Greetings to you in the name of Christ!

I have realized something this past week that I feel I must confess to you. My dog, Moses, is spoiled rotten. I came to this realization in the wee hours of the morning, when I was woken up by half of my 60 pound dog sleeping on top of me. And you know what I did in that moment? I rolled my eyes and went back to sleep, still acting as a pillow for that furry bed hog. When I thought about this incident later, it made me wonder about the way we sometimes characterize God as an indulgent father figure, gently rolling his eyes at our hijinks, and allowing us to continue on our own way.

It is tempting to indulge this image. Who doesn’t want to think of God taking care of us but requiring little in return? However, the God we serve has called us to be more than spoiled children, getting away with whatever we want. We are called to be active participants in the coming of the Kingdom to earth. And that calling requires that each of us confess the ways we have acted in our own self-interest and to allow God to direct us however he sees fit. It is a difficult call, but one that will ultimately bring life. 

As we continue through this Lenten season, may we cause our own self-interest pass away in order to allow God’s direction in our life. 

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP“I am the Alpha……and the Ωmega.”

† 9:45 am GatheringWorship begins as the children of God gather in the name of Christ.

9:55 am Quiet time for Reflection

10:00 am Invocation Chorus “Lord, Who Throughout these Forty Days” vs 1-5 UMH 269

AnnouncementsWelcome and Holy Greeting Will Underwood

Opening Prayer

Hymn of Covenant "Standing on the Promises" vs 1-4 UMH 374

Old Testament Scripture Reading Genesis 1:1-5 Nancy Durgin

Children's Moments Laura Bodenmann

† P roclamation

Prayer for Illumination (on screen):

Scripture: John 1:1-18 Rev. Mary Kathryn Allen

Proclamation "The Word Made Flesh” Rev. Mary Kathryn Allen

† Congregational Responses of Heart and Life

Affirmation of Faith Apostles’ Creed UMH 881

Hymn of Hope “Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone” vs 1,2,3 UMH 424

Anthem “Beautiful Savior” Choir

Offering “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH 95

† Sending Forth Go forth in the name of Christ – to be the church.

Hymn of Benediction “Where He Leads Me” vs 1,4 UMH 338

Blessing and Dismissal

Postlude

Calendar

Today: February 25 th 2018 Assembly 8:45 amConfirmation Class 8:45 amSunday School 9:00 amWorship 10:00 am

Upcoming: Monday, February 26th VBS Planning Meeting 6:30 pm Tuesday, February 27th Men's Coffee 7:30 am Sisters in Christ 10:00 am Trustees 6:30 pm Wednesday, February 28th Fellowship Meal 5:30 pm Bible Study 6:00 pm Sunday, March 4th Choir Practice 5:00 pm Saturday, March 10th UM Men’s Breakfast 8:00 am Emmaus-Olive Branch 5:30 pm Monday, March 12th Church Council 6:30 pm Friday, March 16th Campfire 6:00 pm

Serving You TodayAcolytes: Youth VolunteersPianist & Choir Director:Laura BodenmannChildren’s Church: VolunteersSound Tech: VolunteersNursery: Frances RiosUshers: Jim Raber

Bobby StaceyGreeters: Sandy Burgher

Becky FrolikPastor Rev. Mary Kathryn Allen

Flowers: Worship CommitteeFlowers next week: Worship Comm.

Please sign up on the Flower Calendar for

dates you would like to fill. You may place them "in honor or memory of" a special day or person/persons.

For Your Daily Prayers

New Concerns David Innocente, Rachel Jones, Lynn Sharp Family, Victims and families in Parkland, FL.; Heather Pitman, Joe Tenpenny Family, Chia Wingert..

On-going Concerns Brian Aaron, Tina Amenta, Peggy Ashton, Pat Bell, Paul & Grace Bernhard, Susan Brady, Lorrie, Phillip, Greg & Stinson Brock, Don & Gloria Coon, Lori Cooper, Preston Cryan, Frances Czina, Don Forrester, Sr., Xander Foy, Steven Garza, Bertie Geci, Jeffrey Gotreaux, Diane White Hartley, Billy & Ann Herring, Alan Herrington, Don & Jean Johnson, Mark Jones, Lynn Kosick, Paul Lorenc, Jenny Lott, Kim Moore, Brandie Niolon, Smith Paterson, Diane Geci Reitz, Courtney Reynolds, Carol Rupp, Jacob Seitz, Leland Stewart, Evelyn Suprise, Anna Woodard, Jody Ward, Isobel Work.

Other Concerns:Military & Families, Government leaders at all levels. Victims: of injustice,

of natural disasters, of domestic and child abuse.

Marlow United Methodist ChurchP.O. Box 430Summerdale, AL 36580251 988 8563Email: marlowum@gulftel.comWebsite: www.marlowumc.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/Marlow UMC

News & Announcements

CONFIRMATION CLASSES SUNDAYS AT 8:45 am, FOR MIDDLE AGED STUDENTS. THEY WILL CONTINUE THROUGH LENT.

TOMORROW, FEBRUARY 26 AT 6:30 PM VBS PLANNING MEETING:Everyone interested in helping is invited. For more information, please see Laura Bodenmann.

RIVER CROSSING FOOD PANTRY is our Lenten Mission Project. Please participate in this worthy mission, helping people in need in our community. .If you did not receive a bag, please use any bag and plan to return your filled bag March 18.

CHOIR: no practice today, next practice March 4 at 5:00 pm.

CLAIM STAKERS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS started the study of “Easter Earthquake” by James Hanish. It is not too late to join this study. Men & women are welcome, we meet in the room on the left as you enter the front door, (across from the nursery).

PUBLICITY: Babbie is doing an excellent job in publicizing our activities thru local magazines, newspapers, and radio stations. Please turn in any information by NOON ON MONDAY to Babbie Heilmeier. E-mail is the preferred way, babbie@amcgulfcoast.com. Or you may call: 251-752-7387.Please note: e-mail & phone numbers are changed from previous printings.

THE UPPER ROOM devotionals for March/April are on the hallway table. You may pick one up. Please leave a donation.

CAMPFIRE GATHERING IS CHANGED TO FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 6:00 PM Families (and everyone) are invited. Sing-A-Longs & games, plus pizza!!

COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR YOUR ENRICHMENT:~~ECUMENICAL COMMUNITY LENTEN SERVICES: Thursdays at 11:30 in the Spirit Center, Foley UMC, 915 N. Pine St. Simple lunch-$5 donation, followed by music and devotional thoughts. This Thursday, March 1, Rev. Dr. Darren McClellan will give the message. He is the District Superintendent of the UMC’s Baypines District. ~~CATFISH AND CATECHISM: A series for laity and clergy, Chapter 1: God, Monday, March 5, 10 am at Robertsdale UMC.

MARLOWUNITED METHODIST

CHURCHSecond Sunday of Lent

February 25, 2018 Because His

face was set for

the Journey to Jerusalem… Luke 9:53