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Opportunities:

The Pump

Princeton United Methodist Paper January 2016

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While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying,

“Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 26:26-28

One new year’s day as we sat around the table enjoying the southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas and collard greens on the first day of the year, our then 10 year old son, Tanner asked why we did this. “They bring you good luck” his older brother, Bo, answered. “I know that,” said Tanner, “but, Mom, why black-eyed peas and collard greens? Why not toast and bacon or ice cream and cake?” I’m not really sure how he came to group toast and bacon with ice cream and cake.

“When I was growing up, I was told that during the Civil War, the town of Vicksburg ran out of food and the people were beginning to starve. Some of the residents discovered a few bags of black-eyed peas, and they were saved from hunger. Green leaves remind people of money, they hope will come their way in the new year.” I also was told you should not eat poultry on new year’s day because chickens scratch backwards and that might cause you to regress this year.

New year’s food traditions are fun to observe and help connect past generations to the present and future generations. Of course we don’t believe luck comes from eating or abstaining from certain foods, but as Christians, we do believe that eating certain foods reminds and connects us to God’s grace. That is why many Christian churches intentionally begin the new year with Holy Communion.

Holy Communion reminds us that we are loved by God. The foods of communion – bread and wine – remind us that Christ gave his life for us. In the eating of the bread and drinking of the wine, our Heavenly Father invites all of God’s children to new beginnings and fresh starts. His divine hand reaches down into our ruts, pulls us out of sin, and restores us to new life. We celebrate Holy Communion because we know in Christ the past can be forgiven, the present transformed, and the future filled with hope and grace. The most powerful and divine food tradition any of us can begin the new year with is Holy Communion. May it become a family tradition for you.

Prayer: Oh Thou, who art ever the same, grant us so to pass through the coming year with faithful hearts, that we may be able in all things to please Thy loving eyes. Through Jesus Christ we pray, Amen. --Mozarabic, 700 A.D.

In His Word, Reverend Dee Dee

January Basket Ministry

New Year Worship Series Begins January 10

Kick-Off Sunday, Jan 24, 4:00 PM

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Visit our website for updated information: www.princetonumcathensga.org

1. Which of these people are NOT found in the New Testament? a. Jesus b. Rhoda c. Mary d. Tylar

2. Which of these parables did Jesus teach? a. Lost Box b. Lost Coin c. Lost Bird d. Lost Urn

3. Is Colossians in the Old Testament or the New Testament? a. Old Testament b. New Testament

4. Which of these people are NOT found in the Old Testament? a. Dinah b. Moses c. Dodo d. Gary

5. “As for me and my house, we will _________________.” a. praise the Lord b. bring a sacrifice c. serve the Lord

(Answers on page 6)

Nursery Rotations

Spring 2016

Remember, if you are unable to work a Sunday, please call someone to substitute. If you are unable to find a substitute, please call Kelly Field.

January - Marilyn Allison (1st Sunday), JP & Lisa Morris– Rest of January

February - Kelly Field

March - Greg Etheridge

April - Diane Parr

Children’s Ministry

COOL Kids KICKOFF

Is Sunday January 24, 2016, 4:00-5:30 PM.

Pizza will be served, games will be played, and

we will have an overview of what the new

program will look like. All children are invited to

attend and are encouraged to bring friends! This

will be a fun-filled time of worship for our

children and an opportunity to meet the new teaching staff that will be helping

with the program for the remainder of the school year. If you have any questions, please contact Allison

Wood: awood@princetonumcathensga.org , (706) 927-9333. We look forward to seeing you there!

Children’s Ministry Seminar, January 23, 8:30 am-12n - All children’s ministry volunteers and parents are encouraged to attend this seminar. Ministry with children is challenging and it takes parents, volunteers and leadership to have a successful children’s program. 2016 we are rebooting our children’s program. This seminar will guide us to making ministry

happen, partnering with parents and developing creative ideas. Cost is $15 pre-registration and $20 at the door. Registration link and additional information is on our Princeton website. Flyers available in the Narthex.

January Basket Ministry

To start the new year off we are collecting canned and dry goods for the Athens Area Food Bank, or you can donate money (one can = $.50). Last year we collected

1,103 cans and our goal this year is to collect 1,125 items by February 7. Email Annette Jackson with questions or to help stock food at the Athens Area Food Bank the third Tuesday of every month (annettejackson47@gmail.com ).

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Fellow Men of God, Following up on the possibility

of having a joint meeting with Winterville's UMMen,

I called Johnny White, their president. He said "Let's

do it". On January 9 at 9 AM our Methodist Men

will have guests from Winterville. We will begin

with a 5-10 minute devotional then have a

roundtable discussion of each other’s organization. I

like the promise of building the Men's ministry. With

emails, church bulletin and word of mouth, we can

get the word out. Breakfast will be egg, toast,

sausage, coffee and juice.

Happy New Year!

Prayerfully, Tom Davis

The past year has flown by! We have done many

things to share God’s love with those who have

needed our help. We shared goods and time in

service, and in the process have grown as Christ’s

disciples. We have studied missions and, through

our programs, have learned about life in other

parts of our country and the world. We have had

fun and struggled with how we can spread the

Good News. Our church family helped with some

of the outreach UMW is deeply concerned about

and you responded beautifully. Thank you for

participating with these missions.

2016 looks to be an exciting year with our new

president Janet Valente. We are extremely happy

that Janet will be leading us the next two years.

On January 24 we will be recognizing the babies

that were born in 2015 with a mission presentation

in their names. Later on January 30, some of our

members will be attending the mission study,

“Created for Happiness” at Tuckston

UMC. These studies are a real spiritual boost!

We are off to a busy new year of service. We pray

that God will use us to spread His word and love

throughout His world.

Sincerely, Pam Davis

Golden Age Group

The Golden Age Group will meet Tuesday, January

12 at 11:45 AM with Reverend Tom and Pam Davis

hosting. The menu will be a variety of soups (some

with meat and some vegetarian). Those attending

are asked to bring sandwiches and/or cornbread and

a dessert.

We will have a music program provided by Hannah

Schwartz playing the oboe and Pat Jameson on the

piano. Don't miss

this good time. God

bless everyone and

may you have a

Happy New Year!

Rev. Tom Davis

Choir News

Praise the Lord! Our choir has added

several new members in recent months.

We always have room for more singers

in the choir loft. If you love to make a

joyful noise for the Lord, come and sing with us.

Rehearsals will resume in the new year on Wednesday

evenings at 7:00 pm beginning on January 6th. Please

join us or contact me for more information at

hannahwschwartz@yahoo.com. Hannah Schwartz

New Year’s Worship Series

Begins January 10

Every new year people look for and hope for

a new start. They want to turn a new page, begin a new chapter in their life. If that describes you, then this series is for you. It’s

about “rebooting” your life, starting again — and getting it right. Reboot shows us how to

develop new habits and priorities that will empower us to create a new life and a new future with Christ at the center. Each week

Pastor Dee Dee will share a story or a teaching from one of the gospels.

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The Athens Area Emergency Food Bank sends

their thanks to Princeton for the donation of $500

dollars and all the hundreds of canned and boxed

food we have donated to them this year.

Dear Princeton,

I write out of gratitude. Princeton United

Methodist Church, once again is finishing strong

in its support of our connection as Methodists. So

much good is being done as 37,000

congregations join together, as we do. God is

good, and as a result, so is Princeton UMC!

Praise God! Sincerely in Christ’s service,

Dr. Gary L. Whetstone, District Superintendent Thank you for recent contribution of $600 to the

Foundation of Wesley Woods’ Community of Caring

Campaign. We are making our buildings more

environmentally friendly and cost-effective to operate

while improving the overall safety and wellness of our

residents. With gratitude,

Tracy L. Crump Executive Director

On Sunday, December 6th the Adult and Children’s Choirs presented “The Light before Christmas” for

the congregation and community. The music was superb and the nativity portion of the program was an

excellent portrayal of the birth of our Savior. We had several visitors from the community and all who

attended the program were blessed. Thank you to everyone who made this evening possible, especially

the choir for their dedication and many hours of rehearsal. Thanks to Pat Jameson for the wonderful

accompaniment, Ben Rivers for reading the Scriptures, Esther Porter and the kitchen assistants for the

delicious meal, Allison Wood, Callie Heard and Kelly Field for their help with the children, Dick Field

and David Porter for assistance with the sound.

Dear Princeton Family, Gary and I deeply appreciate the generous Christmas love offering you gave us. You are a kind congregation. Because of you we have joy in our spirits and blessings in our lives. It is our honor and privilege to be serving the Lord with you. Love, Reverend Dee Dee ~ n ~ Gary

Princeton UMC CARE FOR GOD’S HOUSE

Hello from the Capital Campaign Team. PRAISE THE LORD we have completed 3 of the 5 projects! The final two projects are being planned now. The tree trim and removal will occur in January. The asphalt replacement and repair will be scheduled afterwards - as the weather permits. Because donations and commitments have been steadily coming in, we have received enough finances to do this project without dipping into our savings!

I know the idea of removing trees is not a pleasant thought for most of us, but I want you to know that what we cut and trim has been decided for the purpose of ground care, parking lot repair and additions. When completed we will have a safer parking lot and drive around areas. An added feature is the church will have greater visibility from the streets. Statistics show that first impression is a main determining factor in our desire to attend any type of building. I believe that the care of the trees will make the church be more appealing. We have spent so much on the inside to make PUMC beautiful and pleasing to be in, it is good to enhance the exterior.

Note: Suggestions have been made about how to use some of the wood from the trees that are removed. One suggestion is to cut three crosses and display them in the front lawn for all to see. This is only one of the ideas, I would like to hear more from you, email me at davidwporter22@gmail.com .

