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__________________________________________________________ Share Christ! Build Believers! Serve Others!

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

January 31, 2016 10:45 a.m.

THE GATHERING

Welcome and the Life of the Church

Opening Voluntary Mrs. Gail Rous Awake, Awake to Love and Work

Wilbur Held

† Call to Worship L: For bringing us together as your holy people, P: we praise your name, O God. L: For stirring our hearts to serve others, P: we praise your name, O God. L: For steeping us in your life-giving Word, P: we praise your name, O God. L: For loving us without restraint, P: we lift up our voices to sing of your grace.

† Hymn of Praise #464 God of Grace and God of Glory

† Invocation

† Congregational Response Shine Jesus Shine

THE SERVICE OF THE WORD

First Lesson Jeremiah 1:4-10 (Page #657) L: The Word of the Lord. P: Thanks be to God.

Second Lesson 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (Page #153) L: The Word of the Lord. P: Thanks be to God.

† Gospel Lesson Luke 4:21-30 (Page #53) L: This is the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ. P: Praise be to Thee, Lord Christ.

† Gloria Patri #36

Children’s Moment (All children are invited to come forward at this time. Afterward, children age 4 – grade 2

may attend FIRST KIDS! in room 15.)

Sermon Rev. Dr. Isaac “Ike” Nicholson Another Sermon on Love

Invitation to Discipleship

† Hymn of Commitment #557 (1,2) Just a Closer Walk with Thee

THE SERVICE OF THE TABLE

† Pastoral Prayer

† Prayer Response The Lord Is Our Light and Salvation

Invitation to Stewardship

Offertory Air in D Major / In This Very Room

Bach / Harris

† Doxology Tune: Nettleton There are many ways of sharing, but God's Spirit gives each one.

There are different ways of caring; it's one Lord whose work is done. God, whose gifts are overflowing, may we hear you when you call.

Keep us serving, keep us growing for the common good of all.

† Prayer of Blessing for the Offering

An Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Communion Hymn #527 (1,2) sed of the Lord,ye that believe his holy word; More Love to Thee, O Christ

The Great Thanksgiving Responsive L: The Lord be with you. P: And with thy spirit. L: Lift up your hearts. P: We lift them up unto the Lord. L: Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God.

P: It is right to give Him thanks and praise.

Words of Institution

Prayers of Blessing for the Elements

Distribution of the Elements (We partake of the Bread as it is passed to symbolize our personal fellowship with God in

Christ. We retain the Cup to partake in unison, symbolizing our oneness in Christ. All followers of Christ are invited to participate.)

Holy Communion

† The Lord’s Prayer (Trespasses) In Unison

† The Summation L: Christ has died! P: Christ is risen! A: Christ will come again!

GOING FORTH TO SERVE GOD

† Concluding Hymn How Can I Find My Way?

† Benediction

† Closing Voluntary Marching to Zion / Toccata from Symphony No. 5

Lowery / Widor

† Please stand, as you are able

WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS Elders: Jody Lowman/Loaf; EB Lowman/Cup; Shirley O’Neal/Homebound Deacons: Angie Lewis, Linda Buchanan, Stephanie Rigsby, Randy Ruley, Teri Ruley, Dewayne Russell, Rebecca Russell, Joyce Schuman Acolytes: Kylee Fields, John Young A/V Department: 1 Coffee Fellowship: Helen Harmon, Libby LaFon, Sharon Brown Communion Coordinators: Terri VanHoose, Treca Timberlake Greeters: David & Margaret Ruth Lay Readers: Jody Lowman, Christina St. Clair Ushers: Teri Ruley, Garry Lewis Van Driver: Marvin Childers Youth Deacon Liturgist: Carly Conley

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MISSION AND WITNESS January 31—February 6, 2016

SUNDAY 9:30 a.m. FIRST KIDS! 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. “A Place For You” Television Ministry (Adelphia, Ch. 9; Time Warner, Ch. 9) 10:45 a.m. Morning Worship 5:00 p.m. Chi-Rho & CYF MONDAY 8:30 a.m. Classical Conversations 9:30 a.m. Faith and Fitness 7:30 p.m. Boy Scouts TUESDAY 8:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Fellowship/french toast & bacon 4:00 p.m. Moms In Prayer/Deanna Bradley’s home 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall Reserved/basketball 6:00 p.m. Adoption Support for Kentucky meeting 6:00 p.m. DWM Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. Beth Moore Bible Study/Library WEDNESDAY 11:00 a.m. Meals on Wheels/Garry Lewis 4:30 p.m. St. Andrew’s Kids/Van Reserved 6:00 p.m. Vespers 7:00 p.m. Chalice Ensemble Rehearsal THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. Faith and Fitness 9:30 a.m. Morning Circle/Church 1:30 p.m. Afternoon Circle/Church 6:30 p.m. Evening Circle/Church 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Round Table

IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH Youth News • Chi-Rho (grades 6-8) and Christian Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12) will meet at 5 p.m. for a time of “Ask the Pastor.” This is the opportunity to ask any questions of Rev. Ike that you may have. • Next Sunday, February 7, we will host our Souper Bowl Lunch Fundraiser following Morning Worship. Please arrive at 9 a.m. to help prepare and bring 1-2 dozen cookies or brownies. Youth groups will not meet that day.

