8:30 and 11:00 February 26, THE GATHERING This week in our prayers for the world let us remember especially the people of Germany and France

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1 First United Methodist Church A vital church connecting with God and with each other...driven to serve 516 Kellogg Ave. Ames, Iowa :30 and 11:00 February 26, 2012 THE GATHERING This week in our prayers for the world let us remember especially the people of Germany and France OPENING VOLUNTARIES 1st service: When In Our Music God Is Glorified God Is Love, Let Heaven Adore Him David Cherwien arr: Carolyn Hamlin 2nd service: A Gospel Prelude Charles Callahan There's Something About That Name arr: James/Stan Pethel As this music is offered as prayer, let us be sensitive the Holy Spirit who prepares and opens us to connect with God in Christ today. GREETING, SHARING NEWS OF THE CHURCH ALIVE Welcome, members, friends & visitors please fill in the ritual of friendship pad, pass it to your neighbor, and then return it to its starting place. If you are new and would like more information, please indicate on the friendship pad and also stop at the hospitality desk in the narthex to pick up a Welcome packet. PASSING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST CALL TO WORSHIP Welcome to the season of Lent--- a time to remember and reflect on the wonders of God s promises. Remember Jesus, who lived and died and rose again. Remember God s presence in times of temptation. Remember God s covenants. Remember God s creation. Remember God s healing love. Remember God s forgiveness. Come, let us worship God who has promised to love us through all the turnings and seasons of our lives. Let us sing praise to God! HYMN No In the Midst of New Dimensions

2 OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Genesis 9:8-17 READERS First service: Becky Jordan Second service: Renee Van Marel LIGHTING OF THE LENTEN CANDLE Of Promise & Blessing Candle Lighters 8:30 Aileen, Joel, Lane and Leo Sullivan 11:00 TBD (One red candle is lighted) From Genesis 9: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Nature is full of promise: rainbows in the midst of clouds promise that the sun has emerged, buds promise new life, and every morning is full of the promise of new beginnings. As we look at this one candle s light, let s all imagine ourselves surrounded by promise and look for signs of promise in the world around us. HYMN RESPONSE No. 488 Jesus, Remember Me A TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN (8:30 a.m.) Ellen Johnson, Director of Christian Education SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM (11:00 a.m.) Macy Jean Laug Daughter of Adam and Nikki Laug CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (11:00 a.m.) (song see insert) Anthem: 1st service: Make Me An Instrument of Thy Peace Kevin McChesney Chancel Bells: Janet Bakker, Stuart Gardner, Lisa Grantham, Matt Hawkins, Al Johnson, Ida Johnson, Ginny LaVelle, Julie Mallas, Carol Patrick, Dorothy Pimlott, Ron Skrdla, Kathy Slater 2nd service: Holy is the Lord arr: Mark Hayes Chancel Choir Acc: Stacy Eustachy NEW TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Peter 3:18-22 HYMN No. 347 Spirit Song THE GOSPEL Mark 1:9-15 WITNESS TO THE WORD A Message for Lent: Look and Listen! Rev. Deanna Pullen 2

3 A MOMENT OF QUIET REFLECTION AND PERSONAL COMMITMENT PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD S PRAYER OFFERING OF OUR TITHES AND GIFTS OFFERTORY RESPONSE No. 95 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow PRAYER OF DEDICATION God of mercy and grace, we give these gifts of ourselves, striving to be the obedient children you have called us to be in covenant with you. We are reminded by the example of Christ that there is nothing that this world can tempt us with that can match the satisfaction of being tested and found faithful. In our times of plenty and our times of need, help us keep strong in our conviction that in you and only you can we put our trust for the security of our lives. We pray this in Christ s holy name. Amen. (Mark 1:9-15) DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING HYMN No. 502 Thy Holy Wings, O Savior CLOSING VOLUNTARY Praise to the Lord, the Almighty arr: Paul Manz Let us be aware this musical offering is a statement of faith to send us from worship into service. Please be respectful of those who choose to remain to listen. LEAVING FOR SERVICE CHILDREN S WORSHIP BULLETINS Did you know that you can find special bulletins for children each week? Check the middle door to the Sanctuary for the colored bulletins, for ages 3-6 and The bulletins have puzzles and mazes that deal with the gospel lesson (the Bible reading about Jesus) this weekend. If you are looking for colored pencils to complete the puzzles, look in the worship bag centers around the Sanctuary. WE WELCOME YOU! Nursery care is available in Room # 204, in the Christian Education Unit, on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings for children under the age of 5. All of our workers are trained and screened. Children s bulletins are available at the Center Sanctuary door, and children s worship bag centers are located by each entrance. Restrooms are located in the East hallway leading into the Christian Education Unit. Ushers are available at the entrance of the sanctuary to assist you with hearing devices or large print bulletins. An emergency phone and defibrillator are located on the wall near the chapel in the west entry. 3

4 Thank you to everyone who helped to make our Ash Wednesday Service so special. Lenten Luncheons! Theme: Seeing God through the Eyes of the Disciples Bring a sack lunch with you to the church s fellowship hall every Wednesday at noon during Lent, from February 29 through April 4. We ll provide coffee and water. Be sure to invite a friend to join you. This year s lunches will feature a time of worship in which two of the twelve disciples will make an appearance through a special reading. Here is the schedule-- February 29: Nathanael and Simon the Zealot March 7: James the Younger and Thaddeus March 14: Andrew and Matthew March 21: Judas Iscariot and Philip March 28: Simon Peter and James April 4: John and Thomas At these lunches, we will have time to reflect upon how Christ invites us to: 1) Make disciples of Jesus Christ as we witness by word and deed --Acts 1:8 2) Develop and renew Christian congregations and communities --Luke 10:1-2 3) Alleviate human suffering --Matthew 25:40 4) Seek justice, freedom, and peace --Micah 6:8 The Return of the Prodigal Son a Lenten Study at FUMC In The Return of the Prodigal Son, author Henri Nouwen takes Rembrandt's famous painting of the same name and brings it (and the parable) to life, enabling readers to enter the story and find hope in the love that IS the parable. Beginning Wednesday, March 7 and continuing through Wednesday, April 4 (with no meeting March 21), we'll meet in the Parlor at 10:30 to bring this parable into our hearts. We will plan our time so that you may also attend the Lenten Lunches if you wish. Please register by calling the church office at by March 1. Books are available in the church office for $ Questions?? Contact Mary Dreier at or mary@souloftheprairie.com. 4

5 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER --- March 2 World Day of Prayer is an international event that unites Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian women and men in 179 countries. The goal each year is that this day will strive to bring informed prayer and prayerful action to life in our communities. Each year a certain nation is featured and a prayer service is designed using the worship traditions of that land. Church Women United sponsors this event. Please be alert to announcements in the local newspaper and bulletin regarding this event in the Ames area. TO HELP YOU LIVE IN LENT It is hoped that many here at FUMC are trying to be intentional in keeping some, if not all, of the Lenten disciplines. These practices are tools to enable and enhance spiritual growth and faith. A focus on compassion and self-denial is at the core of these historic disciplines: * Fast one day a week to become more aware of those who are hungry in the world. * Set aside a time each day to read the Bible. * Pray for people who are hurting and pray for peace in the world. * Do acts of mercy. Perform random deeds of kindness. Pay It Forward * Give an extra donation to the church s mission projects. Reach out to persons in need. During this season of Lent be aware of where God, in Christ, is calling you to go and listen carefully for what you are to do as a Christian disciple. Pray without ceasing. Keep in your mind the thought that before we can celebrate the resurrection we must stand at the foot of the cross. LENTEN WORSHIP DISPLAY DURING LENT Our Worship Arts Team will be decorating our chancel space this Lent to depict the theme of Of Promise and Blessing, which is a strong theme of the Old Testament lessons for this particular Lenten cycle of Each week you will see a colored candle lit and added to a display that will grow as the weeks of Lent move forward. Each week you will see other colors of fabric or ribbons added to our traditional purple color for Lent. Beginning on the first weekend of Lent with the story of Noah and God s promise of a rainbow, our visuals during Lent will hopefully inspire us to consider all the beautiful promises and blessings of God. They will remind us of the blessed rainbow connection we have with our God who loves us and all creation beyond all our imagination. The use of the rainbow as a sign of God s everlasting promise stems from the story of Noah and ever since then people of faith have seen the rainbow as a reminder of God s holy and blessed covenant to love and care for the earth and all of its creatures. On Easter morning we will celebrate the full rainbow of God s marvelous and amazing promises and blessings in the risen Christ. 5

