|
Fifty Days of Joy, Victory, and the Resurrection Life!
Christ is risen, and that changes everything! The plot of our lives will have twists and turns, conflicts and challenges—but the ending is now set. It will never change. No matter what comes, we will live in eternal joy and bliss. Because He lives, we also shall live!
This is the gospel truth. It is secure and unshakable. Nothing can change it. Even if the earth shakes and the mountains fall into the sea, we will not fall (Psalm 46). Even if we “face death all day long,” we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us” and nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8).
The future changes how we live today. We are resurrection people. We live with hope and “rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy!” (1 Peter 1).
Joy is more than a feeling. It’s not based on the circumstances of today or our emotions. It’s grounded in truth. Joy is possible no matter our mood or situation. It’s a way of life oriented around a deep and abiding faith in the promises of the gospel …and it’s contagious!
I hereby declare the next fifty days as “50 Days of Joy, Victory, and the Resurrection Life!” During this fifty-day season of Easter (between Easter Sunday and Pentecost), let’s rejoice and help one another cultivate joy! Each Sunday in Easter, Anna, Laurel, and I will share sermons to help you celebrate the resurrection power of God, proclaim deep faith in the victorious truths of the Gospel, and share practices and perspectives to increase our joy!
The Wall of Joy:
We're celebrating the joy and victory of the resurrection life! Share your joy story, your victory moment, or your encouraging God-sighting to encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ and help us grow in joy! We’ll share your joy stories on the “Wall of Joy” so that everyone can rejoice and grow in victory!
You can fill out a card on Sunday mornings or submit your story at https://tinyurl.com/Joyvictorystories (or by using the QR code).
With joy in Christ,
Pastor Jim
|  |  | |
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come to you today to celebrate the good news that in Christ's death and resurrection we, and all creation, are continually being made new by God's love and saving grace! Help us to never forget the good news Easter brings us in our lives.
Continue to bless all mother’s here on Earth and in heaven.
Be with our graduates who are closing one chapter and beginning another. Please guide them in their day-to-day living.
We are blessed to have so many ministries who help our children and young adults to know how important it is to put Christ first in their lives.
Thank you for our Senior adults who lead the way and are examples for us all.
And we are always grateful for our Staff for giving of themselves each and every day.
We are truly blessed here at First Methodist!
| CONGREGATION CARE TEAM HIGHLIGHT: | |
Church Family Transportation Need:
Are you a great driver and interested in assisting our church family who are unable to drive? We are seeking a few volunteers to assist with transportation for our church family to be able to attend our worship services and make medical appointments. Transportation is a basic necessity many take for granted. However, for some in our church community it is a challenge due to physical limitations or lack of access to transportation. By volunteering your time, you can help improve the quality of life of those in need. If you are interested in becoming a transportation volunteer, please contact Anna Miller at amiller@firstmethodistalbany.com.You will be placed on a list in the office so that we can help pair you up with those in need.
Would you like to get involved with a Congregational Care Ministry Team? For more information, please contact Pastor Anna at
amiller@firstmethodistalbany.com
|  | |
APRIL READINGS:
Week 14—April 1-7: Deuteronomy 21-32, Luke 9:51-12:59
Psalms 74:1-78:64, Proverbs 12:11-24.
Week 15—April 8-14: Deuteronomy 33:1-Joshua 12:24
Luke 13-17, Psalms 78:65-84:12, Proverbs 12:25-13:6.
Week 16—April 15-21: Joshua 13-24, Luke 18:1-21:28
Psalms 85-89, Proverbs 13:7-23.
Week 17—April 22-28: Judges 1-10, Luke 21:29-24:53
Psalms 90-100, Proverbs 13:24-14:12.
Week 18—April 29-May 5: Judges 11-Ruth 4, John 1-4,
Psalms 101:1-105:36, Proverbs 14:13-27.
| |
Prayer Chain - Our prayer chain passes along urgent prayer needs. To activate the Prayer Chain after hours contact: Molly Strickland, 229-343-3011.
Minister on Call (after hours & weekends). Our pastoral staff now shares one on call phone. To reach the Minister on Call after hours and on weekends call 229-733-1075.
| |
MIDWEEK Menu:
April 3: Baked Chicken and Dressing, Green Beans, and Rolls.
April 10: Mexican Night! Tacos, Black Beans, Corn, and Rice.
April 17: Hot Dogs with Chili, and Baked Potatoes.
April 24: Smoked Chicken, Potato Salad, and Bake Beans.
PLUS: Entrée Salad Bar option each week and “Grab n’ Go” kids’ options!
MIDWEEK SUPPER PRICES:
Adult $8.00
Kids’ Meal: $5.00 (12 & UNDER)
| |
Leave your checkbook at home!
Have your weekly or monthly contribution debited from your checking or savings account and transferred directly into the church account. Click here to get started today!
| |
Monthly Stewardship Report:
If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone regarding a donation, please call Leah George or Lisa Christenson at 229-432-7407.
YTD Income: $ 479,013.15
Prior Year: $ 335,796.60
YTD Budget: $ 411,399.00
YTD Expenses: $ 424,874.67
Prior Year: $ 455,267.31
YTD Budget: $ 459,382.39
| |
LOOKING
BACK: Historical Glimpses
From your church archivists Gordon & Meri Beth
(Looking back at areas of our church which honor former dedicated servants)
The Luther Harrell Library:
At the September 8, 1965, church board meeting, the Commission on Education recommended to name the library after Luther Harrell. It was considered a fitting honor since Dr. Harrell was the first chairman on the Commission of the “Higher Education” and “he had meant so much to First Church.”
| If you’d like to receive the First Word exclusively by electronic communication, please email kharris@firstmethodistalbany.com to remove yourself from our physical mailing list. | The Upper Room Devotional Books (available in both regular and large print) are located throughout the church. Pick one up to use as a devotional guide for you and your family. A 75₵ donation is requested. | |
 | |
Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and then called them to a life of service.
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:14-15 NIV
John Wesley identified “acts of mercy” as a means of grace. The Holy Spirit pours out the power of God and transforms the one who serves so that they become more like Jesus. For example, serving others is how you will learn to live with humility. Richard Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth has written that when you decide to become a servant, you give up your right to be in charge, because in some way you have put yourself at the disposal of another. You learn to give up your agenda and preferences on behalf of another person.
Sometimes service is a “big deal,” where you make significant sacrifices on an on-going basis. You participate in an organized ministry. You establish and continue a relationship in order to meet a particular need. These are times of transformation, and you should be ready to respond to the prompting when the Spirit invites you to get involved.
But some opportunities for service may be less obvious. You initiate a conversation with someone in the hospitality industry; you write an encouraging note or email a friend who is going through a tough time; you invite a harried stranger to move ahead in line; you say “thank-you” to the distracted server who brings your food — these responses may seem “small,” but they can make a great impact in the life of another person who now understands that they are not invisible.
Your service will be unique to your personality, gifts, and even stage of life. No matter how you serve, when you follow the example of Jesus, you will live with a deeper sense of connection with God and other people. There will be more joy sprinkled throughout your day, because in the process of helping another you will discover more about yourself and who God has made you to be.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10 NIV
| |
MONDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY:
Join Brandon Keaton for an expository study of the Gospel of Mark. Mark’s narrative is so action-packed! Jesus is always on the move, declaring the Kingdom of God is near and demonstrating what the Kingdom will look like. This supper study meets Mondays at 6:00 PM in Sapp Conference Room.
| |
Tuesday Ladies' Bible Study:
James: Your Authentic Faith
Join us as we take a deep dive into the New Testament book of James, where faith is not an abstract idea but a practical way of living. During our six-week study we will discover what it means to live with authenticity in our contemporary world.
