Lent Small Group Studies

We have some great Lent Small Group Studies starting this week!

Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God: The Practice of Centering Prayer
by J. David Muyskens
Facilitator: Cindy Rust
When: Wednesday Mornings, 10:00 AM
Begins: Wednesday March 5, 2014
Location: Decatur First United Methodist
Cost: $18 covers the cost and shipping of the book
Description: David Muyskens offers us a chance to explore a method of prayer that goes beyond talking with God. During our study, we will look at silent communion with God, a broader sense of God's presence, and a way to engage in a deep and intimate relationship with God. Through guided daily readings of scripture and reflection as well as group discussions, we will gain a greater understanding of Jesus promise to us that he is always with us.

A Disciple's Path by James A. Harnish
Facilitator: Jason Forster
When: Monday Nights, 6:30 PM
Begins: Monday, March 10, 2014
Location: Decatur First United Methodist Church
Cost: $15 for the participant guide and workbook
Description: This six-week study offers a Wesleyan perspective on discipleship allowing participants to learn how to be more engaged followers of Christ. The study incorporates our Wesleyan understanding of growing in God's grace with our membership vows of upholding the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Throughout our time together, we will develop spiritual practices, discover our gifts, and engage in transformational ministry that changes not only our own lives but the lives of others.

Click here to see more.

Lent 2014: Living The Lord's Prayer

Back to Reality Wednesday Night Series
Wednesdays
March 12 through April 9
5-6:30pm Dinner
6:30pm Program
Location: Fellowship Hall
Wednesday nights in Lent, we take a glimpse at our personal and faith development through the lens of reality TV. Each week, our program will focus on a different aspect of our lives using clips and ideas from a different genre of "reality" television.

March 12 Stories That Make Us Unique - Methodist Roadshow
March 19 Showcasing our Gifts - Decatur First Has Talent
March 26 Competition -Survivor: Decatur
April 2 Collaboration - Life Swap / Kaleidoscope Concert
April 9 Transformation -Extreme Makeover Faith Edition

Palm/Passion Sunday
Sunday, April 13
8:45am and 11am Traditional Service
Location: Sanctuary
11am Come As You Are Service
Location: Chapel
On Palm/Passion Sunday, we celebrate Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem and mourn his suffering and death on the cross.

Noon Services
April 14 through 18
12pm Service
Location: Sanctuary
12:30pm Light Lunch
Location: Fellowship Hall
During Holy Week, we take some time out of our day to focus our attention on Christ. Services are approximately thirty minutes long and feature diverse speakers. Sandwich lunches are provided by the United Methodist Women afterwards in the Fellowship Hall.

Holy Wednesday Bishop Ken Carter
Wednesday, April 16
5-6:30pm Dinner
6:30pm Program
Location: Fellowship Hall
On Wednesday night of Holy Week, we welcome Bishop Ken Carter of the Florida Conference, the author of Pray for Me: The Power in Praying for Others as he guides us in an examination of intercessory prayer.

Palms to Passion: Holy Week through the Heart of Tabitha
Friday, April 18
7pm Concert
Location: Sanctuary
The Chancel Choir, accompanied by the organ and strings, presents a concert featuring Rheinberger's Stabat Mater and Barber's Adagio for Strings. The concert also features a new text that explores the events of Holy Week through the eyes and experience of Tabitha (played by Katy Hinman), who was raised by Peter in the Acts of the Apostles.

Sermon Titles for Lent
March 9 "Isn't it tempting?"
March 16 "Keep it Short and Simple"
March 23 "Make Up There Come Down Here"
March 30 "Give Us"
April 6 "Forgive Us"
April 13 Palm/Passion Sunday: "Deliver Us"
April 20 Easter: "Rise Up!"

Easter 2013 Sunday, April 20 Worship Services
8:45am Traditional Service
11am Traditional Service
Location: Sanctuary
11am Come As You Are Service
Location: Chapel
The Traditional Services on Easter Sunday will be identical. Church members are encouraged to attend the 8:45am service to make room for guests at the 11am service.

Easter Eats
On Easter Sunday, all are invited to come to the Fellowship Hall from 9:30am to 10:45am and enjoy a time of fellowship and food.

Easter Family Activities
Look for details about this year's Easter egg hunt and other family-friendly activities in the weekly church bulletin.

The parking deck will be open on Easter. No voucher will be needed.

Happy Hearts Dinner and Musical Program and Auction March 13

The Preschool and Kindergarten of Decatur First Methodist Weekday Children's Ministries invites you to attend our Happy Hearts Dinner and Musical Program on Thursday, March 13. The fun begins at 5:45pm. The spaghetti dinner lasts from 5:45 to 6:45 pm. The musical program starts in the sanctuary at 7pm and lasts around 30 minutes.

With a new location this year, the Silent Auction will be held at the Solarium on March 27 in Oakhurst with food, drinks, and a band. The auction opens at 6:30pm and closes at 9pm.

Auction items include Braves tickets, art work, and gift certificates and items from local businesses as well as church members and preschool families. If you would like to make a donation or have questions, please contact the preschool at 404-377-5784 or dfumpreschool@gmail.com. Thanks for your support!

CAYA Uplift Music Event March 29

Join us for UpLift, a worship music experience designed for you to enjoy the unique sounds created by the CAYA (Come As You Are) Worship Band. UpLift will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, March 29, with doors opening at 6:30pm. There will be a time for refreshments and fellowship, followed by music and a spotlight on mission. There is no cost and everyone in the church and community is invited to attend. If you are interested in helping with UpLift, please contact Eric Tumperi at edtumperi@yahoo.com.

The Annual Agape Barbecue March 30

Join us in the Fellowship Hall for the Annual Agape Barbecue on March 30 after the 11am services.  This is an important fundraiser as all proceeds go to support the youth Appalachia Service Project (ASP) summer mission trip.  Enjoy a plate of Fat Matt's barbecue along with sides, dessert, and a drink for $8.00.  Kids' plates available for $5.00.

Kaleidoscope of Hymns: Hymns of Our Faith Rescheduled for April 2

Join us for a free concert in the Sanctuary April 2 at 6:30pm featuring Spirits of Joy, Rejoice, and Chamber choirs.

2014 MUSIC 'N MORE CAMP – June 2 - 6

This fun-filled week is jam-packed full of many musical experiences including singing challenging music, playing a variety of instruments, preparing for a creative program that we will share on the last day of camp, as well as, sharing in many opportunities to make new friends. During camp, the children will not only sing exciting music, but they will also have the opportunity to participate in other areas of the fine arts such as drumming, playing handbells, arts and crafts, drama, music and dance. Click here to register.

Weird Animals VBS 2014 Volunteer Form

We are looking for volunteers for VBS 2014 on June 16-20. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out a form online below. There are volunteer opportunities available before, during, and after the week of VBS. For more information contact Kiera Stegall at kstegall@decaturfirst.org or 404-378-4541 ext. 110.

Weird Animals VBS 2014 Rising 1st – Rising 4th Grade Volunteer Form Click Here

Weird Animals VBS 2014 PreK-3 – Rising Kindergarten Volunteer Form Click Here

Weird Animals VBS 2014 Youth Volunteer Form Click Here

2014 Youth ASP Mission Trip Interest Form June 22-28, 2014

We are looking forward to another great ASP mission in 2014. Please complete the form below to get on the communication list for future announcements. Click here form.