March 4, 2018 Third Sunday in Lent Lenten Sermon Series: We invite you to stand as you are able Chiming of the Hour (11:00a) Welcome Opening Voluntary Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission (8:30a) Ennio Morricone Cello Voluntary Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission (11:00a) Ennio Morricone Lauren Shriver, Cello Choral Introit (11:00a) Day by Day Leightenheimer Hymn of Praise No. 64 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty Dykes Lenten Wreath Reading Rebecca Hinkle (8:30a) Max Lanning (11:00a) Concerns of the Congregation Pastoral Prayer Anthem (11:00a) Nearer My God arr. by Dan Forrest Chancel Choir Lauren Shriver, Cello Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee, E’vn though it be a cross that raiseth me. Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee. Oh, let the way appear, leading to heav’n, All that thou sendest me, in mercy giv’n. Thy Spirit beckons me, nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee. There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest, There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest. Age after age to be nearer, my God, to Thee! Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee We Worship with our Tithes and Offerings Offertory Amazing Grace(8:30a) arr. by Hopson Amazing Grace (11:00a) arr. by Bruce Stevenson Chancel Choir Lauren Shriver, Cello
Transcript
March 4, 2018 Third Sunday in Lent
Lenten Sermon Series:
We invite you to stand as you are able
Chiming of the Hour (11:00a)
Welcome
Opening Voluntary Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission (8:30a) Ennio Morricone
Cello Voluntary Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission (11:00a) Ennio Morricone
Lauren Shriver, Cello
Choral Introit (11:00a) Day by Day Leightenheimer
Hymn of Praise No. 64 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty Dykes
Lenten Wreath Reading Rebecca Hinkle (8:30a) Max Lanning (11:00a)
Concerns of the Congregation
Pastoral Prayer
Anthem (11:00a) Nearer My God arr. by Dan Forrest
Chancel Choir Lauren Shriver, Cello
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee, E’vn though it be a cross that raiseth me. Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee.
Oh, let the way appear, leading to heav’n, All that thou sendest me, in mercy giv’n. Thy Spirit beckons me, nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee.
There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest, There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest. Age after age to be nearer, my God, to Thee! Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee
We Worship with our Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Amazing Grace(8:30a) arr. by Hopson Amazing Grace (11:00a) arr. by Bruce Stevenson
Chancel Choir Lauren Shriver, Cello
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise him, all creatures here below. Praise him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Scripture Matthew 16:13-16 NT Page 18
Sermon I Believe in Jesus Christ Rev. Jamie Armstrong Let’s begin with our scripture in Matthew 16:13-16. Jesus asks his disciples a pointed question: “Who do you say that I am?” That is the question that comes to us today in our search for truth. Who do we say that Jesus is? Jesus is the most recognized figure in human history. A third of the world’s population calls him Christ, Savior and Lord. Another quarter calls him a prophet. Much of the rest of the world says he’s a great rabbi—a teacher and religious reformer. I’d invite you to consider your answer to his question, “Who do you say that I am?”
Christians see the story of Jesus as our defining story, the story that shapes how we see the world, and answers some really big questions: What is the meaning of life? Is there purpose to our existence? Is there life after death?
The answers to the big questions about meaning, purpose, truth, forgiveness, and life after death, are very different when we look at Jesus as the New Testament describes him, Jesus who is Savior, Lord, Christ, the Son of God, who gave himself for our sins to liberate us from this present evil age. They are very different when we believe that Christ was raised from the dead.
Every morning Jesus asks us this question: “Who do you say that I am?” Every morning Christians wake up and say with Peter, “Jesus, you are my Lord, the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” We say that when we offer our lives to him and see our day as an opportunity to fulfill his mission. We live differently because we believe, trust and follow him.
Five ways the Creed can guide and strengthen our faith: The Apostles’ Creed centers us on God - When we live our lives with God at
the center, we remain grounded and balanced, whole and holy. When God is at the center of our lives, we can put everything else in its proper perspective.
The Apostles’ Creed reminds us of the commitment undertaken in baptism - The creed is part of the ritual of initiation into the faith. By identifying what we believe, we are reminded of the commitment of our baptism. These beliefs, identified and affirmed, guide and direct our steps in living our faith.
The Apostles’ Creed invites us to live relationally - God is a Trinity of persons, loving endlessly as that love is poured out on us. We are part of the body of Christ and members of one another. We are part of the Communion of Saints and connected to the lives of those who have gone before us.
The Apostles’ Creed assures us of the guidance of the Holy Spirit - The creed assures us that the Holy Spirit is with us on this journey as our advocate and steadfast guide. The Spirit is at work in the world and in our lives.
The Apostles’ Creed connects the cross and the resurrection - The Apostles’ Creed reminds us that in light of the resurrection, death does not have the final say. We can trust in God to be at work in helping us to trust, forgive and love anew in each hardship and loss we endure as well as in each joy and blessing we encounter.
Affirmation of Faith No. 882 The Apostle’s Creed, I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic** church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. **universal
The Great Thanksgiving Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up to the Lord. Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give our thanks and praise. Leader: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth… ...And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn: All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Leader: And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith. People: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Leader: Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here… ...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father, now and forever. All: Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Giving the Bread and Cup
Hymn of Response No. 191 vs. 1 Jesus Loves Me Bradbury
Benediction and Blessing
Postlude Christ is Made the Sure Foundation Purcell
Chiming of the Trinity (11:00a)
Announcements
Remember to visit our website www.fumclex.org to stay connected with our church calendar, ministries, activities and events.
TODAY United Methodist Women Group 2 Fundraiser EVERYONE is invited to drop by the fellowship hall before & after Sunday school and the 11:00a worship service to place a silent “bid” for a handmade mesh wreath. The highest bid will be given the opportunity to purchase the wreath. The wreaths are a beautiful addition to any home. Proceeds will benefit upcoming mission projects. Also, there will be “pillowcase” dresses, Carolina Panthers, UNC Carolina, NC State, Wake Forest, Duke and East Carolina handmade throws by Judy Deal available for purchase. The dresses and throws will be available in the fellowship hall from Wed, Feb 28 through Mon, March 12. Pillowcase dresses are $20 each with UMW Group 2 receiving $5 from each dress sold. Throws are $75-$80 each with UMW Group 2 receiving $15 from each throw sold.
Thank you for your support of our fundraiser! Church-Wide Lenten Small Group Study and Sermon Series Creed: What Christians Believe and Why by Adam Hamilton is the basis for our Lenten study and sermon series exploring the Apostle’s Creed as a framework to talk about what we believe and why. Books are available from the church office for $12 each.
Adult Sunday School (9:45a-10:45a) Genesis/Spruill (1st Floor), Adult Fellowship, Agape, Koinonia, Faith & Friends (2nd Floor) Sunday Evenings (6:00p) Home of Wayne & Sandra Michael Tuesdays (7:00p) Theology Pub at High Rock Outfitters Children (K-5th) Sunday School (9:45a) Youth Ministry (Teens of Life) Sunday Afternoons (5:00p-6:00p) Youth/Scout House
Sermon Series Today - April 1 (8:30a & 11:00a) Pastor Jamie will preach a sermon series for the season of Lent and Easter that parallel the lessons being learned through reading the book and small group discussion.
Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21 12:00p Lenten Worship Service First Evangelical Lutheran Church - Note the Location You are invited to bring a bag lunch • Drinks & Dessert provided
Chili & Cornbread Luncheon Sunday, March 18 (following the 11:00a Worship Service) sponsored by Teens of Life Youth Ministry with help from the Koinonia Sunday School Class Join us in the fellowship hall for Chili, Cornbread, & Dessert. *Potato Soup available if you prefer* Your kind donations are greatly appreciated and will benefit the Teens of Life mission trip to Belize this July.
Easter Lilies The Altar Guild will place lilies in the sanctuary and narthex for Easter Sunday. If you would like to purchase lilies at $10 each, in honor or in memory of someone, please complete the yellow form provided in the bulletin and at the Volunteer’s Desk, place it in the offering plate or return it to the church office with your payment. Order early!
Candy! Candy! Candy! We are collecting candy for the Children’s Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday. You may drop off your donated candy on the cart outside of Donna Huskins’ office through Wednesday, March 21. First UMC Scholarships 2018-2019 Applications are due back to the church, to
the attention of the Scholarship Committee at the church address, by March 21, 2018.
Our Stewardship for God’s Work This stewardship report is given so you may follow our financial progress throughout the year. Each Sunday, please review and thoughtfully pray over this report. Everyone is a part of God’s stewardship.
Report for Sunday, February 25, 2018: Early Worship: 29 Morning Worship: 163 Total: 192 Weekly Offerings: $8,057.00 Weekly Needed: $10,632.90 Total Received to Date: $71,850.58 Needed to Date: $85,063.20 Online Giving For mobile device users, the QR (Quick Response) code will take you to a secure mobile site for Online Giving from your smartphone or tablet. On your first visit, you will need to create a profile.
If you do not have a STANDING RESERVATION and would like to join us, complete this form, tear it out of the bulletin and place it in the offering plate OR email [email protected] OR call the church office by 10:00a Monday morning to make your weekly reservation.
Mid-Week Family Fellowship WEEKLY MEAL RESERVATION Wednesday, March 7 - 6:00 p.m.
Adult $6 each ~ Children $4 each OR Family Maximum: $20
Name: ____________________________________ Adults _____ Children _____
Complete - tear out of bulletin - drop in offering plate
COMMUNITY
WEEKLY CALENDAR Sunday, March 4 8:30 a.m. Early Worship Service, Sanctuary 8:30 a.m. United Methodist Women Event—A Call to Prayer & Self Denial Breakfast & Program, Fellowship Hall 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. CREED Small Groups Adult Sunday School Classes (Adult Fellowship, Agape, Genesis/Spruill, Koinonia, Faith & Friends) 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Service, Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. CREED Small Group, Teens of Life Youth Ministry, Youth/Scout House 6:00 p.m. CREED Small Group, Home of Sandra & Wayne Michael Monday, March 5 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts and Venturers, Youth/Scout House 7:00 p.m. Cub Scouts, 2nd Floor Classrooms Tuesday, March 6 10:00 a.m. United Methodist Women Group 2, Parlor 7:00 p.m. CREED Small Group, Theology Pub, High Rock Outfitters Wednesday, March 7 7:45 a.m. Prayer Breakfast, Cagney’s 12:00 p.m. Community Lenten Service, First Evangelical Lutheran Church 6:00 p.m. Mid-Week Family Fellowship, Fellowship Hall 6:00 p.m. Chancel Bells Rehearsal, Bell Room 6:30 p.m. Children’s Ministry, Children’s Ministry Area, Ground Floor 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room Thursday, March 8 7:45 a.m. Men’s Devotion & Fellowship, Biscuit King on S. Main Street 12:00 p.m. Davidson Prison Ministry, Parlor Friday, March 9 Saturday, March 10 Sunday, March 11 8:30 a.m. Early Worship Service, Fellowship Hall 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. CREED Small Groups Adult Sunday School Classes (Adult Fellowship, Agape, Genesis/Spruill, Koinonia, Faith & Friends) 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Service, Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. Teens of Life Youth Ministry Belize Mission Trip Planning with FBC at First UMC—dinner provided, Fellowship Hall 6:00 p.m. CREED Small Group, Home of Sandra & Wayne Michael
First United Methodist Church 310 South Main Street - Lexington, NC - 27292 Office phone: 248-2886 Website: www.fumclex.org
Flowers The flowers in the narthex today are given to the glory of God and in memory of Mabel Conrad and Sonny Conrad by their family. Today’s Greeters: Martha Williams Joyce Inabinett Edna Morris Chief Ushers: Richard Foust, Jimmy Everhart Captain: Rick Samuels Co-Captain: Mark Berrier, Bradley Hedrick, Loyd Leonard, Adrian Neal and Maywood Wilkerson. Security: West Lamoureaux
PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE TO ADD OR REMOVE A NAME FROM THE PRAYER LIST.
Prayer Requests Rev. Jamie Armstrong Gail Biesecker Doug Clayton Debra Craver June Craver John & Judy Hench Earl Hester Miheepa Jones Susan Terry Jones John Scarff Donna Smith Gay Smith Paul Smith Dare Wilson
Shut-Ins Dot Kinsey Caroline McCree Evelyn Sink
Piedmont Crossing Health Care Margaret McCrary Carver Barbara Proctor Margaret Ragan Residents Jo Doris Beck Herman & Naoma Crabtree Richard & Camille Lawrence Madeline Palmer Jim Ragan Nancy Wilkinson
Alston-Brook Isabelle Trimpey
Bethany Woods (Albemarle) Alvin Pope
Brookdale Opal Bloome Betty Darr
Brookstone Albert Gobble
Genesis House (Salisbury) Julee Smith
Lexington Health Care Hilda Brower
Rolling Green Village (Greenville, SC) Peggy Trollinger
Spring Arbor (Albemarle) Bonnie Cates
Wood Haven (Albemarle) Louise Pope
Extended Family & Friends Dean Jarrell Wanda Jeffress Rae Leonard Jayne James Dermont Morris Rev. Kelley Groce Arlena Edwards Sandy Balser Ruth Carlton Mike Daniel Patricia Addair Craig Thompson Lynn Mack & family Jennifer Bagby Rev. Elizabeth Graves Helen Hall Katrina Hunt Bailey Christensen Rev. Russell Brownworth Maretha Melton Gary Leonard Lillian Shearin Tami Robinson Kelli Jones Tom Sigmon Chris Hunt Spencer Davis Faye Graham Gracie Joy Hedrick Kendall Conner David Ogle Tempie Almstead Kelly Michael
Kristin Harris Claire Dowling Ann Schaefer David Stafford Cliff Lopp, Jr. Cameron & Pete Dunlap Linda & Tom Dunlap Carol & Steve Harris Peggy Sisk Anna Smathers Pat Wilson Jack Smith Gene Oldham Nakajah Vaughan Brenda Hipp Jane King Breanna Wilson Ethan Reavis Jason & Stacy Heitman Jenny Rains Jimmy Davis Bentley Leonard John Bruce Davis Eric Leonard Robert, Doris, & Keith Hunt Martha Daniel Debra Ann Leonard Betty Jean Whitaker Len & Dottie Harris Jack & Susan Phillips Jordan Beswick Susan Fritts Regina Chrest Bruce Thornton
