Psalm 5:3 “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
Updates are always appreciated. Send updates to:
New Prayer Requests
From Tina Hopkins: Please pray for my sister-in-law, Pat Allen. Her kidneys have shut down and the doctors are working on trying to get them going.
From Nancy Goodwin: I am requesting prayers for my brother, Bruce LaGravinese. He began having intense pain on Tuesday, and they are trying to determine exactly what’s wrong. After some tests at the ER in LA, he has been referred to an oncologist for evaluation.
Continued Prayers
Milton Orand is at home with blood clots in his left leg. He is improving daily but his endurance is poor. He’s been housebound for a couple of weeks and calls would be appreciated (706) 540-4078.
Continue to pray for those who have lost family members in the last week or so:
Erika Heinzle, DeeAnn Miller, Reese Fick, & Dave Bass.
Remember those recovering from surgery and/or experiencing health challenges:
Jackie Brayton, Evelyn Rosser, Cathy LaPrade, Ken Lauderdale, Terry Stanfield, Pat Snow, & Clint Bullock’s dad
Address correction: Jackie Brayton’s complete address is 195 Sycamore Street, Apt. A6, Athens, GA 30606.
The Giving Tree for the Single Parents
Remember to bring all gift cards to Terry and Cricket this Sunday, December 17, so they can be distributed to the families by Christmas.
Thank you in advance for being a little elf working behind the scenes to bring a big smile to some of “our” children’s faces! Thank you for encouraging the single parents and their children in the Athens Church family.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4
Love to all,
Terry and Cricket
FAMILY PROMISE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK
Howdy, brothers and sisters! We have our last opportunity in 2023 to help three currently unhoused families in our community through Family Promise of Athens. We’ve been asked to help beginning Sunday, December 24 beginning at 5:00 PM (Christmas Eve) and going through Sunday, December 31 at 5:00PM (New Year’s Eve). There are opportunities to serve as simple as just spending the night or just being there during the day on Saturday or Sunday. Please visit the Signup Genius to see ways to help. Rachele and I need extra help beginning on the 28th because we will be at Camp for a teen retreat. Please also do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Thank you SO much for your desire to partner with God in loving Him and our neighbors!
Steve Gibson
stevenrachele@gmail.com
706-351-3092
Between now and the end of the year, we are seeking volunteers to serve as Ushers for 2024. You can sign up for a month, or specific Sundays over the coming year. Three people are needed for each service. This is a great way to serve our family. You will need to arrive by 10:15 on the Sundays you serve. There will be a sign-up table in the foyer each Sunday in December. If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to Mike Rose. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
Women’s Advent Series
Join us as we set our intentions during this season of anticipation and preparation, known as Advent on the liturgical calendar. Many of us have recognized the need for a strategy to navigate this busy season and to fight the drift we can feel spiritually and emotionally. We will gather virtually weekly on zoom to discuss the topics listed below, to better accommodate schedules and obligations.
* You do not have to commit to all of the dates to join the discussion group.
Weekly Topics:
Week 3: December 17 – Joy, Trust and Generosity – how a regular practice of generosity fights the deceitfulness of wealth (the power of money, desire for comfort and security) that wants to choke out our joy and trust
Week 4: December 23 – Love and Gratitude – how a consistent practice of gratitude for the simple things of life can create space for loving connections
Sign Up: Fill out this short form
Or Contact: Rachele Gibson 706-621-9894 or Seyoung Holte 706-559-7585
WINE TO WATER
Meets every Sunday via Zoom 8:15 – 9:15 AM
Meeting Link: Wine to Water
Meeting ID: 819 6996 1861
Anyone who thinks they might have a problem with alcohol or drugs is invited. Participants do not have to be a member of our congregation. More info about Wine to Water can be found at https://www.athenscoc.com/ministries/wine-to-water/.
Sunday School Announcement
The Sunday School class with Shaun Jones “HOW TO BE A KINGDOM CITIZEN IN A POLITICAL WORLD” will not be meeting for the rest of December. The next class meeting will be January 7 via Zoom.
The Theme for 2024: Rooted!
Our Theme Scripture is Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Monthly Midweek Schedule for 2024
1st Wednesday – Women’s Midweek
2nd Wednesday – Meet in House Churches
3rd Wednesday – Men’s Midweek
4th Wednesday – Congregational Midweek
5th Wednesday – Hospitality Night
Note: ALL MIDWEEKS AT THE BUILDING WILL START AT 7:30PM IN 2024!
Cash or checks made out to Elliott Hood are also acceptable forms of payment.
🌿 Athens Church of Christ presents our 2024 marriage retreat: “Rooted in Oneness”
Embark on a transformative journey inspired by the wisdom of “Learning to Live as One” at our upcoming Marriage Retreat.
📅 Date: February 16-18
💵 Cost: $328 – $398 depending on room chosen
⏰ Time: Check-in starts at 4pm Friday
📍 Venue: The Dillard House
768 Franklin Street
Dillard GA, 30537
Cost includes: 2 night stay, Friday night fire pit, band/dance party Saturday night, breakfast on Sunday, and two “Learning to Live as One” workbooks.
This retreat is more than an event; it’s an opportunity to explore and deepen your connection with your spouse. Learn from the wisdom of “Learning to Live as One” and weave the principles of oneness into your marriage.
Register: https://www.athenscoc.com/give/
Click on GIVE NOW.
Choose your room from the drop down menu.
Questions? Contact Tara Buehler.
tbuehler55@gmail.com
(770) 877-0476
