Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr.................... Senior Minister Kim Hale .......................................... Preschool Director Rev. Noel C. Perez ..................... Associate Minister Doug Gatian ............................... Church Administrator Stephanie Updike .. Director of Children’s Ministries Elaine Smith .................................... Finance Secretary Johnny Updike .... Director of Youth and Outreach Lyn Dozier ....................................................... Secretary Sam Morris .............. Music and Arts Director Lacey Fulton ....................................................Secretary John Teate ................................ 8:55 Worship Leader Sylvia Roland ..................................... Church Hostess Mark Watford.................................................. Organist Jarvis Pitts ...................................................... Custodian Alwen Yeung .................................................... Pianist

Americus First United Methodist Church

200 South Lee Street Americus, Georgia 31709 229-924-3169

www.americusfirstunitedmethodistchurch.org facebook.com/AFUMCBrightBeginnings facebook.com/fumcamericus facebook.com/AFUMCKids facebook.com/AFUMCYouth

February 16, 2014

March 31, 2019

We are glad to have you worship with us.

BEHOLD THE SAVIOR OF MANKIND

Behold the Savior of mankind Nailed to the shameful tree; How vast the love that him inclined To bleed and die for thee! Hark how he groans! While nature shakes, And earth’s strong pillars bend! The temple’s veil in sunder breaks, The solid marbles rend. ‘Tis done! The precious ransom’s paid! “Receive my soul!” he cries; See where he bows his sacred head! He bows his head and dies! But soon he’ll break death’s envious chain And in full glory shine. O Lamb of God, was ever pain, Was ever love like thine?

Written by Samuel Wesley (1662-1735), this is one of the few relics of his papers found after the fire which destroyed the Epworth rectory during the night of February 9, 1709, when his son, young John Wesley, was rescued as a “brand plucked out of the burning.” It was first printed in John Wesley’s hymnbook A Collection of Psalms and Hymns (Charleston, 1737), under the title “On the Crucifixion.” I am glad that you are here today! Jerry

Welcome, Guests, to Americus First United Methodist Church! We are glad you are here and hope you worship with us again.

We invite you to join our congregation. If you are interested in membership, call Pastor Jerry at 924-3169.

Americus First United Methodist Church

MORNING WORSHIP March 31, 2019 — 11:00 a.m. in

4th Sunday in Lent

WELCOME GREETING AND WELCOME CHORUS — Surely the Presence ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Please fill out your communication card and place it in the offering plate later in worship.)

PRELUDE — Great is Thy Faithfulness (Arr. Joel Raney)

Alwen Yeung and Mark Watford, Piano Duet LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES Wiley Stewart and Caitlyn Umpleby

*HYMN OF PRAISE #292 - What Wondrous Love is This *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH #881— The Apostles’ Creed *GLORIA PATRI #71—Glory Be to the Father *PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Jerry A. Roe, Jr. CHORAL RESPONSE— Twofold Amen (Greek)

AFUMC Chancel Choir ANTHEM—Give Me Jesus (arr. Benjamin Harlan)

AFUMC Chancel Choir TITHES, OFFERINGS and COMMUNICATION CARDS OFFERTORY PRAYER Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr. OFFERTORY —Abide With Me (arr. John Carter)

Alwen Yeung and Mark Watford, Piano Duet *DOXOLOGY #95

3K to 2nd Grade Children dismissed to Children’s Church with Kalynn VanLandingham and Brianna Dillard.

*HYMN #294— Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed (vv. 1, 2, 4, and 5) *SCRIPTURE — Luke 23:32-33, 39-43 Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr. THE MESSAGE — Seven Last Words From the Cross—Part 4: Truly, I Tell You, Today You Will Be With Me in Paradise Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr. *CLOSING HYMN #297—Beneath the Cross of Jesus

*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr. *POSTLUDE Mark Watford, Organist

Bob Slenker, Audio Tech Lee Pinnell , Video Tech

Americus First United Methodist Church

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP

March 31, 2019 8:55 a.m.

Seven Last Words From the Cross Part 4: Truly, I Tell You, Today You Will

Be With Me in Paradise Luke 23:32-33, 39-43

Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr.

Praise Team

John Teate, Worship Leader, guitar and vocals Sam Morris, Worship Leader, keyboard and vocals

Kalynn VanLandingham, keyboard and vocals and Hannah Mitchell, guitar and vocals

Rebecca Ferguson and Beverly Huffman, vocals Nathan Bateman, bass guitar

Audio Tech: Lee Wright ~ Video Tech: Beth Wright

Children (3k-2nd Grade) are invited to Children’s Church with

Stephanie Updike and Susan Barr immediately before the message.

Refreshments provided by Angelyn Tripp.

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PRESCHOOL

WE ARE FAMILY

OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, FROM 5-7 P.M.

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US.

PLEASE PREORDER YOUR DINNER BY APRIL 1

FOR THAT NIGHT.

___$8 FOR BBQ SANDWICH, SLAW, CHIPS, DRINK

AND DESSERT

___$5 FOR CHICKEN NUGGETS, CHIPS, DRINK

AND DESSERT (KIDS)

AND ALL THE FIXINS

—FREE—

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019, AT 5:30 PM

Barbeque prepared by our own “Two Guys and a Grill”: Billy Tye and Pastor Jerry!

Reservations are required. Call the church office at 229-924-3169 or email to office@fumcamericus.com.

Tuesday, March 26: Chapel with Bright Beginnings "God Took Care of Peter" from Acts 12:11—The kids learned another story in the bible of when God took care of one of His people. Wednesday, March 27 - TeamKID "Going to Church" ...Bible story from Luke 2:40-52/ memory verse is Psalm 122:1 The kids will learn about their responsibilities to participate in worship services, to pray for their church, and to give money for the work of their church. Sunday, March 31 -Explore the Bible" in Sunday School: "We love because He first loved us" 1 John 4:19

UPCOMING DATES:UPCOMING EVENTS-

Saturday, April 13- Easter Egg Hunt and lunch at the Jones' house (303 Ga Hwy 49 N) from 11 am- 1pm....Each child is asked to bring 2 dozen FILLED, plastic eggs. Please RSVP to Stephanie or the church office so we can have a head count for the food.

June 10-14—Vacation Bible School ~APRIL Challenge for Operation Christmas Child~

socks, hats, shirts, mittens/gloves

In Him, Stephanie

YOUTH

Youth Praise Choir & Praise Band- Praise Band practice 4:30 p.m. in The Foundry every Wednesday. Praise Choir will practice every Wednesday @ 7:30-8 pm in The Foundry after Bible study. Wednesday Bible Study– I'm looking forward to being back at full strength with several of our Spring Sports wrapping up over the next couple of weeks! After Spring break we will begin a very important topic, RESPECT. We will address having respect for your parents, authority figures, your faith, friends and for yourself. WE NEED THESE LESSONS! (I can hear a lot of parents saying "AMEN" as they read this.) So encourage your students to be here; it will be well worth it! WE always have great worship and I'm expecting great changes to take place! This is still our best meeting time and if you're not here, you are missing out! Come join us for great worship and message at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in The Foundry! The Foundry and game room are now open on Wednesdays at 3:30. All youth are welcome to come hang out after school, play games or work on homework until we head upstairs for Wednesday Night Supper @ 5:30 p.m. Join us on Wednesdays!!!! Sunday School- 10 am in The Foundry- We will continue our series on Steps we can and need to take to grow. We will begin discussing the importance of "Obedience", a topic all of us could use! SO get yourselves out of bed and be Obedient and be here! Prayer Breakfast - Wednesday, April 10 at 7 a.m. We will not meet next week because of Spring Break. We'll start back on April 10. Thank you Shaw Pinnell for filling in for Cale last week, it was a great devotion! I changed the schedule a little bit, so please note the changes. Devotion- 4/3- SPRING BREAK 4/10- Cale Revell 4/17- Mary Beth Easterlin 4/24- Banks Simmons Upcoming Events: 4/10/19- "We are Family" dinner for Wednesday night Supper- Please bring order by April 1 for dinner of $8 for BBQ or $5 for nuggets. 4/28/19- College/Wes House Sunday 5/19/19- Graduation/Senior Sunday

Thank you! Johnny

WE ARE FAMILY — ANNUAL BRIGHT BEGINNINGS FUNDRAISER

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, FROM 5-7 P.M.

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US.

PLEASE PREORDER YOUR DINNER BY APRIL 1 FOR THAT NIGHT!

___$8 FOR BBQ SANDWICH, SLAW, CHIPS, DRINK, AND DESSERT

___$5 FOR CHICKEN NUGGETS, CHIPS, DRINK AND DESSERT (KIDS)

FLOWERS IN THE SANCTUARY TODAY are given to the glory of God and in honor of

Sparky Reeves’ birthday on March 27 by Allene Reeves.

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Cuyler Barr, Sue Bailes, Mike Bledsoe, Sybil Bledsoe, Nancy Carlan, Beth Carroll, Joe Caldwell, John Carroll, Mary Davis, Sheryl Dickens,

April Duke, Sue Dupree, Sharon Dutton, Margie Easterlin, Gertrude Forehand, Marion Franklin, Amy Hamrick, Harold Jacobs,

Ruth Jones, Pam Law, Imogene McLendon, Floyd Martin, Ted and Brenda McMillan, Brooks Starlin Mechler,

Vicki Partain, David Peak, Charlene Sanders, Eugenia Smith, Walter Stapleton, Calvin Starlin, Richard and Diane Swope,

Russell Thomas III, Betty Trammell, Liz Turpin, Stephanie Updike, Evelyn Wages, Juanita Wilder, Al Womack

GREETERS and USHERS for March 31, 2019

8:55 Inside Greeters: Angelyn Tripp 11:00 Inside Greeters at Front Door: Jarrett Hooks; Steve and

Jeannie Stanfield 11:00 Inside Greeters at South Door: Janis Webb and Sue Freshwater

11:00 Ushers: Jan and Bill Bird, Co-Captains; Ellen and Bill Hanson, Jenny and Bob Lashley, Lori and Dave Perry, Vangie and Steve Perry,

Beth and Allen Ragan

Wednesday Fellowship Supper 5:30 p.m.

Menu: Baked Potato Bar, Chili, Salad, Cornbread, Dessert

Adults $6 ~ Youth & Children $4

Please make reservations on your communication card or call the church office by noon on Monday (924-3169).

Donations Can Now Be Made On your Mobile Device!

For additional help with this, contact the church office for “How To” sheets or contact the Financial

Secretary from 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday in the church office.

Gifts in Memory

Ginny Whaley

From Pam and Herschel Smith Jill and Ross Youngdale

Gene Butler

From Pam and Herschel Smith

On Friday, March 15, Leslie and Matt Stewart became the parents of William Emory Stewart. He is the brother of

Katie and Wiley and the grandson of Diane Corning. The rosebud on the altar is in honor of William.

OUR LOVE AND SYMPATHY

To Penny and Jim Bolin

on the death of Penny’s father,

Julius T. Klein,

on March 23, 2019

Membership: 1015 Total Worship Attendance March 24: 240

8:55 Worship Attendance. ................. 76 Youth Wednesday ................................ 54 11:00 Worship Attendance .............. 164 Children—Team KID ............................. 29 Budget Giving ........................... $4,297 Sunday School Total ........................... 121 YTD 2019 Budget Giving ....... $167,096 Benevolence ................................... $1,985 YTD 2019 Expenditures ......... $187,656

Reminder: You can make donations to the church by automatic draft.

Just call Elaine in the finance office.

OUR RECORD OF FAITHFULNESS

Sunday, March 31, 2019 8:30 a.m. Chapel open for prayer 8:55 a.m. Worship in the Social Hall 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. Prayer Connection in the Parlor 6:00 p.m. Bible Study on The Revelation to John in the Epworth Classroom Monday, April 1, 2019 10:00 a.m. Nimble Fingers in the Social Hall 1:30 p.m. Staff Meeting in the Parlor Tuesday, April 2, 2019 5:15 p.m. Bell Choir Wednesday, April 3, 2019 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Fellowship Supper in the Social Hall 6:00 p.m. TeamKId in Campsite 2 6:00 p.m. Youth in the Foundry 6:00 p.m. Growth Groups in assigned rooms 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal in the Choir Room Thursday, April 4, 2019 1:00 p.m. Bulletin Crew in Epworth Classroom Friday, April 5, 2019 9a-12 noon Office Open

HAPPENING THIS WEEK

CHAPEL OPEN FOR PRAYER 9a-5p Mon-Th

9a-12p Fri

Easter Lilies for Easter Sunday, April 21

Easter lilies were ordered for Easter Sunday. To place lilies in honor or in memory of loved ones, please complete this form & drop it with your check ($15 payable to FUMC) in the offering plate or mail to the church office (200 S. Lee St. 31709). The deadline is April 16. Proceeds help provide flowers for services throughout the year.

In Honor of _______________________________________

From ____________________________________________

In Memory of _____________________________________

From ____________________________________________

____ I will pick up my lilies after Easter worship. ____ I will make a donation to the flower fund instead of purchasing a lily.

Dear Church Family, Thank you for the Prayergram “We are wrapping you in prayer” you sent us during this trying time. We felt your love and God’s love in every name—such a blessing. Bill was very special to our family. Yours, Louis (Boodlum) and Stella Bridges

Calendar Dates 2019

Sundays 8:55 a.m. Worship in the Social Hall

10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 Worship

in the Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. Prayer Connection

In the Parlor 6:00 p.m. Bible Study on The Revelation to John

Social Hall

Mondays Nimble Fingers Quilters

10:00 a.m. in the Social Hall

Tuesdays

Bell Choir Rehearsal 5:15 in the Bell Choir Room

Wednesdays Fellowship Supper

5:30 p.m. in the Social Hall TeamKID

Youth Growth Groups

6:00 p.m. in the designated rooms

Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. in the Choir Room

Wednesday, April 10 We Are Family

Social Hall and Front Lawn

Saturday, June 1 Home Run 5K & 1K Fun Run For the Americus Campus of

The Methodist Home AFUMC Parking Lot

Monday—Friday June 10-14

Vacation Bible School Location to be Determined

Monday-Friday July 15-19

Music and Arts Camp Location to be Determined

Church Office Hours

Monday-Thursday: 9:00a to 5:00p

Friday: 9:00 a.m. to noon

Friday is Jerry’s, Sam’s, Stephanie’s and Johnny’s day off.

Finance Office Hours Monday - Thursday:

9:00a -3:00p

Group Questions

April 3, 2019 Sermon: Seven Last Words from the Cross: Part Four: “Truly, This Day, You Will Be in Paradise.” Scripture: Luke 23:32-33, 39-43

1. What hopes and dreams come to mind when you think of the word paradise? How would the thief conceive paradise at this moment?

2. Notice that there was no baptism or initiation into the faith for the criminal. What does this tell you about Jesus

and salvation? When did the thief’s eternal life begin? 3. What does salvation mean to you? How does your salvation affect your life today? What is your response to

salvation? 4. Please read Luke 16:19-31. Discuss the meaning of this parable with your group.