January 1, 2017 Liturgical Color: Blue 10:30am

PRELUDE

THE RINGING OF THE BELL

+HYMN OF PRAISE No. 145 O Come, All Ye Faithful (printed on back of worship guide) Carla Crimm

THE CHURCH IN PRAISE +CALL TO WORSHIP (printed on back of worship guide) Rev. John Richter

INVOCATION Rev. Richter

+ HYMN No. 125 Joy to the World Carla Crimm

Lighting of the Altar Candles

+ HYMN No. 138 Go, Tell it on the Mountain Carla Crimm

THE CHURCH IN FELLOWSHIP WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS Rev. Richter

+FELLOWSHIP CHORUS No.145 O Come, All Ye Faithful (refrain only) Carla Crimm

CHILDREN’S TIME Rev. Bob Kurtz

HYMN No. 131 Angels from the Realms of Glory (vs 1,3,4) Carla Crimm

TIME OF REMEMBRANCE AND BLESSING FOR THE NEW YEAR Rev. Richter

HEARING GOD’S WORD SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 6:19-34 page 1504 Rev. Richter

+Gloria Patri, +Apostles’ Creed, +Prayer of Affirmation

A TIME OF GIVING THE GIVING OF GOD’S TITHE AND OUR OFFERINGS Rev. Richter

The Offertory

+Doxology, +Prayer of Dedication Rev. Richter

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD COMMUNION REFLECTION Mark 12:28-34 page 1575 Rev. Richter

THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

The Invitation

Consecration of the Bread and the Cup

Communion Meditation

The Receiving of Holy Communion

The Prayer of Devotion to Christ and The Lord’s Prayer

CLOSING PRAYER AND THE LORDS PRAYER Rev. Richter

DEPARTING TO SERVE +BENEDICTION Rev. Richter

+POSTLUDE

______________________________________________________________________________________

+ Please Stand Acolytes: Isaac Baggett

SAINT JOHN’S EVANGELICAL PROTESTANT CHURCH

FIRST SUNDAY OF THE NEW YEAR

St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church

Established 1874

Cullman’s Community Church

PICS

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DON’T

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Thank

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Lively

Songs

Bible Stories

Tasty Snacks

.

!

.

Registration

dealie

January 19th

Sassy Sages January RoadRunners

Jan. 19th leave:7:15 am return aprox 4:58pm

Come along with us as we journey off on our First

Adventure of 2017 to visit the Lodge Cast Iron

Factory Outlet Store in South Pittsburg, Tn then

make our way back to Unclaimed Baggage in

Scottsboro, Al where treasures abound!

We will have a bite of lunch at McCuthen’s

Magnolia House, then time to wander around the

square to Hammer’s and top off the day at Payne’s

Soda Shop for just the right bite to satisfy your

sweet tooth! Money for your shopping and eats

are all you will need plus $5 gas money day of

trip.

SIGN UP BY JANUARY 13TH

with KAREN

either by email: karen.hassell@sjepc.com

Or call the church office: 256-734-0344

Choose YOUR Next Connection Point

BEGINS Wednesday evening Jan. 4th 5:00 meal 6:00 classes

Ladies Class: “Armor of God” by

Priscilla Shirer

Facilitators: Tammy Knight, Jane Brannon

Men’s Class: “Freedom”-final chapter

(4weeks) leading into “Experiencing God”

(4 weeks) Facilitators: Willy and the Boys

Men’s Women’s Class: "Sticky Faith"--How

to make faith stick with our kids!

Facilitator: Brannon Ray

Meet in Christ Hall prior to classes

CANNED FOOD DRIVE

Have you remembered? The need is great!

Please donate to those less fortunate today!!

Holy Communion

Today, is the first Sunday of

the new year and we celebrate with the

sacrament of Holy Communion in the

service today.

Clear grape juice is served on the

inner circle and wine is on the outer

circles of the trays.

If you are homebound and cannot

attend a worship service and desire

home communion, please call the

church office (256-734-0344) so a

time can be scheduled for a minister to

Visit with you.

Rooted in the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation. We believe we are saved by grace through faith in

Jesus, that the Bible is the rule for Christian life and faith, and that the Good News of Jesus should be proclaimed

in word and deed.

