February 28, 2010

The New Testament book of Hebrews initially was a letter written to the Christians of the first-century church. Those people were suffering horrible persecutions. They had much to discourage them. They needed one another urgently and deeply.

In this letter to them the writer says, “Stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” They needed the encouragement of their meeting together and being together. And so they met - whatever the danger to them, they gathered regularly together.

In our gathering today, you and I do not confront the kind of danger those people did. Still we need one another no less than they did. As they could draw strength mutually from the faith and courage of one another, so can we. By our being here today we are giving encouragement and support to one another in one of the historic essentials of Christian faith and fellowship, the meeting together of the people of Christ. Thank you for the ministry of your presence.

Let me remind you of two ways to encourage each other: Is there anyone within 10 feet of you right now that you don’t know? Meet them and honestly encourage them! Secondly, take three minutes at the end of this service to greet those you don’t know. Who knows? You might start a new friendship, or be Jesus for someone that is experiencing extreme difficulty! Thank you for your gift of servant ministry!

‘Til next time,

 

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY MORNING

SUNDAY WORSHIP at 8:30, 9:40, and 11:00 a.m. 
Scripture: Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35
Sermon by: The Rev. Jerry Meredith

LITURGICAL READINGS FOR FEBRUARY 28, 2010:
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 ~ Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17-4:1~ Luke 13:31-35

What is St. James’ heart and vision for the community and the world? How can I fit in that vision? How can I join the church?

Maybe you’re asking yourself these questions or questions like them. If so, you’re invited to be our guests at our first ever NEXT STEP LUNCH Sunday, March 7 ~ 12:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. This time together offers a basic introduction to St. James, our heart and mission, and our strategy for growing in the faith. Most importantly, we’ll talk about what it means to be a member and how you can join. RSVP by March 4 by calling or emailing the church office at 706-548-1680 or info@sjumc.org

Chase Street Elementary School Needs TUTORS

St. James’ Partner in Education, Chase Street Elementary, needs more tutors, especially now before testing begins this spring. Days and times open are 1:30-2:15 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday to work with kindergarteners and third graders. If you are interested, please contact MARLENE BRYAN immediately at 706-548-1016.

Jolly Good Timers March Luncheon and Program

The Jolly Good Timers will meet on Monday, March 8, at 12:00 noon, in the Fellowship Hall. Jim Jacobson will speak on “The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China - The Expected and Unexpected Circumstances”. Please make your reservation and payment of $7.50 (due at time of reservation) by this Sunday, February 28, to MARY CASE (706-548-3848).

REQUESTS FOR PRAYER

Dale Williams, Nancy Thompson, Jimmy Hamilton, Joan Dotson, Larry Choate, Katherine Arnold Wolf, Paula Williams, Torry Madurski, Richard Andersen, Andy Hassell, Jena Cabaniss, Judi Lund, Jean Williams, Kenneth Cole, Margaret Legato, Anne Kenan, Carol Hurd,
Dovetta (“Pinky”) White, Vera Hall, Bill Arnold, Sarah Klayman

SERVING IN THE MILITARY 
Zach Cole, Matt Cole, 2nd LT William Mahoney, Cody Maxwell, 1st LT. Brett Thomas, Kyle Crume, MAJ Chris Himmelsbach, Tim Kraeling, Chris Walker

It is our privilege to pray for you. Prayer needs will be printed here only in those weeks where they are specifically requested. Please feel free to write prayer requests on the attendance pads. Help us to honor your requests by stating whether they are confidential or for inclusion in the Focus.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

“St. James has ‘Wonderful’ Wednesdays!” “Wednesday Nights are GREAT nights at St. James!” “There’s something for everyone - classes for all ages!” “Best recipe for the mid-week blahs: Wednesday Nights at St. James!” We just can’t say enough about our Wednesday Night Activities. Why not come find out for yourself? You are welcome and invited - please join us.

We’d love to see you there this WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3!

ABOUT DINNER:

• For a complete dinner, print your name on the attendance pad, indicating the number of ADULTS & CHILDREN attending.
• For the BAKED POTATO & SALAD BAR, add (P) after your name.
• For the “KID’S MENU”, add (KM) after your name; otherwise we’ll prepare a child’s size portion of the regular meal for any children attending.
• You may also make dinner reservations by calling the church office (548-1680). Reservations close at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday. Cost: Adults, $5 & Children, $2.50.
• The serving line opens at 5:15 PM and closes at 6:00 PM.
• Nursery is provided from 6:00-7:30 p.m. for Newborn-Age 3.

MENU FOR 3-3-2010:

• REGULAR DINNER AND KID’S MENU
  Sliced Turkey, Garden Salad, Dressing & Gravy, Broccoli Casserole, Biscuit, Chocolate Delight
• BAKED POTATO AND SALAD BAR
• KID’S MENU
  Turkey & Dressing, Chips, Fruits and Veggies, Chocolate Delight

ACTIVITIES:

• 5:15-6:00 PM Dinner (Fellowship Hall)
• 6:00-7:30 PM Nursery Provided for Newborn-Age 3
• 6:00-7:30 PM Children (Rms 113, 120, 213)
• 6:00-7:30 PM REMIX-Middle & High School Youth (The Jimmy)
• 6:00-7:30 PM School of Healing Prayer, L2 (Rm 107)
• 6:00-7:20 PM Women’s Study- “Can We Talk?” (Sanctuary)
• 6:00-7:30 PM Men’s Study- “Becoming A Man of God” (Rm 219)
• 6:00-7:30 PM Adult Bible Study- “Minor Prophets” (Rm 101)
• 7:30-8:30 PM Choir Rehearsal (Room 213)

Mission to Russia

The deadline - March 1, 2010 - is fast approaching for buying the building materials needed for the pavilion to be built at a children’s camp, Camp Elama, in Russia. Please prayerfully consider if the Lord is calling you to support this important work.

MISSIONS POSSIBLE 5K!

All persons interested in helping with the Missions Possible 5K Run/Walk are invited to a brief ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING immediately following the 11:00 AM worship service on February 28, in Room 220 (Faithbuilders Classroom).

There will be a 5K TRAINING CLINIC beginning Saturday, March 6 at 8:00 AM. Runners and walkers of all skill levels are invited to an 8-week program to get you prepared for the Missions Possible 5K on May 8. We will meet in the St. James parking lot and leave promptly at 8:00 AM sharp. If you would like to help, contact Johnny.

If you would like to contribute a concept for this year’s T-SHIRT DESIGN, please submit your graphic, drawing, or concept to Johnny Prescott by March 1. CALL: 706-614-0392 or EMAIL: johnnyprescott@southeastcorrections.com

“GET IN THE GAME”

2010 Church Retreat March 19-21 ~ At St. James More details and registration forms are available in the Church Office, Sanctuary racks,
and on the website (www.sjumc.org). Deadline: Sunday, March 7, 2010.

 

FEBRUARY 21, 2010

• Sunday School Attendance 243
• Worship (8:30) 68
• Worship (9:40) 75
• Worship (11:00) 254
• Total Worship 397

 

2nd Sunday in Lent February 28, 2010

 

WE ENTER TO WORSHIP

PRESERVICE MUSIC
Barbara Andersen, piano

PRELUDE
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus - arr. Todd Baldridge (8:30 a.m.)
Think About His Love - arr. Jay Rouse (9:40 and 11:00 a.m.)
LaMurl Morris

GATHERING SONG
The Family of God

WELCOME AND GREETING
Glenn Cole

WE PRAISE OUR GOD

*HYMN NO. 580 
Lead On, O King Eternal

READING OF THE WORD
Psalm 27

PRAISE AND WORSHIP
St. James Praise Team

OUR WORSHIP IN PRAYERS, OFFERINGS, AND MUSIC

WE LIFT OUR SPIRITS IN PRAYER
The Rev. Jerry Meredith

THE LORD’S PRAYER

WE OFFER OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS TO THE LORD

OFFERTORY  DUET
And Can It Be? - arr. H.E. Singley
LaMurl Morris, piano, and Bill Emerson, piano

* DOXOLOGY - NO. 95
Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow
11:00 service - Children, Pre-K (who will be 4 by September 1st) through 2nd grade, may be dismissed to Children’s Church in Room 113 during Jesus Loves Me.

WORSHIP IN MUSIC
Down in the Valley to Pray - arr. Jay Althouse
St. James Choir

WE HEAR HIS WORD

SCRIPTURE 
Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35

SERMON 
The Rev. Jerry Meredith

OUR RESPONSE

* HYMN NO. 417
O For A Heart To Praise My God

PASTORAL BLESSING

* CONGREGATIONAL BLESSING:
May the Lord, Mighty God, bless and keep you forever, Grant you peace, perfect peace, courage in every endeavor. Lift up your eyes and see His face, know His grace is for you.

POSTLUDE
O For A Heart To Praise My God - RICHMOND
LaMurl Morris

* Congregation standing

Altar Color: Purple

 

Bill Hurst, Head Usher
THANK YOU FOR TURNING OFF ALL CELL PHONES DURING WORSHIP SERVICES AND BIBLE CLASSES.

 

Our St. James Prayer Ministers will be available at the altar immediately following the 11:00 a.m. service to pray with anyone desiring prayer.

 

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AT ST. JAMES

Sunday, February 28
Worship Services at 8:30, 9:40, & 11:00 a.m.

• 8:30 a.m. Worship (Sanctuary)
• 9:00 a.m. Coffee & Doughnuts (Fellowship Hall)
• 9:40 a.m. Worship (Sanctuary)
• 9:40 a.m. Bible Classes
• 10:30 a.m. Sunday School at The Light (174 Henderson Ext.)
• 11:00 a.m. Worship (Sanctuary)
• 11:00 a.m. Sunday School Class (Rm 219)
• 11:00 a.m. Worship at The Light (174 Henderson Ext.)
• 12:30 p.m. Missions Possible 5K Organizational Mtg. (Rm 220)
• 12:30 p.m. Nursery Ministry Team Meeting (Rm 110)
• 5:00 p.m. Student Leadership Meeting (The Jimmy)
• 6:00 p.m. YOUTH Supper Club (The Jimmy)
• 6:00 p.m. Hebrew Class (Rm 101)
• 6:00 p.m. Worship at The Light (174 Henderson Ext.)

Monday, March 1

• 10:00 a.m. Intercessory Prayer Group (Rm 107)
• 5:30 p.m. Praise Team Vocal Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
• 6:00 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
• 7:00 p.m. Ministry Council Meeting (Rm 219)
• 7:00 p.m. A.A. Meeting (Rms 101, 111)

Tuesday, March 2

• 8:00 a.m. Bible Study (Room 219)
• 9:00 a.m. Emmaus Reunion Group (Rm 212)
• 10:00 a.m. Caregivers’ Discussion Group (Rm 101)
• 12:00 p.m. Praying For Athens (Rm 101)
• 6:30 p.m. Disciple I (Rm 219)
• 6:30 p.m. Disciple IV (Rm 220)
• 7:30 p.m. Elijah House Basic I School (Fellowship Hall, Room 101)

Wednesday, March 3

• 10:30 a.m. SJUMC Staff Meeting (Rm 212)
• 5:15 p.m. Fellowship Meal (Fellowship Hall)
• 6:00 p.m. Nursery Provided for Newborn-Age 3 (Nursery Area downstairs)
• 6:00 p.m. Children’s Activities (Rms 113, 120, 213)
• 6:00 p.m. REMIX for All Youth (The Jimmy)
• 6:00 p.m. Men’s Study: Becoming A Man of God (Rm 219)
• 6:00 p.m. Women’s Study by Priscilla Shirer: Can We Talk? (Sanctuary)
• 6:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study: Minor Prophets (Rm 101)
• 6:00 p.m. School of Healing Prayer, Level 2 (Rm 107)
• 7:30 p.m. Women’s Ensemble Rehearsal (Rm 213)
• 7:30 p.m. Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal (Rm 214)

Thursday, March 4

• 3:30 p.m. Suzuki Strings Rehearsal (F. Hall)
• 7:00 p.m. A.A. Meeting (Rms 101, 111) 

Friday, March 5

• SJUMC Office Closed
• 8:00 a.m. Men’s Prayer (Sanctuary, Parlor)

Saturday, March 6

• 3:30 p.m. Suzuki Strings Recital (Fellowship Hall)