December 1, 2023
Please join us this Sunday, December 3, for in-person service at 10:30 AM.
We will also be live streaming the service on our live Facebook page and at
Athens Church of Christ.
 Erika Heinzle who suddenly and tragically lost her mom today. Her mom’s name was Deborah Brewster. She wasn’t feeling well and collapsed. They are unsure of the reason why she passed away at this time. They are truly devastated. Cards of encouragement can be sent to Erika at 145 Pendleton Drive, Athens, GA 30606.
A Meal Train has been set up for the family:
Meal Train for The Heinzle Family
 Dear Athens Church of Christ,
Thank you for the beautiful flowers for my parents’ funerals – Larry & Kay Veal. We are very appreciative for all the cards and especially your prayers. We were very encouraged by those who were able to drive down for the funerals. We can’t put into words how much that meant to us and our family. Please keep us in your prayers.
We love you, Gene & Allison Veal
The Giving Tree for the Single Parents
We are excited to share that it’s that time of year again to do something special for our single parents. The Giving Tree will be up in the courtyard Sunday, December 3, and filled with gift tags for the children in our church family with a single parent. The kids will each receive two $25 gift cards. If you feel like this is something you would enjoy participating in, please go pick a tag off the tree. If you also want to help a single parent, please donate a $25 gift card. We ask that you give the gifts cards to Cricket or Terry. All gift cards need be delivered by Sunday, December 17, so they can be distributed before 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
 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 1: December 3 – Hope and Lament – how a practice of honest lament can lead to unfailing hope
Week 2: December 10 – Peace that Heals – how the way of Jesus brings healing and peace to our lives
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
Creating Connections
A Time for Women to Connect with All Generations
Bring your friends and family to this special Christmas Event as we craft a “Celebration of Joy and Sisterhood.” This gathering is designed to create memories as we connect with women of all ages and celebrate the bonds that make this season truly magical.
When: Saturday, December 9 @ 9AM-12 Noon at the church building
Cost: $15 (includes brunch and art supplies)
We encourage you to register by Wednesday, December 6, using this link:
https://www.athenscoc.com/give/
Click on GIVE NOW and choose Women’s Event from the drop-down options.
** Payment at the door will be accepted based on supplies on hand.**
Plan: Create beautiful holiday wreaths
(Please bring your glue gun if you have one.)
 Prayer Board Reminder
Be sure to fill out a prayer request card if needed, and/or take one to pray over for the week.
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
Jackie Brayton was scheduled for a heart procedure this week, but they could not do it. The doctors have now determined that she needs to have a double bypass surgery. It is scheduled for next Thursday, December 7. Please be praying for all to go well. Cards of encouragement can be sent to Jackie at 195 Sycamore Street, Apt. 6, Athens, GA 30606.
Please pray for one of our new sisters in Christ, Cathy LaPrade, who is unable to attend church services due to health concerns. Cards of encouragement can be sent to Cathy at 162 Morrison Drive, Alto, GA 30510.
Continued Prayers
Please pray for those who continue to have health challenges: Ken Lauderdale, Terry Stanfield, Pat Snow, and Clint Bullock’s dad.
 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/.
Athens Annual Holiday Benevolence Market
An alternative holiday giving experience
Sunday, December 3 • Noon-3 p.m.
Covenant Presbyterian Church • 1065 Gaines School Road
We are partnering with many other Athens congregations to welcome 30+ local non-profit organizations to share their stories at this year’s Holiday Benevolence Market. This is the perfect opportunity to teach our children and grandchildren about simple acts of generosity and what a huge impact they can make!
If you can’t make it to the in-person event you can also purchase the symbolic gifts and donate to our local nonprofits through this link:
https://forms.gle/8KspnHXs71PeDuns9
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