February 26, 2017 8th Sunday after the Epiphany

Transfiguration of the Lord

Sermon Series: Children of Eden We invite you to stand as you are able

Chiming of the Hour (11:00a)

Welcome

Praise Set (8:30a) ALIVE Praise Band Take My Life Havergal, Malan, Hendon Your Love Never Fails McLarney Chain Breaker Smith, Fieldes & Williams

Opening Voluntary (11:00a) Flute Piece Hine

Choral Introit (11:00a) Over My Head African American Spiritual

Hymn of Praise No. 166 (11:00a) All Praise to Thee Williams

Concerns of the Congregation

Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer

Anthem (11:00a) When I Survey the Wondrous Cross arr. Mike Fisher

Chancel Choir When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God; all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

We Worship with our Tithes and Offerings

Offertory Thrive (8:30a) Hall & West Voluntary (11:00a) Greene 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 (11:00a) (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 Genesis 12:1-8 OT Page 10

Sermon Calling Abram Rev. Jamie Armstrong As we close out this sermon series, we come to a turning point in the story. The “primeval” stories of creation have been told – creation of the human beings in the image of God is followed by human rebellion, the first murder, a catastrophic flood and that disastrous exercise in tower building – and now human beings reap the rewards of trying to create a culture where God is nothing more than an afterthought. In a word, creation is in an appalling state as people are separated by a babel of languages.

The calling of Abram and Sarai is a major turning point in the biblical story (for the Old and New Testaments). Through this couple, God plans to bless the whole earth. God’s new attempt to restore the harmony of creation comes in the form of a missionary call – a theme that will be echoed throughout the biblical story – as God continues to call human beings to be the instruments of God’s mission on planet earth.

God intends to bless Abram so that he will be a blessing. This has been God’s standard operating procedure all through human history. Blessings are never meant to be grasped tightly and selfishly guarded, but are to be shared with others in a spirit of joy and gratitude and generosity. Israel was chosen by God to be “a light to the nations” (Isaiah 49:6). Jesus “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Followers of Christ are “to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last” (John 15:16).

Anthem (8:30a) ALIVE Praise Band

Good, Good Father Tomlin

Hymn of Response No. 144 vs. 3 (11:00a)

This Is My Father’s World Traditional English melody

Benediction and Blessing

Traveling Music (8:30a) ALIVE Praise Band

Rise McDonald

Postlude (11:00a) Gavotte Camidge

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

church calendar, ministries, activities and events.

Update from the February Blood Drive

33 pints donated on Tuesday, February 21—We were only 2 pints

short of our goal of 35 pints. Thank YOU for being a February

lifesaver!

Church-wide Lenten Worship and Study Series

The journey begins this week! Are you ready? Get set. Go!

We are excited about the multiple opportunities for small group studies (see the

full list below), the sermon series Jamie will preach that will complement the study,

and the special events we have planned. Now all we need is you, to sign up for

one of the groups, to purchase a copy of the book ($8 each in the church office)

and enter the journey. (Maybe invite a friend to join you!)

Mondays Feb 27-April 10 (7:00p) Home of Pastor Doug & Lynn Rowe, 420

Country Club Blvd., Lexington

Tuesdays Feb 28-April 11 (7:00p) Theology Pub at High Rock Outfitters, 13 S.

Main St, Lexington, led by Pastor Jamie

Wednesdays March 1-April 12 (10:00a) Morning Group with Pastor Doug in

the Agape Classroom, 2nd Floor

Thursdays March 2-April 13 (2:00p) Timberlake Gallery, 1714 E. Center St.

Ext., Lexington led by Pastor Jamie

Sundays Sunday School March 5-April 16 (9:45a-10:45a) Koinonia & Agape classes

Morning Worship Sermon Series March 5-April 16 (8:30a and 11:00a)

Pastor Jamie will preach a sermon series for Lent and Easter that parallels the

lessons being learned through reading the book and small group discussion.

Sunday Evenings March 5-April 9 (6:00p) Home of Wayne & Sandra Michael,

409 S. State St., Lexington, led by Pastor Jamie (Last meeting on Palm Sunday)

Teens of Life Youth Ministry Feb 26, Mar 5, 12, 26, April 2 (5:00p-6:00p)

Youth/Scout House

“I wrote this book not to make you into a racing fan but a greater follower of

Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. Just as God sends us signals,

Jesus holds the key to the ignition of faith…so buckle your seat belt, strap on your

helmet, and in the words of NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip, “Boogity,

boogity boogity. Let’s go racing!” —Quote from Rob Fuquay

Ash Wednesday, March 1st 12:00p Lenten Worship Service & Soup Luncheon

Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall

Cost of Lunch: $5 donation per person

5:45p Pancake Supper sponsored by the

Worship Committee

Fellowship Hall

Donations are greatly appreciated

7:00p Ash Wednesday Evening Worship Service, Sanctuary

Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29, and April 5

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

Soup & Sandwich Lunch in the Fellowship Hall

Cost of Lunch: $5/person

Candy! Candy! Candy! Wednesday, March 1st we will

begin collecting candy for the Children’s Easter Celebration and Egg

Hunt on Palm Sunday. You may drop off your donated candy in the

giant Easter basket outside of Donna Huskins’ office through

Wednesday, March 29.

& SOUP

Children’s Lenten Fair

Sunday, March 5 (9:45a-10:45a)

2nd Floor Classrooms

At The Great Surprise each child will

discover in surprising ways that Jesus

Is Alive! Join us for this fun-filled,

hands-on, Jesus focused adventure!

Easter Lilies The Altar Guild will place 100 lilies in the sanctuary and

narthex for Easter Sunday. If you would like to purchase

lilies at $10 each, please complete the yellow form

inserted in the bulletin (beginning Sunday, March 5)

and place it in the offering plate with your payment.

Also, you may call (336)-248-2886 or email:

dhuskins@firstumclex.org to place an order. The deadline for ordering is

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5 or when the limit of 100 lilies has been met. Order

early!

THE JOY CLUB

March Fellowship Luncheon

Thursday, March 9 (11:30 a.m.) at Village Grill, W. 2nd Avenue

Lexington. Cost: Cost of lunch

FUMC Book Club (11:30 a.m.) Village Grill - Lunch and book discussion.

Tuesday, March 14

Our reading selection is Take Me With You by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Annual Chili Cook-Off Wednesday, March 15 (6:00

p.m.) Fellowship Hall

You are invited to prepare your “best” chili recipe and join us in

the fellowship hall for our annual chili cook-off. Remember to

bring enough for your family and plenty to share. If you don’t have

a chili recipe to prepare & share, do not despair—you are invited to bring a des-

sert.

Don’t forget your loose change and dollar bills to cast your votes

into the jars provided for the favorite chili of the evening. All pro-

ceeds will be designated to the AID (Assistance for Individuals in

Distress) Fund.

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, February 19, 2017: Early Worship: 22 Morning Worship: 181 Total: 203 Weekly Offerings: $10,066.89 Weekly Needed: $10,606.72 Total Received to Date: $92,535.52 Needed to Date: $84,853.76

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.

WEEKLY CALENDAR Sunday, February 26 8:30 a.m. Early Worship, Fellowship Hall 9:45 a.m. Confirmation Class, 2nd Floor, Youth SS Classroom 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Service, Sanctuary 4:15 p.m. Youth Choir, Choir Room 5:00 p.m. Ensemble 5:00 p.m. Take The Flag, Teens of Life Youth Ministry, Youth/Scout House Monday, February 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, Fellowship Hall Tuesday, February 28 7:00 p.m. Take The Flag, Theology Pub, High Rock Outfitters 7:00 p.m. Amazing Grace Seekers, Home of Betsy Cook Wednesday, March 1 Ash Wednesday 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 5:45 p.m. Pancake Supper, Fellowship Hall No Chancel Bell Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Evening Worship Service, Sanctuary (Following service) Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room Thursday, March 2 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 3 Saturday, March 4 Sunday, March 5 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. Children’s Lenten Fair, The Great Surprise, 2nd Floor Classrooms 9:45 a.m. Take The Flag, Agape SS Class, Fellowship Hall 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 Ministry, Youth/Scout

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 on the altar and in the narthex are given to the glory of God and in memory of Shelly Nicole Wills Roberts by her family. Sympathy Sympathy of the ministers and members of the congregation is extended to Henry Leonard, Jr. and family upon the death of his wife, Pat Leonard on February 15, 2017.

Sympathy of the ministers and members of the congregation is extended to G. F. Smith, Matthew Hammonds, Rachel Roberts and their family upon the death of Shelly Roberts on February 16, 2017. Sympathy of the ministers and members of the congregation is extended to Naoma (Herman) Crabtree and family upon the death of her brother, Murray Thomas Wagner of Durham, NC, on February 22, 2017. Today’s Greeters: Rebecca and Mark Hinkle Mary Louise and Maywood Wilkerson 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 Var-ner, and Dean Yemm. Security: Pete Murray

Prayer Requests Dee Dee Walker Jim Flynt Don Van Hyning Terri Beck Natalie Blomquist Elaine Cory June Craver Steve Caudill Jane Harris John Hench Judy Hench Earl Hester Jim Highsmith Miheepa Jones Edna Morris Mary Norman Paul Smith Flonnie Thomason Mary Louise Wilkerson Mary Williams

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

Genesis House (Salisbury) Julee Smith

Hinkle Hospice House Jo Swing Albert Gobble

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 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