. First United Methodist Church Welcome! We are a Congregation Caring For and About God’s Community

February 26, 2017Transfiguration Sunday9:00a.m. and 11:00a.m.

A special word for our guests: We extend a warm welcome to all who worship with us today. The Nursery, off the lobby area to the right, is available for your children two and under. Children (3-6 years of age) are invited to attend the Jr. Church program in the Nursery Area following Children’s Time. During the Welcome Time, please let us know of your attendance in the red folder (found in each pew). If this is your first visit, we have a gift for you at the Welcome Center Desk. You have blessed us with your presence!

GATHERING AND PRAISE

Prelude: “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” arr. Lani Smith “Open My Eyes” arr. Paul Taylor

Welcome and Opportunities for Ministry

*Opening Hymn: “Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies” U.M. Hymnal #173

*The Gathering Prayer: Leader: The season of epiphany stretches across some of the darkest and dreariest weeks

of our year. Yet this season, which began with a shining star leading magi to the infant Christ, ends by drawing us into the full radiant power of our Christ, transfigured on the mountaintop. We who yearn for the light find a welcome from his luminous face…

People: God of light, send illumination to the minds of your people. Like Peter, James, and John, we are sometimes confused as to your identity. We would prefer to sit on the mountain and take it all in, rather than to go down among the blank stares and empty souls of the street and the marketplace. Awaken us to love that hopes and bears all things, believing in the power of the human spirit, and give us courage to be your disciples in the valleys and chasms of human experience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Song of Response: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” U.M. Hymnal #349(On Monitor)

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE

Scripture Lesson: II Peter 1:16-21 Pew Bible N.T. pg. 222

Prayers of Celebration and ConcernThe Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

We Bring God’s Tithes and Our Gifts:♫ Please enjoy the musical selection of the offertory as a time to give thanks to God for all with which you have been blessed.The Offertory “Majesty” arr. Dick Torrans*Doxology “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” U.M. Hymnal #94

(On Monitor)

*Prayer of Dedication: (in unison)God of clouds and streaming light, awaken us from dozing discipleship to alert witnessing and true devotion of all we are and we have, that these may be used to bring light where there is despair and meet the needs of our world. Amen.

Children’s Choir (11:00am) “Blessed Are They” arr. David HaasChildren’s Message:

Following the Children’s Message, please join in singing one verse of “Jesus Loves Me” (No. 191). Children 3-6 years of age are welcome to attend the Jr. Church program, which takes place in the east end of the Nursery Room.

Special Music (9:00a.m.) Mary Lee Turner Choral Anthem (11:00am): “Praise to God, Immortal Praise” arr. John Purifoy

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 17:1-9 Pew Bible N.T. pg. 17-18Response to the Word

L: This is the Word of God for the people of GodP: Thanks be to God!

Hymn: “We Have Come At Christ’s Own Bidding” The Faith We Sing #2103

The Sermon: “EYEWITNESSES OF HIS MAJESTY” Rev. Amy Terhune

DEPART AS WITNESSES FOR CHRIST IN THE WORLD

*Hymn: “Shine, Jesus, Shine” The Faith We Sing #2173

*Benediction:L: The Almighty God is close, not only in our worship, but also in our living.P: As we share the risk and challenge of being Christ’s light in the world, we

experience that light warming and radiating within as he guides us onward.L: Go then in God’s peace, trusting in the Holy Spirit to turn our faith to courage.P: May God’s name be praised in all the earth!

*Congregational Response: The Faith We Sing #2023“How Majestic Is Your Name” – On Monitor

*Postlude: “God of Grace and God of Glory” arr. Paul Manz

* You are invited to stand if you are able

2 Peter 1:16-21New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Eyewitnesses of Christ’s Glory16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved,[a] with whom I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.19 So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.[b]

Matthew 17:1-9New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Transfiguration17 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother

John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them

Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I[a] will make three dwellings[b] here,

one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still

First United Methodist Church4790 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, MI 48638-6242 / (989) 799-0131; Fax (989) 799-4240

e-mail: firstumsag@aol.com website: http://firstumcsaginaw.orgLike us on Facebook: First United Methodist Church of Saginaw Michigan

Senior Pastor........................................................................................................Rev. Amy Lee Brun Terhune ..............................................................pastoralbt@outlook.com / (989) 274-6363 (cell phone)Director of Christian Education Ministries............................................................................Lynn VermeerschOffice Administrator/Treasurer......................................................................................................Dina DraperOffice Assistant/Custodian..........................................................................................................Sarah GrahamBuilding Superintendent.................................................................................................................Mark YoungDirector of Music & Chancel Choir.................................................................................................Rod BieberOrganist.......................................................................................................................................Bryan LatimerBell Choir Director..........................................................................................................Catherine McMichaelChildren & Youth Music Director.........................................................................................Dr. Mary WagnerNursery Supervisors......................................................................................Kelley Goodrow & Aimee PriemAudio Visual Technicians...............................Abigail Bethune, Mackenzie Bethune, and Dallas Vermeersch

speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved;[c] with him I am well

pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched

them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from

the dead.”

NOTES ON TODAY'S SERVICE9:00 LITURGISTS: 11:00

Bill Cowdry Claire Moon

USHERS:Gerald Taylor, Jim Cloud Rob Ashmall, Rick EmeottLiz Parks, Walt Maltman Rick Silvestri, Marcia Silvestri

Bill Draper,

GREETERS:Sue Arceo Judy Gerken

Wayne and Phyllis Henney Jackie Moore

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS: Sheryl Clauss

ACOLYTES: Tyler and Audrey Vasher

PLEASE HOLD IN YOUR PRAYERS: Pam Hodge, Morgan L. Curry, Dolores Dean, Judy Killmer, Pat Dole, Paul Horny, Cheryl Marks, and Paul Baumgartner and please pray for a way to peace in our lives and in the countries of God’s world.

ANNOUNCEMENTSThe March/April issue of THE UPPER ROOM is now available in the literature rack in the hallway near the library.

TAIZE SERVICE –March 1st, 7:00 p.m. Treat yourself to spiritual renewal and peace filled worship during this contemplative service of music, reflection and prayer. The service lasts 30-45 minutes and is the first Wednesday of each month, October through June.

Coming March 3rd starting at 6pm will be our church GAME NIGHT, everyone is welcome to join us! There will be a sign up sheet so we can order pizza. Also mark May 5th on your calendar for Family Camp-In starting at 6pm.

YOUTH GROUP SCHEDULE for February, March and April of 2017: to accommodate confirmation class, play rehearsals and needs of kids who are not in the murder mystery play, the following will be our youth group schedule for through April:

5:00pm – Confirmation Class (ends at 6pm)6:00pm – Youth Group (snack, devotions, and activity/game – ends at 7pm)7:00pm – Murder Mystery Play Rehearsal (ends at 8:30pm)

PLEASE NOTE: NO YOUTH ACTIVITIES NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 5th

CHURCH CALENDARSUNDAY WEDNESDAY9:00a Worship 9:30a Yoga10:00a Sunday School 10:30a Bible Study11:00a Worship and Jr Church 12:30p Nar-Anon5:00p Confirmation Class 6:00p Girl Scouts6:00p Youth Group 7:00p Taize/Ash Wednesday Service7:00p Murder Mystery Play Rehearsal THURSDAYMONDAY 10:30a Life Changing Movement Class10:30a Yoga 6:15p Boy Scouts Den Meeting12:30p Nar-Anon 8:00p Nar-AnonTUESDAY FRIDAY12:00 noon Staff Meeting 6:00p -8:00p Game Night12:30p Nar-Anon 8:00p Nar-Anon1:00p UMW Executive Board

OFFICE HOURS:Dina Draper: Mon. & Wed 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.Tu, Th, Fri 8a.m. – 1 p.m.Sarah Graham: Tu, Th, Fri 12 noon – 4 p.m.

Join us Wednesdays in March for Lenten Worship EXPERIENCES at 7:00pm.  Worship will involve music, discussion and interaction with others,

hands-on creative experiences, some movement (handicapped-friendly) and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.

March 1, 7pm - TAIZE Worship & Ash Wednesday ObservanceMarch 8, 7pm - DEDICATION - explore what it is to devote oneself to God in

word, thought and deed.March 15, 7pm - REMEMBRANCE - explore the scriptural call to remember. 

Optional: bring along something to “show & tell” that helps you remember how deeply you are loved by another or by God.

March 22, 7pm - GIFTEDNESS - Let your light shine - take a spiritual gifts inventory and help us carry the light of Christ to our community.

March 29, 7pm - THE JOURNEY - Journey to Jerusalem with Jesus and explore his final teachings to three cities along the way.

April 5, 7pm - TAIZE Worship

Thursday, April 13 – 6pm – Soup & Bread Supper 7pm – Holy Thursday Worship

Friday, April 14 – 12:00pm & 12:30pm – Good Friday Worship Services (1/2-hour each on lunch break – come to both or just for one – sack lunches available)

Prayer Vigil – Friday, April 14, 1pm – 6pm. Sign up to be in prayer for church, community, and world for ½ hour blocks on Good Friday Afternoon.