)
#3. Welcome Home Weekend
Welcome Home Weekend is THIS Weekend!!! Come see us!

HMUMC is a place where you can find warm welcoming people with many ways to gather in worship, grow in your faith, and go out into the world.

Join us for our Welcome Home Weekend: A weekend filled with various activities at HMUMC, THIS Friday, September 10th - Sunday, September 12th.

  • Friday, September 10th: Movie Under the Stars at 7:30 pm (see below)

  • Saturday, September 11th: UMW Ladies Tea at 10:30 am (see below)

  • Sunday, September 12th: Join us for our Welcome Home Sunday where we will have a petting zoo with horse rides for kids, two inflatables, a coffee truck, and a milk and cookie bar filled with all sorts of comfort treats all morning long. The petting zoo will have a mini horse, mini mule, mini donkey, a mini cow, a potbelly pig, a goat, a sheep, ducks, chicken, and a large and small rabbit and two ponies to ride. Don't miss out on the fun!

Whether you haven't been back in a while or you are looking for a church home, we welcome you home to HMUMC.

Visit hmumc.org/welcomehome to learn more
Movie Night Under the Stars at HMUMC
Friday, September 10 at 7:30 pm

Join us for a movie under the stars in the HMUMC parking lot Friday, September 10 at 7:30 pm. The movie screen will be located in the grassy area between the worship center and the Pantry so you are welcome to set up some chairs, put down a blanket, or stay in your car.

We will be watching The Lorax, the 2012 computer-animated musical comedy based on the book by Dr. Seuss. The cast includes Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, and Betty White. This film is loved by all ages and helps us to remember to respect nature and our natural resources.

In addition to the movie, we'll have popcorn, cotton candy, water, and outside games.

No registration is required - come for good old-fashioned fun!
The United Methodist Women Ladies Tea
Saturday, September 11 from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Registration Deadline is TODAY, September 8th

Ladies, please join us for a morning of tea, treats, and fun!

Mark your calendar for Saturday morning, September 11 as we have a very exciting morning planned including a special guest speaker from "Start With One Kenya", an organization that believes every ONE should have access to clean water, education, improved health care, and economic opportunities. Be sure to wear your favorite hat and bring your favorite teacup.

Learn more and register at hmumc.org/women

#4. Weekday Grow Opportunities
Weekday Morning Adult Grow Groups Start Monday, August 30th!
Join us for ways to grow in your faith and to connect with others during weekday mornings! More information can be found on hmumc.org/grow.

Monday Morning Study w/Beverly and Harry Neville
Monday Mornings from 10:00 am - 11:30 am starting August 30th
Together we will discover Jesus as Matthew presents him—the incarnate
wisdom of God that brings the kingdom of heaven to earth. Following the text through the stories, parables, and noting the special miracles, God’s people are presented with the mission and ministry of Jesus the Messiah.


Rhythms of Renewal: Christian Yoga and Bible Study
Tuesday Mornings at 9:15 am
Starting September 14th through October 20th
Are you interested in trading in stress and anxiety for a life of peace and
purpose? Join Molly Moore, a certified Christian yoga instructor, and other women seeking to find the wholeness and peace that Jesus offers us. Together we will move our bodies and our hearts as we discover more about ourselves and more about the God who created us. Nursery Care will be available (registration needed for nursery only-coming soon)

Wednesday Morning Women's Study (led by Beth Summerford)
Wednesday Mornings at 10:00 am
Starting September 15th through November 17th
With the Bible at our fingertips, we have a story of God’s faithfulness right in front of us to show us one example after another of who God is. Together we will walk through some of the promises of God throughout Scripture that can give us hope and understanding for today! Nursery Care will be available (registration needed for nursery only - coming soon)

Learn more at hmumc.org/grow
#5. The Pantry
Here's what happening at the Pantry:

We always need CEREAL! We are running out of cereal again and distributors can't get any so we appreciate any and all CEREAL donations when donating to the Pantry.

We always need Pantry volunteers all week long! For those of you that might not know, we need many volunteers throughout the week to make our Saturday morning food distribution a success. We have lots of options that can fit your schedule.

Check out our redesigned Pantry website to learn more and sign up!

Week Day Volunteer Hours:
Wednesday and Fridays: 9 am - 11 am and 11 am - 1 pm.

#6. Kids Ministry
Hey Kids! We have so much in store for you each week in Kids Ministry!

Sunday Mornings
Be sure to come and see us at both our 9:15 am and 11:00 am worship times! We'll sing, dance, play games, and learn all about the love of Jesus!

Our nursery is available for children aged 3 months to 3 years and Sunday School programming is ready for kids aged 3 - 4 years (located on our lower level). All kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade can join us in the Rooftop each Sunday morning!

Wednesday Night Kids Are BACK!
Be Sure to Register Online at hmumc.org/kids
Starting TONIGHT at 6:30, kids will have worship, fellowship, and fun options. Our nursery will be available from 6:30 - 7:45 for children aged 3 months through Pre-K so parents can take advantage of the various activities at the church.

From 6:30 - 7:15 kids can choose to participate in our awesome Kids' Choir or traditional Kids Ministry and then all kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade will gather in the Rooftop at 7:15 - 7:45 for a Bible message.

Our Kids Choir is designed for kids aged 3 (as of September 1, 2021) through 5th grade, and focuses on providing kids a safe place to offer their God-given talents to God in worship, through a traditional choral experience and includes occasionally singing during Sunday morning worship, and an Advent/Christmas Celebration and usually a Spring musical. There’s a lot of learning, growing and fun along the way. For more information please contact Rev. Mark G. Locke, Minister of Music and Worship (Kids Choir) at 770-271-8855 ext. 109 or via email [email protected]
 
Kids Ministry is designed for kids aged Kindergarten through 5th grade and will offer a blend of music, games, and bible study that goes deeper into the message from the previous Sunday. For more information, please contact Traci Lowry, Director of Kids Ministry at 770-271-8855 ext. 304 or via email [email protected]

We can't wait to welcome you back to Wednesday Nights at HMUMC!

Please note: With the rise in Delta Variant of COVID 19 in our community, we will continue working to keep our congregants, particularly students and kids, safe. As we return to Family Ministry programming, our Kids and Student Ministry and Kids Choir participants will be strongly encouraged to wear masks in programming scenarios where safe distancing is not possible.

Register for Wednesday Nights at hmumc.org/kids
Third Grade Bible Sunday
Sunday, September 19 at 9:15 am or 11:00 am

One of our favorite days is just around the corner! Third Grade students will receive a Bible with a personal message from one of our pastors during Sunday morning services, September 19th.

Please sign up ASAP by using the link below by September 16, so that your third grader will receive their Bible.

To register your third grader and tell us which service you will be attending that day, please click here:

5th Grade Hangout
Starts THIS Sunday, September 12
4:00 - 5:30 pm in the Rooftop

Hey 5th graders! Come and hang out with us two Sundays a month with a program specifically designed for your age group - we will play games, chat, and review a biblical message that's unique for you! We can't wait to hang out with you!


For more information about any of these programs and to get involved, please contact Traci Lowry at 770-271-8855 ext. 304 or via email at [email protected].

Parents: A new scouting year is starting!

And Pack 597 would like to invite you to join our adventures. Join us on Tuesday, September 14th at 7:00 in the HMUMC Student Center to learn about joining scouting. We will have a small introduction to cub scouting. Then get a glimpse at some of the things that the scouts can learn at our own personal scout show put on by Troop 597.  

If you have ever wondered what scouting is all about, this is the perfect time to get all of your questions answered.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]
#7. Student Ministry
Hey, Student Min Parents and Students!
Here's what's happening in Student Ministry:

Upcoming Events:
Sunday Morning Programming is BACK!!! We can't wait to welcome you back to Sunday Morning Programming THIS Sunday at 11:00 am!

Confirmation Starts THIS Sunday!: Please be sure to sign your rising 6th or 7th grader for Confirmation

New Parenting Class Starts THIS Sunday!: Check it out below!

