We Have a Seat for You
Charity Ball Table Designers Are Looking for You.

The 2012 Charity Ball table captains are setting their tables for 8. They are inviting you to join them at the "Gala Event" of the year, 7 PM Saturday March 10. The beautiful tables, delicious dinner menu and dancing all make for a wonderful event you won't want to miss. To find your seat at an open table contact the following: John Parker, Trevor Petty (2 tables), Robert Mixon, Nanu (3 tables), Rev. Paul, LaJeania Broadie-Reid, Bill Arbuckle, Chris Harris, Biff Ryan, Carmelina Mikulskis, Biff Ryan and Chad Sliger. Tickets are $30.00 each and go on sale Sunday Feb. 19.

Here's the mock up.
See the shirt in the Bookstore or in next week's Connections

Show Me Some Love T-Shirts are Here!
Compassion Ministries of First MCC Invite Action with T-Shirt Sale

First MCC Compassion Ministries are launching a fund-raising campaign for our work with the hungry and homeless entitled "Show me some love". The new campaign will begin in February the month of showing Love with occasions like Valentine's Day. The theme features this call to action along with a quote from Mother Teresa. "Too many words...just let them see what you do." This is a call to our community to not just talk about love for those in need but to demonstrate it.

Part of the campaign to raise funds for our work with the hungry and homeless is the sale of a quality t-shirt featuring this theme and Mother Teresa's quote. It will be sold to the broader community to convey this message. One of our marketing approaches is to take the t-shirt to Clubs and Coffee Houses for sales, as well as to have First MCC teams collecting donations (DUO Cans passed) and informing others of the church, its mission and its compassion ministries.

Charity Ball March 10
First Church Celebrates 40 Years with a Charity Ball

We are excited to announce that our annual Charity Ball- Dinner and Dance will be held 7 PM Saturday, March 10. Once again we will feature designer tables competing for awards in various categories, a delicious meal prepared by our chefs and an evening of dancing with the fabulous DJ Doug Gazlay. Tickets are $30.00 per person and children under 18 $15.00.

This year's venue will be the large social hall of the Unity North Church located at 4255 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA 30066. This location offers us the opportunity to welcome even more guests by featuring more designer tables, a large stage, wonderful kitchen facilities and lots of room for dancing.We hope you make your plans to join us as we celebrate or 40th year in style.

Simple Description
When Asked What Describe My Church?

The great teachers of Biblical times were always trying to simplify the message of God for people and Jesus was no exception. He simplified the commandments down to 2 and said all things hinge on this simpler message. Today's world is no different and is eager to hear what's your teaching, share it in an nut shell.

For over one year we have brought clarity to our message at First Church with a few simple lines. This is the message simple and clear that we are teaching as a Christian Church.

We are Reclaiming the Voice and Values of Jesus
We are Living, Loving and Transforming Lives just as the First Church Did.

First Church is taking our world back to the spiritual roots and original message of Jesus the Christ whom we follow. Many have tried to "Kidnap" that voice of Jesus and manipulate it to say things that are exclusionary, discriminatory, disempowering, and void of the true compassion of Jesus. We are passionate about reclaiming it and following the models of the first believers who formed the "First Church".

Bulletin Board In Perry Hall
Do you have notices to post?

We have a new bulletin board in Perry Hall for posting announcements, notices and special needs. Check out this new service attached the beverage machine in Perry Hall. If you would like to post a notice please see Sarah Elliotto, Head Usher for assistance. All notices will be posted for 30 days and then removed.

Celebrating 40 years of Ministry
First Church launches Ministry Theme

"Going to Another Level" is the 2012 ministry theme and our 40th anniversary proclamation...yes! we are going to another level! Its going to be an exciting year for the congregation as we honor our past, celebrate the now and move in expectation for the future.
Some 40th Anniversary Events Are:

1. The Music Department will be launching a new worship chorus that embraces this message that as children of God we are on a upward move, going to higher ground in our relationship with God, ourselves and one another.
   
   
2. Rev. Paul will be sharing a sermon series on this theme from the book of Exodus. The scripture lessons are applicable for these current times as we move from our personal exile to a promised land.
   
   
3. Guest speakers from our past, present and MCC future will be welcomed this year to inspire us. Rev. Paul Eknes-Tucker, Barb Crabtree-MCC Director of Operations, and Rev. Dr. Kathi Martin to name a few.

First MCC Hosts Tri-State Conference
Welcoming GA, TN, AL MCC Congregations March 2,3

First MCC will be welcoming MCC congregations from the tri-state area Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 for an exciting MCC Network conference. The two day event will feature among many aspects the Knoxville, TN MCC choir, guest speakers, inspirational worship, and workshops for your personal spiritual growth. This is a great time to meet other MCC congregants and share in the vision for this movement.

Exciting Activities Coming
Mark Your Calendars of these Events

• Friday - Saturday, March 2-3 MCC Tri-State Conference at First MCC
  
  
• Saturday, March 10th 7:00 PM 2012 Charity Ball Dinner and Dance. Unity North Church social hall. 4255 Sandy Plains Rd, Marietta, GA 30033 Tickets are $30 each ($15 for children under 18) Tickets go on sale February 19

Spiritual Growth Classes Are Empowering You
Learn How Spiritual Success Can Be Yours

If you want to enhance your spiritual life and ensure growth then join us for one of our 2012 Classes in our Institute for Spiritual Growth.

1.Wednesdays 7 PM Bible Study and discussion group meeting in the Reid Christensen Chapel. This class is lead by Bill Murphy and focuses on the upcoming Sunday Sermon Text. The class features a time of prayer and support for one another along with lively discussion on Pastor Paul's upcoming sermon text from the Bible.

2. Wednesdays 7 PM "Hidden Manna" lead by Rev. Paul Graetz, meeting in the Upper Room. This class takes us to greater spiritual depths and offers the hidden spiritual truths Jesus spoke of.
"He or she that hath an ear, let them hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To them that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna..."-Revelation 2:17

3. Thursdays 7 PM Building a Healing Consciousness
First MCC's Institute for Spiritual Growth is offering a new class on Thursday evenings at 7 PM. The title is "Building a Healing Consciousness" with Rev. Ken Wilcox, Pastor of the Buckhead Center for Spiritual Living. The Institute is collaborating with Rev. Wilcox and his congregation to create a joint education effort around the power of healing. The class will continue for 8 weeks on Thursdays, beginning January 12.

Automatic Giving Is HERE
Now all the comfort and ease of Automatic Giving is Here

You can make your giving so easy by simply authorizing First MCC to charge/debit your check/debit/credit card or a certain amount on a regular schedule (weekly or monthly) you will insure that your gift to the ministry of God is faithfully given ...even on those occasions when you cannot be present.

You can start today by completing a form available in Perry Hall (check out the resource rack) or contact a member of the Board of Directors. It's just that easy.

To Print Form

Thank you for your faithful stewardship to the work of God.

"Well done thou good and faithful servant..."- Matthew 25:21