March 21, 2010

Get In The Game

Life is compared biblically to a game. The life game must involve everyone in some significant way. I don’t see a place in life for spectators. I know that some may say spectators are the encouragers of life and financially support the teams. We are all called to be encouragers and to financially support the ministry of the church. I feel everyone needs to find their active place in life. God has a plan for all to be involved in a significant active way. God wants all of us to always remember that we are significant, God-gifted persons.

I am thinking of a man that probably no person who reads this article has ever heard his name. His name was Karl Downs. He was a Methodist preacher in Oakland, California, who died of a heart attack at an early age. Several years before he died, he was asked by the Juvenile Court to take responsibility for a young man who was always getting into trouble. Karl Downs accepted that responsibility, and in a very kind, loving way he became a substitute father for that boy. I say that you have never heard of Karl Downs, but you have heard of that boy. His name is Jackie Robinson. All of us who like baseball will never forget the tremendous contribution made by the first black man to ever play major league baseball.

How would history be different if Karl Downs chose not to get into the life game of Jackie? He was not just a spectator in Jackie’s life. I believe he was a significant, God-gifted person, actively impacting his life. God called Karl to be a significant person; God calls you to be a significant person; God calls everybody to be a significant member of the team of the life game, the team called the Body of Christ.

 

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY MORNING

SUNDAY WORSHIP at 8:30, 9:40, and 11:00 a.m.
Sermon: “Get In The Game”
The Rev. Jerry Meredith

LITURGICAL READINGS FOR MARCH 21, 2010: 
Isaiah 43:16-21 ~ Psalm 126
Philippians 3:4b-14 ~ John 12:1-8

Something WONDERFUL is happening on March 21!

EVERYONE is invited to worship this Sunday, March 21, at 10:00 a.m. This will be a wonderful time for all of us to worship together. Please join us in the Tent for a special service! Please Note: There will be no Sunday School this Sunday.

The St. James Nursery and Children’s Ministries present

EASTER CELEBRATIONAND 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.

CANDY FOR EASTER EGGS
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.

REQUESTS FOR PRAYER

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

Spring has definitely sprung (on March 20!), and there is new life everywhere. Wednesday Nights at St. James are pretty LIVELY, too. There are activities and classes for all ages and great opportunities for everyone to enjoy fellowship with our St. James Family. So don’t miss out ... join us for a GREAT NIGHT!

 

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 3-24-2010:

• REGULAR DINNER AND KID’S MENU
  Roast Beef & Gravy, Garden Salad, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Biscuit, Chocolate Delight
• BAKED POTATO AND SALAD BAR
• KID’S MENU
  Roast Beef & Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, 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 (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)

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. Deadline to place order: Sunday, March 28.

Fundraiser

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. Please make checks payable to “Refining Fire”. Check with Johnny Prescott to pick up your copy.

Coming in May: Staff Appreciation Lunch

Immediately following the 11:00 service on May 2, there will be a Staff Appreciation Luncheon to honor our St. James Staff in the Fellowship Hall, followed by a special program. Please plan to join us (and please bring a covered dish to share.)

 

MARCH 14, 2010

• Sunday School Attendance 231 
• Worship (8:30) 70 
• Worship (9:40) 52 
• Worship (11:00) 222 
• Total Worship 344

 

5th Sunday in Lent March 21, 2010

 

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

SCRIPTURE
Glenn Cole

PRAISE HIM!
Wesley Praise Band

INTERVIEW 
Lee Smith

INSTRUMENTAL OFFERTORY

TESTIMONY
The Rev. Jerry & Carol Meredith

WORSHIP IN MUSIC
Jesus, We Crown You with Praise - arr. Carol Cymbala
St. James Women’s Chorus

WE HEAR HIS WORD AND RESPOND

SCRIPTURE

SERMON
Get In The Game
The Rev. Jerry Meredith

TIME OF COMMITMENT

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

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, May the Lord, Mighty God, bless and keep you forever.

 

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 21
CHURCH RETREAT CONTINUES/CONCLUDES 
EVERYONE IS INVITED! 
Worship Service at 10:00 a.m.

• 9:00 a.m. Coffee & Doughnuts (Fellowship Hall)
  No Bible Classes/Sunday School today 
• 10:00 a.m. Worship (Tent) 
• 10:30 a.m. Sunday School at The Light (174 Henderson Ext.) 
• 11:00 a.m. Worship at The Light (174 Henderson Ext.) 
  No Youth Activities this evening 
• 6:00 p.m. Hebrew Class (Rm 101) 
• 6:00 p.m. Worship at The Light (174 Henderson Ext.)

Monday, March 22

• 10:30 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. Clarke Middle WyldLife (Fellowship Hall) 
• 7:00 p.m. A.A. Meeting (Rms 101, 111)

Tuesday, March 23

• 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) 
• 6:00 p.m. Fellowship Committee Meeting (Rm 212) 
• 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 24

• 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 (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 25

• 7:00 p.m. A.A. Monthly Birthday Party (Fellowship Hall) 
• 1:00-6:00 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive (Young Harris UMC Family Life Center)

Friday, March 26

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

Saturday, March 27

• 10:00 a.m. Easter Music Rehearsal (Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall)