February 16, 2014

March 18, 2018

We are glad to have you worship with us.

Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr. .................. Senior Minister Kim Hale ........................................... Preschool Director Rev. Noel C. Perez ......................Associate Minister Doug Gatian ............................... Church Administrator Rev. T. David Warlick......... Minister of Worship Arts Elaine Smith..................................... Finance Secretary Stephanie Updike .. Director of Children’s Ministries Lyn Dozier ....................................................... Secretary Johnny Updike .... Director of Youth and Outreach Lacey Fulton ................................................... Secretary John Teate ............................... 8:55 Worship Leader Sylvia Roland ...................................... Church Hostess Mark Watford .................................................. Organist Jarvis Pitts ...................................................... Custodian Alwen Yeung .................................................... Pianist

Americus First United Methodist Church

200 South Lee Street Americus, Georgia 31709 229-924-3169

www.americusfirstunitedmethodistchurch.org facebook.com/AFUMCBrightBeginnings facebook.com/fumcamericus facebook.com/AFUMCKids facebook.com/AFUMCYouth

Celebrating United Methodist Women Sunday!

From eight women in Boston in 1869 to 800,000 women in 2018, United Methodist Women have been caring for the needs of women and children around the world for 149 years. In 1869, eight women saved their pennies and sent a teacher and a doctor to India to care for women there. The school and the hospital are still functioning today with UMW support. As far away as Anchorage, Alaska, and as near as Columbus, Georgia, UMW are caring for the needs of women and children. The A. K. Child and Family Center in Anchorage has a goal of bringing hope to troubled young lives through a broad range of mental health services. Open Door Community Center continues to be on the cutting edge of programs offered in the Columbus community to create long-term solutions to poverty. The aim of Open Door Community House still is to give a better, fuller life to the children, men and women of the community, to help them become useful citizens and, in turn, to glorify God. Our unit of UMW locally consists of two groups, called circles, which meet once a month for study, fellowship and missions. In addition to pledging money for UMW missions nationally and internationally, our circles are involved in many local agencies and needs. Part of our pledges to UMW has gone to donations to Community Services Ministry and to Harvest of Hope Food Pantry. Our circles have given baby clothes and blankets to Phoebe Sumter for those who have very limited resources. We have given money to Sumter Primary School to purchase underwear for children who do not have a change of clothes. We have made UMCOR health kits. We host a Lady’s Night Out with a meal and entertainment. Please join us in celebrating the mission of United Methodist Women and the past and present members of our local unit.

Faith, and Love in Action

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 Pastor Jerry at 924-3169.

Americus First United Methodist Church

MORNING WORSHIP March 18, 2018 — 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Fifth Sunday in Lent/UMW Sunday

PRE-WORSHIP MUSIC Alwen Yeung

WELCOME Rev. David Warlick GREETING AND WELCOME CHORUS — Surely the Presence ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. David Warlick

(Please fill out your communication card and place it in the offering plate later in worship.)

PRELUDE — How Beautiful Are the Feet of Them from MESSIAH (Handel)

Roberta Ford, soprano LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES William Easterlin and Camille Cochran

*HYMN OF PRAISE #362 — Nothing But the Blood

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH #881 — The Apostles’ Creed

*GLORIA PATRI #71 — Glory Be to the Father

UMW PRESENTATION Michelle Andrews

PASTORAL PRAYER, LORD’S PRAYER #895 Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr.

CHORAL RESPONSE — Eightfold Amen (John Worst)

ANTHEM — My Eternal King (Jane Marshall)

Chancel Choir

TITHES, OFFERINGS and COMMUNICATION CARDS OFFERTORY PRAYER Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr. OFFERTORY — Crosses Upon the Hill (Samuel Barber)

Ken DiNella, tenor *DOXOLOGY #95

3K to 2nd grade children dismissed to Children’s Church with Stephanie Updike and Rachel Arnold.

*HYMN OF PREPARATION #332 — Spirit of Faith, Come Down (Sing only stanzas 1 and 3.)

*SCRIPTURE — John 4:3-15 Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr.

THE MESSAGE — The Samaritan Woman Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr. Sermon Series: Walking with Jesus to the Cross, Part 5

*CLOSING SONG — In His Time

*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr.

*POSTLUDE Alwen Yeung, Pianist

Ricky Arnold, Audio Tech Casper Speegle, Visual Tech

Americus First United Methodist Church

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP

March 18, 2018 8:55 a.m.

The Samaritan Woman

Sermon Series: Walking with Jesus to the Cross, Part 5

John 4:3-15

Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Roe, Jr.

UMW Presentation Willie Maxwell

Praise Team

John Teate, Worship Leader; guitar and vocals Beverly Huffman, vocals

Nathan Bateman, bass guitar

Lee Wright, Audio Tech

Travis Warlick, Visual Tech

Children (3k-2nd Grade) are invited to Children’s Church with

Jill Cochran and Susan Barr immediately before the Message.

Pre-Worship Refreshments are prepared by Susan Barr.

TeamKID for March 14: God's New Covenant, from Jeremiah 31:33. The Bible is the only inspired, written Word of God.

Chapel with Bright Beginnings kids for March 14: Don’t stop praying! Jesus said to pray and never stop! From 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Sunday School for March 18: Jesus Fed the Crowds, from Matthew 14:13-21; 15:32-39. Jesus had compassion for the people and helped them.

Children's Church for March 18: Loving others brings us closer to God. "I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other." John 13:34

UPCOMING EVENTS: Saturday, March 24, 10am-12noon: Easter Egg Hunt and hot dog lunch at FUMC Sunday, March 25: The Confirmands will be recognized in Worship. There will be a BBQ lunch following 11:00 worship for the confirmands, families and mentors.

Youth Activities: Sundays: 10:00 a.m. Sunday School Wednesdays: 7:00 a.m. Breakfast at Hardees 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Supper 6:00 p.m. Bible Study in the Foundry

Join us on our Road Trip series as we discuss what we need to pack for our journey of faith.

2018 CHRYSALIS WALK: Please pray for the youth on this walk.

Girl’s Flight #60 April 12-15, 2018

Easter Lilies for Easter Sunday, April 1 Easter lilies were ordered for Easter Sunday. To place lilies in honor or in memory of loved ones, please complete this form & drop it with your check ($15 payable to FUMC) in the offering plate or mail to the church office (200 S. Lee St. 31709). The deadline is March 26.

Proceeds help provide flowers for services throughout the year. In Honor of ________________________________________ From _____________________________________________ In Memory of ______________________________________ From _____________________________________________ ____ I will pick up my lilies after Easter worship. ____ I will make a donation to the flower fund instead of purchasing a lily.

CONGRATULATIONS

TO THE BRIGHT BEGINNINGS STAFF on earning a

TWO STAR QUALITY RATED designation through BRIGHT FROM THE

START: GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF

EARLY CARE AND LEARNING!

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Cuyler Barr, Sue Bailes, Sherrell Bailey, Nancy Carlan, Beth Carroll, Joe Caldwell, Mary Davis, Freddie Dudley, Sue Dupree, Sharon Dutton, Margie Easterlin, Gertrude Forehand, Marion Franklin, Susan Goodwyn,

Amy Hamrick, Clair Strange Jones, Pam Law, Imogene McLendon, Floyd Martin, Ted and Brenda McMillan, Vicki Partain, David Peak,

Charlene Roby, Anncarolyn Roe, Charlene Sanders, Lang Sheffield, Walter Stapleton, Calvin Starlin, Richard Swope, Ricky Temple,

Millie Trussell, Liz and Bill Turpin, Lindsey Wade, Evelyn Wages, Carson Walker, David Warlick, Julian Webb, Ginny Whaley

Gift in Memory of

Harriett Peak From Epworth Sunday

School Class

5:30

GREETERS and USHERS for March 11, 2018

8:55 Inside Greeters at Social Hall Door: Susan Barr 11:00 Inside Greeters at Front Door: MaryLen Walker

