Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr ................... Senior Minister Kim Hale.......................................... Preschool Director Rev. Noel C. Perez..................... Associate Minister Doug Gatian ...............................Church Administrator ......................................................................................... Elaine Smith..................................... Finance Secretary Stephanie Updike .. Director of Children’s Ministries Lyn Dozier ....................................................... Secretary Johnny Updike ... Director of Youth and Outreach Lacey Fulton ................................................... Secretary John Teate ............................... 8:55 Worship Leader Sylvia Roland...................................... Church Hostess Mark Watford.................................................. Organist Jarvis Pitts ...................................................... Custodian Alwen Yeung .................................................... Pianist Americus First United Methodist Church 200 South Lee Street Americus, Georgia 31709 229-924-3169 www.americusfirstunitedmethodistchurch.org facebook.com/AFUMCBrightBeginnings facebook.com/fumcamericus facebook.com/AFUMCKids facebook.com/AFUMCYouth February 16, 2014 December 16, 2018 We are glad to have you worship with us. A Place for All Dietrich Bonhoeffer has inspired thousands of Christians well before and after his death on April 9, 1945. Bonhoeffer was often a critic and defender of the church and spoke often about the nature and the mission of the church. In his book, Life Together, Bonhoeffer talks about the rule of the individual in the church. I hope that you enjoy this short piece. “Even in this new situation all the members of the community are given their special place; this is no longer the place, however, in which they can most successfully promote themselves, but the place where they can best carry out their service. In a Christian community, everything depends on whether each individual is an indispensable link in a chain. The chain is unbreakable only when even the smallest link holds tightly with the others. A community which permits within itself members who do nothing will be destroyed by them. Thus it is a good idea that all members receive a definite task to perform for the community, so that they may know in times of doubt that they, too, are not useless and incapa- ble of doing anything. Every Christian community must know that not only do the weak need the strong, but also that the strong cannot exist without the weak. The elimination of the weak is the death of the community. “ Who you are and what you are in Christ Jesus is of vital importance here at Americus First! God bless you and thanks for being here this morning. Pastor Jerry
Transcript
Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr. .................. Senior Minister Kim Hale .......................................... Preschool Director Rev. Noel C. Perez ..................... Associate Minister Doug Gatian ............................... Church Administrator ......................................................................................... Elaine Smith ..................................... Finance Secretary Stephanie Updike .. Director of Children’s Ministries Lyn Dozier ....................................................... Secretary Johnny Updike ... Director of Youth and Outreach Lacey Fulton ................................................... Secretary John Teate ............................... 8:55 Worship Leader Sylvia Roland ......................................Church Hostess Mark Watford .................................................. Organist Jarvis Pitts ...................................................... Custodian Alwen Yeung .................................................... Pianist
Americus First United Methodist Church
200 South Lee Street Americus, Georgia 31709 229-924-3169
Dietrich Bonhoeffer has inspired thousands of Christians well before and after his death on April 9, 1945. Bonhoeffer was often a critic and defender of the church and spoke often about the nature and the mission of the church. In his book, Life Together, Bonhoeffer talks about the rule of the individual in the church. I hope that you enjoy this short piece.
“Even in this new situation all the members of the community are given their special place; this is no longer the place, however, in which they can most successfully promote themselves, but the place where they can best carry out their service. In a Christian community, everything depends on whether each individual is an indispensable link in a chain. The chain is unbreakable only when even the smallest link holds tightly with the others. A community which permits within itself members who do nothing will be destroyed by them. Thus it is a good idea that all members receive a definite task to perform for the community, so that they may know in times of doubt that they, too, are not useless and incapa-ble of doing anything. Every Christian community must know that not only do the weak need the strong, but also that the strong cannot exist without the weak. The elimination of the weak is the death of the community. “
Who you are and what you are in Christ Jesus is of vital importance here at Americus First!
God bless you and thanks for being here this morning. Pastor Jerry
Welcome, Guests, to Americus First United Methodist Church! We are glad you are here and hope you worship with us again.
We invite you to join our congregation. If you are interested in membership, call Pastor Jerry at 924-3169.
Americus First United Methodist Church
MORNING WORSHIP December 16, 2018 — 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Third Sunday of Advent
WELCOME GREETING AND WELCOME CHORUS — Surely the Presence ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Please fill out your communication card and place it in the offering plate later in worship.)
PRELUDE — Little Drummer Boy (Davis, Onorati, & Simeone; arr. Waldrop) Bell Choir directed by Vicki Vinson
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES Milly Simmons and Miller Anne Pryor LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Kristin, Lainey and Hunter Collier
*HYMN OF PRAISE #219 — What Child is This? PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr.
CHORAL RESPONSE — Amen (Schubert)
CHILDREN’S ANTHEM— A Christmas Hallelujah Soloists: Laura Cate Harris and Wiley Stewart ANTHEM — Christmas Joy (Christmas Medley)
Chancel Choir
TITHES, OFFERINGS and COMMUNICATION CARDS OFFERTORY PRAYER Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr. OFFERTORY — We Three Kings (Arr. Heather Sorenson)
Piano Duet: Alwen Yeung and Mark Watford *DOXOLOGY #95
3K to 2nd Grade Children dismissed to Children’s Church With Sarah Kate Shorter and Stephanie Updike.
*HYMN #229 — Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
*SCRIPTURE — Luke 1:39-55 Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr.
THE MESSAGE — JOY, JOY, JOY! , Part 2: Mary’s Joy Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr.
*CLOSING HYMN #251 — Go, Tell it on the Mountain
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr.
*POSTLUDE Mark Watford, Organist
Lee Pinnell, Audio Tech Justin Arnold, Visual Tech
Americus First United Methodist Church
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP
December 16, 2018 8:55 a.m.
Joy, Joy, Joy!, Part 2: Mary’s Joy Scripture: Luke 1:39-55
Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr.
Lighting of the Advent Wreath Nathan and Hope Bateman
Praise Team
John Teate, Worship Leader, guitar and vocals Kalynn VanLandingham, keyboard and vocals
and Hannah Mitchell, guitar and vocals Rebecca Ferguson and Beverly Huffman, vocals
Nathan Bateman, bass guitar
Debra Donnelly, Audio Tech
Johnny Ferguson, Visual Tech
Children (3k-2nd Grade) are invited to Children’s Church with
Jill Youngdale and Susan Barr immediately before the message.
Refreshments provided by Millie and Ricky Trussell.
You are invited to join us on Facebook as we journey each day until Christmas on December 25. Each day you will find a
scripture passage about God with us through Jesus’ birth! Go to Facebook and search for
Americus First United Methodist Church and then look on POSTS.
CHRISMON TREES
Take a moment to look at the ornaments on the tree in the sanctu-ary and social hall. They are special and were made by women of our church.
"Chrismon" is a combination of the words "Christ" and "monogram," and means "symbols of Christ." Chrismons are gold and white, representing majesty and purity. Ideas for fashioning them are developed from early Christian symbols, the Bible and church histories. One example would be the Butterfly: The butterfly is a symbol of Christ's resurrection and eternal life. Just as the butterfly emerges from its cocoon and flies upward with a new body, the followers of Jesus Christ are reborn and given a new life.
Chapel with Bright Beginnings kiddos, Tuesday, December 11: We finished talking about the meaning of Advent. Wednesday, December 12 , 6-7 p.m.: We had music practice for our song that we are singing Sunday. Birthday Party for Jesus! We celebrated Jesus’ birthday with some food and games! Sunday, December 16: Sunday School- The kids will study two miracles of Jesus. One was a sick little girl whose dad sought Jesus out in faith that Jesus could heal his child. The other was a woman who had been sick for years. She had spent all her money going to doctors, but nothing helped. The woman believed that all she needed was to touch the hem of Jesus' robe and she would be healed. Kids studied that Jesus is all-powerful. He rules over sickness. (from Mark 5: 21-43). Children's Church- We will be combining Advent lesson #2 and #3, since we didn't have CC last week. The kids will learn about the Prophets: Voices through the Ages and the Birth of Christ.
In Him, Stephanie
YOUTH
Upcoming Events- 12/16/18- Core and Lead Team Christmas Dinner 1/1/2019 6PM UNTIL 1/2/19 8AM- YOUTH LOCK-IN in The Foundry @ FUMC Wednesday, January 9, 2019: Youth activities start back! Thanks! Johnny 12/16/18- Core and Lead Team Christmas Dinner
First United Methodist Church Children’s Ministry Float in the Americus Christmas Parade ~ December 6, 2018
A big THANK YOU to all who helped create the float, to all who rode in
the parade and to the driver who pulled the float!!
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Cuyler Barr, Sue Bailes, Sherrell Bailey, Mike Bledsoe, Sammy Bledsoe, Nancy Carlan, Beth Carroll, Joe Caldwell, Mary Davis, Sheryl Dickens,
Freddie Dudley, April Duke, Sue Dupree, Sharon Dutton, Margie Easterlin, Gertrude Forehand, Mandy Fitzgerald, Marion Franklin, Doug Gatian,
Amy Hamrick, Ruth Jones, Pam Law, Imogene McLendon, Floyd Martin, Ted and Brenda McMillan, Brooks Starlin Mechler, John Morgan, Vicki Partain, David Peak, Charlene Sanders, Jessica Segovia, Don Smith, Walter Stapleton, Calvin Starlin, Richard and Diane Swope, Betty Trammell, Liz and Bill Turpin,
Billy Tye, Judy Updike, Stephanie Updike, Evelyn Wages, David Warlick, Julian Webb, Ginny Whaley, Juanita Wilder, Al Womack
Memorial Gift
To Joe McDaniel
From Mike and Carol Denham
GREETERS and USHERS for December 16, 2018
8:55 Inside Greeters: Millie and Ricky Trussell 11:00 Inside Greeters at Front Door: Jarrett and Joe Hooks 11:00 Inside Greeters at South Door: Penny and Jim Bolin
11:00 Ushers: Herschel Smith, Captain; Bill Bird, Jim Bolin, Jamie Collier, George Ellis, John L. Fowler, Bill Kipp, Floyd Martin, Ted McMillan,
Bob McNeill, Craig Potter, John Shealy, Sonny Shealy, Bobby Strange, Jay Umpleby, Jim West, Ryan Young
No Wednesday Fellowship Suppers in December!
Please join us when suppers resume on January 9, 2019.
The church has hired a new Worship Arts Director. His name is Sam Morris. Here is his address so you
can write and welcome him. Sam Morris
848 Apple Valley RD Commerce, GA 30529
David Warlick’s address has changed. Please call the church office for his new address.
The flowers in the Sanctuary and So-cial Hall today are
given by members in honor and in
Sunday, December 16, 2018 8:30 a.m. Chapel open for prayer 8:55 a.m. Worship in the Social Hall 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. Prayer Connection in the Parlor 6:00 p.m. Bible Study on the Revelation to John in the Social Hall Monday, December 17, 2018 1:30 p.m. Staff Meeting in the Parlor Tuesday, December 18, 2018 9:00 a.m. Preschool Chapel in Campsite 1 10:00 a.m. Nimble Fingers in Campsite 2 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 6:30 p.m. Bright Beginnings Christmas Program in the Sanctuary 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, December 20, 2018 1:00 p.m. Bulletin Crew in the Epworth Classroom
CHAPEL OPEN FOR PRAYER 9a-5p Mon-Th
Membership: 1012 Total Worship Attendance December 9: 316
Reminder: You can make donations to the church by automatic draft.
Just call Elaine in the finance office.
