"A Day Apart" Women's One Day Retreat

"A Day Apart" Women's Retreat Brochure

Wednesday Night Fellowship Begins Wednesday, August 25. Join us for dinner from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm in the Family Life Center. Reservations for dinner MUST be made by NOON on Monday, August 23 for dinner this week!

See the link below for class information - it's not too late to sign-up! For more information, contact Rev. Melanie Martin, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 770-448-4142, ext. 117.

Wednesday Night Fellowship - Fall 2010 - Class Info

2010 Fall Ministry Brochure - Click Here

The Adult Ministry at NFUMC focuses on discipleship for all who are seeking to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and serve as Christian Disciples. We want to help you grow in your faith and meet new friends in a caring fellowship. We offer a variety of short and long-term programs for adults throughout the year. The Adult Ministry seeks to claim and live God's promises, teaching that God's grace is for all. For more information on adult ministries, contact Rev. Melanie Martin at 770-448-4142, ext 117 or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sunday School
Sunday School is offered at both 9:30am and 11:00 am. There is a place just for you!

Adult Education

9:30 a.m.

Agape - Lively, loving, active group involved in Bible study, open discussions and socials. Room 233/235

Charis - Lively Bible discussions in this mid-age class. Both singles and married, with or without children are invited to attend. Ages 40's and up. Room 202

Dukes - "Caring with Christ and Casseroles." An active group, mid to older adult class studying the International Bible Lessons For Christian People; monthly class activities involving caring fellowship are scheduled as well as interacting in voluntary community activities. Ages 50 and up. Room 206/208

Early New Beginnings - Active, growing group of couples studying biblical passages and topics. Many fellowship activities that are family-friendly. Ages 30's - 40's. 

Genesis - Growing group of mid-40's and up adults who study varying topics using the Bible and study guides. Singles and couples welcomed. Involved in missions and other activities. Room 134

New Life - Bible books and related spiritual disciplines are discussed. Open to age 40 and up. Room 232/234

Sonrise! - Small group discussion of the International Lesson Series and other books of interest. Ages 40 and up, singles and couples. Room 214

Transformed Living - Small group discussion on Scripture and various topics. Open to all ages, single or married. Room 211

Upper Room - Senior adults, ages 60 and up, both singles and couples. Studying Adult Bible International Lesson Series. Enjoying music and singing favorite hymns. Emphasizing prayer support, warm caring fellowship and outreach ministries. Room 133/135

Welden Fellowship - Praising, singing, caring and sharing class that studies International Adult Bible Studies. Ages 50 and up. Room 132
 

11:00 a.m.

Agape - Lively, loving, active group involved in Bible study, open discussions and socials. Room 233/235

Bryan J. Hoover Fellowship (Singles) - A nurturing environment for singles and other adults that is focused on God's Word as we seek to know God. Ages from mid 30's and up. Room 214

Crossroads - Class for young adults, exploring God's call and direction in their lives. Ages range from mid-20's through 30's. Room 207

Family Fellowship - Family-oriented class studying God's Word and sharing applications through group discussions. Many family activities are planned. Age range 30's - 50's.  Room 232/234

The Flood Factor - A class for young married couples, topics center around marriage, the Bible and current world events. Age range 20's - 30's.  Room 204 - Currently studying "What's So Great About Christianity?"

God's Green Acres - A class for couples new to marriage or married again. Various Bible and topical issues discussed with monthly fellowship opportunities. All ages. Room 211

God's Work In Progress - GWIP is for adults of all ages, married or single. Currently studying the book of Esther. New Study on the book of Acts Begins Sunday, July 11! Room 132

Happy Hour - Class for young adults, studying the Word and fellowshipping together. Age range is 18 to 22 years. Room 210/212

Home Improvement - Couples young in their marriage (5-10 years) with small to school-age children. Ages 30+. Currently combined with The Flood Factor to study: "What's So Great About Christianity?"  in Room A204 - Regular Meeting Room A206/208

New Beginnings - Active, growing group of couples studying biblical passages and topics. Many fellowship activities that include children. Ages 30's - 40's. Room 133/135

Sisters In Christ - A small group of caring women discussing Biblical principles and how they apply to their everyday lives. All ages. Room 203
 

Wednesday Night Fellowship

Come join us each Wednesday night during the school year for home-style dinners. Serving begins at 5:30pm and continues until 6:15pm. Dinner reservations should be made by noon each Monday ($5.00 person; $15 cap for families) by contacting Rae Myles, 770-448-4142, ext. 108. (Standing weekly reservations can be made, however, please be sure to cancel your reservation by Monday noon when you do not plan to attend.)

Small Groups

United Methodist Men

So, what exactly is the United Methodist Men? Despite what you may have heard, we are NOT a secret, exclusive "club"! We are open to all men and boys, regardless of age.

What does the UMM do?
We do a lot more than just eat breakfast together once a month! We are self-funding, dedicated to serving Jesus and the congregation of Norcross First, and WE HAVE FUN! We serve the congregation in many ways, including:

	Poinsettias for the church during Advent
	Chrismon trees during Advent
	Two BBQ’s during the year, one in the Spring and one in the Fall
	Serving at the Women’s Prayer Dinner
	Rock Eagle, the annual North Georgia Men’s conference in late summer
	Cleanup of our sponsored mile on Beaver Ruin Road
	Honoring the annual Ray Bond Award recipient
	Support of the Norcross Co-op ministry
	Support of Rainbow Village, a ministry for families in crises
	Support of the local Boy Scout Troop
	Support of many United Methodist Youth programs and retreats
	Support of the Good News Singers tour
	Support for mission trips
	Mothers’ Day carnations
	Supporting the Master’s Hands ministry
	Great speakers and breakfast every month, and…
	We do it all without taking a single penny from our church budget!

When and were does UMM meet?
UMM invites all men and boys to join us for breakfast, fun, fellowship and prayer. We gather on the second Sunday of every month. We meet in the Fellowship Hall at 7:45 am and are finished around 9:00.

Where can I find out more about UMM?
Also, check out the North Georgia UMM web site at www.gbgm-umc.org/northgeorgia-umm for information about Rock Eagle, mission opportunities, upcoming events, and much more interesting information. Get involved in men’s ministry at Norcross First! We welcome all men!
 

Women's Ministry

There are many opportunities for the women of NFUMC to gather for inspirational programs, fellowship times, retreats, and much more. For more information, contact Rev. Brenda Westmoreland, 770-448-4142, X101.

Where can I get involved in Women's Ministry?
Here are some of the many opportunities for involvement:

	Circles - These groups meet both mornings and evenings and include activities such as devotional programs, support of local and global mission projects, hands-on local missions projects, study of important social issues, as well as provide warm, Christian fellowship.
	Women’s Bible Study and Prayer Groups - There are numerous opportunities for women to get involved in daytime or nighttime Bible study groups designed to meet the needs of all women.
	Women's Prayer Dinner is an annual event held the first Tuesday in May to bring women together for a lovely meal followed by a time of teaching and encouragement by a gifted speaker. This is a time of fun, fellowship and inspiration.
	Teen girls luncheon - Each year, we hold a luncheon for the teen girls of the church. 6th through 12th grade girls gather for a luncheon giving us a time to encourage and mentor them in their walk with the Lord.
	Encouragement Ministry - Visit women who are going through a difficult time and deliver a gift bag of encouragement and friendship.
	Women's Ministry Team - Come be a part of the Women's Ministry team and help with the various programs and events planned throughout the year.

Emmaus

Emmaus Fourth Day Newsletter - September

Emmaus Fourth Day Newsletter - August

Emmaus Fourth Day Newsletter - June

Emmaus Fourth Day Newsletter - April

Emmaus Fourth Day Newsletter - March

Emmaus Fourth Day Newsletter - February

Emmaus Fourth Day Newsletter - January

What is the story behind Emmaus?
A Journey With Christ - The Gospel of St. Luke relates the story of the risen Christ appearing to two who were going along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Two friends were walking together, sharing their hearts' deepest concerns. The risen Christ joined them and explained the scriptures as they walked, how it was ordained that Christ should suffer and so enter his glory.

This experience on the road was a heartwarming experience as the risen Christ walked and talked with them. The illuminating climax of the experience was when Christ took bread and said the blessing, then broke it and gave it to them. The two had their eyes opened and they recognized him as the risen Christ and they rushed back to Jerusalem to tell the others. (Luke 24:13-35)

What is Emmaus?
The above story provides the image for Emmaus, an Upper Room program that calls forth and renews Christian discipleship. Like its predecessor, Cursillo de Cristiandad (Spanish for "short course in Christianity"), the Walk to Emmaus is a three-day experience which takes a New Testament look at Christianity as a lifestyle. It is a highly structured weekend designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people, and through them their families, congregations and the world in which they live. Emmaus is a combined effort of laity and clergy toward the renewal of the church.

What happens at Emmaus?
The "Walk to Emmaus" is a 72 hour experience. The weekend begins on Thursday evening and ends Sunday evening. At Emmaus you will spend three busy but very enjoyable days, usually at a retreat center. You will live and study together in singing, prayer, worship, and discussion. Discussions center around fifteen talks given by laity and clergy. These talks present the theme of God's grace, and how that grace comes alive in the Christian community and expresses itself in the world. You'll also discover how grace is real in your life, and how you can live in the life of grace, bringing grace to others. You will have the opportunity to participate in the daily celebration of Holy Communion, and to begin to understand more fully the presence of Christ in his body of believers. You will experience God's grace personally through the prayers and acts of service of a living support community.

What happens after Emmaus?
One of the primary strengths of Emmaus is the follow-up. Your weekend lasts only three days, but you are invited to build on it for the rest of your life. Those who attend a "Walk to Emmaus" are encouraged to do two things following their weekend:

	Expand their own spiritual lives through study and congregational participation.
	Become more active disciples of Christ in the world through their churches.

To nurture this process of discipleship, the Emmaus movement offers specific opportunities. First, reunion groups of four to six people meet weekly to reflect on their quest for spiritual growth and encourage one another in their discipleship. Second, there will be monthly meetings called "Community Gatherings." All people in a particular Emmaus community or area are invited for fellowship, worship, and informal instruction. Third, through a newsletter, members become aware of support needs for upcoming Walks to Emmaus and there are opportunities to work during future weekends in a variety of ways.

What is the history of Emmaus?
Originating in Spain in the late 1940's, Cursillo moved to America in the late 1950's. It was primarily a Roman Catholic movement until the 1970's. As Catholic centers started accepting applications from Protestants, efforts began among some groups to make the Cursillo experience available to all Protestants. In the late 1970's The Upper Room (a unit of the Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church) formed The Upper Room Cursillo Community in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1981, by mutual agreement between the National Secretariat of the Roman Catholic Cursillo movement and The Upper Room, the name of the Nashville Protestant community was changed to Emmaus. The Emmaus movement is ecumenical.

What is the purpose of Emmaus?
The focus of Emmaus is God as known in Jesus Christ and how that finds expression in the local church. The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, and places of work. Emmaus lifts up a way for our grace-filled life to be lived and shared with others.

Who should go to Emmaus?
Emmaus is for the development of Christian leaders who:

	Wish to strengthen their spiritual lives.
	May have unanswered questions about prayer, study, and sharing their faith.
	Understand that being a Christian involves responsibility.
	Are willing to dedicate their everyday lives to God in an ongoing manner.
	Have positions of responsibility in the church and the world.

 Emmaus is open to members of any denomination.

I am interested, now what?
We invite you to join in a refreshing weekend spent meeting Jesus as he comes to you through other Christians. For more information on Emmaus and the schedule of upcoming events, please see the information on the bulletin board located in the Main Hall or contact Ken Fikes, 404-583-6916.