Athens First United Methodist Church. February 21, :30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.

Transcription

1 Athens First United Methodist Church February 21, :30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.

2 Welcome We 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 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. Attendance Please let us know of your attendance this morning by completing the pew pad. Newcomer Orientation We invite you to learn about the life of our church, ways you can get involved, and how to become a member by attending Newcomer Orientation, which is held every second Sunday of the month at 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday School We offer Sunday school for children age 2 through adult each Sunday from 9:45 10:45 a.m. Children At 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 Report Budget for 2016 $2,789,339 Amount Given YTD $381,846 Goal for February $210,108 Amount after 1 Sunday $78,540 Flowers The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Leila and Eustace Denmark and Grady Hutcherson by Mary, Steven, Stephanie, James, Karen, Jake, and Hayden Hutcherson. Table of Contents Ministers and Ministry Directors Chuck Hodges Senior Minister chuck@athensfirstumc.org Martha Aenchbacher Minister of Congregational Care martha@athensfirstumc.org Beth Dickinson Minister of Discipleship beth@athensfirstumc.org Betsy Butler Minister of Missions betsy@athensfirstumc.org Josh Miles Director of Student Ministries josh@athensfirstumc.org Robin Stewart Director of Children s Ministry robin@athensfirstumc.org Sarah Lawing Director of Children s Music Ministry sarah@athensfirstumc.org Stephen Mitchell Director of Music stephen@athensfirstumc.org Janis Maxwell Director of Youth Music & Organist janis@athensfirstumc.org Rusty Wood Director of Recreation Ministries rusty@athensfirstumc.org Linsey Jarrett Director of Weekday Preschool linsey@athensfirstumc.org Julie Caldwell 8:30 a.m. Worship Leader julie@athensfirstumc.org Contact Us 8:30 a.m. Order of Worship 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Order of Worship The Steeple Calendar Our church office is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Find us on Facebook at Athens First United Methodist Church. athensfirstumc.org

3 8:30 a.m. The Worship of God THE GATHERING MUSIC *THE CONGREGATIONAL CALL TO WORSHIP 298 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross HAMBURG When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died; my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown. Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. *THE CALL TO CONFESSION Trusting in God s promise of salvation, let us confess our sin and repent. *THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION Merciful God, we confess that we have not been sincere Christians. We claim to follow Jesus, but have not taken his path of sacrificial love. We profess to be disciples, but we are not willing to bear the cost of discipleship. We affirm the virtue of self-denial, but we indulge our selfish desires and seek earthly gain. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for sincere repentance through Jesus Christ, our Lord. All pray in silence. *THE DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS Hear the Good news: God deems as righteous all who trust that Jesus has been raised from the dead for our salvation. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Thanks be to God. *THE RESPONSE TO CONFESSION Kyrie Kyrie, kyrie eleison. Kyrie, kyrie eleison. Christe, Christe eleison. Christe, Christe eleison. Kyrie, kyrie eleison. Kyrie, kyrie eleison, eleison. Translation: Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy. *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type. 1

4 8:30 a.m. service THE PASSING OF THE PEACE AND THE WELCOME Martha Aenchbacher THE CHILDREN S MESSAGE Linsey Jarrett, Director of Weekday Preschool *THE HYMNS OF PRAISE 297 Beneath the Cross of Jesus ST. CHRISTOPHER Jesus Paid It All I hear the Savior say, Thy strength indeed is small; child of weakness, watch and pray. Find in me thine all in all. Refrain: Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. Lord, now indeed I find Thy power and Thine alone, can change the leper's spots and melt the heart of stone. And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete, Jesus died my soul to save, my lips shall still repeat. THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD S PRAYER Chuck Hodges Anthem Lyrics Savior I come. Quiet my soul. Remember Redemption's hill where Your blood was spilled for my ransom. Everything I once held dear I count it all as loss. Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out. Bring me to my knees. Lord, I lay me down. Rid me of myself; I belong to You. Lead me, lead me to the cross. You were as I, tempted and trialed. Human, the word became flesh. Bore my sin and death, now you're risen. Our 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 OFFERING AND THE OFFERTORY ANTHEM Lead Me to the Cross Hillsong United Sung by the Worship Team *THE DOXOLOGY The Old 100th Praise God throughout these forty days. Praise Christ, our Lord, whom God did raise. And praise the Spirit who imparts God s love in Christ into our hearts. Amen. THE SCRIPTURE READING II Chronicles 16:9 p. 381 old testament 2