OUR RECORD OF FAITHFULNESS
2018 Poinsettias Given in Honor of
Jonathan, Beth, and Dan from Bill and Jan Bird Our family from Jimmie and Joyce Buchanan
Nancy Carlan from Roy and Kitty Fricks and family Our grandchildren from Jim and Billie Gatewood
Handbell Choir from Ginger and Calvin Starlin Our children and grandchildren from Ann and Bill Harris
Our children and grandchildren from Sam and Reba Hunter Ladies Ushering Team from Ginger and Calvin Starlin
Willie Maxwell from Rev. Bill and Sue Dupree Jerry Quillian from Billy, Lyn, and Will Dozier
Our children, grandchildren, and Odessa Reeves from Sparky and Allene Reeves
Mary Lynn and Sonny Shealy from Jim and Penny Bolin Our children and grandchildren from Wes and Jean Wheeler
Liza Parker from Wes and Jean Wheeler Betty Pope from Rev. Bill and Sue Dupree
David Warlick from Robin and Frank Lowrey Our family from Julian and Janis Webb
Wesley Class from Sherrell Bailey Rev. Ray and Mrs. Juanita Wilder from Reggie and Mary Comer
Rev. and Mrs. Ray Wilder from Lutrelle Perry
2018 Poinsettias Given in Memory of
Florine and A.P. Bailey, James and Jerry from Sherrell Bailey Our parents from Bill and Jan Bird
Our parents from Billy and Lyn Dozier Dana Blair from Ann and Bill Harris
Bill Byram from Robin and Frank Lowrey Mr. and Mrs. Allen Camp and Mr. Earl Reeves from Sparky and Allene Reeves
Jay Cliett from Janice Cliett and Family Mr. and Mrs. J.M.L. Comer from Reggie and Mary Comer
Mr. and Mrs. Kirven Dial, Sr. from Reggie and Mary Comer Kirven Dial, Jr. from Reggie and Mary Comer
Ben Easterlin III from Joyce Easterlin James S. Epsy from Buddy and Cherilyn Guth
Michael Fitzgerald from Mandy, Riley, and Emma Fitzgerald Evan and Jane Guth from Buddy and Cherilyn Guth Grandmamere from Ellen, Bill, and Quinn Hanson
2018 Poinsettias Given in Memory of
Our parents from Ann and Bill Harris James Hawkins Gatewood from Jim and Billie Gatewood Virginia Crisp Gatewood from Jim and Billie Gatewood
Jimmy Hightower from Carol Hightower and family Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hogg from Frances Scoggins
Our parents from Sam and Reba Hunter Clair Strange Jones from Bobby and Margie Strange
Mary Earle Mackin from Reggie and Mary Comer Bob Mann from Jim and Billie Gatewood
Joe McDaniel from Sylvia and Donnie Roland Mr. and Mrs. Bob Morton from Frances Scoggins Betty C. Moyd from Harold and Marilyn Jacobs
Roy Parker and Mr. and Mrs. L.W. Wheeler from Wes and Jean Wheeler Bill Perry from Joyce Perry and family Robert “Bob” Perry from Lutrelle Perry
Charlene Roby from Harriett Mayo Lenette and Ed Roquemore from Carson and MaryLen Walker
Matthew Scoggins from Frances Scoggins Helen Vanderwilt from Julie and Randy Vanderwilt Patricia Walters from Julie and Randy Vanderwilt
Our parents from Julian and Janis Webb
You may pick up your poinsettias after the Christmas Eve services,
or you may leave your poinsettias for the Christmas Day lunch at the
church.
Calendar Dates 2018
Sundays 8:55 a.m. Worship in the Social Hall
10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 Worship
in the Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. Prayer Connection
In the Parlor 6:00 p.m. Bible Study on The Revelation to John
Social Hall
Tuesdays Nimble Fingers Quilters
10:00 a.m. in Epworth Classroom Bell Choir Rehearsal
5:15 in the Bell Choir Room
Wednesdays Fellowship Supper
5:30 p.m. in the Social Hall TeamKID
Youth Growth Groups
6:00 p.m. in the designated rooms
Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. in the Choir Room
Wednesday, December 19 Bright Beginnings
Christmas Program 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve Communion
and Candlelight Service 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, December 25 Open Hands Community
Christmas Dinner 12 p.m. in the Social Hall
Church Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9:00a to 5:00p
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to noon
Friday is Jerry’s, Stephanie’s and Johnny’s day off.
