The First-CentenarianThe First-CentenarianVolume 10, No. 43 February 15, 2019Volume 10, No. 43 February 15, 2019

PCS Auction

February 25 6:30 p.m.in the Oak

Street CenterAuctioneer - Larry Jenno

Begin collecting items to donate, such as paint a room,

dinner for 8, bake a cake, gift cards, restaurant coupons.

This is our annual fundraiser and is not limited to singles.

Everyone is invited and we have lots of fun.

A Call to Prayer for General Conference

Representatives from around the world are preparing to gather for a special called General Conference of the United Methodist Church to be held February 23-26, 2019, in St. Louis, Missouri. All United Methodists are being encouraged to pray from 2:23-2:26 every day. Those times correspond to the dates of the called conference.

On Wednesday, February 20, the Kate Lyle West Chapel will be open for prayer from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. This day of prayer will conclude with a special prayer service at 6 p.m. led by your clergy as we lift our denomination, the delegates to the conference, and the issue at hand, in prayer.

On Sunday February 24, while the conference is happening, we will have a special time of prayer from 10-10:30 a.m. in each of our Sunday morning worship spaces. As a sign of unity in the faith and life that we have through Jesus Christ, both of the 10:45 worship services will conclude with a time of communion together. After the Communion liturgy is shared, the elements from both worship services will be processed into the gym where the WHOLE church will gather together in the meal that Christ gave us.

2019 SPECIAL SESSIONOF THE

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Offering Blessings To Future GenerationsAs your current Finance Committee Chair, I am thrilled to report

that First-Centenary received a $1 million gift at the end of 2018 from the estate of two former members!! Please join me in celebrating the blessings of such a generous gift, which was designated to be used for any capital needs of the Church. As the stewards of our capital assets, the Trustees Committee is currently determining the highest and best use of these funds in collaboration with the other standing committees of the Church.

As I personally refl ected on this gift, what struck me in addition to its incredible generosity was the forethought that accompanied it. Long after this couple was physically able to participate in the Church’s activities, they remained faithful to their estate planning that likely occurred many years ago when they drafted their wills.

We can all take that same step today - no matter the amount - because we know that as a community of believers, God blesses every individual gift, adds them together and uses them collectively for His good!

– Debbie Hembree

Grief Recovery Support GroupMarch 13 - April 10

Conference Room 105 during Prime Time Wednesday,

6 - 7 p.m.

Times of sharing with anyone coping with day-to-day absence of loved ones, caused by death or unexplained loss of relationship.

Sign up to help! We need YOU!Contact Beth Spears at bspears@fcumc.org

Celebrating United Methodist Womenthis Sunday, February 17

in The Vine and Sanctuary Worship Services

ing United Methodist Womenthis Sunday, February 17

in The Vine and Sanctuary Worship Services

Celebrat

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CLERGY CORNER (cont’d)bet yours would too.

Let’s seek to live for an “Audience of One” this week and watch how God transforms the world around us!

In Christ, Will

As a lifelong Tennessee fan, basketball season is not something that I typically looked forward to, and recently neither has football season! But as a basketball player and fan growing up, I always wanted a team to cheer for.

In seminary I got to adopt the Duke Blue Devils as my team and even got to witness a National Championship while I was there! This year I have two teams to cheer for during basketball season and it’s been so much fun. My dad, brothers and I have a family group text that we use during games so it’s like we are all watching together.

I saw a video interview with Rick Barnes, the Head Coach of the Vols, about the success they were having this season. He was dismissive of the numerical victories that they have had and said that, “Watering and planting something so someone can come to know Jesus Christ is the greatest victory of all.” The interview also shared that the team has been playing this season for an “Audience of One,” meaning that every time they step on the court they are seeking to give their all for God.

I wonder what our individual lives would look like if we began to live and love for an “Audience of One,” gave our all to honor God in the work place, our marriages and relationships, parenting, and in everything we do. I know my life would look different and I

CLERGY CORNER ORNER

Rev. Will Lauderback

Prime Time Wednesday Dinner at 5:15 p.m. Classes at 6 p.m.

Children’s Music, Children’s Activities & Youth at 6 p.m.

Make dinner reservations by 4 p.m. Monday.Call 756-2021, ext 3123 or EMAIL foodrsvp@fcumc.org

February 20 - Cheeseburger, French Fries, Coleslaw, Grilled Chicken Salad, Banana Pudding – Salad available upon pre-order. Non-dairy & meat free items available upon pre-order.

$25 max per household. $8 adults. $5 children & youth. With an adult meal, children 3 & under eat free. Thank you for keeping your

dinner reservations current. We pay in advance for the number of meals we order.

The Gospel of John with Pastors Barry and Will (in The Vine)Each week (February 20 & 27) we will explore 2-3 chapters of the Gospel

of John. Bring your Bible and be ready for conversation as we learn about being a disciple of Jesus Christ from this beloved Gospel.

Every Parent’s Guide to Navigating Our Digital World (OSC 101/102)Feel like your kids are drowning in a sea of new questions, apps, and

devices? Want to talk about digital media more with your kids, but aren’t sure how? Parents...Help is here. Join us each week as we discuss and share our fears and struggles as we navigate the world of social media with our children.

Children s Music, Children s Activities & Youth at 6 p.m.The Gospel of John ith Pastors Barr and Will (i Th Vi )

The way we express our love for Jesus is by caring for others. “Do you really love me? Then care for my lambs.” Please help our “Littles” take care of His sheep.

We are embarking on a new Mission Project to help one of our own. We will collect gently used or new items to bless the Mustard Tree Ministry. Please help your children go through things they may want to give. Our bins will be located in the Children’s welcome hallway, next to the First KidsInformation Board.

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WITHIN THE CHURCH FAMILY

Congregational Care Contact Call the church offi ce at 423-756-2021 or 423-704-5298 for pastoral care

Weekend Pastor on Call: If you have an emergency during the weekends, call 423-756-2428. This number

will be in effect after 4:30 p.m. on Fridays until 8 a.m. on Mondays, and will connect you to the pastor on call.

Meet Our New Member

Maria Crawford transferred from Court Street UMC in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Register for One of the Nation’s Premier Faith + Work Events

Friday, February 228:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in The Vine

Join thousands of Christian men and women across the country for a one day live stream event to hear from experts on connecting your faith and work (paid and unpaid). The Chattanooga Institute for Faith+Work is the sponsor of this live national telecast. The event will also feature local speakers and discussion.

Here is how to register: Go to https://events.rightnowmedia.org/attendee/site/421, Click register.

• Individual tickets are $30 • Lunch is provided.For more information, contact Rev. Clark Taylor

at ctaylor@fcumc.org

BaptismTucker Richard Linsley, son of Ryne & Andrea Linsley, received the Sacrament of Baptism on February 10, in The Vine. Also pictured is Kate Linsley.

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Ladies Valentine LuncheonLadies Valentine Luncheon

Summertime “Save The Dates”

We don’t want you to miss out!This summer we have all of

our regular mission trips and events as well as a new retreat for juniors and seniors! Here

are the dates so you can make sure to plan around them as you prepare for the summer!• June 3 - 7: Middle School Mission Week @ Camp Lookout! • June 14 - 16: New College Prep Retreat! • June 24 - 27: Vacation Bible School! We would love to have a big group of youth volunteer! • July 7 - 13: High School Mission Trip to South Carolina

And...we will have several Monday “Triple Ps” over the summer as well!

For more information, contact Troy Hamilton at troy@fcumc.org

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Non-Profi t Org.U. S. Postage

PAIDChattanooga, TNPermit No. 428419 McCallie Avenue

Chattanooga, TN 37402 Dr. C. Mark Gooden,Senior Pastor(423) 756-2021www.fi rstcentenary.com

FIRST-CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH P. O. Box 208Chattanooga, TN 37401

SUNDAY WORSHIPFebruary 17, 2019

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Sanctuary at 8:30 & 10:45 a.m.Under New Management –

See Acts for Details: A Lesson in Business Ethics

Acts 5:1-11Rev. Will Lauderback

The Vine at 10:45 a.m.Call of Esther:

Yes Lord, but not now Esther 4

Dr. C. Mark Gooden

Reading from the LectionaryJeremiah 17:5-10

Psalm 11 Corinthians 15:12-20;

Luke 6:17-26

Televised sermon by Dr. Gooden – Call of Isaiah: Yes Lord but I am not worthy

Televised on Channel 12, WDEF-TV at 6 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. each Sunday.

Mustard Tree Worship at 5 p.m.in The Vine – Rev. Barry Kidwell

Sanctuary WorshipThe Season of Epiphany

continues the next couple of Sundays. February 17 – The United Methodist Women will

participate in all worship services. The Chancel Ringers will participate in the 8:30 and 10:45 services ringing an interesting arrangement of the early American tune Holy Manna. The Chancel Choir will sing He Never Failed Me Yet as part of the 10:45 worship service. Sung in part to celebrate Black History Month, this Gospel song is one of our favorite anthems and it carries a very important message of hope for our world today.

February 24 – In the midst of the United Methodist General Conference, the Sanctuary and Vine worship spaces will be open for prayer from 10-10:30 a.m. The Chancel Choir will sing a powerful anthem titled Christ Has Broken Down the Wall. The text reads: Christ has broken down the wall. Let us join our hearts as one./ We’re accepted as we are. Through God’s love all is reconciled./ Cast aside your doubts and fears. Peace and love, freely offered here.

At the end of the service those attending The Vine and Sanctuary services are invited to join together in the Gym to receive Communion.

March 3 – Transfi guration Sunday. The glory of God is revealed on the mountain! This day of celebration is the last Sunday of the Epiphany Season. Ash Wednesday will be observed on March 6.

Sanctuary Worship

continues the next couple February 17 – The United Me