THE

SHEPHERDThe monthly newsletter of Newnan First United Methodist Church

Church News | UpcomingEvents | Attendance &

Reporting | Event RecapsDevotions | Calendar

JUNE 2020

ONE DAY SOONRev. Charles Robinson | Sr. Pastor

SERMONS JUNE 2020

This June is going to be a very different month for me than the last forty-three Junes have been.

I suspect that it will be a very different June for most of you as well. For me, it will be the first time since

1976 that I have not attended the North Georgia United Methodist Annual Conference. Many things about the way Conference is conducted have changed, the actual physical location of the Conference has moved around, but it has always been a part of my adult life. That will not be the case in 2020. Because of the impact of the Coronavirus, Annual Conference has been moved to August 28–29. This will be a very different June for me. Believe it or not, I enjoy Annual Conference even if it occurs in Athens where there are concrete, dawg-shaped idols on most every corner. After so many years Annual Conference becomes like a Family Reunion of sorts. I look forward to seeing large numbers of my colleagues that I only encounter once a year. And I really enjoy catching up with some of the terrific laity from Churches that I have served in days past, inquiring about how life is in Waco, Washington, Thomson, Milledgeville, Royston, Alpharetta/Cumming, Jonesboro, Lilburn/Stone Mountain. Where have the decades gone? For the past several years one of my most anticipated Conference rituals has been breakfast at my favorite fine dining spot in Athens, The Grill. Carl, Dave, Danny, Richard and I have discussed (& occasionally cussed) a wide variety of topics…politics, sports, and Church, and not always in that order. And at least once during the week I find my way back to The Grill for the best thing on the menu, a Cajun-burger with fries. Oh, my! But for 2020 there will be no gathering in June. I’ll have to wait until late August for what looks to be a hit & run ecclesiastical affair. Two mornings at The Grill at best; barely enough time to seriously stir the pot. Only two days to hang out in Athens. There is always a trade-off it seems. Hopefully all of this has not come across as excessively whiny. If so, please forgive me. Because in reality, all is not lost. The opening of Annual Conference will include, as always, the singing of Charles Wesley’s great hymn, And Are We Yet Alive. “And are we yet alive, and see each other’s face? Glory and thanks to Jesus give for His almighty grace!” Annual Conference won’t be happening in June, but it will still be happening. And one day soon the Newnan First UMC will be privileged to gather once again…to “see each other’s face.” When that happens, “Glory and thanks we’ll give to Jesus, for His almighty grace!” Until then, to quote another hymnwriter, we will “hold to God’s unchanging hand!” Grace & Peace!

Rev. Charles Robinson Senior Pastor | crobinson@newnanfumc.org

Traditional | June 7(Charles) Apostle’s Creed

I Believe in GodGenesis 1:1-2, 26-27; 2:1-3

Traditional | June 14(Charles) Apostle’s Creed

I Believe in Jesus ChristMatthew 16:13-17

Traditional | June 21(Charles) Apostle’s Creed

I Believe in the Holy SpiritJohn 16:7-15

Traditional | June 28(Charles) Apostle’s Creed

I Believe in the ChurchMatthew 16:13-19

Connect | June 7(Maria) Apostle’s Creed

I Believe in GodGenesis 1:1-2, 26-27; 2:1-3

Connect | June 14(Danny) Apostle’s Creed

I Believe in Jesus ChristMatthew 16:13-17

Connect | June 21(Brent) Apostle’s CreedI Believe in the Holy Spirit

John 16:7-15

Connect | June 28(TBD) Apostle’s Creed

I Believe in the ChurchMatthew 16:13-19

TO CATCH UP ON PAST SERMONS/SERVICES, VISIT NEWNANFUMC.ORG

AND CLICK “WATCH” OR “LISTEN”

SEASON OFPENTECOST

NEWNAN FUMC STAINED GLASSKaren Oothoudt (Program Director) recently put together a great history and explanation of our Sanctuary’s stained glass as well as some of the unique archi-tectural aspects of our beautiful building!

To learn more, visit NewnanFUMC.org/building

COLLEGE GRADUATESCongratulations!

Frances Faye Arnall Daughter of Weston and Caroline Arnall Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the College of Environment and Design University of Georgia

Mary Bryan Arnall Daughter of Weston and Caroline Arnall Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Terry College of Business University of Georgia

Madison Crymes Daughter of Tom and Laura Crymes Degree in Psychology Georgia Tech Will attend The Medical University of South Carolina to pursue a doctorate in Occupational Therapy

Jacob Nathaniel Shepherd IV Son of Jake and Phyllis Shepherd Degree: Juris Doctor Columbia Law School

Olivia Lofton Daughter of Adam and Michelle Lofton Emory University School of Arts and Sciences

Amanda Robyn Miller Daughter of Tracy & Jodi Miller Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Human Services University of Georgia

Caitlyn Phillips Daughter of Aileen & Theo Burnett Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiol-

ogy; Minors in Chemistry, Chinese, and Administration of Justice. Certificates in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine and Asian Studies. University of Pittsburgh

Zane Piper Master of Business Administration Auburn University

Zofia Powell Daughter of Frank and Allyson Powell Major: Advertising; Minor: Studio Art. University of Georiga School of Grady

Christopher Rich Son of Jimmy & Dorothy Rich; Grandson of Warren & Courtenay Budd Emory University School of Medicine

Davenport S. Williams Son of Jeff and Beth Williams Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Minors in Political Science and Naval Science Summa Cum Laude University of Mississippi

GIVING REMINDERNewnanFUMC.org/give | 33 Greenville St., Newnan, GA 30263Though we are not meeting face-to-face, it is still important for us all to support our local church to the best of our abilities! God’s work is still being done in and outside the church walls and your gifts are needed. If you ever have any questions about how to give online, please contact our finance office: finance@newnanfumc.org

VIRTUAL VBSNewnanFUMC.org/vbs June 8-11We are so excited that you will be joining us for our online VBS this year! We will be journeying together to find the King’s armor in Knights of North Castle! Just like regular VBS, there will be music, Bible stories, and fun, easy at home suggested crafts, games, and activities. You’ll be able to access the daily video each morning on on our church YouTube channel.We know that learning knew songs is often the best part of VBS! You’ll be able to pick up your music CD and more by driving through the church parking lot near the main church office and playground area on Wednesday, June 3 from 5-6pm or on Thursday, June 4 from 11am-1pm. There is no charge for this year’s virtual VBS, but by completing the form at NewnanFUMC.org/vbs, you’ll help give us a heads up of how many packets we need to prepare for pick up!

In addition to all the fun and music of VBS, we will still be collecting for our money salad mission fund! This year,

our mission focus will be raising funds for Backpack Buddies, a local nonprofit

helping children with food insecurity to always have a next meal available!

You can learn more about them at backpackbuddiesga.org.

When you drive through to pick up your packet, we will have

collection buckets for you or the kids to throw their loose change and dollars into! Thank you for

helping to feed the children in our county!

We can’t wait to have you and your family join us for this unique way of learning and growing in God’s

love! If you have any questions, please reach out to Brooke Barksdale, Children’s Minister, at

bbarksdale@newnanfumc.org

Until our quest begins, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His power!” Ephesians 6:10

LIVESTREAM & SOCIAL MEDIADuring this time of social distancing and isolation, it’s more important than ever to utilize the digital tools in front of us. Let’s be clear...it’s NOT the same as meeting face-to-face, but you might be surprised at just how helpful it may be to stay connected even through a computer screen or smart phone!How to stay connected:

• Join us for live stream worship services on Sunday mornings at 11am: NewnanFUMC.org/live

• Follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook (also follow our Missions and Children’s Ministry Facebook pages!), Vimeo, and subscribe to us on YouTube to be notified when we’re live!

• As always, you can keep up-to-date with all news and announcements through our website (NewnanFUMC.org) or signing up for the In-Between (on the website, click “email list” under “media”).

MUSIC NEWSShare Your Gifts!As we move through this season of online worship, there is a need for you to share your musical gifts. Please contact David if you and your family would like to provide music for online worship: dkinrade@newnanfumc.org

Note: All videos need to be filmed in landscape (side-to-side rather than up-and-down) and should be uploaded to bit.ly/nfumcworshipvids

Thank you!

GIVING update

YEAR-TO-DATE FINANCEWeek 21

Total Tithes/Income: $ 590,086 Total Expenses: $ 668,047 Over/(Under): $ (77,961)

TOTAL BUDGET: $ 1,814,984

Your gifts go to the ministries of Newnan FUMC and our partners in mission, both global & local. NewnanFUMC.org/give

NEWNAN FIRST UMC FAMILY & FRIENDS: We know all of you look forward to the day we can worship together again in person. We hope you have been enjoying our online worship offerings, but we all know it is not the same as worshiping together in the same place. Our bishop, Sue Hau-pert-Johnson, working with health experts and other leaders in the conference, put together guidelines for us to return to in-person worship.

It is important everyone understands our in-person worship services will be differ-ent than what they were before we had to discontinue services. This does not take away from the significance of the service – but it will be different.

Some of the changes include:

• All participants will be required to wear masks.• While families will be able to sit together, the seating will be utilized to maintain six feet of space between family

groups.• Choice of seats will not be available. Participants will be directed to seats by ushers based upon arrival.• A nursery will not be available, but children are welcome in the service.• Sunday School will not meet in their rooms but will continue to meet online• Hymnals, Bibles, and pew cards will be removed from the sanctuary and bulletins will not be used.• We will not be able to sing as a congregation, nor have choirs. Music will still be part of the services through instru-

ments or soloists in the Traditional Service and through the band in Connect.• Parking will be set up to assure social distancing.

We realize many of our congregation will still not be able to attend a group setting for the near term. With that in mind we will continue to have worship online as we have been for the last two months.

Our first in-person services on the church campus are planned for Sunday, June 28. Two different service times will be necessary to accommodate both traditional and contemporary worship styles due to the parking constraints and to safely move people through the campus. Traditional Worship will meet in the Sanctuary at 9am to best combine the 8:30am and 11:00am service options. Connect will meet at 11am in the Parish Hall.

In order to plan appropriately for the number of attendees, we are asking you to re-spond to a survey on your attendance plans—please complete the survey at Newnan-FUMC.org (click the “reopening” banner). Thank you for your participation. If you could respond by Sunday, June 14, it would assist us in our planning.

We look forward to continuing to worship with you during this difficult time in the way that best meets your spiritual and health needs.

With many blessings,

Charles Robinson & Allen Bell

Senior Pastor Church Council Chairperson

MISSION’S MOMENT

God’s work often amazes us and yet we somehow fail

to recognize the ripple effect of seeds planted in times past. I was recently amazed at how God’s

leading in 2018 and the work of missions from 2018 has helped so

many in our community now during this COVID19 pandemic. God is at work in all that we do. To remind us all that everything we do matters, I want to share a little history. When I arrived in Newnan, 6 years ago, the Missions ministry here was very well developed and had addressed many areas of need. Efforts to establish a more clearly defined network of mission partners was evolving simultaneously as additional community needs emerged. As time progressed, and as persons in need of assistance increased in number, the need for shelters in particular became increasingly apparent. The winter of 2017-2018, especially, proved something must be done as homeless/displaced persons spent the coldest of those bitter nights on the street, on a friend’s couch (if they were fortunate enough to have that option), or in the lobby of our Police Department. Mission and community leaders in organizations and churches, along with City of Newnan officials, were determined to address the issues and soon sat down together. Subcommittees were formed to explore the various facets of shelters. Those with success in these types of endeavors in other geographical areas were consulted by the various subcommittees. I spent a day in my hometown of Rome, Georgia, with leaders who had done an incredible job in establishing a thriving men’s shelter and were in the process of establishing a women and children’s shelter. I saw firsthand the benefits these shelters had brought to Rome-Floyd County, especially for the transformation of their clients. The visit was so helpful an invitation was extended to Rev. Bill Davies (retired Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church-Rome; namesake/Executive Director, Davies’ Men’s Shelter) and UMC Deacon/Women’s Shelter Executive Director, Rev. Devon Goddard Smyth to meet with our group. Bill and Devon came to NFUMC, where the larger Newnan-Coweta group met and discussed the evolution and operations of their shelters. Shortly afterwards, Mike Wilson, who leads the LaGrange Shelters also came and met with the group to present the models and operations of their shelters. Other area shelters, like the one in Carrollton, were also consulted. Soon after, we opened the NEST (Newnan Emergency Shelter Team)/inclement weather

shelter for Coweta County/Newnan. In this process, a network was formed, leading to the formation of the Sustainable Housing Task Force (SHTF). The SHTF has met one to two times per month at the Newnan Housing Authority. The Task Force soon began to address the why’s of the homelessness issues, expanding the work to include Work Force related issues. The focus shifted to how we can assist, educate, and support persons on the margins with a goal of allowing them to become self-sufficient. More organizations and churches came to the table. Partnership became the norm as agencies began to explore assistance options, specialties, and gaps. Ministry and mission with these partners opened up doors for even greater endeavors. Enter 2020 and COVID-19. When COVID-19 emerged as a threat here, the relationships and partnerships initiated by the shelter needs in our community allowed the seamless formation of the Coweta COVID-19 Response Team, led by Pam Gabel with Red Cross, from the SHTF. This team meets weekly, with our area representative, emergency management, various churches (including NFUMC), local agencies and organizations, the Chamber of Commerce, Piedmont Newnan, and others involved in the work demanded by this crisis we are facing. Recently, Greg Oothoudt, NFUMC Missions Chairperson, has joined me in the work of this group. Each week, we discuss issues related to multiple areas of community life and the needs of those on the margins, especially. It’s a

team, a partnership, that’s made us more aware of various needs and offered support for things like our recent food drive for Bridging the Gap, in which almost 3,000 pounds of food and over $1,600

in monetary donations were given. Many of the projects we have undertaken have originated with this group. Thank you for the ways you have been at work in this time. Masks have been made, food and monetary donations have helped to feed the hungry, care packages have been delivered, lunches have been made, letters written, hospitals prayed over, and hope extended.In 2018, I would never have imagined that the work we did on a shelter project then would impact our community in the midst of a global health crisis in 2020 now, but I should never be surprised at how God takes the seeds we plant and allows them to produce fruits perfectly designed for the harvest season at hand. My heart overflows with the ways God is working. What seeds are you planting today?

Rev. Maria Bowers Gardiner