April 14, 2013

SURROUNDINGS MATTER

I hope that you have noticed the landscaping work that is going on near the church's parking lot. The Trustees are responsible for this project. I want to share the ministry importance of this project. The following comments by church consultant, Dr. Kennon Callahan, in his book, TWELVE KEYS TO AN EFFECTIVE CHURCH, are very applicable here:

“... landscaping frequently contributes greatly to a sense of welcome and invitation and a spirit of openness and spaciousness. Passersby do form their impression of the congregation with what they see as they drive by. Should they see essentially crowded and cluttered landscaping, they are likely to conclude that this church is not for them. ‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Many churches do not realize the kind of first impression they make with unchurched individuals, as well as their own church members, simply by the way in which the land-scaping communicates.’ (p.90)

Now the same holds true for the inside of the facility. Just as the outside of the church matters so does the inside. The condition of the inside communicates a strong message about how well that congregation thinks of itself.

Lest we think that the condition of the grounds and facilities are the only areas that make an impression on visitors, there is another area which really is the most important part of all. This is the people factor. Regarding the people factor, Callahan notes, ‘The impression that visitors have of the warmth of a church will hinge primarily on the experiences they have as they interact with parking supervisors, greeters, ushers, leaders of the service of worship, and those seated around them.’” (p.25)

So you see the church surroundings matter greatly. Some areas may need the overall attention of ministry teams like the Trustees to keep the grounds and the facilities up to the highest level of excellence possible. But everyone, no matter how young or how old, can be a part of creating an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. Surroundings do matter. And we can do something about them. Will you join in this important ministry? Jim

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 Rev. Jim Smith at 924-3169.

Americus First United Methodist Church

MORNING WORSHIP April 14, 2013 — 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Third Sunday of Easter

PRE-WORSHIP MUSIC Alwen Yeung

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Jim Smith (Please fill out your communications card and place it in the offering plate later in worship.)

LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES Aubrey Hardin, Acolyte

*HYMN OF PRAISE #310 — He Lives!

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH #881 — The Apostles’ Creed

*GLORIA PATRI #71 — Glory Be to the Father

PASTORAL PRAYER, LORD’S PRAYER #895 Rev. Jim Smith

CHORAL RESPONSE — Threefold Amen (James A. Kriewald)

ANTHEM — Show Me Thy Ways (Walter L. Pelz)

TITHES and OFFERINGS OFFERTORY PRAYER Rev. Jim Smith OFFERTORY — When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder (Black; Mark Hayes, arr.)

Alwen Yeung, Pianist *DOXOLOGY #95

Children dismissed to Children’s Church.

*HYMN OF PREPARATION #389 — Freely, Freely

SCRIPTURE READING — John 3:16-18 Rev. Jim Smith

THE MESSAGE — Rescued Rev. Jim Smith Sermon Series: Images of the Gospel

*HYMN OF RESPONSE #382 — Have Thine Own Way, Lord (Sing only stanzas 1 and 2.)

*BENEDICTION Rev. Jim Smith

*POSTLUDE Mark Watford, Organist

Ricky Arnold, Sound Tech Justin Arnold, Media Tech

* Congregation stands. Please see an usher for an assisted listening device.

Americus First United Methodist Church

Contemporary Worship April 14, 2013 at 9:00 a.m.

“Rescued” Scripture: John 3:16-18

Sermon Series: Images of the Gospel

Rev. Jim Smith

Praise Team Christi Barr, Leader/keyboard and vocals

Paul Farr, percussion; Keith Pinckard, bass guitar Chris Barr, electric guitar; Morgan Youngdale, rhythm electric guitar;

Pam Cannon, vocals

Joe Castongia, Media Tech Travis Warlick, Sound Tech Aaron Pinckard, Sound Tech in Training

9:00 Greeters for April 14, 2013 Maureen and Jerry Turner

Acolyte for 11:00 April 14, 2013 Aubrey Hardin

11:00 Greeters for April 14, 2013 Front Door – Mary and Charles Davis North Door – Cindy Dinella South Door – Joyce and Jimmie Buchanan

11:00 Ushers for April 14, 2013 John Argo, Justin Arnold, Horton Davis, Arnold Durham, Erwin Ford, Buddy Guth, Bill Harris, Steve Hudson, Allen Ragan, Dan Rhyne, Buzzy Smith, Steve Stanfield, Wes Wheeler

APRIL 14, 2013 GREETERS AND USHERS

Reminder:

You may make donations to the church

by automatic draft. To do so, just call

Elaine in the finance office at 924-3169.

