United in the Spirit, First United Methodist Church of Belmont existsto be more like Jesus Christ for our community and beyond

REV. GEORGE RAGSDALE, SENIOR PASTOR807 South Point Road // Belmont, NC 28012

P: 704-825-2106 // F: 704-825-2176www.fumcbelmont.org

SERVICE OF WORSHIP Epiphany of the Lord – January 6, 2019 – 8:30 a.m.

PRAISE AND PRAYER

*SONGS Joy Has Dawned The First Noel *PRAYER

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

OLD TESTAMNT LESSON

*GOSPEL LESSON

SERMON Rev. George Ragsdale

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed

RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

PRAYER OF CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE As a forgiven and reconciled child of God, you are invited to give your offerings and gi�s to God by placing them in the offering plate when you come forward to receive communion.

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

*TAKING THE BREAD AND CUP

*THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

*THE LORD’S PRAYER

*BREAKING THE BREAD

SHARING THE BREAD AND CUP PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION GOING FORTH AS WITNESSES TO THE WORLD

*BENEDICTION

*SONG He Shall Reign Forevermore

*Those who are able please stand

Liturgy Boxes are intended to help young children engage in our worship services with intentionally chosen items to use at different times throughout worship. If your child would like to use one of the boxes, they are located in the Narthex. Please return them following the worship service for others to use next week.

Children’sLiturgyBoxes

WELCOME! We’re glad you chose to worship with us this morning. We invite you to check out the opportunities we have for children, youth and adults of all ages and stages of life. We offer ministries and a community of faith that will help challenge and encourage you as together we seek to grow as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, serving God and our neighbor in all that we do.

VISITORS: Stop by our welcome table in the narthex as you leave today to receive a small gi� and more information about our church. We would love to know more about you, so please sign the attendance pad as it is passed down your pew and share your contact information so that we can be in touch.

THE ANATOMY OF PEACEPastor George will be leading a small group using a book called The Anatomy of Peace. This book was foundational for the Commission on a Way Forward as they needed a framework for having difficult conversations and remaining in relationship with people at all ends of the theological spectrum. The book offers a pathway to experience deep transformation, moving from deep conflict to deep peace. The group will not be specifically about the human sexuality issues, but aims to help us ask good questions about how we can find peace and love, even in disagreement and division. To register and for more information, visit www.fumcbelmont.org/2019smallgroups

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIASToday, the Epiphany of the Lord, is also the Twel�h Day of Christmas. Those who provided poinsettias to honor or remember a loved one should take it with them following today’s eleven o’clock service.

It’s time to heat things up!Come join us at the Route 66

Annual CHILI COOK-OFF!

You be the judge with your nickel, dime quarter and dollar votes. Route 66 Class to use funds

raised on various mission projects!

Enter your recipe, bring enough for all to taste!

Whether you enter the competition or not, please join us for fun, fellowship and, of course,

CHILI! All are welcome!

Cornbread, fixins’, beverage provided, along with something for those who are not chili fans!

WE hope to see EVERYONE there!

Sunday, January 27, 20196:00 p.m.

Carpenter HallEnter, if you DARE!

Who will be the CHILI CHAMP?

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR 2019 TELLER DUTIESTellers work on teams of three couples and count money from the offering plates a�er the 11 o’clock service. Volunteers are on a monthly rotation and would count the offering money only three months each year. If you are willing to help please contact Hollan Bradley at hb1032@yahoo.com.

BIBLE SCIENCE Our mid-week gathering for elementary-aged children resumes with a new Bible Science study on January 9th. Over the course of eight weeks the group will hear Bible stories about the teachings and miracles of Jesus. Following each Bible lesson, the children will participate in science experiments and activities that help to reinforce the lessons as we learn what it means to be more like Jesus for our community and beyond. For more information and to register, visit www.fumcbelmont.org/join-us/children/through-the-week. While registration is not required, it is helpful.

NEW “READING WOMEN” GROUP Women of all ages who like to read, think, grow spiritually, and grow relationships with other women are invited to join the new Reading Women. Rev. Karen Easter Bayne will lead this group, which will meet on the first Wednesday of each month, beginning February 6th at 6:30 p.m. Selected books are by and/or about women, including fiction and non-fiction, books that are funny, inspiring, thought-provoking, current, challenging, and beautifully written. The group will read and discuss a book each month, then come together to discuss it. Adding to the discussion will be the study of a woman of the Bible whose story connects with the book’s story. We will also share how our own faith and life story intersects with God’s story and the story we read together. Come grow in your faith, make friends, learn, and have fun.

For more information, including a list of books, registration and child care needs, visit www.fumcbelmont.org/2019smallgroups.

**Participants are to have read A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans before the February 6th gathering.

MEET IN THE MIDDLE RETURNS Our weekly Meet in the Middle meals will resume January 9th from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

No reservations needed. $5/person.

Would you be willing to help with set-up or clean-up? With the additional weeks being offered, it would be

wonderful to add to our list of volunteers! Email Kristen@fumcbelmont.org.

Holy Communion in the Sanctuary at 5:15 p.m.

January 9th- Chili, salad and cornbreadJanuary 16th- Chicken tetrazinni, vegetables and dessert

Youth Happenings WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sunday, January 6 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Knitting Group 6:00 p.m. Youth Group 7:00 p.m. Worship Team Rehearsal Monday, January 7 1:30 p.m. Circle IV 7:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous

Wednesday, January 9 1:00 p.m. Deadline for Jan. 20th Bulletin 5:30 p.m. Meet in the Middle 6:00 p.m. Adult Bell Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Bible Science 6:30 p.m. Disciple Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Active Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, January 10 6:00 p.m. Outreach Committee Meeting Saturday, January 12 5:30 p.m. Cocaine Anonymous Sunday, January 13 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Knitting Group 6:00 p.m. Youth Group 7:00 p.m. Worship Team Rehearsal

Our StaffGeorge Ragsdale - Senior Pastor

Kristen Surratt - Minister of DiscipleshipMargie Ligon - Director of Youth Ministry

Elizabeth Davis - Director of MusicLinda Smith - CDC Director

Janice Pennington - Business ManagerAmanda Sloan - Child Care CoordinatorCarole Bertino - Administrative Assistant

If you have an emergency or have a confidential prayer request, please contact George at the church office (704-825-2106) or his cell (704-249-0645). The names above will

remain on the prayer list for one month unless otherwise notified.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER

• Kara Deal and family upon the death of Kara’s mother, Carolyn Bailey • Vera Boone (grandmother of Elizabeth Boney) • Kenneth Aldridge (father of Elizabeth Boney) • Nicole Stanforth and family upon the death of Nicole’s mother • Ed Dorman (grandfather of Gred Stanforth) • Von Wallace (step-dad of Nicole Stanforth) • Keela Johnson (Beth Coley) • Jack Hansen (Baxter Hansen) • Betty Kendrick (mother of Angela Bradmon) • Dean Ward (father of Melanie Lowrance) • Linda Smith • Heather Farris • Christopher Bostwick (Kim Bostwick) • Mitzi McCall (Brenda Austin) • Jace McCarter • Keith Lowe • Linda Weatherford • Young Missionary Cohort 2017-2019 (Lily Sloan Saravia)