11:00 Inside Greeters at South Door: Penny and Jim Bolin

11:00 Ushers: Herschel Smith, Captain; Bill Bird, Jim Bolin, Jamie Collier, George Ellis, John L. Fowler, Bill Kipp, Floyd Martin, Ted McMillan, Craig Potter, John Shealy,

Sonny Shealy, Bobby Strange, Jay Umpleby, Jim West, Ryan Young

Memorial Garden FUMC Columbarium

About 13 years ago, the first phase of our beautiful columbarium was completed for both present and former members and their families of FUMC. The initial phase (cross design with Jesus holding the lamb centerpiece) contained 40 niches of which 20 are now in use (10 internments and 10 reserved for future use). With 50 percent capacity, our committee decided to add the additional 40 units (2 vertical side units) to complete the original design while they were still available. The new units have now been installed. Anyone interested in securing a space for your future use, please call the church administrator, Doug Gatian, or the MG Columbarium administrator, Bob Lashley, for further details.

The flowers in the sanctuary today are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Harriett Peak

by her family.

The flowers in the social hall today are given to the Glory of God and in memory and honor of past and

present UMW members by the United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church.

Apologies for the misprint in the March 11 bulletin. The flowers last week were provided by the Flower Team.

The family of Harriett Wilson Peak invites you to join them today for visitation at 1:00 p.m. in the Parlor and for a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Members of our congregation are invited to go

from the Memorial Service to the Council House for a reception.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK

Sunday, March 18, 2018 *United Methodist Women Sunday* 8:30 a.m. Chapel open for prayer 8:55 a.m. Worship in the Social Hall 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary 11:00 a.m. Arca del Fuego in the Social Hall 1:00 p.m. Visitation with Family of Harriett Peak in the Parlor 2:00 p.m. Memorial Service for Harriett Peak in the Sanctuary 4:00 p.m. Living Last Supper Rehearsal in the Social Hall 5:00 p.m. Living Last Supper Rehearsal in the Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. Prayer Connection in the Parlor 6:00 p.m. Bible Study in the Social Hall Monday, March 19, 2018 1 10:00 a.m. Roland Growth Group in the Parlor 1:30 p.m. Staff Meeting in the Parlor 5:15 p.m. Handbell Choir Tuesday, March 20, 2018 10:00 a.m. Nimble Fingers in Campsite 2 5:30 p.m. Church Council in the Epworth Classroom Wednesday, March 21, 2018 7:00 a.m. Youth Prayer Breakfast at Hardee’s 9:00 a.m. Preschool Chapel in Campsite 1 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Supper 6:00 p.m. Growth Groups 6:00 p.m. Confirmation Class in Pastor Jerry’s office 6:00 p.m. TeamKID 6:00 p.m. Youth in the Foundry 7:00 p.m. Choir Thursday, March 22, 2018 1:00 p.m. Bulletin Crew in the Epworth Classroom 6:30 p.m. Emmaus Cluster Meeting in the Chapel Saturday, March 24, 2018 10:00 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt for Children

CHAPEL OPEN FOR PRAYER 9a-5p Mon-Th

9a-12p Fri

Membership: 995 Total Worship Attendance March 11: 315

8:55 Worship Attendance .............. 58 Arca del Fuego Attendance ................... 90 11:00 Worship Attendance .......... 167 Arca del Fuego Offering .................... $461 Sunday School Total ................... 138 Arca del Fuego Offering YTD .......... $5,334 Budget Giving ......................... $8,862 Benevolence YTD .......................... $1,578 Budget Giving YTD ............. $131,590 YTD Expenditures .............. $160,432 Children Wednesday ..................... 30

Youth Wednesday ........................ 45

Reminder: You can make donations to the church by automatic draft.

Just call Elaine in the finance office.

OUR RECORD OF FAITHFULNESS

Tickets for the SPRING FOLLIES

April 14 are on sale now in the church office.

Group Questions

March 18, 2018 Sermon: Walking with Jesus to the Cross, Part 5: “The Samaritan Woman” Scripture: John 4:3-15

1. Historic Christian faith has always said Jesus was fully divine and fully human. This story showed that: “Jesus was tired from his journey” (verse 6). Hebrews 2:17-18 said Jesus “had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every way.... He’s able to help those who are being tempted, since he himself experienced suffering when he was tempted.” What parts of your life’s journey makes you tired? Share your tiredness with Jesus in prayer. He understands and can help strengthen you.

In the hot Middle East, most women enjoyed morning or evening social time as they drew water at the town well. This woman came alone at noon. She probably didn’t want to face the other townswomen. John also gave non-Palestinian readers key information about what made this conversation remarkable —“Jews and Samaritans didn’t associate with each other” (verse 9). So, Jesus made the first move by asking matter-of-factly, “Give me some water to drink” (verse 7). A. British author Malcolm Muggeridge told an audience that he had achieved a level of fame, success, pleasure and

fulfillment. He went on, “I beg you to believe me, multiply these tiny triumphs by a million, add them all together, and they are nothing...measured against one draught of that living water Christ offers to the spiritually thirsty.” In what ways has Jesus quenched your inner thirst(s)? In what areas of life are you still thirsty?

B. Rabbi Eliezer, who lived not long after Jesus’ day, wrote, “He that eats the bread of the Samaritans is like to one that

eats the flesh of swine.” Yet in addition to Jesus asking the woman for a drink, Jesus’ disciples had gone into the city to buy him some food (verse 8). How can asking another person for help break down barriers that may separate you from them? Are you willing to ask for help when you need it?

2. In verses 16-18, Jesus showed the woman that he knew her past. She still seemed to resist opening up to Jesus about

her life. When you have opened up to people about a challenge or struggle, has that proved beneficial or hurtful? How can you recognize trustworthy people? When has God supported and strengthened you through such “safe” peo-ple? Are you willing to be vulnerable to people like that when you need to be?

3. Jesus said God is Spirit (a word that also meant “breath” or “atmosphere”). In other words, God is with us always and

already knows all about us. What’s more, knowing each of us fully (even better than we know ourselves), God loves each of us deeply! So, coming to God in total honesty is not cause for shame, but for worship and praise of his love, mercy, and grace. What's on your heart today? What do you need to bring to the Lord in full honesty, knowing that God loves you as his child?

Calendar Dates 2018

Sundays 8:55 a.m. Worship in the Social Hall

10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 Worship

in the Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. Prayer Connection

In the Parlor

Mondays

10:00 a.m. Roland Growth Group 5:15 Bell Choir

Tuesdays

Nimble Fingers Quilters 10:00 a.m. in Epworth Classroom

Quartet Rehearsal 5:15 in the Bell Room

Wednesdays 7:00 a.m.Youth Prayer Breakfast

5:30 p.m. Fellowship Supper 6:00 p.m. TeamKID

6:00 Youth Bible Study Arca del Fuego Bible Study 7:00 p.m. in the Social Hall 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir

Saturday, March 24 Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

Social Hall

Thursday, March 29

Living Last Supper Sanctuary

Thursday, March 29

Preschool Easter Egg Hunts Front Lawn & Playground

Friday, March 30

Good Friday Tenebrae Sanctuary

Sunday, April 1 EASTER SUNDAY

Saturday, April 14

Spring Follies Social Hall

Wednesday, April 18

WE ARE FAMILY Social Hall & Front Lawn

Monday-Friday

June 18-22 VBS: Shipwrecked

Social Hall

Monday-Friday July 9-13

Children’ Music and Arts Camp Social Hall

Church Office Hours

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

Friday: 9:00 a.m. to noon

Friday is Jerry’s, David’s, Stephanie’s and Johnny’s day off.

Finance Office Hours Monday - Thursday:

9:00a -3:00p