March 26, 2017 Fourth Sunday in Lent

Sermon Series: We invite you to stand as you are able

Chiming of the Hour (11:00a)

Welcome

Praise Set (8:30a) ALIVE Praise Band Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) Tomlin/Newton I Need a Miracle Powell, Anderson, Carr and Lee By Your Side Donehey, Ingram & LaRue

Bell Voluntary (11:00a) Chancel Bells C Major Peal Alice Ralston

Choral Introit (11:00a) Jesus Stand Among Us Albin Whitworth

Hymn of Praise No. 155 (11:00a) For the Beauty of the Earth Kocher

Lenten Wreath Reading Jean Gosnell (8:30a) Ramona Phelps (11:00a)

Concerns of the Congregation

Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer

Anthem (11:00a) Lord, Here Am I John Ness Beck

Chancel Choir

Master, Thou callest, I gladly obey; only direct me, and I’ll find my way. Teach me the mission appointed for me, What is my labor, And where it shall be.

Willing, my Savior, to take up the cross; willing to suffer reproaches and willing to follow, if Thou will but lead; only support me with grace in my need. Living or dying, I still would be Thine, yet I am mortal while Thou art divine. Pardon, whenever I turn from the right; pity, and bring me again to the light

Chorus: Master, Thou callest, And this I reply, “Ready and willing, Lord, here am I.”

We Worship with our Tithes and Offerings

Offertory Jesus Messiah (8:30a) Tomlin Saint Thomas Festal(11:00a) arr. by Lauren Delancey

Chancel Bells

Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise him, all creatures here below. Praise him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

We Worship with the Children (11:00 a.m.) (Kid Kits in the bright green bags, provided for K-5th graders, are located at the back of the sanctuary. Following We Worship with the Children, K-3rd graders are invited to attend Children’s Worship on the ground floor Children’s Ministry area...just follow the Worship Leader.)

Scripture Luke 5:12-16 NT Page 62

Sermon The Red Flag: The Importance of the Delay Rev. Jamie Armstrong

The beginning of the scripture reading tells us about the cleansing of a man who was a leper. The NRSV describes this man as being “covered with leprosy.” Other versions say the man was “full of leprosy.” Whatever the translation, the text indicates that he was clearly in an advanced stage of his ailment. And yet his request of Jesus takes almost a resigned or a reluctant tone – “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” (v. 12) Why did this man hesitate? Did he fear rejection? But why would he think that Jesus might not choose to heal him? Isn’t that what Jesus did?

Responding to the ill man, Jesus instructs him to tell no one, but to “show yourself to the priest...” (v. 14). This is to fulfill the instructions in the Old Testament that any cleansing must be verified by the priests. It would certify Jesus’ cleansing of the man.

The last two verses of the reading point to the red flag. As Jesus grows in popularity, larger and larger crowds follow him. Rob writes, “You can feel the press of their demands on him. How could Jesus possibly take time for himself when there were so many people in need?” (p. 63) Nonetheless, Jesus withdrew to a deserted place to pray. What a wonderful vision for ourselves! We must take time from the busyness of our ministries, our families, and our communities, and have time to be in prayer.

Anthem (8:30a) ALIVE Praise Band Jesus Paid It All Grape & Stanfill

(8:30a) New Member Reception into the Congregation of First UMC Lexington UMH Pg. 38 Brenda Turner and Ally Turner by letter of transfer from Fairmont Presbyterian, Lexington, NC.

Hymn of Response No. 395 (11:00a) Take Time to Be Holy Stebbins

Benediction and Blessing

Traveling Music (8:30a) ALIVE Praise Band Strong Tower Furler & Taylor

Postlude (11:00a) We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder? arr. Smith

Announcements Remember to visit our website www.fumclex.org to stay connected with our

church calendar, ministries, activities and events.

CONGRATULATIONS to our 2017 Chili Cook-Off Winners

Richard and Tammi Foust! A total of $306.00 was collected from all

of the votes cast during the cook-off. The proceeds will benefit the

AID (Assistance for Individuals in Distress) Fund.

Sunday, April 9 TAKE THE FLAG SUNDAY EVENT

CARS! CARS! CARS! (4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.)

4th Avenue & State Street parking lot

Experience the thrill of seeing classic, hot rod, and racing cars up-

close & personal. Sit in the driver’s seat and have your picture made. Hotdogs &

drinks are available for a donation. All proceeds will benefit the

AID (Assistance for Individuals in Distress) Fund.

We are looking for table hostesses for the Mother/Daughter Tea

A brief meeting to answer all questions about what being a

table hostess involves will be held today in the fellowship hall

following the 11:00a service. The meeting is open to all of our

awesome women who may want to sign-up as a table hostess

and to those who just have questions and would like more

information. Feel free to contact: Jennifer Klim (336) 688-6713.

Wednesdays, March 29 and April 5

12:00p Worship Service, First UMC Sanctuary followed by a Soup

& Sandwich Lunch in the Fellowship Hall—$5/person

Candy! Candy! Candy! We are collecting candy & plastic eggs

for the Children’s Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt. You may drop

off your donated candy on the cart outside of Donna Huskins’ office

through Wednesday, April 5.

United Methodist Women’s Event A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial

Sunday, April 2 (8:30 a.m.) Breakfast & Program in the Fellowship Hall with

guest speaker, Jen Hames, Director of Health Services for Davidson County

ABUNDANT HEALTH FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN

Each year, nearly a quarter of a million women die worldwide from preventable causes

relating to pregnancy and childbirth. Approximately 19,000 children die every day from

treatable diseases such as diarrhea and tuberculosis. United Methodist Women, as a

faith-based women’s organization, recognizes these issues as critical areas of concern

and priority. Sign-up at the Volunteer’s Desk to reserve your seat by March

29. A $5 donation is requested to cover the cost of breakfast.

Walk to the Square Palm Sunday, April 9 (12:15 p.m.) We will join in the

traditional walk to the square with area congregations on Palm Sunday.

YMCA's Palm Sunday Lunch Benefits Y Scholarships

Palm Sunday, April 9 (11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.) J. Smith Young YMCA

Menu: chicken pie, creamed potatoes, green beans, rolls, dessert, and tea

Tickets: $10 Adults; $5 Children (4-10 years); Free (3 & under). Seating limited

to the first 300 tickets sold. Contact Glynda Smith (336-243-7901)at First UMC on

Sunday mornings March 26 & April 2. Tickets are also available at the YMCA

front desk and at the door on April 9. With advance purchase of tickets, you may

reserve a table of 10. Take-out service is also available.

Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt Sunday, April 9

(4:00 p.m.) Church lawn

Touching Davidson County with Love

Area churches join together in a day of service to help

the poor, disabled, and elderly in our community.

EACH PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Sign-up sheets for a wide selection of projects are

located on a bulletin board in the main hallway. Some

of the proposed projects include food box deliveries,

visiting and/or singing at nursing homes, making baby

blankets, cleaning yards, painting, small home repairs

and ramp construction, and more. We need project managers to lead projects,

and crew members to help them. If you are willing to serve as a project manager,

please contact Sandra Michael at her email address: sandraemichael@gmail.com

Our Stewardship for God’s Work This stewardship report is given so you may follow our financial progress throughout the year. Each Sunday, please review and thoughtfully pray over this report. Everyone is a part of God’s stewardship.

Report for Sunday, March 19, 2017: Early Worship: 19 Morning Worship: 190 Total: 209 Weekly Offerings: $8,508.07 Weekly Needed: $10,606.72 Total Received to Date: $135,828.74 Needed to Date: $127,280.64 Online Giving For mobile device users, the QR (Quick Response) code will take you to a secure mobile site for Online Giving from your smartphone or tablet. On your first visit, you will need to create a profile.

If you do not have a STANDING RESERVATION and would like to join us, complete this form, tear it out of the bulletin and place it in the offering plate OR email dhuskins@firstumclex.org OR call the church office by 10:00 a.m. Monday morning to make your weekly reservation.

Mid-Week Family Fellowship WEEKLY MEAL RESERVATION Wednesday, March 29 - 6:00 p.m.

Menu: Baked Spaghetti Program: Rev. Jamie shares about tour of the Holy Land

Adult $6 each ~ Children $4 each OR Family Maximum: $20

Name: ____________________________________ Adults _____ Children _____

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WEEKLY CALENDAR Sunday, March 26 8:30 a.m. Take The Flag, Early Worship, Fellowship Hall 9:45 a.m. Confirmation Class, 2nd Floor, Youth SS Classroom 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Take The Flag, Agape SS Class, Fellowship Hall Open to all... 9:45 a.m. Take The Flag, Koinonia SS Class, 2nd Floor Classroom 11:00 a.m. Take The Flag, Morning Worship Service, Sanctuary 4:15 p.m. Youth Choir, Choir Room 5:00 p.m. Take The Flag, Teens of Life Youth, Youth/Scout House 6:00 p.m. Take The Flag, Home of Sandra & Wayne Michael led by Pastor Jamie Monday, March 27 7:00 p.m. Take The Flag, Home of Lynn & Doug Rowe 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts and Venturers, Youth/Scout House 7:00 p.m. Cub Scouts, 2nd Floor Classrooms Tuesday, March 28 7:00 p.m. Take The Flag, Theology Pub, High Rock Outfitters 7:00 p.m. Amazing Grace Seekers, Home of Lynn Rowe Wednesday, March 29 7:45 a.m. Prayer Breakfast, Cagney’s 10:00 a.m. Take The Flag, Agape Classroom, 2nd Floor, led by Pastor Doug 12:00 p.m. Lenten Worship Service, Sanctuary Soup & Sandwich Lunch, Fellowship Hall 6:00 p.m. Mid-Week Family Fellowship, Fellowship Hall 6:00 p.m. Chancel Bell Rehearsal, Bell Room 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room Thursday, March 30 7:45 a.m. Men’s Devotion & Fellowship, Biscuit King on Main Street 2:00 p.m. Take The Flag, Timberlake Gallery, led by Pastor Jamie Friday, March 31 Saturday, April 1 Sunday, April 2 8:30 a.m. UMW Prayer & Self-Denial Program & Breakfast, Fellowship Hall 8:30 a.m. Take The Flag, Early Worship, Sanctuary 9:45 a.m. Confirmation Class, 2nd Floor, Youth SS Classroom 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Take The Flag, Agape SS Class, Fellowship Hall Open to all... 9:45 a.m. Take The Flag, Koinonia SS Class, 2nd Floor Classroom 11:00 a.m. Take The Flag, Morning Worship Service, Sanctuary 4:15 p.m. Youth Choir, Choir Room 5:00 p.m. Take The Flag, Teens of Life Youth, Youth/Scout House 6:00 p.m. Take The Flag, Home of Sandra & Wayne Michael led by Pastor Jamie

First United Methodist Church 310 South Main Street - Lexington, NC - 27292 Office phone: 248-2886 Website: www.fumclex.org

Rev. Jamie Armstrong, Senior Minister jarmstrong1@wnccumc.net

Rev. Doug Rowe, Minister of Congregational Care & Adult Ministries drowe003@triad.rr.com

Lee Mabe, Director of Music and Youth Ministries maestromabe@gmail.com

Phyllis Jones, Organist phyllis.smith@yadkin.k12.nc.us

Amanda Bostick, Children’s Ministries Coordinator aebostick@gmail.com

Kimberly Leonard, Toddler Nursery

Alma Carlton, Financial Secretary acarlton@firstumclex.org

Donna Huskins, Administrative Assistant dhuskins@firstumclex.org

Charlie O’Connell, Kitchen Manager c-oconnell@hotmail.com

Flowers The flowers in the narthex are given to the glory of God and in memory of Jo Swing in commemoration of her birthday, March 28, by her childhood forever friends Jemmietta Allred, Jane Harris, and Ramona Phelps. A single rose is place on the altar today to the glory of God and in honor of the birth of Ada Iris Francese on October 19, 2016. Congratulations to parents Jessie and Brent Francese and twin big brothers, Vin and Whit. Grandparents are Deborah and Terry Arnold and Linda and John Francese. A white New Testament is presented to the baby from United Methodist Women Group 12.

Sympathy Sympathy of the ministers and members of the congregation is extended to Hilda Flynt, Darlene (Robert) Dejo, Alan Flynt, and Bonnie Grey Flynt upon the death of James (Jim) Harrell Flynt on March 22, 2017. Today’s Greeters: Libby and Max Lanning Sandra and Jimmy Shoaf FOURTH SUNDAY Chief Ushers: Jimmy Everhart and Richard Foust Captain: B.A. Long Co-Captain: Mike Hall Betty Frick, Charles Hoover, Bob Pearson, Tad Proctor, Larry Swing, Bren Varner, and Dean Yemm. Security: Pete Murray

Prayer Requests Robert Phelps Max Lanning Max Wood Kathy Hester Pat Langley Terri Beck Natalie Blomquist June Craver Steve Caudill John Hench Judy Hench Earl Hester Miheepa Jones Mary Norman Paul Smith Flonnie Thomason Don Van Hyning Dee Dee Walker Mary Louise Wilkerson

Shut-Ins Dot Kinsey Caroline McCree Kathryn Neal Evelyn Sink

Alston-Brook Isabelle Trimpey

Bethany Woods Alvin Pope

Brookdale Lexington Opal Bloome Betty Darr

Brookstone Lexington

Pegge Wood Copley Albert Gobble

Genesis House (Salisbury) Julee Smith

Wood Haven Louise Pope

Piedmont Crossing Health Care Margaret Beck Margaret McCrary Carver Gladys Johnson Margaret Ragan Residents Jo Doris Beck Herman & Naoma Crabtree Richard & Camille Lawrence Georgianna Niven Madeline Palmer Barbara Proctor Jim Ragan Nancy Wilkinson

Extended Family and Friends Herbert Yates Kelli Jones Tom Sigmon Chris Hunt Spencer Davis Faye Graham Gracie Joy Hedrick Kendall Conner David Ogle Tempie Almstead Kelly Michael

Kristin Harris Peter McDermott Claire Dowling Jim McDermott Ann Schaefer Helen Hall David Stafford Cliff Lopp, Jr. Cameron & Pete Dunlap Linda & Tom Dunlap Carol & Steve Harris Peggy Sisk Anna Smathers Pete Ullsperger Pat Wilson Jack Smith Gene Oldham Nakajah Vaughan Brenda Hipp Jane King Glenn Bisbee Breanna Wilson Jack Briggs Ethan Reavis Jason & Stacy Heitman Jenny Rains Jimmy Davis Bentley Leonard John Bruce Davis Sandra Parker Eric Leonard Robert, Doris, & Keith Hunt Martha Daniel Debra Ann Leonard Betty Jean Whitaker

Len & Dottie Harris Jack & Susan Phillips Jordan Beswick Susan Fritts Regina Chrest Bruce Thornton Ed Wilkerson Serving in the Armed Forces (mailing address & birthdate in newsletter) Capt. Jarrad Thorley SSS Jason Brownworth SGT Alan Ingram SPC Trevor J. Morris SPC John Hall