February 2014

February 23, 2014

Welcome to Allen-Lee Memorial UMC
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

Rev. Chad Hill, Pastor
Ann Johnson, Music Director
Brian Ferrell, Worship Leader

Prelude Sandy Wood

Welcome and
Opening Prayer Brian Ferrell

Announcements

Call to Worship Stuart Crosby

Psalm 119:33-40

Lord, teach me what your statutes are about,
    and I will guard every part of them.
Help me understand so I can guard your Instruction
    and keep it with all my heart.
Lead me on the trail of your commandments
    because that is what I want.
Turn my heart to your laws,
    not to greedy gain.
Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things.
    Make me live by your way.
Confirm your promise to your servant--
    the promise that is for all those who honor you.
Remove the insults that I dread
    because your rules are good.
Look how I desire your precepts!
    Make me live by your righteousness.

Hymn "Take My Life, and Let It Be"

Affirmation of Faith

We believe in God, creator of the world and of all people; and in Jesus Christ, incarnate among us, who died and rose again; and in the Holy Spirit, present with us to guide, strengthen, and comfort.

We believe the Holy Spirit has freed us to worship as a community. We believe the Holy Spirit works through all things, through you and through me, and through love. We believe that the Holy Spirit lives in this community and makes us all brothers and sisters in Christ.

We believe in praising God all the time.
We believe in responding to God's grace, love, and justice for all people.
We believe in the Kingdom of God within us.
We believe in Love.
We commit ourselves to share God's kingdom with all people. Amen.

Gloria Patri

Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer Pastor
The Lord's Prayer Congregation

Hymn "For the Healing
of the Nations"

Dedication of
Tithes and Offerings

Offertory Sandy Wood

Doxology

Hymn "Open My Eyes,
That I May See"

Scripture Pastor

Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 31-48

“You have heard that it was said to those who lived long ago, Don't commit murder, and all who commit murder will be in danger of judgment. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with their brother or sister will be in danger of judgment. If they say to their brother or sister, ‘You idiot,' they will be in danger of being condemned by the governing council. And if they say, ‘You fool,' they will be in danger of fiery hell.

“You have heard that it was said, Don't commit adultery. But I say to you that every man who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart.

“It was said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a divorce certificate.' But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife except for sexual unfaithfulness forces her to commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

“Again you have heard that it was said to those who lived long ago: Don't make a false solemn pledge, but you should follow through on what you have pledged to the Lord. But I say to you that you must not pledge at all. You must not pledge by heaven, because it's God's throne. You must not pledge by the earth, because it's God's footstool. You must not pledge by Jerusalem, because it's the city of the great king. And you must not pledge by your head, because you can't turn one hair white or black. Let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no.Anything more than this comes from the evil one.

“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you that you must not oppose those who want to hurt you. If people slap you on your right cheek, you must turn the left cheek to them as well. When they wish to haul you to court and take your shirt, let them have your coat too. When they force you to go one mile, go with them two. Give to those who ask, and don't refuse those who wish to borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both the evil and the good and sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love only those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing? Don't even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete.

Sermon Pastor
Donut Theology

Hymn "Let There Be Peace on Earth"

Benediction

Welcome to Allen-Lee!
We hope that you will feel the warmth of this loving congregation while you are here worshiping with us. Please let us know if you need anything or want more information about our church. We are an open and welcoming fellowship. It is our hope that you will come again and often.

Weekly Schedule
9:45 a.m.    Gathering and Prayer Time
10:00 a.m.    Adult & Youth Sunday School
11:00 a.m.    Worship Service

Fellowship and Puppet Show
Crossroads Baptist Church is having a fellowship and puppet show on Saturday, April 5, at 1 p.m. Sheila has room in her car for a few passengers. If you are interested, contact Sheila Simpson.

Laity Classes
The LaGrange District Board of Laity will be offering a series of classes at Newnan First UMC on Saturdays, March 8 and 22, 2014. The basic and an advanced class will be offered. The brochures will be mailed out later this week. Participants must pre-register by February 26.

Allen-Lee Men
The Allen-Lee Men will hold their regular monthly meeting at County Line Cafe on the first Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. In addition, they will meet at Woodyard Grill the third Friday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.

Explorations in Antiquity
The church is trying to plan a trip to the Explorations in Antiquity Center in LaGrange. The cost is $30 per person and this includes a Biblical meal and an archaeological replica tour. We need 10 people to make a group. If anyone is interested, please let Chad know.

2014 Homeless Offering
This is the last week to give money to the United Methodist Homeless Offering. If you want to give, please make a note on your check or place donations in one of the Homeless Offering envelopes.

Looking Ahead ...

March 01
March 01
March 12

8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
6:30 p.m.

Clark Chapel UMW mission study
Allen-Lee Men at County Line Cafe
Administrative Council meeting

February 16, 2014

Welcome to Allen-Lee Memorial UMC
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Rev. Chad Hill, Pastor
Ann Johnson, Music Director
Brian Ferrell, Worship Leader

Prelude Ann Johnson

Welcome and
Opening Prayer Brian Ferrell

Announcements

Call to Worship Winston Skinner

Psalm 119:1-8

Those whose way is blameless--
    who walk in the Lord’s Instruction—are truly happy!
Those who guard God’s laws are truly happy!
    They seek God with all their hearts.
They don’t even do anything wrong!
    They walk in God’s ways.
God, you have ordered that your decrees
    should be kept most carefully.
How I wish my ways were strong
    when it comes to keeping your statutes!
Then I wouldn’t be ashamed
    when I examine all your commandments.
I will give thanks to you with a heart that does right
    as I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes.
    Please don’t leave me all alone!

Hymn "I Want a Principle Within"

Affirmation of Faith

We believe in God, creator of the world and of all people; and in Jesus Christ, incarnate among us, who died and rose again; and in the Holy Spirit, present with us to guide, strengthen, and comfort.

We rejoice in every sign of God's kingdom: in the upholding of human dignity and community; in every expression of love, justice, and reconciliation; in each act of self-giving on behalf of others; in the abundance of God's gifts entrusted to us that all may have enough; in all responsible use
of the earth's resources.

We confess our sin, individual and collective, by silence or action:
through the violation of human dignity based on race, class, age, sex, nation, or faith; through the exploitation of people because of greed and indifference;
through the misuse of power in personal, communal, national, and international life; through the search for security by those military and economic forces that threaten human existence; through the abuse of technology which endangers the earth and all life upon it.

Lord, have mercy;
Christ, have mercy;
Lord, have mercy.

We commit ourselves individually and as a community to the way of Christ; to take up the cross; to seek abundant life for all humanity; to struggle for peace with justice and freedom; to risk ourselves in faith, hope, and love,
praying always that God's kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Gloria Patri

Responsive Prayer

Pray for those who are hungry.
Pray harder for those who will not feed them.

Pray for those who struggle each week to pay their bills.
Pray harder for the wealthy who do not care.

Pray for those who are homeless.
Pray harder for those who deny them shelter.

Pray for the sick and lonely.
Pray harder for those who will not give them comfort.

Pray for those who cry out for dignity.
Pray harder for those who will not listen.

Pray for those oppressed by unjust wages.
Pray harder for those who exploit them.

Pray for those who bear the yoke of prejudice.
Pray harder for those who discriminate against them.

Pray for those whose basic needs are denied.
Pray harder for public officials who cater to the greedy and ignore those bound unjustly.

Pastoral Prayer Pastor
The Lord's Prayer Congregation

Hymn "We Utter Our Cry"

Dedication of
Tithes and Offerings

Offertory Ann Johnson

Doxology

Hymn "The Gift of Love"

Scripture Pastor

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Look here! Today I’ve set before you life and what’s good versus death and what’s wrong. If you obey the Lord your God’s commandments that I’m commanding you right now by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments, his regulations, and his case laws, then you will live and thrive, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and so are misled, worshiping other gods and serving them, I’m telling you right now that you will definitely die. You will not prolong your life on the fertile land that you are crossing the Jordan River to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth as my witnesses against you right now: I have set life and death, blessing and curse before you. Now choose life —so that you and your descendants will live — by loving the Lord your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him. That’s how you will survive and live long on the fertile land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors: to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Sermon Pastor
Your Choice

Hymn "Blessed Be the
Tie that Binds"

Benediction

Weekly Schedule
9:45 a.m.    Gathering and Prayer Time
10:00 a.m.    Adult & Youth Sunday School
11:00 a.m.    Worship Service

2014 Homeless Offering
During the month of February, we will be collecting money for the United Methodist Homeless Offering. If you want to give, please make a note on your check or place donations in one of the Homeless Offering envelopes placed in the foyer.

Mission Team to El Salvador
Our district mission team left for El Salvador yesterday and will return on February 22. Please keep the mission team members and their families in your prayers.

Volunteers Needed at Unity
Unity Elementary School is seeking volunteers from our church for Career Awareness Day on April 25. Speakers will be asked to provide a 15- to 20-minute presentation/explanation about their job. Props and/or uniforms are a great way to illustrate what you do! Anyone willing to participate should contact Erika White, Unity's counselor, at 770-927-6488 or via email at erika.white@mcssga.org.

Classes for Lay Speakers
The LaGrange District Board of Laity will be offering a series of classes at Newnan First UMC on Saturdays, March 8 and March 22, 2014. The basic and an advanced class will be offered. The brochures will be mailed out later this week. Participants must pre-register by February 26.

Ongoing Collection for Operation Christmas Child
The UMW spearheads the collection of shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child each year. In an effort to increase the number Christmas boxes that can be prepared for children around the world for whom this may be their first opportunity to hear about Christ and their only Christmas gift, a box has been placed in the narthex for an ongoing collection of items. Suggestions for items to donate (or not) include the following.

TOYS: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as dolls, toy cars, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
NON-LIQUID HYGIENE ITEMS: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.
ACCESSORIES: t-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc.
DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

Looking Ahead ...

February 19
February 21
March 1
March 1

3:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.

UMW meeting at Ann's home
UMM dinner at Woodyard Grill; all invited
Clark Chapel UMW mission study
UMM meeting at County Line Cafe

February 9, 2014

Celebration of Worship
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Boy Scout Sunday

Rev. Chad Hill, Pastor
Ann Johnson, Music Director
Brian Ferrell, Worship Leader

Prelude Ann Johnson

Welcome and
Opening Prayer Brian Ferrell

Announcements

Call to Worship Stephanie Strube

Psalm 112

Those who honor the Lord,
    who adore God’s commandments, are truly happy!
Their descendants will be strong throughout the land.
    The offspring of those who do right will be blessed;
wealth and riches will be in their houses.
    Their righteousness stands forever.
They shine in the dark for others who do right.
    They are merciful, compassionate, and righteous.
Those who lend generously are good people--
    as are those who conduct their affairs with justice.
Yes, these sorts of people will never be shaken;
    the righteous will be remembered forever!
They won’t be frightened at bad news.
    Their hearts are steady, trusting in the Lord.
Their hearts are firm; they aren’t afraid.
    In the end, they will witness their enemies’ defeat.
They give freely to those in need.
    Their righteousness stands forever.
    Their strength increases gloriously.
The wicked see all this and fume;
        they grind their teeth, but disappear to nothing.
    What the wicked want to see happen comes to nothing

Hymn "O For a Thousand
Tongues to Sing"

Affirmation of Faith Nicene Creed

Gloria Patri

Pastoral Prayer Pastor
The Lord's Prayer Congregation

Hymn "The Battle Hymn
of the Republic"

Dedication of
Tithes and Offerings

Offertory Ann Johnson

Doxology

Hymn "Here I Am, Lord"

Scripture Pastor

Matthew 5:13-20

Salt and light
"You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.