5 8:30 a.m. service THE SERMON Stay Strong in the Lord Chuck Hodges THE HYMN OF PREPARATION 357 Just as I Am, Without One Plea WOODWORTH Verses 1, 5 THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION Matthew 26:17-19, The Prayer of Preparation We do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to partake of this Sacrament of thy Son Jesus Christ, that we may walk in newness of life, may grow into his likeness, and may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen. The Receiving of the Elements of Communion At 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 communion elements are available at the center station in the front of the sanctuary. * THE BLESSING AND THE CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me; help me walk from day to day with its shadow o er me. In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river. * THE POSTLUDE All Glory Be to God on High Haan 3

6 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. The Worship of God Gathering THE PRELUDE Come to Calvary s Mountain Burkhardt THE CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP When Jesus Wept Billings Sung by the Sanctuary Choir THE WELCOME AND THE PASSING OF THE PEACE Martha Aenchbacher Praise & Thanksgiving *THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN 289 Ah, Holy Jesus HERZLIEBSTER JESU *THE CALL TO CONFESSION Trusting in God s promise of salvation, let us confess our sin and repent. *THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION Merciful God, we confess that we have not been sincere Christians. We claim to follow Jesus, but have not taken his path of sacrificial love. We profess to be disciples, but we are not willing to bear the cost of discipleship. We affirm the virtue of self-denial, but we indulge our selfish desires and seek earthly gain. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for sincere repentance through Jesus Christ, our Lord. All pray in silence. *THE DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS Hear the Good news: God deems as righteous all who trust that Jesus has been raised from the dead for our salvation. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Thanks be to God. 4 *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type.

7 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services * THE KYRIE Translation: Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy. THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 11:00 a.m. Hadley Tate Kimbell, daughter of Samantha and Stuart Hadley, Hadley, 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. Hadley, Hadley, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too. THE WELCOMING OF NEW MEMBERS 11:00 a.m. THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD S PRAYER Chuck Hodges Our 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. 5

8 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. services THE CHILDREN S MESSAGE 11:00 a.m. Linsey Jarrett, Director of Weekday Preschool At 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. Proclamation of the Word Anthem Lyrics The text for this anthem can be found on page 363 of the hymnal THE OFFERING AND THE OFFERTORY ANTHEM And Can It Be Dan Forrest Sung by the Sanctuary Choir This anthem has been placed in the choir library to the glory of God and in honor of Terry Wingfield by Paul, Callie, Mary Carroll, Claire, and Diana Waller. *THE DOXOLOGY The Old 100th Praise God throughout these forty days. Praise Christ, our Lord, whom God did raise. And praise the Spirit who imparts God s love in Christ into our hearts. Amen. THE SCRIPTURE READING II Chronicles 16:9 p. 381 old testament THE SERMON Stay Strong in the Lord Chuck Hodges Sending Forth * THE HYMN 415 Take Up Thy Cross GERMANY * THE BLESSING AND THE CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me; help me walk from day to day with its shadow o er me. In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river. * THE POSTLUDE All Glory Be to God on High Haan 6

9 The Steeple TONIGHT 5:00 p.m. Hancock Hall 2016 Variety Show: You're Invited! 7

10 8 In Memoriam Ruth Waggoner February 9, 2016 Wednesday Night Meal The meal on Wednesday, February 24, is Brixx and Fox s Pizza. Join us for either a 1/2 of a turkey sandwich and side salad from Brixx or a personal cheese or pepperoni pizza and apple slices from Fox s Pizza. Meals are $6 each. Advance dinner orders are required. Order your meal online or by calling the church office by Tuesday at noon. Take-out boxes will be available if you have to eat and run, or run and then eat! You and your family, friends, and/or small group are invited and encouraged to eat and spend time together in Hancock Hall. Volunteers are needed to help serve the meal, and volunteers eat free! EA Whorton edithann@athensfirstumc.org Learn more athensfirstumc.org/wednesdaynightmeals Senior Fun Luncheon February 25 The Senior Fun Luncheon on February 25 will be in Hancock Hall at 12:30 p.m. This month s program will focus on senior safety from various perspectives, from personal safety to issues related to areas in which seniors are particularly vulnerable. Special guests will be Judge H. Patrick Haggard, Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge, Ken Mauldin, Athens-Clarke County District Attorney, and R. Scott Freeman, Athens Chief of Police. In addition, Caitlin Gilmore, a soprano with UGA Hodgson Singers, will sing Broadway tunes for the entertainment and enjoyment of the group. Please reserve your seat by calling the church office by 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24, to help us plan effectively. If you have any questions, contact Dan Maxey. Dan Maxey Church office Homeless Offering Next Sunday Next Sunday, February 28, we will take up a special offering for the North Georgia Housing and Homeless Council. 100 percent of the homeless offering goes to ministries that serve people experiencing poverty. As you prepare to join us in worship next Sunday, please prepare to give and fulfill Christ's command to "love one another." Children's Soccer Register Today! Boys and girls ages 3-6 are invited to join us for our spring season, March through May All teams are coed. Practices and games will take place on Saturday mornings. Please visit our webpage for program information and to register! Registration will take place through February 29. Learn more athensfirstumc.org/childrenssoccer Rusty Wood rusty@athensfirstumc.org Interfaith Hospitality Network Host Week February 28 March 6 Interfaith Hospitality Network Host Week is coming up February 28 through March 6! IHNA provides services and coordinates temporary housing for displaced families in local host churches, and it is our privilege to partner in ministry with them this month. There are many ways to serve, but our most immediate volunteer needs are Evening Hosts and Overnight Hosts. This is a wonderful opportunity to provide encouragement and hospitality to those in need in our community. If you would like to sign up or learn more, please contact Taylor Miller. Taylor Miller miller3750@bellsouth.net New Sunday School Class We are beginning a new Adult Sunday school class for singles ages 30+. This group will begin meeting on Sunday, March 6, at 9:45 a.m. in room 301. Room 301 is located up the stairs to the right of the pulpit in the sanctuary. The primary focus of the class is on connecting with one another through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. If you are interested in learning more about this Sunday school class, please express your interest by completing the registration form online. Everyone is invited; join at any time. Beth Dickinson beth@athensfirstumc.org Easter Lilies Lilies will once again be placed on our altar for Easter Sunday services. They may be purchased for $13 each in memory or in honor of a loved one. Orders with payment must be received at the church office by Monday, March 7. Lilies may be picked up on Easter Sunday, March 27, after the 11:00 worship service or on Monday, March 28. If you have any questions, please contact Cookie Daniel. Cookie Daniel cookied@athensfirstumc.org

