The Power of an Invitation

Transcription

1 April 22, 2018 FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER The Power of an Invitation When I was in high school an invitation changed my life forever. A student from my school saw me leaving worship with my family. The next day in band class, she came up to me and said with great excitement, I didn t know that we went to the same church. I saw you there yesterday. You should come to youth group on Sunday night. I was immediately taken aback. This student was one of the in crowd and I was absolutely not. That she would walk across the unspoken lines of high school hierarchy to invite me to something anything astonished me. And what happened in the weeks that followed amazed me even more. Each week that I didn t attend the youth group gathering, she invited me again. As a shy teenager, I was very resistant to the idea of walking into a new group of people I didn t know, but her persistence began to wear me down. Finally after several weeks of invitations, I decided to attend mostly to get her off my back! When I arrived at the small house that was home to the youth group, I was again amazed. Everyone, from the adult leaders to the students present, welcomed me with open arms and by the end of the night I knew that this awkward, misfit teen had found a home. Over the next three years, the youth group challenged my assumptions about people and myself. The leaders helped develop my confidence and mentored me into a leader in the group. The worship, Bible Studies, and retreats nurtured my very basic understandings of Christianity into a deep, compelling relationship with Jesus that transformed my life. In the context of that group, I felt the very first stirrings of call to a life of ministry. Sometimes I am intimidated by the idea of inviting someone to church. Then I remember Claudia, who not only invited me, but continued to extend the invitation over and over again until I was ready to accept. Because of her invitation and the welcoming culture of faith community, I was forever changed. Who might need an invitation from us to experience the community and faith life that Oak Grove has to offer? Please join me in praying about who God might be leading us to invite to Oak Grove!

2 April 22, :30 and 11 a.m. ORDER OF WORSHIP Fourth Sunday of Easter Gathering Music Voluntary in A Minor Maurice Greene Welcome and Announcements (Please complete and pass the red friendship pad at this time) Dr. Glenn Ethridge *Hymn of Praise Christ for the World We Sing UMH 568 *Easter Affirmation Dr. Joseph McBrayer We believe in God, Creator of heaven and earth, who lights the dawn to chase the darkness; Who proclaims life in the midst of death. We believe in Jesus, friend of the poor and seeker of the lost, who gives His life in love for our sin, Who rolls away the stone of doubt; who raises us from sadness and whose life proclaims possibility. We believe in the Holy Spirit, who breathes life into our dry bones; Who fills our every breath with blessing; who calls to our heart to rise up and follow. We believe in the Church, who proclaims the risen Christ, who advocates for life and justice and peace, Who lives the love revealed in Jesus Christ, who speaks of an awesome love that is not overcome by death. We believe in resurrection, our present hope for future joy, a testimony of faith, and the wings of our soul. We believe in eternity and the infinity of possibility it represents. Amen. A Morning Prayer and The Lord s Prayer Dr. McBrayer 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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Sacrament of Holy Baptism (11:00) Dr. Ethridge, Dr. Amy Morgan Emily Denzler Burke, daughter of Kristin and Patrick Burke With God s help, we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that Emily, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal. God Claims You TFWS 2249 Emily, Emily, 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. Emily, Emily, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you, too. Our Tithes & Offerings (8:30) My Prayer Is to Thee Dennis Eliot (11:00) Sometimes A Light Surprises Craig Courtney Ms. Sarah Wiley, Soprano

3 *Doxology UMH 94 Praise 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 up lifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Honoring Moms While Caring for Seniors *Hymn of Preparation All Are Welcome Insert (At the 11:00 a.m. service, children in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade are invited to leave for Children s Church during the Hymn of Preparation. Pick up is in room 227.) (8:30) Solo Sometimes A Light Surprises Craig Courtney Ms. Sarah Wiley, Soprano (11:00) Anthem To Live His Song David Schwoebel Chancel Choir Music sung. Music played. Gospel lived, rehearsed and prayed. Humble meek, yet unafraid, we are called to live His song. Angel songs sung on earth, earthborn songs of second birth, Choirs of sinners find their worth, we are called to live His song. To live His song, to be His music, to know a harmony with Christ that sings and soars; To live His song, even when sorrowing; To live His peace, His joy, His love, to live His song. Distant songs yet unknown claim our hearts as His alone, Draw us ever t ward His throne, we are called to live His song. To live His song, to be His music, to know a harmony with Christ that sings and soars; To live His song, even when sorrowing; To live the wonder of His peace, Wonder of His joy, wonder of His love, to live His song. Scripture John 1:35-51 Ms. Patty Chmiel The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Sermon Invite Dr. Ethridge *Sending Hymn Pass It On UMH 572 (Those who wish to join the church are invited to come forward.) *Benediction Dr. Ethridge Postlude You Raise Me Up Loveland/Graham Wesley Ringers arr. Sandra Eithun *Congregation stand as able. UMH: United Methodist Hymnal / TFWS: The Faith We Sing Large print hymnals and bulletins and hearing assistance devices are available from an usher. Children s worship bags are available in the narthex and parlor side door. Nursery care is available in room 123. Wesley Woods is a ministry to seniors associated with the N. Ga. Conference of the United Methodist Church. Most people are unaware that over 75% of the residents are dependent on financial assistance. Even more poignant is the fact that 40% live below the poverty level. Our gifts to Wesley Woods provide charitable care for those residents who need this assistance to pay for housing costs, meals, or skilled care. Thanks to your generous support, Wesley Woods has never had to ask an older adult to leave simply because they ran out of resources. You make this ministry possible through your gifts. You are invited to make a gift of $25 or any amount you choose in honor or memory of your mother, or an important woman in your life, by utilizing the tear-off form in today s worship bulletin. Make your check payable to OGUMC and designate it for Wesley Woods Mother s Day Offering. You may also make a gift online ( The deadline to have your gift included in the Mother s Day insert is Sunday, May 6. On Mother s Day, May 13, we will print an insert to honor our moms through a gift to Wesley Woods. Thank you for honoring moms while caring for seniors. Please use one form per person to be honored/memorialized. Your name: Your address: Please make my contribution: In Memory of: In Honor of:

4 Oak Grove NEWS April 22, 2018 This Week s Activities Sunday, April 22, :00am Blood Drive Side Parking Lot 8:30am 2-Year-Old Bible Presentation Grand Hall 9:30am Coffee Fellowship Grand Hall 12:15pm Family Mission Trip Informational Mtg. Rm 102 4:30pm Youth Choir Choir Rm 218 5:30pm Disciple 1 Rm 237 5:30pm Youth Fellowship Youth Hall Monday, April 23, :30am Disciple 3 Rm :00am Church Bridge Rm 101 7:00pm Church Council Meeting Grand Hall 7:30pm Adult Volleyball Heritage Hall Gym Tuesday, April 24, :30am Disciple 1 Rm :30am Akin Circle Rm 101 6:30pm Grief Recovery Group Rm 238 7:30pm Boy Scout Troop 77 Meeting Scout Hall Wednesday, April 25, :30am WOW (Weekly Oxygen for Women) Rm 238 9:30am MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Rm 136 5:00pm Midweek Communion Service Grand Hall 5:00pm Covenant Kids Rm 223 5:30pm Midweek Meal Fellowship Hall 6:15pm Midweek Children s Musical Fellowship Hall 6:15pm Blessing Bags Youth Lobby 6:15pm Go Forth Women's Devotional Rm 235 6:15pm Christianity 101 Rm 104 6:30pm Christian Believer Rm 237 7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary 7:00pm Young Adult Bible Study (YABS) Rm T01 8:00pm 9.35 Band Rehearsal Fellowship Hall Thursday, April 26, :00am Needles & Prayers Away 10:00am Memory Café Rm 101 1:00pm Mobile Soup Kitchen Prep Kitchen 7:30pm Evening WOW Rm 101 Friday, April 27, :00pm Mobile Soup Kitchen Delivery Away Women of all ages, save the date: Saturday, May 12, 2018, 2 p.m. Grand Hall $20/person to benefit Haiti AND FASHION SHOW The women of Oak Grove extend an invitation to you to attend an afternoon tea. You will be treated to live music, a lovely afternoon tea, and a fun fashion show. All proceeds raised from this event will benefit the 2018 Mission to Haiti sponsored by United Methodist Women. This year's focus will be nurturing the Haitian women and children, providing medical services, and constructing a security fence for the facilities. This is the special Mother s Day weekend treat that you won't want to miss! Invite your mother, grandmother, best friend, daughter, aunt, or neighbor to a special time of friends and fun as you enjoy a Saturday tea party and fashion show together! Anyone of any age, shape, or size who might be interested in modeling for the fashion show should contact Madge (watson1213@comcast.net) as soon as possible. One rehearsal will take place for participants on Wednesday, May 2, at 6 p.m. in Grand Hall. Tickets can be purchased in the portico between services or online ( Seating is limited, so don't delay! Blood Drive Sunday, April 22 8 a.m. 1 p.m. Please stop by the LifeSouth bloodmobile in the north parking lot and give the gift of life! Bring photo ID. Honoring Moms While Caring for Seniors Wesley Woods is a ministry to seniors associated with the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Most people are unaware that over 75% of the residents are dependent on financial assistance. Even more poignant is the fact that 40% live below the poverty level. Our gifts to Wesley Woods provide charitable care for those residents who need this assistance to pay for housing costs, meals, or skilled care. Thanks to your generous support, Wesley Woods has never had to ask an older adult to leave simply because they ran out of resources. You make this ministry possible through your gifts. You are invited to make a gift of $25 or any amount you choose in honor or memory of your mother, or an important woman in your life, by utilizing the tear-off form in today s worship bulletin. Make your check payable to OGUMC and designate it for Wesley Woods Mother s Day Offering. You may also make a gift online ( The deadline to have your gift included in the Mother s Day insert is Sunday, May 6. On Mother s Day, May 13, we will print an insert to honor our moms through a gift to Wesley Woods. Thank you for honoring moms while caring for seniors. Informational meeting Sunday, April 22, at 12:15 p.m. in room 102 Family Mission Trip to Lumberton, NC June 17 23, 2018 Families with high school students (rising 9th grade and above) are invited to join a special family mission trip this summer. The team will be working in Lumberton, NC, a community that was devastated by Hurricane Matthew. The cost for the trip is $300 per person. Contact Amy Morgan (amorgan@ogumc.org) for more information.

5 Sunday, April 22, 2018 in Youth Hall Sunday School 9:30-10:30 a.m. Youth Fellowship 5:30-7:30 p.m. Senior Adult Trip Bunch Tuesday, May 8, 2018: 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Cost $14 Senior Adults will see five beautiful new parks and trails that are transforming our neighborhoods. We will enjoy a box lunch from Newk s during the tour. Bring binoculars, cameras, and if needed, a push walker with a seat in it. You may walk at each stop, sit on a bench, or remain in the bus and enjoy the view. Reservations are required by Friday, May 4, at noon. Every spot on the bus is needed, so please let us know in advance if you GRADUATE SUNDAY will be May 20 at the 11 a.m. service. Seniors are asked to send a senior picture and information regarding what you will be doing after high school to Shannon Higgins (shiggins@ogumc.org). find that you cannot attend. Cost is $14.00 per person in advance, and completed travel forms are required. In the event of inclement weather, our guides will meet with us in Fellowship Hall for a virtual tour and lunch. Questions? Call Barbara Adams, Trip Bunch Chairperson ( ). OAK GROVE 5 Briarlake Forest Park Dan Reeves Monday, May 14, 2018, 6:15 p.m. Make your reservations early as we enjoy another Steak Out on May 14, with special guest speaker, Dan Reeves, Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 1997 to In 1998, Coach Reeves led the Falcons to their first NFC Championship and to our first Super Bowl appearance. During his career, he managed 6 NFC Championships, 3 AFC Championships, and won 2 Super Bowls, either as a coach or a player. Dan was inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 2006 for his performance as quarterback for the Gamecocks. We will see a different perspective of this giant in sports, as he shares his love for Christ and others through service to his neighbor through volunteerism. Dinner will be provided at 6:15 p.m. in Fellowship Hall by our friends at Oak Grove Market and will consist of:steak, baked potato, salad, dessert, and beverage; all for $ Reservations are required and can be made online ( by calling the church office ( ), or using sign up sheets in Sunday school classes, 9.35 worship, Midweek, Portico, and church office. PARK HOP 1 Frazier-Rowe Park 4 Mason Mill Park 2 South Fork Creek 3 Medlock Park Oak Grove Memorials IN MEMORY TO THE BUILDING FUND IN MEMORY OF George Jeffares by Anne Barger Sedgwick Mike & Lynn Smith Jean Blanchard Roger & Brenda Toebben Bill Whatley Ray Chapman Bill Mann by Avery & Betty Severt Dick Muth by Cathy Beasley TO THE MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF George Jeffares by James & Leslie McBee Clark Darden Marcia Baynes Peggy Lyles by Julian Lyles Bill Mann by Mr. & Mrs. James Wilder Allen Rice by Jack & Vicky Graves Betty Ann Thompson by Martha Guerra Mary Cole TO THE TRADITIONAL MUSIC FUND IN MEMORY OF Becky Vining by James & Rene Beavers Avery & Betty Severt Nell McCuen Martha Gaston Terry & Juanita Pack TO THE YOUTH MINISTRY IN MEMORY OF Jim Moye, Jr. by Clark Darden United Methodist Women (UMW) is excited to host Camille Gaffron Executive Director of Villa International May 2, at 11 a.m. in Grand Hall followed by a luncheon Reservations are needed for lunch by noon Monday, April 30 ($8.00). Call the church office ( ) or Diane O'Steen (dosteen@ogumc.org).

6 PLEASE PRAY FOR Hoyt Allen April 12, 2018 Dick Muth April 10, 2018 In the Hospital Chery Appleberry Northside Charlotte Day Emory Ortho Ann Howard Emory Sadie Rambler Scottish Rite Families Currently Fostering The Hardy Family The Wagner Family Continued Prayers... Annie Ruth Anderson, Gib Armstrong, Flo Baker, Bill Barnette, Jesse Barrow, Pete Casabonne, Bonnie Chislett, Keren Clay, Joy Cooley, Liz Darden, Saundra Disney, Jim Golden, Charlie Hamilton, Marsha Hibbard, Lenda Holloway, Louise Hurst, Judy Kilgo, Suzi Lawrence, Suzanne Lomas, Buddy McCloud, Mary Ann McMichael, Cindy Mynatt, Jim Mynatt, Sandra Nordberg, Elizabeth Pentecost, Jane Ray, Jim Reeder, George Riley, Mary Dell Robert, Ray Roper, June Row, Marilyn Self, Ann Shirk, Karen Smith, Chick Sward, Harriet Tuggle, Paul Tuggle, Rob White, Gene Worth Homebound... For a complete listing of homebound members, please contact the church office. Serving in Our Armed Forces... AE Hugh McCulloh Hope (Mac), Petty Officer Steven Jones, 1LT Thomas E. Penland, SSgt. Joshua Portwood, Cdr. Andrew Pruiett, Col. Janet Seufert Recent Baptisms... We celebrate the recent baptism of this youth who has been initiated into Christ's holy church and the Oak Grove family! Grace Caroline Smith Senior Adult Lunch Bunch Tues., May 1, 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Hall Hear from Oak Grove Church Members: Bob Unger and Rhiannon Brusco Rhiannon, a disciplined runner, and Bob, who enjoys memorizing and quoting poetry will share life experiences and tell how today they continue to preserve and enhance their physical, mental, and spiritual health. The cost is $8.00 at the door. Reservations are due by Friday, April 27. You may sign up in the church office, online ( or in a Senior Adult Sunday school class. All senior adults and their guests are invited. You re Invited to the Christian Fellowship Sunday School Class to hear Guest Speaker Paul Feldman On April 22, Paul Feldman, Ahavath Achim Synagogue member will teach a class called, The Red Sea, Mount Sinai, and Making Sense of the Exodus Route. Enjoy learning in the fellowship of friends you just haven't met yet, in room 236 at 9:45 a.m. Diaper Drive April Please bring disposable diapers/pull-ups and baby wipes to church April Our goal is to exceed the 6,000 diapers and 100 packages of wipes we collected last year! Beneficiaries are The United Methodist Children's Home and Caring for Clarkston (C4C). Oak Grove Service Ministries is sponsoring the fifth annual church-wide diaper drive, with the greatest needs for diaper sizes 4, 5, & 6; pull-ups; and baby wipes. C4C can accept loose diapers (packaged by size and labeled accordingly). We are seeking volunteers to sort diapers in Fellowship Hall after the 9:35 service on April 22. This is a great service opportunity for individuals or families. To volunteer or for more information, contact Renita Anderson ( or renita.anderson@gmail.com). Thank you to Young Children's School and Oak Grove Christian School for supporting these efforts by collecting diapers and wipes for these organizations during the week of April 16-20! Our Presence April 11, 2018 Midweek Communion 33 Our Presence April 15, 2018 Church School 235 8:30 Service 115 9:35 Service :00 Service (including those on Scream Retreat) 351 3:00 Confirmation Service 296 5:30 Youth Fellowship 70 Total Worship this Week /16/18 Our Offerings Received to date Needed to date $732, $769, Over/Under ($37,400.38) DEEP ROOTS BUILDING CAMPAIGN RESULTS Phase 2 Given to date: $1,798, M I Midweek Communion DW E April 25, 2018 E K covenant Children s Bible Study 5 to 5:30 p.m. 5 to 5:30 p.m. 5-7 p.m. Nursery open Room 134 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Dinner Reservations and cancellations must be made by noon Monday, April 23, ( or click reservations ). Menu for April 25, 2018 Fried Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese, Green Beans, Rolls, Salad Bar, Strawberry Cake with Fresh Whipped Cream This is the last Midweek of the spring. 6:15 p.m. Program The Oak Grove Children s choirs present by Allen Pote & Carole McCann A Technicolor Promise Retelling the well-known story of Noah and the ark. MIDWEEK RESERVATION Name: Phone: Amount: Reservation is for April 25 Place a number in the space(s) below of the type of meal you wish to reserve: Adult Meal ($8), Youth Meal, ($7) ages Child Meal, ages 3-11 ($6) Children under 3 (free) How many? Nursery, How many children? Family bundle rate: Two adults and two or more children 11 years of age and under ($23) OR One adult and two or more children 11 years of age or under ($16).

7

8 Today s Worship Servants Sound: (8:30) Billie Williams (11:00) Taylor Pendley Ushers: Jeanine Andrews, Mark Byrne, Tony Callaway, Carolyn Casarella, Greg Casarella, Bill Cole, Jack Graves, Tim Howard, Elliott Jackson, Scot Macrae, Matt Moneyhan, Wallace Moreman, Phil Perry, Hannah Siegel, Paul Siegel, Kirby Smith, James Trotti, Rob Welch, David Wright, Linda Wright Altar Guild: Carol Wright Children s Church: Mary Tipton and Keith Woolley Our Church Information 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Sanctuary 9:35 a.m. Sunday School Various 9:35 a.m. Contemporary Worship Fellowship Hall 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sanctuary Dr. Glenn Ethridge Senior Pastor ext. 211 Dr. Amy Morgan Pastor of Nurture and Service ext. 210 Dr. Joseph McBrayer Pastor of Invitation and Discipleship ext. 212 Rev. Mary Lou Gilbert Pastor to Senior Adults Dr. Dana Everhart Theologian in Residence Dale Smith Executive Director ext. 225 Pam Reynolds Director of Finance ext. 224 Kim Cody Children s Ministry ext. 218 Bryan Bontrager Youth Ministry ext. 202 Ed Scruggs Music Ministry ext. 212 Leanne Herrmann Organist Atticus Hicks Dir. of Contemporary Worship ext. 208 Submitting Articles to the Oak Grove News: Please be reminded that Thursday 12 p.m. is the deadline for information that you would like to add to the Oak Grove News. This will enable your article to appear in the following week s bulletin. Send items to oakgrovenews@ogumc.org. Articles will run TWO times and may be edited for space. Indicate the two editions you prefer when the article is submitted. Thank you! Check the Oak Grove website for up-to-the-minute news on all events: Make Sure You Stay in Constant Contact Information on our ministries, news, and upcoming events is shared through our Constant Contact weekly congregational . If your address changes during the year, please contact Diane O'Steen, Membership/Database Admin., (dosteen@ogumc.org or ext.221) Church Office Office Hours 9 a.m. 5 p.m. M F Emergency Contact After Hours ext. 9 Address 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur, GA Website Our Schools Oak Grove Christian School YCS (Young Children s School) OAK GROVE ROAD DECATUR, GEORGIA 30033