Wednesday Night Programming: We can't wait to see you TONIGHT at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm! Please note: With the rise in Delta Variant of COVID 19 in our community, we will continue working to keep our congregants, particularly students and kids, safe. As we return to Family Ministry programming, our Kids and Student Ministry participants will be strongly encouraged to wear masks in programming scenarios where safe distancing is not possible.

Fall Retreat: October 22- 24! We are so excited to have a fall retreat this year up in Copperhill, Tennesee! See below for all the details!

We are always here if you need us!

David Benson - [email protected]; 706.248.7353
Heather McCreary - [email protected]; 404.457.9442
6th AND 7th Grade Confirmation
Kicks off THIS Sunday, September 12 at 11:00 am

We are excited to register our 2021-22 6th AND 7th graders for our Confirmation Class! 

The classes will meet at 11 am on Sundays starting from September 12 and are expected to finalize on Confirmation Day February 13, 2022. 

Students will meet weekly in the student center in table groups and plan on a retreat in January. Please register in advance so they know how many to expect in each class. More information will be sent to parents in August with a teaching/class outline and info about your student's table group!

Student Ministry Fall Retreat 2021
October 22-24 in Copperhill, Tennesee

We are SO EXCITED to be bringing back FALL RETREAT 2021! We're headed to Whitewater Express in Copperhill, TN for the weekend of Oct. 22-24. We'll meet at 5:00 on Friday, Oct. 22, ride buses to the retreat and spend the weekend in small groups, worship, and FUN with each other! This is an amazing weekend to DISCONNECT from our busy world & build relationships with friends, grow our faith & have a ton of fun as we play COLOR WARS! We'll return on Sun about 5 pm. Space is limited, so register SOON!

For more information, visit hmumc.org/students

#8. NEW Modern Parenting Class
Parenting Class: Modern Parents Vintage Values
Starts Sunday, September 12th at 11:00 am

Are you raising kids or teens? You’re invited to walk alongside other parents as we talk about the modern challenges our students face in today’s world and how we can still encourage them to build vintage values such as Kindness, Compassion, Gratitude, & Confidence.

Join us starting on September 12th. We'll meet each Sunday at 11 am (except holidays/school breaks). This is a great opportunity for families to worship together at 9:15 and parents/kids attend class and grow in their faith at 11:00. Optional book is $15.


#9. Starting Point
Starting Point: Our New to HMUMC Class
A 3-week class lead by Rev. Jason Mincey
Starts Sunday, September 19th at 9:15

Everything has a starting point-your life, relationships, education, your career. Faith has a starting point as well. If you're new to the faith, new to this church, just checking it out, or coming back to church after some time away, our Starting Point class is a great place to begin.

Our next 3-week Starting Point class starts Sunday, September 19 at 9:15 am.


#10. Fall Mission Trip - Hurricane Relief
Hurricane Relief Mission Trip to Mobile, Alabama
October 10th - 16th

Our Volunteers In Mission (VIM) team is hitting the road again to help folks in the Mobile, Alabama area who are still recovering from last year's hurricane damage. The team will depart on Sunday, October 10th, and return on Saturday, October 16th.

The cost is $250 per missionary and will cover food, lodging, and materials for the week. (lodging is local churches that have showers, kitchens, and air mattresses). Anyone with a passion to serve (age 16 and up) is invited to join us on the trip, and all skill levels are welcome. The work you'll be doing includes general interior restoration work such as painting, flooring, cabinet/trim work, hanging windows, etc.


Please contact the team leader, John Chickering, at [email protected] if you have questions.

  • September 10 - Movie Night at 7:30 pm
  • September 11 - Ladies Tea from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
  • September 12 - Welcome Home Sunday all morning with special activities; Confirmation for 6th and 7th graders start at 11:00 am; Modern Parenting Class at 11:00 am
  • September 12 - 5th Grade Hangout at 4:00 pm
  • September 13 - Monday Morning Bible Study
  • September 14 - Christian Yoga and Bible Study at 9:15 am
  • September 14 - Scouting Meeting at 7:00 pm
  • September 15 - Women's Study starts at 10:00 am
  • September 19 - 3rd Grade Bibles will be given out