What a MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE Blessing, David Porter, Campaign Chair/Trustees Chair

Original Goal $50,000 Plus Insulation $5,784 Total Goal $55,7840 $37,015 has been given to date / Remaining pledges are committed till March 2017

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John Stipe Mitch & Alicia Parker

Our Daily Bread

Elmer Johnson George & Helen Bush

Dime Ministry

BIRTHDAYS

Michael Stipe 01/04

Nadia Law 01/05

Rita Parr 01/05

Diane Jarrett 01/06

Connie Bond 01/08

Carrie Neely 01/08

Callie Heard 01/09

June Brittain 01/10

Marianne Stipe 01/12

Charly Pou 01/15

West Corley 01/16

Kelly Field 01/16

Vera Bramblett 01/17

Doyle Brittain 01/17

Tom Davis 01/22

David Porter 01/22

Leah Chadwick 01/29

Greg Etheridge 01/31

Susan Field 02/01

Sean Corley 02/06

ANNIVERSARIES

Scott & Ann Jackson 01/06/2001

Doyle & Toula Bradley 01/18/2007

JP & Lisa Morris 02/03/2001

Precious Lord UMH #474 Dr. David Knauft

Thomas Dorsey's "Precious Lord" has been called "the greatest

gospel song of all time." People around the world know it, sing it,

and love it because of its profound message of hope and faith.

Written in 1932, the song crosses the lines of race and culture. Everyone from gospel

legend Mahalia Jackson to rock 'n' roll king Elvis Presley has recorded it.

Like so many great hymns of faith, the song was inspired by a horrific tragedy in the

life of its composer. Thomas Andrew Dorsey was born in Villa Rica, Georgia in

1899, the son of an itinerant preacher and mother who was a music teacher. By age

12, Dorsey left school to become a professional pianist. He played at house parties

throughout Atlanta's Black districts.

1925 Dorsey married Nettie Harper and settled in Chicago. At the urging of his sister-

in-law, Dorsey attended a church service where he experienced a spiritual healing.

That event, combined with the sudden death of a young neighbor, prompted Dorsey

to commit himself more fully to God and Christian music.

In August of '32 while singing at a revival in St. Louis, Dorsey received word that

Nettie had died in childbirth with their first child. Racing home, he learned that she

had given birth to a boy. Both grief and joy overwhelmed him. Later that night, the

baby died. After the funerals, he withdrew from family, friends, and even his beloved

music. "I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve him anymore

or write gospel songs. I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so

well," he said.

In the midst of despair, Dorsey found himself alone in a room with a piano. For the

first time in many days, his fingers begin to browse the keys. Soon, the young artist

experienced a personal revival: "I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and

touch God. I found myself playing a melody, one I'd never heard or played before,

and words [for "Precious Lord"] came into my head—they just seemed to fall into

place."

"Precious Lord" was an immediate and permanent hit. Dorsey himself said, "This is

the greatest song I have written." To date, the song has been translated into 32

languages.

I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee,

'Fear not; I will help thee. (Isaiah 41:13)

10 Exercises We’d Be Better

Off Without In 2016...

1. Jumping on the bandwagon

2. Running around in circles

3. Spinning your wheels

4. Adding fuel to the fire

5. Beating your head against the wall

6. Climbing the walls

7. Jumping to conclusions

8. Throwing your weight around

9. Passing the buck

10. Grasping at straws

Boy Scout Troop #1111 Annual Princeton UMC Service Project & Overnight

A big thank you to Scout Troop #1111 for replacing ceiling tiles throughout the church. Afterwards they went bowling and enjoyed BBQ dinner, gaming and other activities. Also,

there was a special visit from 1111 alumni and some prospective

new troop members!

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Children’s Christmas Party and Mouse House

Visit our website to see more pictures

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2390 South Lumpkin Street Athens, GA 30606

Nonprofit Organization U. S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 476 Athens, Georgia

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Princeton United Methodist Church

Office: (706) 353-1123

www.princetonumcathensga.org

Staff Pastor: Reverend Dee Dee Lawson dlawson@princetonumcathensga.org

Secretary: Mary Licht office@princetonumcathensga.org

Choir Director: Hannah Schwartz hannahwschwartz@yahoo.com

Children’s Director: Allison Wood awood@princetonumcathensga.org

Accompanist: Pat Jameson patriciajameson@yahoo.com

Nursery Attendant: Kellie Ward

PUMP Editor: Michael Law

Publication & Circulation:

Vera Bramblett, Marilyn Allison,

Martha Bishop, Toula Bradley,

Diane Jarrett

Pray for Our Armed Forces Family

We want to remember all of our service men and

women, but our prayer list will only include those

who are deployed outside of the USA or have

been wounded in action. Please help us by giving

your request to the ushers or calling or emailing

the church office.

Special Concerns: Please let us know if you want your name

added or removed.

We extend sincere Christian sympathy to the family and friends of:

Russell Gailey

PUMP, December 2015

Princeton Prayer List

In Nursing Homes,

Retirement Centers

& Homebound:

A J Hale

Doris Jones

Martha Kelley

Roger Landrum

Rae Preston

Agnes Smith

Freda Townsend

We’re on the Web! http://www.princetonumcathensga.org/

Trey Alexander Martha Bishop June Brittain Linda & Holly Byrd Richard Dottery Mae Lee

Lucy Neely-Etheridge

Andrea Newhouse Don Shackelford Grace Smith Mary Thrasher Becky Whitacre

2016