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
The flowers are placed in the sanctuary today to the glory of God.
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)
Monday, February 6
- 6:00 pm Praise Team Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
- 7:00 pm Clarke Middle Wyldlife (FH)
- 7:00-9:00 pm Ministry Council (Room 219)
- 7:00-9:00 pm AA Regular Meeting (Room 101)
- 8:00 pm Wesley Small Group (The Jimmy)
Tuesday, February 7
- 7:30-8:30 am Bible Study (Room 219)
- 10:00 am Ministry Staff Meeting (Room 217)
- 7:30-9:00 pm SPR Committee (Room 212)
Wednesday, February 8
- 10:30 am-12:00 pm Staff Meeting (Room 212)
- Wednesday Night Activities
- 5:15 pm Family Fellowship Meal (FH)
- 6:00 pm Adult Study Opportunities
- 6:00-7:30 pm Youth Remix (The Jimmy)
- 6:00 pm Children’s Activities
- 6:00 pm Nursery Provided
- 7:30 pm Women’s Ensemble (Room 213)
- 7:30 pm Men’s Ensemble (Room 214)
Thursday, February 9
- 6:00-10:00 pm Perspective Class (FH)
- 6:30 pm Finance Committee (Room 219)
- 7:00-9:00 pm A.A. Regular Meeting (Room 101)
Friday, February 10
- SJUMC Office Closed on Fridays
- 8:00 am Men’s Prayer (Parlor)
Saturday, February 11
- 5:00-10:00 pm Parent’s Night Out
- 6:30-10:30 pm Westminster Christian Academy - Fine Arts Gala Fundraiser (FH)
(Note: FH=Fellowship Hall)
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES—THE LIGHT
Sunday, February 5
- 8:00 am Worship Service
- 10:00 am Sunday School
- 11:00 am Worship Service
Thursday, February 9