Athens First United Methodist Church

Transcription

1 Athens First United Methodist Church The First Sunday in Lent February 22, :30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.

2 Welcome We re glad you re here! Thank you for joining us today. Members of this congregation have been gathering here to worship since 1804, when our church was formed to minister to the Native American and European settlers in Athens. 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. At Athens First United Methodist, there are many ways to get involved, grow in your faith, and do good in our community. If you are unable to attend worship in person, each Sunday our 11:00 a.m. service is broadcast on WRFC 960 AM, and our 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. services are live-streamed on our website at athensfirstumc.org/webcast. Nursery Our nursery is available for infants through four-year-olds on Sundays from 8:15 a.m. 12:15 p.m. The nursery area is located on the first floor of the building, off the Washington Street entrance. Children Worship activity bags (age appropriate for all preschool and elementary children) are available every Sunday in the narthex and by the south entrance of the sanctuary. Children s Church is held for children in kindergarten through second grade and follows the Children s Message during 11:00 a.m. worship all Sundays except for Communion Sundays. Sunday School We offer Sunday School for all ages, kindergarten through adult, each Sunday from 9:45 10:45 a.m. For a list of adult Sunday School classes and locations, visit athensfirstumc.org/ adultsundayschool. Connect We are blessed to have a large congregation. Because of this, we offer many programs and ministries. It can be overwhelming trying to decide where to get involved. If you would like a buddy to guide you along this process, please notify a Helper. Helpers serve as part of our Welcome Ministry team. Look for them in the narthex or near the altar. You can also contact a Helper through our website athensfirstumc.org/helper. Another great way to learn about the life of our church is through attending a Newcomer Orientation held every second Sunday of the month at 9:45 and 11 a.m. We also encourage you to visit our website, athensfirstumc.org, for information about our ministries, to register for events, and to listen to sermons from our sermon archive. Visit athensfirstumc.org/thesteeple to sign up for our weekly newsletter, the esteeple. You can also connect with us via social media. Find on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Our church office is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. If you need assistance, please call

3 The Worship of God *Please stand as you are able. The congregation speaks or sings the text in bold type. The flowers on the altar today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Melba Joy Parker by Olin Parker, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The flowers in the narthex today are given to the glory of God and in celebration of the marriage of Amelia Wilson and Brandon Simmons and to honor their church family at Athens First United Methodist Church. Gathering THE PRELUDE Jesus the Very Thought of Thee Whitsett WELCOME AND OPENING PRAYER Martha Aenchbacher THE CALL TO WORSHIP 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Lamb of God Christiansen Sung by the Sanctuary Choir Praise & Thanksgiving * THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN 269 Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days LAND OF REST * THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of compassion, in Jesus Christ you did not disdain the company of sinners but welcomed them with love. Look upon us in mercy, we pray. Our sins are more than we can bear; our pasts enslave us; our misdeeds are beyond correcting. Forgive the wrongs we cannot undo; free us from a past we cannot change; heal what we can no longer fix. Grace our lives with your love and turn the tears of our past into the joys of new life with you. Amen. WORSHIP BULLETIN 1

4 * THE KYRIE Translation: Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy. * THE PASSING OF THE PEACE WORSHIP BULLETIN 2

5 Daughter of Amy & Shane O Neill THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 11:00 a.m. Nora Catherine O Neill Nora, Nora, 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. Nora, Nora, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too. THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD S PRAYER Betsy Butler 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 ANTHEM 11:00 a.m. The Lord s Prayer Sung by the Route 56 Octane Choir THE CHILDREN S MESSAGE 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. At the 11:00 a.m. service, children in kindergarten through second grade will go to W.O.W. in the Caravans room on the third floor. Parents are to pick up children from the third floor children s area at the end of the service. Proclamation of the Word THE OFFERING THE OFFERTORY ANTHEM 8:30 a.m. It All Belongs to You by Julie Caldwell 9:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Surely He Has Borne Our Griefs Graun ed. Collins Sung by the Sanctuary Choir; Rachael Fischer, violin; Lucas Scalamagna, violin; Becca Floyd, viola; Ana Abrantes, cello; Chris Enghauser, bass * 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. WORSHIP BULLETIN 3

6 THE SCRIPTURE READING Mark 2:23-28 One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath? And he said to them, Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions. Then he said to them, The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath. THE SERMON There Should Be a Law Against It Chuck Hodges Response to the Word THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION 8:30 a.m. Turn to page 9 in the hymnal for the liturgy. 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 station in the front of the altar. Sending Forth * THE HYMN 110 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God EIN FESTE BURG * THE BLESSING * THE CHORAL RESPONSE Lead Me Lord S.S. Wesley Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, that makest me dwell in safety. * POSTLUDE There Is a Balm in Gilead Traditional WORSHIP BULLETIN 4

7 FEBRUARY USHERS 8:30 a.m. Jim Belger, Ann and Paul Brown, Larry Deal, Hugh Larkey, Mack Lowrey, Jim Lyons, Candler Meadors, Olan Moore, Bob Noble, Grace Rabek, Ken Reece, Keith Wilson, Michael and Sharon Broun 9:45 a.m. Chris Bostdorff, Tom Cooper, David and Jane Disney, Mark Ellison, Mark Firth, Tom Hedges, Dan Lasseter, Jim Lyons, Sharon Milton, Tom Milton, Al Rogers, Bill Trigleth, Michelle and Reeves McNeill 11:00 a.m. Bob Green, Nat Carmack, Marty Webb, Ben Ayers, Spence Johnson, Jim Lyons, Kyle Beeson OFFERING STEWARDS Bob Booth, Charlie Grimes, Jim Lyons, Nat Carmack, Henry Garrard, Nathan King, Al Hawley, Sean Rogers, Charlie Upchurch III GREETERS Mary Beisswenger, Gay Crowe, Jane Harvey, Cyndy Harbold, Dale and Ryan Nesbit, Mack Lowrey, Al Rogers, Ben Griffith, Joanne Timberlake, Jacob Hudson FIRST LIGHT ACOLYTES 8:30 a.m. Sara Catherine Pennell, Millican Jarrett, Emily Elder 9:45 a.m Annabelle Woodard, Lauren Griffith, Seele Jarrett 11:00 a.m. Kate Williams, Elijah Bullock, Catie Elder ATTENDANCE ON FEBRUARY 15 Total Worship 1,041 Sunday School 418 8:30 a.m :45 a.m :00 a.m. 389 Online 86 FINANCIAL REPORT Budget for 2015 $2,641,842 Amount Given YTD $467,131 Goal for February $198,215 Amount after 2 Sundays $148,642 OUR MINISTERS AND PROGRAM DIRECTORS Chuck Hodges Senior Minister athensfirstumc.org chuck@athensfirstumc.org Martha Aenchbacher Minister of Congregational Care athensfirstumc.org/caregroups martha@athensfirstumc.org Beth Dickinson Minister of Discipleship athensfirstumc.org/studies beth@athensfirstumc.org Betsy Butler Minister of Missions athensfirstumc.org/missions betsy@athensfirstumc.org Josh Miles Director of Student Ministries athensfirstumc.org/youth/students josh@athensfirstumc.org Robin Stewart Director of Children s Ministry athensfirstumc.org/sundaymorning robinafumc@bellsouth.net Sarah Lawing Director of Children s Music Ministry athensfirstumc.org/childrensmusic sarah@athensfirstumc.org Stephen Mitchell Director of Music athensfirstumc.org/adultmusicministry stephen@athensfirstumc.org Janis Maxwell Director of Youth Music & Organist athensfirstumc.org/wyc janis@athensfirstumc.org Lynn Bryant Director of REACH International athensfirstumc.org/reachinternational lynn@athensfirstumc.org Rusty Wood Director of Recreation Ministries athensfirstumc.org/recreation rusty@athensfirstumc.org Linsey Jarrett Director of Weekday Preschool athensfirstumc.org/weekdaypreschool linsey@athensfirstumc.org WORSHIP BULLETIN 5

8 The Steeple Variety Show Love is in the Air March 1 5:00 p.m. Hancock Hall Presented by Wesleyan Youth Choir

9 In Memoriam Bobby Towns February 10, 2015 In Sympathy Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to Robin Towns in the loss of her husband and to Ashley Carter and family in the loss of her father, Bobby Towns, on February 10. Baptism Marian Elaine Jackson received the Sacrament of Baptism on February 15 in our sanctuary. Marian is the daughter of Helen and Reed Jackson. New Members On February 15 we welcomed Kristin Bryce, Anita and Bob Dean, Helen and Reed Jackson, Kaitlin and Andrew Mason, and Danny and Norma Morcom to the Athens First United Methodist family. New Arrivals Congratulations to Valerie and Dax Langley on the birth of their daughter, Margaret Grace, Mamie, on February 16. Mamie is the granddaughter of Patsy and Chuck Vickery. Congratulations to Monica and Rusty Stewart on the birth of their son, Charles Russell, on February 13. Charles is the grandson of Penny and Chuck Hodges. Congratulations to Allison and Josh Solomon on the birth of their son, Rhodes Matthew, on January 27. Rhodes is the grandson of Barbara and Gary Guyer, and the greatgrandson of Jerry Guyer. Wesleyan Youth Choir Variety Show March 1 Join us at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, as the Wesleyan Youth Choir hosts our church s annual Variety Show! This year s theme is Love is in the Air. Warm and fuzzy feelings will abound as talented musical groups of all ages sing about love! Songs you know and love will be performed by friends and familiar faces it s a night you won t want to miss! No tickets or reservations are required; a love offering will be taken to help offset the cost of the Wesleyan Youth Choir s Summer Choir Tour to St. Louis. We hope to see you there! Janis Maxwell janis@athensfirstumc.org Music and Prayers for Lent Today There will be special Lenten service today, at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel. Led by the Chamber Ensemble Choir, this will be a time to focus on the sacrifice of Christ and our response in return during the season of Lent through prayers and music. Come reflect, pray, and worship in our chapel during this special time to grow closer to Christ. Stephen Mitchell smitchell@athensfirstumc.org Adult Sunday School Class Branches The Branches Sunday School Class is targeted towards adults in their 30s-40s with children. They gather for fellowship and study on Sunday mornings in room 226 at 9:45 a.m. On February 22 they are going to begin a Lenten study over Adam Hamilton s Final Words. Newcomers are invited and welcome to this class! Katy Brodrick katybrodrick77@yahoo.com Susan Brodrick swellsbrodrick@bellsouth.net Adult Sunday School Class Parents of Youth The Parents of Youth Sunday school class consists of parents with children ages They encourage one another and enjoy riveting studies that challenge them to grow in their faith. They are beginning a new study called All I Needed to Know I Learned in Sunday School and will be looking at favorite Bible passages. They meet in the youth area in room 114 at 9:45 a.m. Holly Ward hollywardphd@me.com United Methodist Women Call to Prayer and Self-Denial February 23 Rev. Betsy Butler will be sharing at the Call to Prayer and Self-Denial presented by United Methodist Women on THE STEEPLE 7

10 Monday, February 23, at 9:30 a.m. in Hancock Hall. This year s Call to Prayer and Self-Denial focuses the lens of faith on welcoming: its meaning, its expres sion, and how one can reflect God s inclusive welcome to all especially those viewed as strangers to the individual or group, those simply strange to us, or persons who are estranged. All United Methodist Women circle members are invited to attend. Contact Kim Griffith for more information. We will be collecting donations for missions at this event. Kim Griffith kimgriffith@bellsouth.net Order athensfirstumc.org/registration Diana Zylow diana@athensfirstumc.org Senior Fun February 26 All individuals 55 and older are invited to the February Senior Fun Luncheon on February 26 at 12:30 p.m. in Hancock Hall. Avery Draut, a gifted soloist from Snellville, Georgia, with the University of Georgia Hodgson Singers will provide the February program. Draut was one of the stars of the recent Holiday Concerts at the Hodgson School of Music. She is destined for Broadway! Call the church office to make your reservation by Friday, February 20. Dan Maxey Beth Dickinson beth@athensfirstumc.org Creating the Covenant Parents of Youth March 8 The Souper Supper Store Each week community guests in our building gratefully receive two items for personal or home care during Souper Supper. The items they receive are provided by our church family through donations. We accept many donations (please visit online to see a full list), but the store is especially in need of bottles of dish soap and four-count packages of toilet paper. Donations of these items may be brought to the basket behind the reception desk. Thank you for your generosity! Learn more athensfirstumc.org/soupersupper Wednesday Night Meal The meal for February 25 is Barberito s taco bar. Meals are $5 each. Advance dinner orders are required. Order your meal online or by calling the church office by Tuesday at noon. Contact Diana to make a standing/regular reservation. 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. While your youth are in Encounter, join Callie Waller and Carla Pennell for Creating the Covenant Bible study where we will strengthen our relationship with God and our families. Class includes discussion, reflection, and a short video from a Biblical scholar. There is about fifteen minutes of daily Bible reading for the class. Led by Callie Waller and Carla Pennell, this study will begin on Sunday, March 8, at 5:45 p.m. Class will end with time to pick up your kids from youth! Beth Dickinson beth@athensfirstumc.org Our Daily Bread March 10 Our Daily Bread provides lunch to those in need in our community and is prepared and served at First Baptist Church (downtown). Individuals working together and/or in small groups are needed to prepare lunch. Our next date to serve is March 10 and volunteers are needed. We are available to help with menu planning and shopping. We need hands to prepare and serve! Sign up online to serve on March 10, or on another date this year. Learn more athensfirstumc.org/odb Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org THE STEEPLE 8

11 Job Opening Program Assistant A full-time church program assistant position for Music Ministry and Missions is available. The hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please visit our church website for more information and to apply. Learn more athensfirstumc.org/employment Erika Bates erika@athensfirstumc.org Interested in consigning? Registration for consignors will open in Spring 2015, and there is a $10 fee. Please contact Diana Zylow with questions or to register. Betsy Butler betsy@athensfirstumc.org Diana Zylow diana@athensfirstumc.org Weekday Preschool Summer Camps The Weekday Preschool is happy to announce three weeks of Summer Camps: May 18-22, June 1-5, and June Summer camps will be available for children ages 2 on or before December 31, 2014, through children who just completed pre-k. Camps operate Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Registration, pricing, and theme details will be available soon. Laura Lowery preschool@athensfirstumc.org Children s Soccer Donate to the Children s Consignment Sale As you are packing up holiday clothes and cleaning out closets, please consider donating your gently used children s items to be sold at the third annual Children s Consignment Sale August Proceeds from the consignment sale will go towards Imagine No Malaria, a mission project of the United Methodist Conference. Items to consider donating include: Gently used fall and winter children s clothes in good to excellent/new condition, sizes three months to youth 16 Toys in good condition and complete with all pieces Books and DVDs Bedding (quilts, blankets, sheets) Miscellaneous baby and child supplies, furniture, saucers, bouncy seats, swings, pack and plays, and strollers Maternity clothes 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 at Clarke Central High School on Saturday mornings. Please visit our webpage for program information and to register! Registration will close on March 11. Rusty Wood rusty@athensfirstumc.org Octane Choir Thank You Octane, our Route 56 choir, had a wonderful trip to Look Up Lodge last weekend! They sang in worship at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina, and performed a concert for the kids at Miracle Hill Children s Home. Athens First United Methodist Church was wellrepresented in worship, service, and song! Thank you for supporting all of our music ministries! Please bring donations to the church Monday-Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to Diana Zylow s office, behind the reception desk. On weekends, a drop-box is located near the gym. Donations will be accepted through July. Donation receipts are available upon request. THE STEEPLE 9

12 The God We Can Know February 25 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Looking for a Bible study? Looking to grow closer to God? All are invited to be a part of this Lenten Bible study over The God We Can Know: Exploring the I AM Sayings of Jesus by Rob Fuquay. Led by Beth Dickinson and Jennifer Foster, this seven-week study explores the I am sayings of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. Perfect for Lent, this series will help you find and form an answer to the most essential question in the Christian faith, Who do you say I am? The cost of this study is $10, and childcare is available by registration. This study begins meeting on February 25 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the John Wesley Parlor. Register athensfirstumc.org/registration Beth Dickinson beth@athensfirstumc.org THE STEEPLE 10

13 This Week SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Genesis 9:8-17 8:00 a.m. The Mix 8:30 a.m. Worship Service SANCTUARY Preschool Nursery & Sunday School FIRST FLOOR 9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School SECOND FLOOR AND SAYE BULDING Elementary Sunday School THIRD FLOOR Grade 5 & 6 Sunday School: Fuel FIRST FLOOR Youth Sunday School: First Word FIRST FLOOR Worship Service SANCTUARY 10:00 a.m. Sack Lunch Ministry HULL STREET ENTRANCE 11:00 a.m. Worship Service SANCTUARY Young Professionals Adult Sunday School ROOM :30 a.m. Children s Church THIRD FLOOR 3:00 p.m. Cub Scout Pack 1 SCOUT HUT 3:45 p.m. Agape Choir ROOM 148 4:30 p.m. Carillons Ringers ROOM 150 Wesleyan Youth Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148 Route 56 Open Road ROOM 120 4:45 p.m. Living the Covenant C2 ROOM 224 5:30 p.m. Alleluia Ringers ROOM 150 6:00 p.m. Wesleyan Youth Choir Tour Parents Meeting ROOM 148 6:30 p.m. Music and Prayers for Lent CHAPEL 6:30 p.m. Pick-up Volleyball GYM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Psalm 25:1-10 9:30 a.m. United Methodist Women Call to Prayer and Self Denial HANCOCK HALL 11:00 a.m. Benevolence Meetings 1:15 p.m. Monday Bible Study JOHN WESLEY PARLOR 5:00 p.m. Children s Basketball GYM 5:30 p.m. UGA Wesley Foundation Dance ROOM 301 Trustees Meeting HULL DINING ROOM 7:00 p.m. Community Bible Study, Athens Evening Class TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 1 Peter 3: :30 a.m. Fashion Fitness GYM 8:00 a.m. Community Bible Study Leaders Council YOUTH AREA 12:00 p.m. Children s Council Meeting HULL DINING ROOM 1:00 p.m. REACH International Leadership Meeting ROOM 226 5:00 p.m. Children s Basketball GYM 5:30 p.m. Fashion Fitness ROOM 119 6:30 p.m. Living the Covenant C2 ROOM 224 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 1 SCOUT HUT THE STEEPLE 11

14 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Mark 1:9-15 7:00 a.m. Fashion Fitness GYM 9:15 a.m. Living the Covenant C2 ROOM 224 9:30 a.m. Letters of Paul Wednesday Morning Bible Study HULL DINING ROOM Beth Moore Study Children of the Day ROOM :30 p.m. Beth Moore Study Children of the Day ROOM 229 3:30 p.m. Fun Gym GYM 4:30 p.m. Children s Choir Grades 1 & 2 ROOM 151 Worship Arts Grades 3 & 4 ROOM 322 Children s Dance Class ROOM 145 Prayer Shawl Ministry ROOM 200 4:45 p.m. Early Book Group ROOM 100 5:00 p.m. Route 56 GPS ROOMS Wednesday Night Meal HANCOCK HALL 5:15 p.m. Jesus Calling Express Bible Study JOHN WESLEY PARLOR Children s Choir: 3 yr old, 4 yr old, Kindergarten, Grades 3 & 4 Worship Arts Grades 1 & 2 Power Yoga ROOM 114 5:30 p.m. Men s Prayer Group ROOM 307 Older Confirmation Class HULL DINING ROOM Living the Covenant C2 ROOM 229 Sams Connect Group ROOM 301 6:00 p.m. The Psalm Tree Connect Group ROOM 100 One Student Ministries Engage Bible Study YOUTH AREA 6:30 p.m. Allen/Anderson Connect Group ROOM 307 Creating the Covenant C1 ROOM 247 Lenten Study: The God We Can Know JOHN WESLEY PARLOR Living the Covenant C2 ROOM 222 Living the Covenant C2 ROOM 224 Men s Study: The Truth Project ROOM 240 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal ROOM 148 Later Book Group ROOM 200 8:00 p.m. Chamber Ensemble Rehearsal ROOM 148 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Philippians 3:2-12 5:30 a.m. Fashion Fitness GYM 9:30 a.m. Community Bible Study 12:30 p.m. Senior Fun HANCOCK HALL 5:00 p.m. Souper Supper HANCOCK HALL Children s Basketball GYM 5:30 p.m. Fashion Fitness ROOM 119 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Philippians 3: :30 a.m. Fashion Fitness GYM 12:00 p.m. District Mentoring Group HULL DINING ROOM THE STEEPLE 12

15 5:00 p.m. Children s Basketball GYM 6:00 p.m. Cub Scouts Blue and Gold Banquet HANCOCK HALL 6:30 p.m. REACH International Bible Study and Dinner YOUTH AREA SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Psalm 118: :00 a.m. Mobile Food Pantry Wesleyan Youth Choir Variety Show Dress Rehearsal HANCOCK HALL Children s Basketball GYM THE STEEPLE 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. LVI No. 33 Postmaster Send address changes to: AFUMC P.O. Box 1109 Athens, GA