Jesus and the Law
“Don’t even begin to think that I have come to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I haven’t come to do away with them but to fulfill them. I say to you very seriously that as long as heaven and earth exist, neither the smallest letter nor even the smallest stroke of a pen will be erased from the Law until everything there becomes a reality. Therefore, whoever ignores one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called the lowest in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever keeps these commands and teaches people to keep them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. I say to you that unless your righteousness is greater than the righteousness of the legal experts and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Sermon Pastor
Salt and Light

Hymn "This Little Light of Mine"

Benediction

Back To Salt And Light

By Bob Gotti

The Church today has lost her pace in today’s hectic earthly race.
To love God with all your mind has been lost in the crunch of time.
And replaced with fighting from within, laced with all shades of sin.
Nothing for eternity’s wrought when these foolish feuds are fought.

Satan begins to sow a weed or two and we forget we are born anew.
We’ve been Born Again from above and to be filled with God’s Love.
But soon His love slips away and then hurtful things we begin to say.
Paul admonished the Corinthian Church, but are we better or worse?

For our time is spent causing pain and this all without Eternal gain.
And soon we begin to lose our way and we even forget when to pray.
Then I neglect my quiet time where God deals with this heart of mine.
And I begin to focus on my need and soon forget about sowing seed.

We create a Church of carnal gifts in the midst of arguing and rifts.
We forget about Corinthians, gifts without love don’t mean a thing.
In the midst of our strife and fuss we forget Christ who died for us.
With His Blood He cleansed our sin, so that we could live for Him.

We create division and wonder why all our ministries are going awry.
We deal with things that are not right by acting out in hate and spite.
We begin to take on shades of night mixing darkness with His Light.
By acting out our fleshly desire, don’t we quench The Spirit’s Fire?

Even if our heart is sincere, how can we live without reverent fear?
The fear of God is truly wisdom, especially in light of The Kingdom.
God’s preparing us for Eternal Life, why be used as Satan’s device?
The time is now to make all right, by getting back to Salt and Light.

Weekly Schedule
9:45 a.m.    Gathering and Prayer Time
10:00 a.m.    Adult & Youth Sunday School
11:00 a.m.    Worship Service

Flower Sign-up Sheet
There is a flower sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the foyer. Please let Chad know in writing if you are placing flowers in memory or honor of someone.

February Birthday
February 16 Craig Adams

Mission Team to El Salvador
Our district mission team will be leaving for El Salvador on February 15 and returning on February 22. Please keep the mission team members and their families in your prayers.

Looking Ahead ...

March 01
March 12

8:30 a.m.
6:30 p.m.

Clark Chapel UMW mission study
Administrative Council meeting

February 2, 2014

Celebration of Holy Communion
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Rev. Chad Hill, Pastor
Ann Johnson, Music Director

Prelude Ann Johnson

Welcome and
Opening Prayer Brian Ferrell

Announcements

Call to Worship Psalm 19

Psalm 15

O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
    Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,
    and speak the truth from their heart;
who do not slander with their tongue,
    and do no evil to their friends,
    nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;
in whose eyes the wicked are despised,
    but who honor those who fear the Lord;
who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
who do not lend money at interest,
    and do not take a bribe against the innocent.
Those who do these things shall never be moved.

Hymn "O How I Love Jesus"

Affirmation of Faith

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

Amen.

Gloria Patri

Pastoral Prayer Pastor
The Lord's Prayer Congregation

Hymn "When I Survey the
Wondrous Cross"

Dedication of
Tithes and Offerings

Offertory Ann Johnson
Doxology

Hymn "Let Us Break Bread Together"

Scripture 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are being destroyed. But it is the power of God for those of us who are being saved. 19 It is written in scripture: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will reject the intelligence of the intelligent. Where are the wise? Where are the legal experts? Where are today’s debaters? Hasn’t God made the wisdom of the world foolish? In God’s wisdom, he determined that the world wouldn’t come to know him through its wisdom. Instead, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of preaching. Jews ask for signs, and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, which is a scandal to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. But to those who are called—both Jews and Greeks—Christ is God’s power and God’s wisdom. This is because the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Look at your situation when you were called, brothers and sisters! By ordinary human standards not many were wise, not many were powerful, not many were from the upper class. But God chose what the world considers foolish to shame the wise. God chose what the world considers weak to shame the strong. And God chose what the world considers low-class and low-life—what is considered to be nothing—to reduce what is considered to be something to nothing. So no human being can brag in God’s presence. 30 It is because of God that you are in Christ Jesus. He became wisdom from God for us. This means that he made us righteous and holy, and he delivered us. This is consistent with what was written: The one who brags should brag in the Lord!