Cooks Needed for Souper Sunday

Join us for homemade soups and cornbread following Morning Worship on Sunday, February 7. We need about 30 slow cooker pots of chili, soups or stews to feed the congregation. If you plan to participate, please sign up at the table in the Narthex or email Amy at Amy@FirstChristianChurch.org. The youth appreciate your support!

Youth Ski Trip Food Donations The annual youth ski trip is just around the corner. This year we again have a small kitchen available to prepare hot, healthy meals for our skiers and chaperones. A sign-up sheet for food needs is available on the table in the Narthex. Please bring donations to Amy’s office by Wednesday, February 24.

Prayer Partners Nineteen people are needed to serve as prayer partners for the youth and chaperones traveling on the ski trip on February 26-28. Prayer partners are invited to join the group for prayer prior to their departure on Friday, if you are available. Please contact Amy Christman if you can commit to praying.

Disciples Women’s Ministries News • A DWM Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 2 at 6 p.m. • A new Beth Moore Bible study will begin on Tuesday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m. The Inheritance is a nine session lecture-only series that takes an in-depth look at inheritance throughout God’s word. Each session is approximately one hour in length and is based on the key verse, Psalm 16:5-6: “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” The cost of the listening guide is $5. Money should be turned in at the first meeting. Please note this study does not include homework! Please sign up at the table in the Narthex. • February Circle meetings are scheduled for Thursday, February 4. Morning Circle—10 a.m. at Judy Roe’s home (914 Edgewood Avenue). Hostesses: Judy Roe, Nancy Turman Afternoon Circle—1:30 p.m. at the church. Hostess: Linda Buchanan Evening Circle—6:30 p.m. at the church. Hostess: Luann Glockner

Nominations for Elders and Deacons

We are receiving nominations from the congregation for the office of Elder and Deacon through Monday, February 15. Please submit nominations in writing to the church office including the name of the nominee and your name as the one making the nomination.

January Needs

• We are collecting spam and cans of soup with pop-tops for the First Ashland food pantry. • Shelter of Hope is in desperate need of bed pillows. Please place donations in the wooden bin in the hallway or deliver to the Shelter (2944 Winchester Avenue).

Coffee Fellowship Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed to host coffee fellowship following Morning Worship. Please consider signing up for one Sunday. Provide the refreshments; receive the blessing of bringing the church family together in fellowship. A sign up schedule is available on the table in the Narthex.

You’re Invited to First Fruits Prayer Group Who: All followers of Christ What: Monthly prayer gathering to pray for our church, community, nation, and world When: First Sunday of each month, 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. Next gathering is February 7. Where: Sanctuary (north side) Why: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 “Prayer does not equip us for the greater work, prayer is the greater work.” Oswald Chambers

Reformation History Tour Join us for a 10-day Reformation History tour in England and Scotland on October 17—26, 2016. Brochures detailing the itinerary and pricing information are available on the Welcome Center or at www.FirstChristianChurch.org. Please mail the travel registration form located on the back page of the brochure to the address listed.

Let’s Talk

“Let’s Talk” outlines the upcoming lesson for each of our children and youth ministries. The goal is to make parents and church members aware of what our young ones are learning so meaningful conversations can be started and specific prayers can be offered to God.

Wednesday, January 27 St. Andrew’s Kids: On Wednesday, we learned about the rule book in the Bible: Leviticus. We also made more tongue depressor crosses to give away and worked on a skit about the time that the Israelites worshipped the golden calf instead of God. Sunday, January 31 FIRSTKIDS!: Today, we looked at Psalm 119:11, a psalm written by David that showed how much he loved God. We focused on the point that “We can follow God’s Word every day.” This is the final lesson in our unit “Spelunkers: Bible Skills.” Our key verse is Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Youth Sunday School: We studied Luke 9:1-6, 10 where Jesus gave his disciples on the job training by sending them out into many towns. Jesus trained his disciples to be like him, which should be our goal too. Chi-Rho & CYF: We will ask questions to Rev. Ike covering everything from the age of people in the Bible, to the prophets, to Jesus, with the hope of gaining a little more understanding about aspects of our faith that many people question or misunderstand.

Opportunities to Observe Lent • Lazarus for Lent: Daily Devotionals based on John 11 by Arden W. Mead. The devotions begin on Ash Wednesday. The booklets will be on the Welcome Center beginning Sunday, February 7. • Make plans to join us for a St. Thomas Service in observance of Ash Wednesday on Wednesday, February 10 at 6 p.m. • Parents’ Sunday School Class Lenten Study begins February 14 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 11. Parents with children in the home (of any age!) are invited to join the Parents' Sunday School class during the season of Lent to read and discuss the book, The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman. The class will spend six weeks learning about the love languages of children and how to make our children feel loved in ways they understand. The book will help you:

Discover your child's love language Understand the link between successful learning and love languages See how love languages can help you discipline more effectively Build a foundation of unconditional love for your child.

Please sign up at the table in the Narthex or on the website to order your book ($8), which will be available for pick up from the church office any time after Monday, February 1. You should read chapters 1 & 2 prior to our first class. Consider making Sunday School a Lenten discipline by joining this insightful and encouraging class!

• O Church Arise: Death and Life in the Bible, a new Sunday Night Live series, begins Sunday, February 14 at 5 p.m. This 5-week Bible study, led by Rev. Ike, will look at stories of resurrection. Sign up at the table in the Narthex or on the website. • The World Outreach Department will offer two Lenten opportunities. The first is an individual Lenten discipline called 40 Notes in 40 Days: Cultivating Relationships Through Lent. As a congregation, we will also make Blessing Bags for the homeless as a mission project. Please watch your Echoes for more information in the coming weeks. (Cheri Daniel, World Outreach Department) • Maundy Thursday Service, March 24 at 7 p.m. This year’s service will be a reenactment of the Last Supper. • First Christian Church will host a 24-Hour Prayer Vigil from Thursday, March 24 at 9 p.m. until Friday, March 25 at 9 p.m. Participants are needed to commit to thirty minutes of prayer. We will also need men willing to act as security during the hours when the church office is closed. A sign-up schedule will be available on the table in the Narthex beginning Sunday, February 28. • The Worship and Evangelism Departments are offering an opportunity for our church and community to unite in prayer with the Arch of Unbinding Prayers. Kim Jenkins is creating an arch that will be placed outside the church during the season of Lent. The prayers and cares, for ourselves and others, will be written on ribbons of cloth, and knotted onto the structure. These requests will be unbound, prayed over, and woven into the structure. This spiritual practice continues the work we began during Lent last year with the church-wide Unbinding Your Heart study. We are reminded to untie any knots that keep us from sharing the Gospel and to live exciting lives in the Spirit. Please share ribbons with co-workers, shut-ins, those in hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, homeless, unemployed, and the community at large. This prayer practice will also be included in the St. Thomas service on Ash Wednesday. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (Deanna Bradley, Evangelism Department)

LECTIONARY TEXTS FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a); Psalm 99

LAST WEEK’S RECAP

ATTENDANCE OFFERING Sunday School: 29 General Offering $2,935.00 Morning Worship: 93 Designated $ 669.03 First Time Visitors: 4 OFFERING $3,604.03 Vespers: 42

PRAYER CONCERNS January 27, 2016 Jennie Castle (Proctor & Debbie Castle’s sister) Leslie Castle The Family of John Clarke (by Jeri Ward) Dr. Doug Ey (by Barby Clark) The Family of Margaret Heaberlin (by Margaret Ruth) Linda Lemaster (by Jeri Ward) Jim Meek (by Cheri Daniel) Tommy Paine (by Linda Buchanan) Darrell Sanders (by Mary Raybourn) Lorelai Shay (by Cheryl Lewis) Jimmy Shivel (by Debbie Jones) Alexis Russell (by Bob & Karen Poore) The Family of Loretta Smith (Jan DeLaney’s aunt, Kathy Leader’s aunt, Glenna Lett’s sister-in-law) Mary Ellen Sterling (Margaret Ruth’s cousin) Marge Walter (Glenn Walter’s mother)

January 20, 2016 John Anson (by Stu Taylor) The Family of Harold Patrick (by Jeri Ward) Andy Pettit and family (by Barb Yates) Gretchen Smith (by Beverly Perry)

January 13, 2016 Teddy Jobe Oren Justice Bill Pollack Rachel Russell Juanita Sargent (David Ruth’s aunt)

Shut-Ins: Tony Click, Lou Foster, Charles Gannon (Woodland Oaks), Betty Hemlepp, Juanita Kozee (Kings Daughters & Sons), Dorothy Lester (Woodland Oaks), E. E. McGuire, Roger Noonan, Jody Watson, George Wolfford (Woodland Oaks)

Military: Michael Buchanan (by Charles Buchanan), Robert Griffith, Dylan Kramer (by Cheryl Lewis), Floyd Watts (by Amanda Morgan), Philip Wierson (by Kathy Johnson) Please discard your worship bulletin in one of the recycling bins found at the front and rear doors.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Staff

Rev. Dr. Isaac “Ike” Nicholson, Senior Minister Rev. Larry Sivis, Associate Minister Amy Christman, Director of Family Life Ministries Kathryn Potter, Office Manager Wayne McCulley, Custodian Joyce Kiser, Financial Secretary Connie Reliford, Nursery Teacher Missy White, Preschool Teacher