Sacrament Celebrating. We believe God ministers to the community of believers in unique and special ways

though Baptism and Holy Communion. Liturgically Oriented. We believe remembering the whole life of Christ is important for spiritual maturity. We

follow the church calendar, celebrating seasons like Advent and Lent. Ecumenically Minded. In the context of our heritage, we believe all those who call upon Jesus as Lord will share

in his eternal blessings and so we welcome all believers who join us to participate fully in worship.

VISITORS

Thanks for visiting with us today! Feel free to call the pastor, Rev. John Richter @ 256-734-0344 if you have

questions and would like to set up a time to discuss them. You may also check out our website www.sjepc.com to

learn more about St. John’s.

NURSERY

Nursery is available for newborns up to 3 yrs. of age at all worship services and Sunday School. Please see any

usher or greeter this morning and they will direct you to the nursery.

SYMPATHY’S

The minister and Congregation express their sympathy and love to the family’s of:

Mrs. Joan Fuller, wife of Wayne, mother of Michael (Tricia) Fuller and Katie (Wescoat) Free. Mass of

Christian burial was held last week at Sacred Heart church. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations

be made to Hope Horses, Inc or Sacred Heart Catholic Church Altar Society.

Mrs. Edith Robertson, mother of Wayne (Becky) Williams. Funeral services were held last week at

Hopewell Baptist Church.

2017 OFFERING ENVELOPES

2017 church offering envelopes are located by the drink machines in the downstairs hallway.

Remember: To ensure you receive proper credit for your giving, BEGIN USING YOUR NEW ENVELOPES

Today. Assigned offering numbers change each year with membership additions and deletions.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS—Hold the Dates Ladies Retreat- “Lavender Springs Spa” -- Jan, 28

Marriage Retreat- “Made for Connection” -- Feb, 3,4

This season be a follower of Christ first

POINSETTIA Poinsettia’s were also placed in church last Sunday in

memory of my father Ausbie Owens and my mother

Elaine Dutton by Jane Brannon.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY NEW SERIES

New Series begins , Thursday Jan. 12th

from 8:30-

10:00 am “ Faithful, Abundant, True.” Learn more

about God's faithfulness, His abundant provision and

how His promises are true. Facilitator: Melanie Gann

WOMEN’S GUILD JANUARY MEETING

AND OFFICE INSTALLATION

Thursday- January 5, 2017

11:30 am

Members are reminded to bring finger foods

2017 CHURCH COUNCIL NOMINEES

Nominations are now open for the congregation to nominate Council persons. Nominations must be submitted in

writing to the Church Council Secretary, Pam Scott, along with a signed permission form of the nominee.

Nominations will remain open until (10) days prior to the Annual Meeting be held on January 15, 2017.

Nominations to date are: Lindsey Dossey, Fred Hankey and Michelle Ray.

143rd

Annual Meeting of St. John’s Church

The 143rd

Annual meeting of St. John’s Church will be held on Sunday, January 15th

following the conclusion of

the last worship service in Heritage Hall. Four new council members will be elected at the Annual Meeting. There

will be no meal served. The Congregation is invited and encouraged to attend.

WAYS TO GIVE IN 2016 INTO 2017

Never forget your offering again!

2 ways you can now give your gifts, tithes and offerings to the church. You may give with your credit or debit card

simply by completing an authorization form for Visa, MasterCard, Discover. You have the option of weekly, bi-

monthly or monthly contributions. Forms are available in the church office during regular business hours.

Secondly you can now give online thru the church website (www.sjepc.com) “Text to Give” and text your amount

to the following number 84231 then follow the prompts through the replied message

2017 ALTAR FLOWERS

The Sanctuary Altar Flower Calendar is now being filled. If you have a special date you would like to reserve for

altar flower placement, contact Margaret Richter (256-734-5778) to reserve your date. Members are responsible

for ordering and payment of flowers with their florist.

SJ’s Youth Ministry

News

& Happenings Sun. 9:15-10:15am

ELEVATE Wednesday’s

6:00-7:00pm

January 16-- Shakalaka-- Huntsville Al

& Pizza Hut for lunch. Cost: $10

Please sign up and pay with Melanie Gann.

720-560-6427.

Youth Mission Trip to Nashville Feb. 17 - Feb. 19, 2017 (Fri - Sun)

Nate Randall, Minister to Youth:

308-440-2672 nate.randall@sjepc.com

Reaching Higher 4-1-1 (ages 18-35)

Sunday’s 9:15-10:15am

Tuesday’s @ 6pm (childcare

provided)

Reaching Higher will resume

Tuesday 1/3 @ 6PM with a new

DVD/book study by Kyle Idleman

♦ DIOKO--(run the race Spiritually

and Physically)

Sunday’s 2:30 @ St. Bernard Trail

Tues.7:45p @ St. John’s Thurs.@

5:30 St. Bernard

Reflections of our Faithfulness: Attendance :

Sunday Dec. 18, 2016 8:00 119 9:30 77 10:30 172 total: 368

Wednesday. Dec.21,2016 total: 194

Saturday Dec. 24, 2016 noon: 105 evening: 224 Midnight: 50 total: 379

Sunday Dec. 25 , 2016 Dawnwatch only: 58 total: 58

12-18-16 God’s People Gave: $17,441.15

Christmas Offerings: $ $ 18,721.00

Burn the Note

….small note commitment is fulfilled

GIFTS GIVEN:

Glory of God:

…honor of Don Hewett Family by Andy Page Family

…honor of Mary Terry and Loving memory of Rocky Terry by Andy Page Family;

…honor of Linda Schgier, Alice Butler, Duke Cleghorn, James Henderson, CL Lee and Della

Lindley by Ed and Dottie Henke;

…memory of our parents: Robert L. and Kathryn Witte and Powell and Elva Blair by Jim and Jan

Witte;

…memory of Joan Fuller by Andy and Liz Page

…memory of Charles and Bertha Ruehl, their Children, and Toni and Katie Oeser by The Charles

E. Ruehl, Sr. Family’

...honor of Rev. John and Family by Bobby and Bobbie Cleghorn

Little Lambs Preschool:

..honor of our 50th

wedding anniversary on Dec. 17, 2016 by Mike and Joan Smith

Whit’s Place / Women’s Guild:

..honor of Andrew Page Family and Don Hewett Family by The James Shavers Family

..honor of Corky Shavers Family by Andy Page Family

BTN

..memory of Joan Fuller by Patsy and Johnny Richter; Margaret Richter, Jim and Jan Witte

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE @ SJ’s Monday- Jan. 2

Church Office Closed

12:00p Kiwanis (Christ Hall)

Tuesday- Jan. 3

7:00-7:30a Men’s Fellowship Breakfast / Bible Study this week

8:00a Church Office Opens

9:00-12:00p Just PLARN Fun-Matt Making Christmas Party and Photo (Heritage Hall)

6:00p Reaching Higher (Young Adults-Ruehl Bldg. Basement) New DVD / Book Series by Kyle Idleman

WEDNESDAY’S BEGINNING JANUARY 4TH

4:00 p Children’s Handbells

5:00 p meal (Grilled Chicken breast, green beans, potatoes ) or child’s chicken finger plate

6:00pm Children, Adult and Confirmation Classes Begin

SJ Kids

Nursery- for children birth up to age 3

Pre k3---5th

Grade Schedule: 5:45-6:00 Playground Open (parents please supervise)

6:00-7:00 Truth Lab (lesson, craft, experiment, music)

SJ Tweens

(4th

-5th

Grades Schedule) 5:30-6:00 Rec Time (Ruehl Building) Sonya Whiting

5:45-7:00 Youth: Grades 7-12 (Youth Center)

6:00-7:00 Truth Lab-2nd

Floor Ruehl Building (lesson, craft, experiment, music)

6:00-7:00 Confirmation (6th

Grade) (Confirmation Room)

6:00-7:00 Praise Team (Choir Room)

7:00pm Chancel Choir (Choir Room)

Ladies Class:“Armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer Facilitators: Tammy Knight, Jane Brannon

Men’s Class:“Freedom”-final chapter(4weeks) leading into “Experiencing God” (4weeks)

Facilitators: Willy & the Boy’s

Men’s / Women’s Class: "Sticky Faith"--How to make faith stick with our kids” Facilitator: Brannon Ray

7:00p Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Thursday-Jan. 5

11:30a Women’s Guild and Office Installation

12:00p Cullman Rotary Meeting Club Lunch ( Christ Hall)

5:00 pm Church Council Nominations Closed

Sunday-Jan. 8

5:00p Safe Sanctuaries Committee Meeting

In Hospital: Home: Mary Green

CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS

Scot Andrews, Terry Bradford, Tricia Fuller, Lucinda Harding , Doug Johnson, Jason Kelly, Trent Lowry,

Robin Sandlin, Pam Scott, Steve Stanford, Melanie Townson,

Save the

Date

In 2017 20

17

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

8:00-9:00 Worship- Sanctuary 8:40-9:10-Light Breakfast 9:15-10:15 Sunday School

*9:30-10:25 Communion Service-Sanctuary

(*Note: this time does conflict with the Sunday school hour. Please understand if you intend to bring your children

to this service they will miss this important time of Christian education.)

10:30-11:30 Worship-Christ Hall

Safe SANCTUARIES

Know where your children are. We are a Safe Sanctuary

Campus

CHURCHWIDE EMAILS

Be in the know

Meeting, where? Going where? Latest news, about?

If you are not receiving church emails and would like to be included, or if your email has changed, please notify

Karen at: karen.hassell@sjepc.com so you will not miss information about upcoming events or possible changes

in schedules at St. John’s.

Face book

If you have a Smartphone, ipad, laptop, tablet or home computer, search “St. John’s, Cullman” and “like” our page

to add us to your newsfeed. Articles of interest to read, announcements and prayer requests are posted regularly on

our St. John’s Face book page. Remember prayer requests posted here, are for your church family to see.

(Remember FB is a public forum so please word prayer requests carefully.

Crosses of Commitment

If you have not brought your cross to hang in the Atrium, you may do so during regular business hours or on

Sunday’s before or after worship services

What is Safe

Sanctuaries?

Our Number 1

Priority:

Keeping Basic

Procedures for a Safe

Ministry with

Children, Youth and

Vulnerable Adults

Wade Warren

Greeter

10:30am

CONTRIBUTIONS

When making contributions to any fund other than the general fund (Burn the Note, Music Fund, or Youth

Fund, Women’s Guild / Whit’s Place) please write a separate check made specifically to that fund.

EMAIL ADDRESSES

Please notify us when your email address changes by emailing karen.hassell@sjepc.com so you can receive the

church wide email messages.

PRAYER REQUESTS

All prayer requests we receive are very important to us. To make sure that we can give them proper attention,

please be sure to write them on a Prayer Request card found in the pews or on the welcome stations in Christ Hall.

Requests can be placed in the offering plate or leave them in the church office. You may also email prayer

requests to: karen.hassell@sjepc.com. Sunday Mornings and Wednesday evenings are busy times for everyone

and prayer requests can be accidentally lost in conversations. Thank you for helping us with this important matter.

CONTACT INFORMATION

To make sure you can receive the latest announcements about events at our church, please take a second and email

your new information to : karen.hassell@sjepc.com or by calling the church office.

Clip and Save

STAFF EMAIL AND CONTACT INFORMATION: Rev. John Richter: john.richter@sjepc.com

Nate Randall: nate.randall@sjepc.com

Gyzelle Warren: gyzellew@sjepc.com

Regina Baker: regina.baker@sjepc.com

Karen Hassell: karen.hassell@sjepc.com

St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church

512 2nd

Ave SE Cullman Al 35055

256-734-0344 website: www.sjepc.com

CHURCH CALLING INFORMATION CARDS

Have you filled out yours? Notification choices are: text message; email, or by calling your home phone. PLEASE

SELECT ONLY ONE METHOD FOR THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT YOU. Cards available in the

information rack in the education building. Turn in at the office

Assisted Living:

Morningside: Jim Jones, Faye Marty, Sarah Mann, Doris Keathley

Hanceville Nursing Home: Miriam Jones

Westminster Assisted Living: Virginia Richter Woodland Village: Carolyn Huck; Bea Mack

Folsom Center: Catherine Nelson

ST. JOHN’S UPDATED PRAYER LIST

St. John’s prayer list is renewed the first of each month. Please fill out a new prayer card with

your individual requests each month and indicate clearly if you would like it published in the

bulletin—otherwise it will remain on the Pastor’s Prayer list only. Likewise as your prayer

request needs to be removed from the list, please let us know that too. The Prayer lists are

published in the bulletin as space allows each week.

CHURCH MEMBERS:

Mavous Speegle, David York, Theolene Moon, Gary Dean, Bobbie Cleghorn, Carolyn Huck; Aliya Schaffers;

Betty Grant; Frances Murphy; Jackson Ray; Charlotte Ecklund; Anna McGriff; Martha Keel; Catherine Nelson

CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS:

Myrl Dobbins, Joan Fuller; Doreen McCluan; Janet Jean; Dwight Pierce; Kent Johnson; Maxine Tucker; Jean

Lackey; Britney Carter; Paula Bolzle; Jerry Smith

Military Prayer List: Help us update our Military Prayer list. Please look over the list and see if your family member or friend has

changed locations or has now arrived back at home.

MILITARY ADDRESSES

If you have friends or family currently serving in the US Military, our card ministry would like the opportunity to

send cards to them throughout the year. Please submit (clearly print) complete mailing addresses to Geraldine

Hendrix or bring them by the church office during regular business hours.

Chaplain Chris Hester—Virginia Beach, Va; CW4 James Williams—Fort Lee, Virginia;;

Major Kellie Scott Hyatt—Birmingham, Al ; Lt. Cmdr. Scott and Lt. Cmdr. Roz Love, Guam, US Navy; A1C

Will Sapp US Air force, Key West, Fl; Sgt. Tony Parker, Air Force, Kandahar; John Lancaster, US Navy; Jason

Beck, US Army, Afghanistan; Adam Ramos, Sasebo, Japan; US Navy; Derek Ramos – 1st LAR Camp Pendleton,

CA; Major John Forbes, Pentagon; NC; Sgt. Zach Whisenhunt, Camp LeJune, NC; Jack Baker, Afghanistan;

Casper Shafer- Jump Platoon, Camp Pendleton, Ca

PLEASE EXCUSE OUR ACTIVITY!

When you notice any of the staff slipping out of 8:00 worship on Sundays, please know we are preparing for

Sunday School, or conducting rehearsals for the upcoming service, etc. If you see us on the move, please pray for

us and for all of our worship services!

CHECKS TO DIFFERENT FUNDS

Please remember when writing a check to the church for your gifts, tithes or offerings, if you are giving to a

different fund (Burn the Note, Music Fund, or Youth Fund) other than general fund, please be sure to write a

separate check. Women’s Guild / Whit’s Place donations go to The Women’s Guild. Most of the time we do not

have enough cash on hand to transfer monies in house. Thank you in advance for your help in this matter

Sunday Morning Fellowship Breakfast

8:30am to 9:15 am Sausage Biscuit $1.00 Gravy Biscuit $1.00 Pastry $ .50 Coffee / Juice $ .50

HYMN OF PRAISE O, Come, All Ye Faithful

Vs 1 O come, all ye faithful

Joyful and triumphant

O come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem

Come and behold Him

Born the King of angels

Oh come let us adore Him (refrain)

Oh come let us adore Him

Oh come let us adore Him,

Christ the Lord!

Vs 2 Sing, choirs of angles,

Sing in exultation,

O Sing, all ye bright hosts of heaven above!

Glory to God,

Glory in the highest!

Refrain

Vs 3 Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,

Born this happy morning,

Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n!

Word of the Father,

Now in flesh appearing!

Refrain

CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Richter

Pastor: O God, grant peace to our Land, happiness and salvation to men in all stations.

Congregation: Save your people and bless your inheritance, be our shepherd also and strengthen us forever.

Pastor: Lord may it please you to bless us.

Congregation: For those you bless are blessed forever.

Pastor: Let us pray: Lord God, eternal Father, we are dust and ashes and our life is nothing before you. But you

remain forever and your years have no end. We are sinners and our misdeeds are manifest before you. But you,

Lord, are our Father and Redeemer, from everlasting is your name. How sweet is your mercy, O God, that men

may take refuge in the shelter of your wings. We seek you now as one year draws to a close and another begins.

The days to come are written in your book, therefore we commit ourselves, body and soul, to you. Grant us today

that your sun may arise in our hearts and bring light and life. Grant us your Holy Spirit to guide our journey and

watch over this your church. Lord, help us. Prosper us in all things. We ask it Jesus’ name. Amen.

Adapted from the Evangelical Book of Worship

.