Sermon Pastor
Transformers

Holy Communion

Hymn "Open My Eyes, That I May See"

Benediction

Lord, you now have set your servants free to go in peace as you have promised. For these eyes of ours have seen the Savior whom you have prepared for all the world to see! Blessing and honor and glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Service of Holy Communion

Come to the Lord's Table, all you who love him. Come to the Lord's Table; confess your sin. Come to the Lord's Table; be at peace.

We have not believed you or trusted in your power. We have stained our souls by our action and inaction. We are broken by disease, bruised by the sins of others, weakened and unable to repair ourselves. We ignore your call to center our lives in you, and so we are deaf to the hopes and cries of the poor, the sick, the needy, and the earth.

Forgive us, Lord!

When we confess our sinful ways, God abundantly pardons. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we are all forgiven. Glory to God!

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to you, Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to praise you, Lord.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Holy Triune of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. From the rising of the sun to its setting your name is praised among all peoples. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with your people on earth and all the company of heaven who forever sing this hymn to the glory of your name:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might
Heaven and earth are full ...
Full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes
In the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna in the highest!

You are holy, Almighty One! Blessed are you, Jesus Christ! In the power of the Spirit you created all things, blessed them, and called them good. You called to yourself a people to make your mercy and truth known in all the world. We betrayed your calling;

You were faithful.

We wandered from the way;

You called us to return, and led us home.

And still we turned from your ways, abused your creatures, and made ourselves slaves to sin and death. At the right time you came and dwelt among us, as one of us, bringing good news to the poor, healing the sick, raising the dead, sharing your table with the unrighteous, and teaching the way that leads to life. By your incarnation, life, suffering, execution and resurrection You gave birth to your church, delivered us from slavery and made a new covenant with us by water and the Spirit. On the night of your betrayal, Lord Jesus, you took bread, blessed it, broke it, gave it to your disciples and said, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." You did the same with the cup after the supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out is the new covenant in my blood."

Blessed Trinity, in remembrance of all you have done to save us, we offer ourselves to you in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:

Christ has come among us. Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ abides with us. Christ will come again.

Pour out your Spirit on us and on these gifts. Make these gifts the body and blood of Christ. Make us, through them, Christ's body alive in the world.

Amen.

Weekly Schedule
9:45 a.m.    Gathering and Prayer Time
10:00 a.m.    Adult & Youth Sunday School
11:00 a.m.    Worship Service

Upcoming Performance
Kingdom Heirs and Higher Hope will be performing at the Troup High Fine Arts Auditorium on Saturday, February 8, at 7 p.m. General admission will be $20 and reserve seats are $25. The Troup High Fine Arts Auditorium is located beside Troup High School at 1920 Hamilton Road. The box office can be reached at 706-415-2122.

Flower Sign-up Sheet
There is a flower sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the foyer. Please let Chad know in writing if you are placing flowers in memory or honor of someone.

February Birthdays and Anniversaries
February 03 Alfred "Boot" Daniel
February 04 Carolyn Kilcrease
February 16 Craig Adams

Looking Ahead ...

February 7
March 1
March 12

6:00 p.m.
8:30 a.m.
6:30 p.m.

February fellowship meal
Clark Chapel UMW mission study
Administrative Council meeting

February 23, 2014

Welcome to Allen-Lee Memorial UMCSeventh Sunday after the Epiphany

Looking Ahead ...

February 16, 2014

Welcome to Allen-Lee Memorial UMCSixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Looking Ahead ...

February 9, 2014

Celebration of WorshipFifth Sunday after the EpiphanyBoy Scout Sunday

Looking Ahead ...

February 2, 2014

Celebration of Holy CommunionFourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Looking Ahead ...

Welcome to Allen-Lee Memorial UMC
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

Welcome to Allen-Lee Memorial UMC
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Celebration of Worship
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Boy Scout Sunday

Celebration of Holy Communion
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany