March 14, 2010

Applause or Worship?

By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified. (Leviticus 10:3)

Does applause place worship on the same level as a performance at the concert hall? Or, can applause be a form of praise or thanksgiving? Can applause be for joy in the ability to praise God through music?

When a new member joins the Body of Christ, I may applaudto celebrate God’s work through the Holy Spirit in His Church. When someone who has been gravely ill returns to worship after a long battle, I applaud to celebrate God’s healing in this sister’s life. When the Holy Spirit clearly speaks through my pastor, I have experienced a spontaneous eruption of applause in celebration and affirmation of that word.

These are all affirmations or reactions to the work and ministry of a Holy God. They are not a response to what someone has done. My concern arises when a choir, children, or anyone participates in worship, and we clap. What does that say to them? “You entertained us well by what you just did?” “We liked the music you just sang?” “Since we didn’t applaud the last time, you did better this time?” None of those attitudes belong in worship. I often remind everyone in our music ministry that what we do, we do for one purpose: to point people to Jesus Christ. That’s it. It is never to call attention to us, to our skills, to the lovely music, or to how much we practiced. Worship is not about us.

So, if you are led to applaud in worship St. James, please let it be to celebrate God, the work of His Son, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in his Church. Do not applaud for us. Thus, applause is not a response to a performance. It becomes another form of worship ... another way to glorify God.

Bill Emerson

 

Daylight Saving Time Begins ~ Remember to Spring Forward!

 

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY MORNING

SUNDAY WORSHIP at 8:30, 9:40, and 11:00 a.m.
Scripture: Luke 1-3, 11b-32
Sermon: “Who Are You Talking To, Jesus?”
The Rev. Jerry Meredith

LITURGICAL READINGS FOR MARCH 14, 2010:
Joshua 5:9-12 ~ Psalm 32
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 ~ Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

AZALEAS for EASTER

This Easter season we are offering AZALEAS to place in the Sanctuary in honor or memory of a loved one. If you would like to place an order, please fill out one of the bright pink order forms located in the Church Office and Sanctuary literature racks. The cost per AZALEA plant is $16.00, and payment is due with your order. Supplies are limited so please don’t wait to order. The deadline to place an order for an AZALEA is Sunday, March 28.

All LADIES of St. James are invited to: Ladies Night In ~ Movie Night

Monday, March 15 at 6:30 PM at the home of Jessica Beaver. Bring an appetizer and a friend! If you have questions, please call Jessica at 706-769-1035.

Save The Date: SUNDAY, MAY 2

Immediately following the 11:00 service, there will be a Staff Appreciation Luncheon to honor our St. James Staff in the Fellowship Hall, followed by a special program. Please bring a covered dish to share.

FUNDRAISER FOR 2010 RUSSIA MISSION

Meredith Freeman, a talented singer and songwriter, and granddaughter of Carl & Vivian Newton, has released a CD of 7 original songs. The CD is available for a donation of $10; all proceeds go to benefit our Russia mission, including the construction of pavilions at the Elama Youth Camp. You can listen to the CD between sevices this Sunday, March 14, in the Fellowship Hall. Please make checks payable to “Refining Fire”. Check with Johnny Prescott to pick up your copy.

REQUESTS FOR PRAYER

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

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.

We’re BACK!

We hope you had a great break and have been enjoying the wonderful hints of SPRING that are beginning to show. On Wednesday, March 17, we are excited to resume our awesome Wednesday Night Activities. YOU are invited to join us, and we sure hope to see you there!

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 3-17-2010:

• REGULAR DINNER AND KID’S MENU
  Chicken Tenders, Garden Salad, Sweet Potato Souffle,Black Eyed Peas, Biscuit, Lemon Ice Box Pie
• BAKED POTATO AND SALAD BAR
• KID’S MENU
  Chicken Tenders, Sweet Potato Souffle, Fruit & Veggies,Lemon Ice Box Pie

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)

St. James Children’s Ministry’s EASTER Celebration and Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 3, 3:00-5:00 PM At the home of Penny Mahoney. Everyone is invited to this special event for our children, ages 5th grade and younger. Our St. James Youth will be assisting with the activities but also taking part in the fun.
Can You Help?
We need your help as we prepare for our Annual Children’s Ministry Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt on April 3. We are collecting bags of individually wrapped candy to fill our eggs (no chocolate or nuts, please). Please place your candy in the marked box in the Fellowship Hall or Children’s Hallway. If you have questions or need more information, please call HEATHER at 706-548-1680. Thank you for helping to bless our children.

YOUNG HARRIS UNITED METHODIST BLOOD DRIVE

Thursday, March 25, 1:00-6:00 PM( in the Family Life Center). There is an urgent need for blood donations. Please give the gift of life. Call Marie Mize (706-769-4451) to schedule an appointment. Please remember to bring a photo ID. And before you donate: drink extra caffeine-free fluids (like water & juice), eat a good meal or snacks, no intense exercise or heavy lifting after giving blood.

 

MARCH 3, 2010

• Sunday School Attendance 259
• Worship (8:30) 41
• Worship (9:40) 68
• Worship (11:00) 221
• Total Worship 330

 

4th Sunday in Lent March 14, 2010

 

WE ENTER TO WORSHIP

PRESERVICE MUSIC

PRELUDE
Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy - arr. Mary Kendrick
LaMurl Morris

GATHERING SONG
Celebrate Jesus

WELCOME AND GREETING
Glenn Cole

WE PRAISE OUR GOD

*HYMN NO. 698
God Of The Ages

READING OF THE WORD
Psalm 32

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
Great Is the Lord - arr. Tedd Smith
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
How Firm A Foundation - arr. Bruce Greer
St. James Men’s Ensemble

WE HEAR HIS WORD

SCRIPTURE
Luke 1-3, 11b-32

SERMON
“Who Are You Talking To, Jesus?”
The Rev. Jerry Meredith

WE RESPOND TO CHRIST

* HYMN NO. 340
Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy

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
I Want a Principle Within - TRADITIONAL
LaMurl Morris

* Congregation standing

Altar Color: Purple

Ray Edwards, 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, March 14
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS 2:00 AM, SUNDAY, MARCH 14 SPRING FORWARD!
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. Families In Christ Class (Rm 219)
• 11:00 a.m. Worship at The Light (174 Henderson Ext.)
• 12:30 p.m. Children’s Ministry Team Mtg. (Rm 212)
• 12:30 p.m. Nursery Team Mtg. (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 15

• 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. A.A. Meeting (Rms 101, 111)

Tuesday, March 16

• 8:00 a.m. Bible Study (Room 219)
• 9:00 a.m. Emmaus Reunion Group (Rm 212)
• 12:00 p.m. Praying For Athens (Rm 101)
• 2:00 p.m. Fidelis Nu/Alpha Delta Kappa (Fellowship Hall)
• 6:30 p.m. Disciple I (Rm 219)
• 6:30 p.m. Disciple IV (Rm 220)
• 7:00 p.m. Elijah House Basic I School (Fellowship Hall, Room 101)

Wednesday, March 17

• 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. Choir Rehearsal (Rm 213)

Thursday, March 18

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

Friday, March 19

• SJUMC Office Closed
• 8:00 a.m. Men’s Prayer (Sanctuary, Parlor)
• 2010 Church Retreat begins (St. James/All Rooms)

Saturday, March 20

• 2010 Church Retreat continues (St. James-All Rooms)