6 ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING Before the end of the service today, you should receive a special offering box for the One Great Hour of Sharing. This special offering that supports the vital work of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). Your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing lay the foundation for UMCOR to seek justice and mercy for suffering people everywhere. You can be assured that when catastrophes cause suffering, your church, impelled by Jesus' love and compassion, will be in the lead to ease the pain. Gifts to this offering underwrite UMCOR's "costs of doing business." That helps them keep the promise that 100 percent of every other gift you make to a specific UMCOR project can be spent on that project-not on home office costs. Offering gifts over and above those used to cover administrative costs are channeled where they're most needed. UMCOR's specialized ministries responding in disaster, fighting hunger, alleviating poverty, providing relief supplies around the world, and offering hospitality to immigrants and refugees all assist the most vulnerable people whose need is greatest. During Lent, you are encouraged to fill your offering box and return it to the church by April 1. EASTER FLOWERS Vendor: Everts Flowers and Gifts on Main Cost: $15.00 per plant Deadline to order: 3/23/2012 Plant Choices: Begonia: mixed *yellow * white * orange *red Azalea: pink * white *darker pink/red Mums: lavender *white *pink *yellow Easter Lily: white Yes I would like to order flowers at the cost of $15.00 each. DEADLINE March 23 In Honor of: In Memory of A mission gift in honor of A mission gift in memory of 6

7 Vacation Bible School A few years ago, Collegiate United Methodist Church was under construction and we invited their children to attend Vacation Bible School here at First UMC. We had such a wonderful time working together that they offered to host our children when we were under construction. This summer, we re taking them up on the offer! Since we don t know what our building will look like this summer, we re heading across town for VBS. As good guests, we ll be having our summer program at the time they usually hold VBS in June. We ll be meeting in the mornings of June Just like always, we ll need lots of adults and youth from this church to lead the program. See you there! YOU can play an important role in our Stephen Ministry..... Because you may know of a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative who is going through a difficult time and who could benefit from the focused care, encouragement, and support of a Stephen Minister. If you know of someone who is hurting, talk with one of our Stephen Leaders: Pastor Deanna Pullen, Carrie Copley, or Cami McColley. They can talk with you about how we can connect the person you know with one of our Stephen Ministers. It's a great way for you to show how much you care! Chancel Choir ALWAYS welcomes new members! Next practice: Tuesday Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Can you help? Wanted Readers: Pastor Fred is seeking persons who would be willing to participate in this year s Palm/Sunday Reader s Theater narration of the Gospel story. Please call or him before March 9 th if at all possible. There will be just one really simple and quick rehearsal prior to Sunday, April 1 st. 7

8 ROADMAP FOR LIFELONG WELL-BEING These learning events will be held at the Public Library. Mark your calendars and join us for this amazing journey! All are on Tuesday evenings, and the time is 6:30-7:30 in the community room at the library. February 28 Vickie Newell, Coordinator of Older Adults and Volunteer Services at Mary Greeley Medical Center, will talk on finding the path to community engagement. March 20 Jenna Van Winkle, a member of the Ames Blue Zone Advisory Board. "Well-Being: What State are you in?" This session focuses on the impact of healthy living and healthy lifestyle choices. The Blue Zone Project of the Iowa Health Initiative will be featured and how Ames can be a model community for Iowa. March Chris Cook, PhD, Associate Professor, ISU, Department of Human Development and Family Science, will talk on the role of community support and psychological well being in older persons who remain in their own homes. April 3 Peter Martin, Director of Gerontology Program, ISU, will speak on connecting the generations. SMALL GROUP STUDY TO START IN MARCH Jesus is NOT looking for fans He s looking for followers. Followers who understand that There is no forgiveness without repentance. There is no salvation without surrender. There is no life without death. There is no believing without following. Twenty times in the New Testament, Jesus Christ issued a compelling and challenging invitation: Follow Me. Jesus is not interested in mere fans. He doesn't want enthusiastic admirers. He wants completely committed followers. NOT A FAN a 6 week DVD Small Group Study will begin on Wednesday, March 21 st at 6:30 p.m. in the Sarah room. Space is limited to 12 participants. Please contact Rich & Cami McColley at or the church office to sign up. JOINING VS. BELONGING There is a difference between joining a church and belonging to one. The key to belonging to a church is involvement in some kind of small group. Joining a church is relatively easy. Belonging to a church requires a bit more, but the rewards are endless! We want to help connect everyone at First Church in such a way that all will feel like they truly belong here. Let each person do their part in this connection 8

9 Ames Kiwanis Club s 2012 Pancake Days Friday March 2 & Saturday March3 It s that time of year! Bring your appetite and come to FUMC and enjoy some of the Kiwanis Club s delicious pancakes. Friday 4pm - 7pm Saturday 7am 7pm. Adults $5.00 Youth 6-10 $2.00 Children under 6 - FREE! SPECIAL MUSIC ON MARCH 4 ISU music performance major, Sarah Korneisel will be with us in worship on Sunday, March 4 th. She is a junior majoring in clarinet performance and in Spanish. Sarah is from Holland, Michigan. She hopes to one day be a clarinet professor. Iowa United Methodist Men Annual Meeting The Iowa UMM will hold their yearly gathering on Saturday, March 10, 2012, from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Altoona UMC(602 5th Avenue SW Altoona, IA Phone ). The keynote speaker will be John Gaulke, Altoona UMC Pastor. Registration is from 9-9:30 am. All men of the United Methodist Church are welcome and invited to attend, whether or not a member of a local unit. There will be presentations on Youth Ministries, Self Help International, Hunger Relief, Upper Room Prayer Ministry, Legacy Program, EMS Program, Heifer International and P.E.T. No Advance Registration. Register at the door with freewill offering for UMM projects SATURDAY, March 31, 2012 FIRST UNITED METHODIST MEN S ANNUAL AUCTION FUN(D) NIGHT AND ASP DINNER Dinner 5:30-6:30 P.M. Auction 6:45-8:45 P.M. Our goal this year is to raise $15,000. To donate any items or for any questions, please contact: Woody Woodworth ( ), Phil Johnson ( ) or Loren Muench ( ). 9

10 HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL? My guess is that you have appreciated when someone from the church shows up at your bedside. This church believes in the importance of that ministry. But, WE NEED HELP! We have only four lay persons who are helping in this visitation program. They visit just one day on their assigned weekend, and then cover any day during the following week when a pastor cannot visit. So, their responsibility rolls around once a month. They fill in for each other if they are unable to go as scheduled. Deanna will offer a brief orientation for anyone who would be willing to assist in this ministry. Please contact her at STORY COUNTY SUMMER STRETCH WHO IS IT? Summer Stretch is about all ages: it invites middle school youth entering grades 6-9 in Fall of 2012 to come together in small groups, to sample a variety of places to serve, to have fun together, and to make a difference in Jesus name. It s also an opportunity for high school youth entering grades 10 thru those graduated to mentor small groups and to lead by example, while getting training and excellent ministry experience. And it welcomes adults to help make it happen by dividing up what is needed to be done into small manageable time periods. WHAT IS IT? We meet on Mondays at 9am for a fun day of challenging and rewarding experiences. After large group activities and devotion, we spend the morning in small groups doing service around the community. Lunch is at that day s host church (everyone brings their own lunch). In the afternoon, the whole group shares in fun activities like the Ames Water Park, Roller Skating in Ogden, or Game Days. The day ends at that day s host church at 4pm. WHEN? Mondays, July 2 nd -30 th. WHERE? Alternating between participating area Churches HOW MUCH? $50 for MS, $20 for HS (Includes all activities, work-site materials, Adventure Land and a Summer Stretch t-shirt) To Sign up! Materials available from Pastor Bethany or in Church office. Registration and payment due by April 27 th. Additionally, because this program relies on volunteers, each family needs to plan on an adult helping at least one morning or afternoon. Sign-up is on the registration form. 10

11 Thank you AMOS Institutions for your on-going support of the AMOS initiatives. The Ames and Des Moines Economic Justice Teams have been working the past three years on a creative job-training program for the chronically un/underemployed in Central Iowa. We are pleased to share that Project IOWA (Iowa Opportunities for Workforce Advancement) is off the ground. A cohort of trainees for welding and health sciences begins this spring. There are five trainees from Story County four for the welding program and one for Surgical Technician. Each trainee has a job waiting for them with a Central Iowa employer. Two have been unemployed for an extended period of time, two have been laid off within the last six months and unable to find employment, and one has been doing temp work. They range in ages from 25 to 48, four are men (one a single dad), and one woman. They will be attending bi-weekly support sessions to ensure their success. Thanks to you, five of our neighbors are on their way to full time, full benefit, living wage jobs so they can support themselves and their families with dignity. Work to expand Project IOWA continues apace. If you know someone in need of job training or know an employer in need skilled workers, please contact Project IOWA at 515) (AMOS: God Bless from the Ames AMOS Economic Justice Team, Danelda Allen, St. Thomas Aquinas Jan Flora, United Church of Christ Henry Gray, Bethesda Lutheran Heather Withers, First Christian Church $9, was collected last weekend for the various ministries and missions of our church. Approximately $56,500 each month will meet our primary monthly ministry budget. This week s offering will go towards that monthly total and will help us to continue to transform and change lives. You may further stay informed about our financial stewardship as a church by reading the monthly newsletter. Thank you for your loyal and steadfast contributions to our church s ministries and missions. HOSTS WORSHIP COMMITTEE 11

12 CHURCH STAFF Rev. Fred Lewis, Senior Minister/Lead Pastor Rev. Bethany Johnson, Associate Pastor/Minister of Youth & Young Adults Rev. Deanna Pullen, Associate Pastor/Minister of Visitation & Adult Spiritual Formation Ellen Johnsen, Director of Christian Education/Children & Families Deb Benefield, Director of Office & Communications Jo Durlam, Business Manager Myrna Cakerice, Organist/Director of Choirs Steve Pelz, Custodian Zach Irving, Sunday Custodian Church office hours: Mon-Thurs: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Friday 8:30 to 4:30 Ushers 8:30 11:00: Jo & Mike Durlam, Johnson Family, Rea & Don Pelton Acolytes: 8:30 Matthew Farrell & Dylan Schaben 11:00 Kat Hawley & Kari Holmes IN OUR THOUGHTS Known to be Hospitalized: Vern Vermeer, Bob Williams Honoring Our Military: Ethan Abbey, Jared Chumley, Greg Wheelock & Chris Benson Sunday, Feb 26 8:30 & 11 Worship Service 9:45 Sunday School 10:00 New Member Coffee 11:00 Baptism Macy Jean Laug 11:00 Children s Church 2:00 Al Anon/L 7:00 NA/L Monday, Feb 27 5:30 FAF/FH Tuesday, Feb 28 10:00 Quilters/Sarah Sandy 4:00 Wedding: Sorenson/Barnes 5:30 FAF 6:30 Winter Wondering/ Public Library 7:30 Choir Wednesday, Feb 29 LEAP DAY 10:30 WWW/L 12:00 Lenten Lunch 5:00 Dance 6:00 Wed. Meal 6:30 Kids Club Youth Groups Adult Classes 7:00 AA Thursday, March 1 9:30 Golden K 12:00 Unit Meeting/Prayer and Self Denial/Soup Luncheon/P 5:30 FAF/FH 6:00 Band Practice 6:30 Divorce Support Group/P Friday, March 2 World Day of Prayer 4-7 Kiwanis Pancake Days Saturday, March 3 7am-7pm Kiwanis Pancake Days 5:30 SAF Gifts to Utilities: Becky Jordan Roy Cakerice Glendora Clark Dean & Judy Sampson 12