Membership: 974 Total Worship Attendance: 386

9:00 Worship Attendance ......... 88 Hispanic Worship Attendance .......... 143 11:00 Worship Attendance ....... 155 Hispanic Offering YTD ............... $11,470 Sunday School Attendance ...... 166 Growth Groups (April 1-6)................... 65

Benevolent Fund YTD ......... $2,011 Budget Giving ................... $15,376 Budget Giving YTD .......... $185,169 UMYF ......................................... 21

OUR RECORD OF FAITHFULNESS

Wednesday, April 17 Menu:

Pork Chops, Scalloped Potatoes, Peas, Salad, Biscuits, Ice Cream Reservations are important so that we can have enough food for everyone.

Please mark your reservations on the back of the Communication Card

or call the Church Office on Monday.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPERS

Georgia Anne Arthur, Florine Bailey, Clara Bird, Sue Bradley, Jule Brown, Beth Carroll, Carolyn Daniel, Vickie Dozier, Freddie Dudley,

Matthew “MJ” Benson-Dursse, Walt Grant, Steve Griffin, Carey Harbuck, Darrel Harbuck, Billy Horne, Irene Horne, Mary Hunt, Anne Hurst,

Cooper Kurth, Norinne Lowell, Marie Manry, Colton Moore, Jack Partain, Ginger Perkins, Geri Smarr, Brenda Stanfield, Charlie Smith, Betty Teasley, Rodney Vance, Hazel Waller, Julian Webb, James Wiggins, Louise Wiggins

and Keith Wilson

Prayer Pagers: Norinne Lowell 931-1657 Walton Grant 928-1482

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

In Memory of

Coach Jimmy Lee Hightower From

MEMORIALS

Martha Brown

Nancy Carlan

Georgia Duke

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Hunter, Jr.

James D. Lunsford, Jr.

Brenda and Robert Mathews

and family

Rebecca and Bobby McNeill

William R. Morton, Jr.

Mary and James Owens

Liza Parker

Lutrelle Perry

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Pitts

Mr. and Mrs. Sparky Reeves

Jane and Matt Sullivan

Angelyn Tripp

Jane Wiley

Mr. and Mrs. Phil Williamson

June and Grover Worsham

Gift to the Americus

Methodist Home for Children

In Memory of

Barbara Vander Gaag From

Margaret and Jess Mitchell

FUMC YOUTH NEWS

Upcoming Events

A April 14: Parents Meeting at 6:15 pm in the Foundry April 17 Breakfast in the Foundry May 4: Girls’ Day Out May 15: Talent Show

º Contact Charles to sign up forf the Talent Show.

º If you are a parent of a youth and have not heard from Charles, please send him your email address at charles@fumcamericus.com.

BIG CHURCH BAGS: pick up one for your child and return

it after the service or take it with you to Children’s Church.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

The flowers in the Sanctuary today are given to the glory of

God and in memory of Mary Hardin on her April 15

birthday by Franklin and Family.

FLOWERS IN SANCTUARY

SPRING FLING, APRIL 24 5:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Supper $5 a plate (Roman Oven Spaghetti, salad & bread—

purchase desserts)

Carnival Games 6:00-7:00 p.m. and Silent Auction (winners at 7:00 p.m.)

PLEASE CONTACT CHRISTIE AT 924-3169 TO DONATE ITEMS FOR THE AUCTION,

TO PURCHASE DINNER TICKETS OR TO VOLUNTEER TO HELP WITH THE EVENT. All proceeds benefit Bright Beginnings Preschool, a ministry of First United Methodist

Church, Americus, GA

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS SPRING FLING

The Chancel Choir is part of the leadership team for 11:00 Worship each Sunday morning. † The Chancel Choir encourages congregational

participation in worship through enthusiastic singing of hymns and by lifting the faith expressions of the congregation through music.

† The Chancel Choir rehearses each Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to prepare music for Sunday worship and special musical programs at intervals throughout the year.

† Rehearsals constitute more than just learning words and notes (though these are certainly important); they allow the music and text to engage the singers in a worship experience in itself. Rehearsals are also a time of camaraderie and just plain fun.

† The Chancel Choir is open to singers of high-school age and older. There are no auditions. We need singers! Please consider joining us!

IF YOU LOVE MUSIC AND LIKE TO SING, YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US!

JOIN YOUR CHANCEL CHOIR

Sunday, April 14, 2013 9:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship in the Social Hall 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship in the Sanctuary 11:00 a.m. Hispanic Worship Service in the Hispanic Worship Center 5:00 p.m. Prayer Connection 5:00 p.m. UMYF 5:30 p.m. Handbell Choir 6:15 p.m. Youth Parents’ Meeting Monday, April 15, 2013 Bright Beginnings Closed 11:30 a.m. United Methodist Women Executive Board in Wesley Classroom 1:30 p.m. Staff Meeting 6:15 p.m. Warlick Growth Group at Anne Hunter’s home 7:00 p.m. Precept Bible Study Tuesday, April 16, 2013 Bright Beginnings Closed 12:00 noon Young at Hearts Catered Luncheon 6:30 p.m. Arnold Growth Group at Ricky & Jane Arnold’s Home 6:30 p.m. Smith Growth Group at Jim & Diane Smith’s Home Wednesday, April 17, 2013 Bright Beginnings Closed 7:00 a.m. McDevotionals 4:00 p.m. Tripp Growth Group in the Sheffield-Wootten Classroom 4:30 p.m. Elementary Choir 5:15 p.m. Fellowship Supper in Social Hall 6:00 p.m. Pioneer Club 6:00 p.m. Youth Study in the Foundry 6:00 p.m. Comer Growth Group in the Sheffield-Wootten Classroom 6:00 p.m. Lowrey Growth Group in the Parlor 6:00 p.m. Shealy Growth Group in the Wesley Classroom 6:00 p.m. Smith Growth Group in the Library Conference Room 6:30 p.m. Eason Growth Group at Smitty & Linda Eason’s Home 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 7:00 p.m. Praise Team Practice in Social Hall Thursday, April 18 Bright Beginnings Closed 5:30 p.m. Church Council in the Epworth Classroom 7:00 p.m. Hispanic Committee in the Parlor Friday, April 19 Bright Beginnings Closed

HAPPENING THIS WEEK

Mark your calendar: SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

7:45 AM IN SOCIAL HALL Please call the Church Office for reservations.

UNITED METHODIST MEN

First United Methodist Church, Thank you so very much for your donation to our Education Committee. This donation enabled us to provide lunch to many students attending Saturday School at Sumter County Elementary School. Thanks again, The Junior Service League of Americus

THANK YOU

The United Methodist Women’s Called by Name Candle is lit today In Honor of Cale Perkins White on his baptism today at Opelika UMC from his grandparents, Ginger and Jerry Perkins.

UMW CALLED BY NAME CANDLE

Group Questions

April 14, 2013

John 3:16-18

Sermon- "Rescued"

Sermon Series- Images of the Gospel

1. Tell of a time when you were rescued or saved from a serious situation or circumstance.

2. What are some of the things today from which people are in need of rescue or deliverance?

3. What are some synonyms for the word "rescue"?

4. What was the single most importance rescue event for the Jewish people in the Old Testament?

5. How does Jesus' coming into the world compare with this event? Share how they are alike and

how they are different.

6. Why is "Sin" such a big deal with God?

7. Why do you think that many people today, even those in churches, do not see their need for

rescue, deliverance, or salvation?

THOUGHT: Keep in mind the different images of the Gospel in this sermon series as you meet with

and talk to people who are not believers in Christ. As you build relationships with them by listening

to them and talking to them, ask Jesus to help you decide which image may be the most meaningful

to them based on their situation and circumstance.

2013

April 15-17, 2013 Saints Alive Conference

Repurpose — Embrace the Adventure! Epworth by the Sea

April 15-19, 2013 Spring Break

Bright Beginnings Preschool

April 19-21, 2013 United Methodist Men’s Retreat

Epworth by the Sea

May 4, 2013 Youth Girls’ Day Out

FUMC

May 6, 2013 United Methodist Women’s

Memorial Service & New Member Tea FUMC Social Hall

May 15, 2013 Talent Night

Last Wednesday Fellowship Supper

May 16, 2013 Bright Beginnings

End of Year Program FUMC Sanctuary

May 19, 2013 Senior Recognition

May 27, 2013 Memorial Day

Office & Bright Beginnings Closed

May 20-23, 2013 Springtime By the Sea

God Bless America Epworth by the Sea

June 2-4, 2013 South GA UMC Annual Conference

Macon, Georgia

June 9-13, 2013 Vacation Bible School

FUMC Social Hall

June 22, 2013 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run for

Americus Methodist Girls Home FUMC Parking Lot

June 23-26, 2013 Dooly Camp for Children & Youth

Vienna, GA

June 28—July 1, 2013 Grand Camp

“These are a few of my Favorite Things”

Epworth by the Sea

July 15-19, 2013 Music and Arts Week for Children

FUMC

August 28, 2013 Children’s Musical Performance Wednesday Fellowship Suppers

Begin for Fall

September 13-14, 2013 Fall Consignment Sale

Bright Beginnings FUMC Social Hall

Calendar Dates for 2013

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

Friday: 9:00 a.m. to noon Friday is

Jim’s, David’s, and Mark’s day off.

Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon