February 5, 2012

Confession

At first glance, the one apostle among all the others that was an absolutely stunning success was Judas, and the one thoroughly groveling failure was Peter. Judas was a success in the ways that most impress us. He was both financially and politically successful. He cleverly arranged to control the money of the apostolic band. He skillfully manipulated the political forces of the day to accomplish his goal.

Peter was a failure in ways that we most dread. He became helpless in a crisis and socially inept. At the arrest of Jesus, he collapsed as a hapless, blustering coward. In the most critical situations of his life with Jesus — the confession on the road to Caesarea Philippi and the vision on the Mount of Transfiguration — his comments were most embarrassing and inappropriate. He was not the companion we would want with us in time of danger, and he was not the kind of person we would feel comfortable with at a social occasion.

Time, of course, has reversed our judgments on the two men. Judas is now a byword for betrayal, and Peter is one of the most honored names in the church and in the world. Judas is a villain; Peter is a saint. Yet the world continues to chase after the successes of Judas, — financial wealth and political power — and to defend itself against the failures of Peter — helplessness and ineptness.

Praise God, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.” If we love Him and are called according to purpose, He can bring good out of blunders. Let us confess our sins and join in the family gathering at His table today!

‘Til next time,

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY MORNING

SUNDAY WORSHIP at 8:30, 9:40, and 10:50

The Rev. Jerry Meredith

LITURGICAL READINGS FOR February 5, 2012

Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39

WEATHER-RELATED CLOSING INFORMATION

In the event of inclement weather, services or events may be cancelled. Cancellation information will be provided as follows:

• St. James’ Website: www.sjumc.org
• TV Stations
  • 11 Alive—Ch. 11, Atlanta
  • Fox 5 TV — Ch. 5, Atlanta
• Radio Stations
  • WGAU — 1340 AM
  • WGMG — 102.1 FM
  • WNGC — 106.1 FM

HYMN FESTIVAL — FEBRUARY 26

DO YOU HAVE A STORY?
During our Hymn Festival on February 26, we will celebrate and rejoice in the heritage of singing in worship! Has there been a time in your life when a hymn has comforted you, encouraged you, challenged you, or reminded you of God’s truth? Please write about it and email to Bill Emerson at bemerson@sjumc.org or feel free to drop it off in the Church Office by February 14. 

Let’s celebrate the glory of hymn singing!!!

THE LIGHT 2nd Annual Golf Tournament 

February 13 — 1:00 pm Lane Creek Golf Course
Meet at the Lane Creek Clubhouse at 12:00 noon and enjoy a great afternoon of golf! Tee time is 1:00 pm. Green Fees: $50.00. For registration forms, contact Pastor Lloyd Craft at 706-208-8066 or pick up in the St. James Church Office.

MISSIONS POSSIBLE 5-K “COUCH TO 5K” TRAINING

WHEN: Begins Saturday, February 11 @ 8:00 AM (8 weeks)
WHERE: Meet in the St. James UMC Parking Lot
WHO: Anyone and everyone — All fitness levels welcome!
WHY: Prepare for the best 5K in NE Georgia!

For more information, contact Nathan Mangle at 404-345-8515 or nathan.mangle@gmail.com. RACE DAY — APRIL 14th

Prayer Requests

Andrew Morgan, Eleanor Grimes, Louise Gibson, Sandy Martin, Anne Kenan, Gail Perno, Margaret Legato, Sheila Bridges, Ben Gegen, Garrett Family, Marty Brobst, Sherry Jones, Bill Burgin, George Simpson, Meredith Shy, Terry Gautreaux’s father, Claire Lowery, Helen Price, Quinn Daly, Tim Crowe, Darlene Wright, Jan Snyder, Ray Preston, Torry Madurski, Dennis Struemph, Jean Fleet, Richard Andersen, Vonnie Johnston, Diann Floyd, Jena Cabaniss, Rick Baker, Sally Stowers, Katherine Wolf

SERVING IN THE MILITARY

1st Lt. Charles "Chip" Knox, Capt. Nathaniel Chittick, Maj. Chris Himmelsbach, 1st Lt. Harding Brumby, Chris Walker, Matt Cole, 2nd Lt. Courtney Strack, Cody Maxwell, Zach Cole, 2nd Lt. William Mahoney, Corp. Shay Jennings, Capt. Brett Thomas, Kyle Crume

Wednesday Nights at St. James! February 8, 2012

LEARNING TOGETHER, GROWING TOGETHER IN CHRIST

• 5:15 PM Fellowship Meal
  Cost: Adult $5.00/Child $2.50
  Menu: 

  Rigate Pasta w/Garlic & Onion Sauce or 

  Rigate Pasta w/Alfredo Sauce 

  Garden Salad, Garlic Bread, Ice Cream

  Please call the Church Office at 706-548-1680 for reservations by Monday, January 23 at 11:00 am.
• 6:00 pm Wednesday Opportunities
  • Women’s Study - Room 219 - “Discipling & Shepherding the Hearts of Women” (led by Jessica Beaver)
  • Men’s Devotion - Room 220
  • School of Healing Prayer, Level 1—Room 107 (led by Bailey Mitchell and/or Jane Kilgo)
  • Adult Bible Study - Fellowship Hall - “Questions and Answers from the Bible” 
  • Youth Remix —The Jimmy
  • Children’s and Nursery Activities Resume

Join us on Wednesday, February 8th as we learn and grow together!

College

Tip of the Week: Hey College Students! Hope you are having a great week! Lately we've seen a bunch of new young faces around St. James, and we just want to be sure you are in the loop. This week's tip is simple...check out our website! SJUMC.org/college shows who we are, ways you can connect at St. James, and also 15 cool tips to save money and enjoy your time in Athens. Don't forget about our weekly College Bible Study, which meets every Sunday from 9:45-10:45AM in our College Cabin (Room 111). We want to support you while you're here and give you a home and family while you're away from your home and family! Hope you have a great week, and thanks for being here! http://www.sjumc.org/college

Parents’ Night Out

Friday, February 10th — 5:30-9:30 pm
Ages: Newborn thru 5th grade

Leave your children with us for a romantic night with your sweetheart! Fun, responsible volunteers from The Wesley Foundation will entertain and care for your “kiddos” at St. James. Pizza is provided and all donations will go toward the awesome ministry at Wesley Foundation. RSVP for this date night by emailing Andrea Jay at majay@windstream.net by February 8th.

St. James Church Retreat March 2-4, 2012 Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain, Georgia

Sign up in the Church Office ASAP! Reservation Deadline — February 26. For more information, contact Pat Bennett at 706-207-6699 or prbennett113@charter.net.

Wednesday Dinner Reservations

Please call the Church Office (706-548-1680) BEFORE 11:00 AM on Monday mornings to reserve your dinner reservations for Wednesday’s Fellowship Meal. It is VERY IMPORTANT that we have an accurate count for the meal on Wednesday.

Miss a Sunday?

Pastor Jerry's teachings are available online and for downloading on our Teachings page here.

The Worship of God

8:30 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 10:50 a.m.

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany February 5, 2012

WE ENTER TO WORSHIP

PRESERVICE MUSIC (8:30)
Gaylene Campbell, organ

PRELUDE (8:30)
Nearer, My God, to Thee—arr. Anderson

PRELUDE (10:50)
All in All—arr. Ham

GATHERING SONG—HYMN NO. 160 (10:50)
Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Glenn Cole

GREETING TIME (10:50)

WE PRAISE GOD WITH OUR MUSIC, GIFTS, AND PRAYERS

HYMN NO. 618 (8:30, 10:50)
Let Us Break Bread Together

OFFERTORY
Balm in Gilead—arr. Martin

DOXOLOGY—HYMN NO. 94
Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow

PRAISE MUSIC

THE READING OF THE WORD
John 17:9-26

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH, No. 881 (8:30)

WE LIFT OUR SPIRITS IN PRAYER
The Rev. Jerry Meredith

(10:50 a.m. service): Children may be dismissed to Children’s Church in Room 103. Pre-K (4 years old by Sept 1, 2011) through 2nd Grade

WORSHIP IN MUSIC
Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me

WE HEAR HIS WORD

The Rev. Jerry Meredith

SCRIPTURE
Matthew 6:25-33

COMMUNION MEDITATION
“The Cross: A Symbol of Authentic Relationship”

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

OUR RESPONSE

HYMN NO. 622
There is a Fountain

SENDING FORTH

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.

POSTLUDE
O Zion, Haste—TIDINGS

Altar Color for Sunday, February 5th — Green

THANK YOU FOR TURNING OFF ALL CELL PHONES DURING THE WORSHIP SERVICES AND BIBLE CLASSES. Our St. James Prayer Ministers will be available at the Altar immediately following the service to pray with anyone desiring prayer.

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AT ST. JAMES

Sunday, February 5

Worship Services at 8:30, 9:40 and 10:50 a.m.

• 8:30 am Worship Service (Sanctuary)
• 9:00 am Coffee & Doughnuts (Fellowship Hall)
• 9:40 am Worship Service (Sanctuary)
• 9:40 am Bible Classes
• 10:50 am Worship Service (Sanctuary)
• 12:00 noon Children’s Ministry Team Meeting (Parent Library)
• 5:30 pm Student Leadership Team (The Jimmy)
• 6:00-8:00 pm Youth Supper Club (The Jimmy)
• 6:00 pm Hebrew Class (Room 220)