11 Holy Week and Easter Holy Week is the last week of Lent and the week prior to Easter. It includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. During Holy Week, we remember Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper with his disciples, and the crucifixion of Jesus. On Easter Sunday, we joyfully celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Please make plans to join us during this week in remembering the sacrifice of our Lord and celebrating the promises He has made to us. Palm Sunday Sunday, March 20 8:30, 9:45, &11:00 a.m. Maundy Thursday Thursday, March 24 7:00 p.m. Good Friday Friday, March 25 12:00 p.m. Easter Sunday Sunday, March 27 *6:30, 8:30, 9:45, &11:00 a.m. *Evergreen Memorial Park " I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 43:25 Lenten Book of Prayers We hope that our prayer guide for the Lenten Season will bless you as we collectively draw near to our Father. We invite you to observe Lent using scripture and prayer. Within the book of prayers, you'll find a prayer and a verse of scripture for each week. Meditate on the scripture and use the prayer as part of your daily prayer. We have included the first two weeks of the booklet below. You may also find the material and learn more about the season of Lent on our website. Learn more athensfirstumc.org/prayersforlent "Don t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees." -Corrie ten Boom "The Third Petition of the Lord's Prayer is repeated daily by millions who have not the slightest intention of letting anyone's will be done but their own." -Aldous Huxley Week 1 February Our 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. Week 2 February You, O Lord, have called us to watch and pray. Therefore, whatever may be the sin against which we pray, make us careful to watch against it, and so have reason to expect that our prayers will be answered. In order to perform this duty aright, grant us grace to preserve a sober, equal temper, and sincerity to pray for your assistance. Amen. by Susanna Wesley 9

12 Souper Suppers Stock the Store Souper Suppers has kicked off to a great start this year, and we are so thankful for everyone s participation! At this time, our greatest needs are donations to the Souper Supper Store, including toilet paper, dish soap, and Spam. You may leave donated items in the basket in the hallway behind the reception desk. We also need groups to prepare the meal for March 10 and March 31 (dates are available in April as well). Please contact Amy Lou or Mary Claire if you would like to sign up. Learn more athensfirstumc.org/soupersupper Amy Lou Reynolds scottandamylou@charter.net Mary Claire Wills maryclaire@athensfirstumc.org Costa Rica Mission Trip We are forming a team to serve in Costa Rica this summer, July If you are interested, our team will be meeting immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship service on March 20, April 10, and June 26. It is important that all team members attend the planning/team-building meetings. A commitment deposit of $200 is due at the first meeting, March 20. If you feel God leading you to serve on this mission team, or if you want to learn more about the details of this trip, please contact Betsy. Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org come find hidden treasure. Mark Burrows, Director of Children s Ministries at FUMC Fort Worth, will lead us in fun, singing, and storytelling each day. Mr. Mark uses found objects and recyclables to turn trash into treasure as he tells exciting stories of Biblical proportions. Registration is open until May 22. Sarah Lawing sarah@athensfirstumc.org Learn more athensfirstumc.org/musicandartsweek Vacation Bible School Cave Quest We are going to follow Jesus, the Light of the World, and discover God s awesome power in our lives at Vacation Bible School this year! Join us June 6-9, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In addition, this year we will have a closing celebration for the whole family on the evening of June 9. Children age 3 through grade 12 will have the opportunity to participate in Vacation Bible School. Age 3-Grade 4: participate in VBS Grade 5: participate in a special program during VBS Grades 6-12: serve as volunteers at VBS Registration is open now. If you have any questions, please contact Robin Stewart. Robin Stewart robin@athensfirstumc.org Learn more athensfirstumc.org/vbs 2016 Great Day of Service We are in need of team leaders for the Great Day of Service projects on Saturday, April 16, and Brunch and Basket Auction on Sunday, April 17. If you are interested in serving on our leadership team, please contact Betsy Butler for details. Projects will include indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. We are very excited that this opportunity allows us to love our neighbors through sharing the love of Christ. Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org Music and Arts Week Hidden Treasure Music and Arts Week is a fun-filled three-day camp held June 1-3, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Children currently in Kindergarten through grade 4 are invited to 10

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14 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 1:15 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 5:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 5:00 p.m. This Week SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Luke 13:31-35 Worship Service SANCTUARY Preschool Nursery FIRST FLOOR Fun Gym GYM Worship Service SANCTUARY Adult Sunday School SECOND FLOOR AND SAYE BUILDING Preschool Nursery & Sunday School FIRST FLOOR Elementary Sunday School THIRD FLOOR Grade 5 & 6 Sunday School: Fuel FIRST FLOOR Youth Sunday School: First Word FIRST FLOOR Sack Lunch Ministry HULL STREET ENTRANCE Worship Service SANCTUARY Preschool Nursery FIRST FLOOR Cub Scout Pack 1 ROOM 100 Carillons Ringers ROOM 150 Wesleyan Youth Choir Variety Show HANCOCK HALL Alleluia Ringers ROOM 150 Making Sense of the Bible ROOM 229 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Psalm 63:1 Disciplines Devotional Bible Study ROOM 200 Children s Basketball GYM A Heart Set Free ROOM 100 Community Bible Study, Evening Class TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Isaiah 55:1-5 Fashion Fitness GYM Community Bible Study Leaders Council Children s Basketball GYM Fashion Fitness ROOM 119 United Methodist Women Circle 4 HULL CONFERENCE ROOM Boy Scouts Troop 1 SCOUT HUT WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Psalm 63:1-8 This We Believe ROOM 222 Esther ROOM 229 A Woman s Heart HULL CONFERENCE ROOM Fun Gym GYM The Fitting Room Women s Study ROOM 229 Kids Music and Arts: Dance Class ROOM 151 Kids Music and Arts: Lyric and Celebrate Choirs Grades 1-4 CHAPEL Prayer Shawl Ministry ROOM 200 Early Book Group ROOM 247 Route 56: GPS ROOM 120 Wednesday Night Dinner HANCOCK HALL 12

15 5:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 5:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Kids Music and Arts: Cherub Choir Age 3 ROOM 321 Kids Music and Arts: Sonshine Choir Age 4 ROOM 325 Kids Music and Arts: Joy Choir Kindergarten ROOM 320 Parenting With Purpose JOHN WESLEY PARLOR 66 Love Letters Women's Bible Study HULL CONFERENCE ROOM Connect Group (Young Married Couples) ROOM 301 Men s Prayer Group ROOM 226 Engage Bible Study YOUTH AREA John Lenten Study ROOM 222 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148 Disciple 3 ROOM 229 Later Book Group ROOM 247 Unanswered Men's Bible Study ROOM 240 Forgiveness Lenten Study JOHN WESLEY PARLOR Chamber Ensemble Rehearsal ROOM 148 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Isaiah 55:1-2 Fashion Fitness GYM Community Bible Study HANCOCK HALL Parenting With Purpose THE HOME OF TANYA ADAMS Senior Fun HANCOCK HALL Children s Basketball GYM Souper Supper HANCOCK HALL Fashion Fitness ROOM 119 Connect Group (Young Adult) ROOM 222 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Parenting with Purpose YOUTH AREA Parenting with Purpose THE HOME OF STACEY RICHARDSON Children s Basketball GYM Spiritual Life Retreat: Camp Glisson LEAVING FROM CHURCH PARKING LOT SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Luke 13:1-9 Spiritual Life Retreat: Camp Glisson Mobile Food Pantry SANCTUARY Children s Basketball GYM Pack 1 Pinewood Derby HANCOCK HALL 13

16 Worship Bulletin ( ) Published weekly Athens First United Methodist Church 327 N. Lumpkin Street Athens, GA Telephone Fax Website athensfirstumc.org Periodicals Postage Paid at Athens, GA Vol. LIX No. 8 Postmaster Send address changes to: AFUMC P.O. Box 1109 Athens, GA