Study begins Tuesday, April 9
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Sapp Conference Room
Facilitator: Laurel Griffith
| |
MIDWEEK: Sign-up online or outside the church office.
Studies begin Wednesday, April 10, 6:00—7:00 PM
Midweek Women:
Untangle Your Emotions: Discover How God Made You to Feel—Feelings aren’t sinful. In fact, the way you feel can lead you to a deeper connection with God and other people. Author Jennie Allen will guide the discussion, using scientific research, biblical insight, and her own story to help you explore the world of feelings. Join us and learn how to apply biblical wisdom and therapeutic research in order to live an emotionally healthy life.
Facilitator: Lauren Ray
Location: Sapp Conference Room | Study Guide: $15.00
Midweek Men:
The Awe of God: The Astounding Way a Healthy Fear of God Transforms Your Life—Fearing God is very different than being afraid of God. The awe of God is not a topic you’ll hear much about these days, but if you want to build a faith that stands strong through troubled times, you cannot afford to dismiss this idea. Author John Bevere will be your guide as you learn how healthy and holy fear builds maturity and conformity to the image of Christ. You will learn how the awe of God will lead to your own confidence, fearlessness, and security.
Facilitator: Chad Mullins
Location: River Classroom | Study Guide: $15.00
Midweek Studies:
God Sightings—Join us for a spring discussion of our God Sightings reading together. We will dig deeper and discover together how God’s presence is with us in unpredictable, yet in everyday ordinary ways. We will explore penetrating, life-changing questions, and see God with brand-new eyes as we share together. Find freshness in God in this new season of bright days in a fun and interactive way.
Facilitator: Anna Miller
Location: Library
Midweek Bible Study:
James: Your Authentic Faith—Join us as we take a deep dive into the New Testament book of James, where faith is not an abstract idea but a practical way of living. During our six-week study we will discover what it means to live with authenticity in our contemporary world.
Facilitator: Laurel Griffith
Location: Conference Room A
| |
A Few
Highlights!
View Full Newsletter Here
| A career at First Methodist Church of Albany is a fulfilling way to live out a call to ministry and serve the Lord by serving our community. To be a part of our team is to work alongside high-caliber clergy, staff, and laity who follow the Lord with their whole hearts, seek God's best for one another through love, service, and mentoring, and continually innovate together with a passion for following the Holy Spirit's leading for the greatest impact. For more information, visit www.firstmethodistalbany.com/careers. The following opportunities are currently available: | |
How to Apply
Applying for a career position at First Methodist Church of Albany is easy!
Send your resume to careers@firstmethodistalbany.com, including the position you’re applying for in the subject line,
or mail your resume (please indicate which position you’re applying for) to:
Staff Parish Relations Committee
First Methodist Church of Albany
307 Flint Ave.
Albany, GA 31701
| First Methodist Church of Albany is a 1,850-member Global Methodist Church in the heart of downtown Albany, GA. Founded at the formation of our city, we have a rich history of passionate worship, intergenerational life, and leadership in our community and around the world. We are committed to serving our community and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ across the world through mission and ministry. | |
I always think of the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” In fun keeping of our April rain showers, let’s provide shower items to those in need this month. Please place your donations in the Mission baskets or drop them off at the front office. Please bring wash cloths, body wash, shower sponge, travel size shampoo & conditioner, and soap. These items will be packed into our Blessing Bags. | |
APRIL SAM GATHERING:
Join us Thursday, April 18 for our monthly SAM Gathering! This month we will be taking a MYSTERY TRIP for lunch. We will leave the Ford Hall parking lot at 10:00 AM sharp! Please RSVP to the main church office by Tuesday, April 16. Cost is $10.00 for lunch. For further questions, contact Brandon Keaton.
| Men’s Fellowship @ Camp Kirksey! Join the men of our church for fellowship and a meal together on April 11. Supper is served at 6:00 PM but come as early as 5:30 PM to hang out around the grill. Call the church to make your reservation by noon on April 9. Donations appreciated, but not required. |  | |
KIDS CAMP 307 is our summer kids’ program that meets on Mondays and Wednesdays, May 29 – July 26, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM for children ages 8 weeks – 1st grade. Kids 2yrs – 1st grade can also attend on Fridays this year! (Camp will not meet during Vacation Bible School, June 10-14.) Cost varies by age. $50 nonrefundable deposit due with registration.
For Babies and Ones: $175/month for June and July ($350)
For Twos and Up: $200/month for June and July ($400)
Registration forms are available in the kid’s building, the front office of the church, and by contacting Allison Vandenbergh.
WE’RE HIRING KIDS CAMP 307 STAFF See details above.
Contact Ashlee Crawford at 229-364-4071 if you are interested in applying.
| |
Allison Vandenbergh
Director of Children’s Ministries
avandenbergh@firstmethodistalbany.com
| Get on Board for Preschool 2024-2025! Registration will began for families currently in the program and church members. The registration fee is $100 per child. Registration to the public is now open. If you would like more information or would like to schedule a visit, please call Erin Loyd at 432-5512. |  |  | |
New Thrive Youth Schedule Each Sunday Thrive will meet from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. All students are welcome to come!
Every week we will have choir/band, “Together Time Devotional,” snack supper, and small groups.
We will also have a different activity each Sunday night of the month.
Here is the April 2024 Schedule:
April 7 - GAME NIGHT:
Dodge Ball Tournament
April 14 - MISSIONS NIGHT:
T-Shirt Auction for Missions
April 21 - GUYS/GIRLS NIGHT:
Mystery Meeting
April 28 - BIG NIGHT OUT:
First Methodist vs Porterfield Softball Game
SAVE the DATE! YOUTH MISSIONS AUCTION—We are looking forward to our annual youth missions auction Wednesday, May 1, 2024. We will enjoy a great time together with our Live and Silent Auction. Proceeds will go towards Hosanna Youth Missions. We hope to see you there!
Wednesday Night Youth Activities—We Need Parent Volunteers! Thrive Student Ministries and the Youth Council are looking for extra volunteers to help in the Wednesday night rotation. We know that spring is a busy time of year, but if you have an hour on Wednesday night to spare, this gig is for you. Wednesday nights typically have a small number of youths attending, and we just need extra volunteers to lead them in a small devotional or play games such as Bible trivia, and then take them to the gym for a game of dodgeball. It is an easy night to spend time with our youth. Please contact the church, if you are willing to help the Youth Council by serving on a Wednesday night or two.
Awanita Middle School Camp—June 24-28, 2024—Registration for Awanita Middle School Camp is now open! Awanita is a wonderful week-long opportunity for your 6th-8th grade students to have an awesome time and get to know each other and Jesus better. Lots of games, crafts, and worship. This is a great camp to invite friends who may not have a home church. Save your student’s spot now!
|  |  | Sanctuary Choir: First Methodist Music Ministries presents “Behold Him” with the Sanctuary Choir and Worship Team, and members of the Albany Symphony. 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM services Palm Sunday, March 24. |  |  | |
Hosanna and Regeneration News—Deposits are DUE! Our trips are a part of the entire student ministry program and we want your students to be a part of the ministry as a whole. In order to go on these extended trips we expect that students will come weekly to Sunday night activities. Since there are mission components (and musical components) we need your students to actively participate. We hope to see your students as often as possible!
Hosanna and Regeneration Deadlines: Regeneration tour payments are due Sunday, April 14. Hosanna deposits are DUE NOW!
Hosanna Booster Sunday is coming up Sunday, April 14! Our high school students who are participating in the Hosanna Youth Choir tour this year will be in Sunday School classes and around our church campus to make you a Hosanna Booster for only $20.00. Thank you for your continued support of this vital youth ministry!
| Be on the lookout for more information soon about our summer 2025 trip to Scotland! | |
