September 12, 2023
Men’s Midweek
Tomorrow night – Wednesday, September 13 @ 7:00 PM
 Please be praying for Larry and Linda Minter and their family. Larry received news that his nephew’s wife (April) was killed in a motorcycle accident, and later that same day, Larry’s mother died. Please be praying for Larry’s nephew, Chris Minter, and his daughter, Elena, who is in 8th grade. Cards can be mailed to Chris & Elena Minter, 8335 Gettysburg Lane, Mechanicville, VA 23111.
A celebration of life service will be held for Larry’s mother, Gloria Slater, on October 14 in Buffalo, NY. Cards can be mailed to Larry & Linda Minter, 1471 Mayne Mill Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677.
Athens Church of Christ HOST WEEK – September 17-24
(at Milledge Avenue Baptist Church)
Our church family’s next opportunity to help two local families in need begins at 5:00 PM, Sunday 9/17 and goes to the following Sunday 9/24 at 5:00 PM. Please click here to see the different ways to help. Please call, text, (706-351-3092) or email Steve Gibson (stevenrachele@gmail.com) with any questions. Thank you so much!
13 – Men’s Midweek
17 – Congregational Worship
20 – Women’s Midweek
24 – Meet in House Churches
27 – Men’s Midweek
Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.
Deuteronomy 32:7 NIV
In the women’s midweek last week, Rachele and Eliza shared about their relationship and how God had brought them together as friends across generational boundaries. What a great story! It reminded me of an article I read several years ago in a parenting magazine about the benefits of our children knowing and connecting to their grandparents and to their family history – something that can easily be lost in our spread out, transient society. One of the unexpected benefits I remember from that article is that this helps build strength and resilience in our kids when they see and understand that their ancestors went through difficult things and survived – even thrived. It builds a sense of “I’m a (family name) too. I’m strong like grandma or grandpa.” They learn that they can go through hard things, too, and be okay! There is peace and security in knowing that. And God gives us more than just our own biological family. What a great opportunity we have in the church, we have so many mothers and fathers, grandmas and grandpas, uncles and aunts. No matter what our age, we can all learn from and love up on each other. The benefits may surprise you! Here are a couple of great articles on the topic:
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/why-we-need-family-history-now-more-than-ever
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_importance_of_bringing_generations_together
We are so excited for our High School Retreat from September 15-17 entitled “The Possible Challenge”. You can register here which includes 2 nights at Camp Swamp, all meals Saturday (note: no meals on Friday), breakfast/lunch on Sunday, and a T-shirt! Cost is now $120.
We will be bringing back the TALENT SHOW on the Saturday night of the retreat. If teens want to submit a talent, please click here for instructions and signing up!
Please let us know if you have any questions. Looking forward to an incredible weekend!
We are excited to announce the 2023 Southeast Singles Retreat, entitled “Limitless – No Boundaries” in beautiful Chattanooga! We believe that God can overcome any boundary in our lives. Whether it’s cultural, financial, emotional, or self-imposed, God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. For those who attended the retreat last year, the format will be similar. Like last year in planning this retreat, our mission is to create a space for people to spend time with God and to fellowship together in all walks of life. We’re praying that everyone leaves inspired by our limitless God! Register now to get our early bird pricing of $30! Cost rises to $50 on October 1. Click on the picture below for details: 
 Camp Swamp Retreat Schedule
To register for any of the retreats, click on the link:
https://www.campswamp.com/youthcamp/registration/retreats/
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