WelcomeWe are glad you are here! Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday. Members of this congregation have been gathering here to worship since 1804. Over the past two centuries our congregation has changed, but our mission remains the same: to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We are inspired by the words of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who encouraged believers to “do all the good you can, in all the ways you can.”

AttendancePlease let us know of your attendance this morning by completing the pew pad.

Sunday SchoolWe offer Sunday school for children age 2 through adult each Sunday from 9:45–10:45 a.m.

ChildrenAt Athens First United Methodist Church, we invite families to worship together. Children’s Church is held for children in kindergarten through grade 2 most Sundays during the 11:00 a.m. service.

Financial ReportBudget for 2018 | $3,231,864Amount Given YTD | $2,353,920Goal for September | $224,724Amount after 5 Sundays | $241,528

Attendance on October 7Total Worship | 885

8:30 a.m. | 112 9:45 a.m. | 279 11:00 a.m. | 343 Online | 151

Sunday School | 272

Contact UsOffice hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Facebook: @Athens First United Methodist Churchathensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

CCLI License No.1097803

Table of Contents

MinistersMartha Aenchbacher Minister of Congregational Care martha@athensfirstumc.org | 678-230-9708

Betsy Butler Minister of Missions betsy@athensfirstumc.org

Chuck Hodges Senior Minister chuck@athensfirstumc.org | 706-206-5529

Josh Miles Minister of Student Life josh@athensfirstumc.org

Susan Taylor Minister of Discipleship susan@athensfirstumc.org

DirectorsKatie Elder Director of Route 56 katie@athensfirstumc.org

Jennifer Golden Assist. Director of Children's Ministry jennifer@athensfirstumc.org

Linsey Jarrett Director of Weekday Preschool linsey@athensfirstumc.org

Laney Jones Assistant Director of Student Ministries laney@athensfirstumc.org

Sarah Lawing Director of Children’s Music Ministry & 8:30 a.m. Worship Leader sarah@athensfirstumc.org

Janis Maxwell Director of Youth Music & Organist janis@athensfirstumc.org

Stephen Mitchell Director of Music stephen@athensfirstumc.org

Robin Stewart Director of Children’s Ministry robin@athensfirstumc.org

Bob Winstead Executive Director of Administration bob@athensfirstumc.org

Rusty Wood Director of Recreation Ministries rusty@athensfirstumc.org

8:30 a.m. Order of Worship 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Order of WorshipThe SteepleCalendar

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1*Please stand as you are able. | The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.

The Worship of God GATHERING SONG

“In the Highways” | Maybelle Carter

WELCOME AND OPENING PR AY ERBetsy Butler

*H Y MN OF PR AISE umh 578 “God of Love and God of Power” | unser herrscher

*THE AFFIR M ATION OF FAITH A Statement of Faith of the United Church of CanadaWe are not alone, we live in God’s world.We believe in God:

who has created and is creating,who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh to reconcile and make new,who works in us and others by the Spirit.

We trust in God. We are called to be the Church:

to celebrate God’s presence,to love and serve others,to seek justice and resist evil,to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge, and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen.

*PASSING OF THE PE ACE

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Robin Stewart

PR AY ERS OF THE PEOPLE A ND THE LOR D’S PR AY ERSusan TaylorOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

8:30 a.m.

FlowersThe flowers on the altar

are given to the glory of God and in loving

memory of Beulah and Hilliard Thompson

by their children and grandchildren .

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*H Y MNumh 617 “I Come With Joy” | dove of peaceVerses 1-3

SCRIP TURE RE A DING2 Corinthians 8:1-9 | p. 172 new testament

SER MON“Worth the Change” | Chuck Hodges

OFFERING A ND OFFERTORY A NTHEM “We Labor unto Glory” | Craig Harris, Paul Zach, and Isaac Wardell

*DOXOLOGY umh 95 “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” | the old 100thPraise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

SACR A MENT OF HOLY COMMU NIONChrist invites to the table all who love him and who seek to be in unity with God and one another. When we gather together, the Spirit of the Lord meets us, and through grace, brings us into a community of love, hope, and peace. Let us pray. Almighty God, in the abundance of your many gifts, grant us grace to fill one another’s lives with love. Redeem, restore, and remold us until we are made new. Transform our daily bread into the bread of life, and the cup that we drink into the cup of salvation. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Creator God, holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ. He prayed that we might be one as he is one with you, and he asked that we might be known by the love we have for one another. On the night...

8:30 a.m. service

Anthem LyricsMy God, my God, where

e’er I go—glory. Where I reap and where I sow—glory. When my hand it

grips the thorn—glory. In the still and in the storm—

glory. The sun it shines and then goes down—

glory. Rain, it pours and beats the ground—glory.

Dust, it blows and ends my days—glory. Hearts they burn beneath Your

gaze—glory. My heart, my hands, they’re kingdom

bound—glory. Where thorns no longer curse

the ground—glory. Trim the wick and light the

flame—glory. My work, it will not be in vain—glory.

Oh, we labor unto glory when heaven and earth

are one. Oh, we labor unto glory until God’s kingdom

comes.

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We celebrate your love for us in Jesus Christ. As we remember Christ’s sacrifice through our communion, we proclaim the mystery of our faith. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on the meal we share. By your Spirit enable the body of Christ to be one. Help the left hand and the right hand work as one in ministry to all the world. Bring the blessing of all your people to bear fruit for the present and for the future. Amen.

Receiving of the ElementsAt Athens First United Methodist Church, all are invited to commune at Christ’s table. If you need to be served in your pew, please call this to the attention of an usher. Gluten-free elements are available at the center station in the front of the sanctuary.

Music During Holy Communion“Broken Vessels” | Joel Houston and Jonas Myrin

PR AY ER OF TH A NKSGIV ING

*BLESSING

*CLOSING SONG“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” | dennisBlest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

*POSTLUDE“In the Highways” | Maybelle Carter

8:30 a.m. service

Song Lyrics All these pieces broken and scattered, in mercy gathered, mended and whole. Empty-handed,

but not forsaken. I’ve been set free. Amazing

grace, how sweet the sound that saved a

wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but

now I see. Oh, I can see it now. I can see the

love in your eyes. Laying yourself down, raising

up the broken to life. You take our failure, you take our weakness, you set your treasure in jars

of clay. Take this heart, Lord, I’ll be your vessel—the world to see your life

in me.

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The Worship of God

GatheringTHE PRELUDE

“Exuberant Joy” | Arnold ShermanRung by the Alleluia Ringers

THE CHOR AL CALL TO WORSHIP“Come Rejoice in God” | Jacques Berthier Sung by Route 56 Music

THE PR AY ER9:45 a.m. | Betsy Butler 11:00 a.m. | Susan TaylorHeavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that while we were still dead in our trespasses and sins, Christ finished His work on the cross so that by grace through faith in Him, we might have forgiveness of sin and life everlasting. We are thankful for those who taught us about the Lord Jesus and who demonstrated the love of Christ in their own lives—provoking us to love and good works in our daily lives. Help us to be united with you that others may be provoked into love and good works through our witness, as Christ lives in us and we live in Christ. Amen.

Praise & Thanksgiving*THE PROCESSIONAL H Y MNumh 578 “God of Love and God of Power” | unser herrscher

*THE PASSING OF THE PE ACE

THE SACR A MENT OF BAPTISM | 11:00 a.m.Avett Elizabeth Martin, daughter of Julie and Jeffrey MartinAvett, Avett, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too. We this day do all agree a child of God you’ll always be. Avett, Avett, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.

9:45 &11:00 a.m.

*Please stand as you are able. | The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.

FlowersThe flowers on the altar

are given to the glory of God and in loving

memory of Beulah and Hilliard Thompson

by their children and grandchildren .

5

THE CHILDR EN’S MESSAGE | 11:00 a.m.Robin StewartAt the 11:00 a.m. service, children in kindergarten through grade 2 will go to Children’s Church on the third floor where they may be picked up at the end of the service.

THE PR AY ERS OF THE PEOPLE A ND THE LOR D’S PR AY ERMartha AenchbacherOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

*THE H Y MNtfws 2226 “Bind Us Together” | bind us together

ProclamationTHE SCRIP TURE RE A DING2 Corinthians 8:1-9 | p. 172 new testament

THE SER MON“Worth the Change” | Chuck Hodges

ResponseTHE OFFERING A ND THE OFFERTORY A NTHEM

“We Are Called” | Haas/arr. Mark Hayes Sung by the Sanctuary Choir; Rachael Fischer, violin; Josh Luke, hand drum

*THE DOXOLOGY umh 94 “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” | lasst uns erfreuenPraise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia, alleluia! Praise God the source of all our gifts; praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts. Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services

Anthem LyricsCome! Live in the light!Shine with the joy and

the love of the Lord! We are called to be light for

the kingdom, to live in the freedom of the city

of God! We are called to act with justice. We are

called to love tenderly.We are called to serve

one another, to walk humbly with God.

Come! Open your heart! Show your mercy to all

those in fear! We are called to be hope for the

hopeless, so all hatred and blindness will be no

more! Sing! Sing a new song! Sing of that great

day when all will be one!God will reign and we'll

walk with each other as sisters and brothers

united in love!

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*THE AFFIR M ATION OF FAITH A Statement of Faith of the United Church of CanadaWe are not alone, we live in God’s world.We believe in God:

who has created and is creating,who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh to reconcile and make new,who works in us and others by the Spirit.

We trust in God. We are called to be the Church:

to celebrate God’s presence,to love and serve others,to seek justice and resist evil,to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge, and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen.

*THE H Y MNumh 378 “Amazing Grace” | amazing graceVerses 1, 3

Sending Forth*THE BLESSING A ND CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” | dennisBlest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

*THE POSTLUDE“O For a Thousand Tongues To Sing” | Whitsett

9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services

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The Steeple

"...during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme

poverty have overflowed in a wealth of

generosity on their part. Now as you

excel in everything—in faith, in speech,

in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and

in our love for you—so we want you to

excel also in this generous undertaking."

2 Corinthians 8:2, 7

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In MemoriamDorothy "Dee Bee" Macaulay October 7, 2018

Dr. W.L. "Bill" Chapman Jr. October 7, 2018

SympathyHeartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Dee Bee Macaulay, who passed away October 7.

Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Betty Ann Chapman and her family in the loss of her husband, Bill Chapman, on October 7.

Wednesday Night MealsThe meal on Wednesday, October 17, is provided by Barberitos. Join us for soft shell turkey tacos and chips. All are invited to attend and encouraged to spend time together during our Wednesday Night Meal. If you have difficulty ordering online, please call the church office and a staff member can help you order your meal. For more information, contact Cindy. Register | athensfirstumc.org/wednesdaynightmeals Cindy McKoy | cindy@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

GriefShare Join us Wednesday, October 17, for GriefShare. We will discuss some common misconceptions that hinder healing. GriefShare meets Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in room 100. Please register online so that we will have materials prepared for you. The cost is $20. You may pay online or in person. Learn more | athensfirstumc.org/griefshare Martha Aenchbacher | martha@athensfirstumc.org

WRFC 960 AM Radio BroadcastDuring the UGA football season, WRFC will broadcast the 8:30 a.m. service live. A recording of the 11:00 a.m. service will play at 12:00 p.m. each Sunday.

Saye Property Information SessionsJoin the Building Committee in Hancock Hall for upcoming information sessions to learn more about proposed future plans for the Saye building and property. Four information sessions are scheduled, so simply select the one that fits your schedule. Please make plans to be a part of this conversation.

Sunday, October 14 | 9:45–10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 7 | 6:30-7:15 p.m. Sunday, November 11 | 12:15–1:00 p.m.

Children's BasketballRegistration for children’s basketball is open! If your child is in pre-k through grade 5 and is interested in learning the game of basketball and building athletic skills while growing in Christ, register online! Registration ends October 20 and the season begins October 29. Please contact Rusty Wood for additional information. Learn more | athensfirstumc.org/childrensbasketball Rusty Wood | rusty@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

A New Connect GroupA new Connect Group has been formed for young married couples without children. This group is for people who want to be in community and grow together through discussions on faith and marriage. It meets on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in room 200. For more information, please contact Laney Jones. Laney Jones | laney@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

Children's Basketball

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Thursday, October 25 | 12:00 p.m.Hancock Hall

Featuring: UGA’s Hodgson Singers

UGA Hodgson Singers will present the program for our Senior Fun Luncheon at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, in Hancock Hall. This internationally acclaimed group of 50 singers is directed by Dr. Dan Bara. The luncheon cost is $6. Everyone 50 and over is invited to attend. Reservations should be placed by 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 24. Call the church office to register. For questions regarding Senior Fun, please contact Dan Maxey. Dan Maxey | 706-340-5097 Church Office | 706-543-1442

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Consecration Sunday | October 21Consecration Sunday is a sacred time when our pledge cards are placed on the altar and those who are able to be present come forward to celebrate Holy Communion. It is an opportunity to express our gratitude for God’s many blessings and to step forward in faith and follow him. All pledge cards that are turned in prior to Consecration Sunday will be placed on the altar ahead of time. We ask you to join us on Sunday, October 21, for this special service as you prayerfully consider your gift.

Churchwide BBQPlease note that the date and location of our annual Churchwide BBQ has changed from previous years. This year, we will meet on Sunday, October 21, at our church. Plan to join us for this family-friendly event as we come together to fellowship with one another. Registration is available online to help us plan accordingly. Side dishes are welcome, but not required. Learn more | athensfirstumc.org/bbq

Ruth | A New Bible StudyAre you looking for a short-term adult Bible study? Join Susan Taylor for "Ruth: God's Redemptive Story of Salvation" to discover the message of redemption and salvation for all lives in which this book of the Bible reveals. There will be two study sessions from which to choose. One session will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in room 224. The second session meets on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in room 222. The study is free, and all are invited to attend. For more information, contact Susan or Cindy. Register online. Register | athensfirstumc.org/registration Susan Taylor | susan@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442 Cindy McKoy | cindy@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

Join Wesleyan Youth ChoirIt’s not too late to join the Wesleyan Youth Choir! We are open to all students in grades 7-12. We rehearse on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. in the choir room to work on arrangements to sing in worship and in the community throughout the school year. We end our year with our summer choir tour. Last year we travelled to Nashville and Chicago singing at Brentwood United Methodist Church, the Nashville Rescue Mission, Magnolia Springs Assisted Living, and Chicago First United Methodist Church. While in Chicago, we saw the Broadway hit Hamilton and visited the Navy Pier, the Sky Deck, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Millennium Park. Come to one of our rehearsals to see what we’re all about. No auditions necessary. For more information, please contact Janis Maxwell. Janis Maxwell | janis@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

Calling All Military FamiliesIs someone in your family serving in the military? If someone in your family is on active duty or in the reserve or guard forces of our military, we would like to add you to the rolls of our Military Family Hall of Fame. We want to show our appreciation! Let us know who you are and who in your family is serving our country so that we can be more aware of your sacrifice. We want to salute you and your family—let us join you in this gift you are giving to protect our freedoms. To add your family member, please contact the church office or Carole Langley. Church office | 706-543-1442 Carole Langley | carolelangley@charter.net

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College Care PackagesThe youth will be collecting supplies for college care packages from now until Sunday morning, November 4. You can drop off shopping list items and empty shoe boxes in marked collection bins in the youth hallway. Please stick to bringing in these items on the shopping list: cookies, candy, granola bars, pop-tarts, bags of ground coffee, boxes of tea, ballpoint pens, mechanical pencils, sticky notes, highlighters, and index cards. If you would like your college student to receive a care package, please email the name and school address of your student to Laney Jones by Sunday morning, November 4. Be sure to include if your student has any special dietary needs or allergies. Laney Jones | laney@athensfirstumc.org | 706-543-1442

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S U N DAY, O C T OBE R 14 | Mark 10:28-31

Harvest Retreat Worship Service SANCTUARY

Preschool Nursery FIRST FLOOR

Fun Gym GYM

Worship Service SANCTUARY

Adult Sunday School SECOND FLOOR AND SAYE BUILDING

Youth Sunday School YOUTH AREA

Route 56: Grade 5 & 6 Sunday School ROOM 120

Elementary Sunday School: Holy Ground CHAPEL

Kindergarten Sunday School: City on a Hill ROOM 311 & 313

Preschool Nursery & Sunday School FIRST FLOOR

Newcomer Orientation HOSPITALITY ROOM

Sack Lunch Ministry HULL STREET ENTRANCE

Worship Service SANCTUARY

Preschool Nursery FIRST FLOOR

Acolyte Training Session SANCTUARY

Cub Scout Pack 1 Meeting HANCOCK HALL

Agape Choir Rehearsal ROOM 145 Carillons Ringers ROOM 150

Wesleyan Youth Choir Rehearsal ROOM 145

Connect & Grow Group JOHN WESLEY PARLOR

Route 56 Sunday Nights ROOM 120

Alleluia Ringers ROOM 150

Beyond Baptism ROOM 222

Confirmation Lesson HANCOCK HALL

Route 56 Extended Care ROOM 120

MON DAY, O C T OBE R 1 5 | Job 38:1-7

UMW Circle 3 Meeting THE HOME OF DIANNE WALL

Connect & Grow | Women's Group ROOM 200

UMW Circle 1 Meeting ROOM 100

UMW Circle 6 Meeting

Disciplines Devotional Bible Study ROOM 200

Evening Community Bible Study Junior Girl Scouts Meeting SAYE BUILDING

Connect & Grow Group

T U E SDAY, O C T OBE R 16 | Job 38:34-41

Community Bible Study Leaders' Council YOUTH AREA Prayer Shawl Ministry PANERA BREAD

The Wesley Challenge ROOM 222 Pickleball GYM

Connect & Grow Group JOHN WESLEY PARLOR Fashion Fitness ROOM 120

Ruth ROOM 224

Boy Scouts Troop 1 SCOUT HUT

This Week

8:30 a.m.

9:00 a.m. 9:45 a.m.

10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

9:30 a.m.10:00 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

1:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

8:30 a.m.10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m.7:00 p.m.

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This WeekW E DN E SDAY, O C T OBE R 17 | Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c GriefShare ROOM 100

Ruth ROOM 222

Methodism: Our Story ROOM 100 Prayer Shawl Ministry ROOM 200

Lyric Choir | Grades 1-2 ROOM 151

Celebrate Worship Arts | Grades 3-4 ROOM 301

Dance | Age 4-Kindergarten ROOM 145

Early Book Group ROOM 224

Route 56 Wednesday Nights ROOM 120 Wednesday Night Meal HANCOCK HALL Celebrate Choir | Grades 3-4 ROOM 151

Sonshine Choir | Age 4 ROOM 325

Joy Choir | Kindergarten ROOM 325

Music & Movement | Age 3 ROOM 314

Lyric Worship Arts | Grades 1-2 ROOM 301

66 Love Letters Connect Group | Young Married ROOM 114 Youth Bible Study ROOM 119

Connect & Grow Group ROOM 224 Creed ROOM 229

Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148

Chamber Ensemble Rehearsal ROOM 148

T H U R SDAY, O C T OBE R 18 | Hebrews 5:1-4

Community Bible Study HANCOCK HALL Pickleball GYM

Fashion Fitness ROOM 120

Connect Group | Young Adult ROOM 222

F R I DAY, O C T OBE R 19 | Hebrews 5:5-10

Parenting with Purpose Small Group ROOM 119

Yoga Faith Vinyasa ROOM 114

S AT U R DAY, O C T OBE R 2 0 | Mark 10:35-40

9:30 a.m.

4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

5:10 p.m. 5:15 p.m.

5:20 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

9:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.

Worship Bulletin (614-280)Published weekly

Athens First United Methodist Church327 N. Lumpkin StreetAthens, GA 30601-2743Telephone | 706-543-1442Fax | 706-546-4797Website | athensfirstumc.org

PostmasterSend address changes to:AFUMCP.O. Box 1109Athens, GA 30603-1109

Vol. LXI No. 41

Periodicals Postage Paid at Athens, GA