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(USPS # 552680)Published weekly except Christmas by St. Luke UMC

1104 Second Ave.; Columbus, GA 31901Postmaster: Send address changes to St. Luke UMC

P.O. Box 867; Columbus, GA 31902Telephone (706) 327-4343 • Fax (706) 327-4345

Ministry Center (706) 256-1017 Prayer Room (706) 327-4078E-mail: stluke@stlukeum.comWebsite: www.stlukeum.comwww.facebook.com/stlukeum

SEASONS OF FAITH

Being “away from home” earlier this year—while the Sanctuary and Chapel were being refurbished—helped us see our sanctuary worship space in a new light and to appreciate the beauty of the symbols therein. We are grateful to all of those who helped restore Turner Chapel and the sanctuary to beautiful places for worshipping God.

As we gather for worship this Christ the King Sunday, November 23rd, we celebrate Seasons of Faith: a Celebration of the Christian Year. The “Christian year” leads us through the essential stories of Jesus’ life over the period of one year. It begins with Advent, the coming of Christ, and ends in Kingdomtide with Christ the King Sunday, which marks the spreading and final victory of the Gospel and the last Sunday before Advent begins. We will hear music from each season, see our beautiful banners and the liturgical colors which mark that season, and hear God’s Word for each part of the Christian year. In the process, we will have a sort of one hour time-lapse photograph of what it takes us a year to experience! A brief synopsis of the symbols and colors is below.

Thank you to our Altar Guild, Musicians, Housekeeping and Maintenance Staff, and all of you for your faithful participation in preparing God’s house for worship today.

• Advent (Purple, symbolizing the royalty of the coming Prince of Peace) - the Advent banner quotes Isaiah, “Prepare the way of the Lord!”• Christmas and Epiphany (White and/or Gold, symbolizing the purity of Jesus, the King of Kings, then Green for the time after Epiphany, symbolizing the growth of the Kingdom.) - the Epiphany banner features an image of the manger into which Jesus was laid under crowns symbolizing the wise men who followed a star “come to worship him.”• Lent (Purple, symbolizing the suffering or passion of Jesus) - the Lenten banner features palm branches, nails, a crown of thorns, and symbols of Jesus’ last supper, along with one of the Suffering Servant prophecies from Isaiah, “A man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” • Eastertide (White, symbolizing the glory of the Risen Christ) - the Easter banner features a bold butterfly, symbol of new life, with the affirmation (which is always in the present tense!) “He is Risen.” • Pentecost (Red, symbolizing the fiery presence of the Holy Spirit) - the Pentecost banner features the descending dove with a three rayed halo, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and the prophecy from Joel which Luke quotes in Acts 2.

Order of Worship - Seasons of FaithNovember 23, 2014 Christ the King Sunday8:25 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. Colors: SeasonalThe Invitation to Worship The Rev. Cindy Cox GarrardThe Prelude .....................................“He Comes to Us as One Unknown” .......................arr. M. Burkhardt

Josh Franklin, Saxophone; Adleyn Scott, Organ

*The Advent Processional Hymn.....“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” ....Number 213, vv. 1, 3*The Responsive Reading................................................................................................ based on Isaiah 40.1-5 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she has received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: the crooked path shall be straightened, and the rough places made a plain: AndthegloryoftheLordshallberevealed,andallfleshshallseeittogether: for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Anthem (Chancel Choir, James Turner, soloist).........”Prepare the Way, O Zion”..........arr. Hal Hopson*The Christmas Hymn....................................“Joy to the World”...................................Number 246, vv. 1, 4*The Christmas Scripture Reading ............................................................................................. Luke 2.1-7, KJV

Ms. Martha Dodson, 8:25 a.m., Miss Kate Cartwright, 10:55 a.m.

The Sacrament of Christian Baptism (10:55 a.m.) .................... Samuel Calhoun and Eleanor GraceChildren of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell (Jennifer)Brice Ladson

*The Pledge of the CongregationAsChrist’sbody,thechurch,wereaffirmbothourrejectionofsinandourcommit-ment to Christ. With God’s help, we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround Samuel Calhoun and Eleanor Grace with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust in God and be found faithful in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.

The Epiphany Anthem (Men’s Chorus) ........“March of the Kings” .................................................. Berlioz*The Epiphany Hymn....................................“We Three Kings”.....................................Number 254, vv. 1, 5

The parament on the altar is changed from white to green during the season of Epiphany to symbolize the growth and spread of God’s kingdom into the world, just as the presence of the Gentile wise men or magi reminds us that Jesus came to save all people.

The Offertory Prayer...............................................................................................................A Prayer of the MagiThe Lenten Offertory Anthem ....... “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”........arr. Benjamin Harlan

Michael Korwek, Flute

*The Dedication of Offerings ........... “The Doxology” (Song of Praise to God).....................Number 70*The Lenten Gospel Reading ......................................................................................The Rev. Brett Maddocks

Matthew 27.45-54, p. 31 (NT) in Pew Bible *The Easter Hymn........................“Christ the Lord is Risen Today” .....................Number 302, vv. 1, 4* The Easter Confession of Faith from I Corinthians and Colossians ...............................Number 888The Easter Anthem ....................... “This Is the Day - Hallelujah!“ ............................... St. Luke Children

At the 10:55 a.m. service, children are invited to follow Mrs. Tillery to Corner Kids (children’s worship) in Stockwell Hall following the Children’s Anthem.

Parents pick them up in Stockwell Hall at the end of worship.

*The Pentecost Hymn ..................... “Spirit of Faith, Come Down” ........................Number 332, vv. 1, 4*The New Testament Reading ............................................Acts 2.1-4, 17-18, p. 111 (NT) in pew Bible

The Rev. Dr. Ivelisse Quiñones, Rev. Garrard translatingThe Spoken Word................... “Keeping Time With The Gospel”..............The Rev. Robert BeckumThe Great Commission and Invitation to Discipleship *The Hymn of Invitation ......................“Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy” .................... Number 340*The Benediction The Postlude (Aesook Lim, organ) .......... “Now Thank We All Our God”........J.S. Bach, arr. Virgil Fox

Banners and ParamentsGreg and Kelly Pridgen, Jim and Susan Hardin, Nancy Pedersen, Rick and Carla Anthony.

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE WEEKSunday, November 23 8:25 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary, Main) 9:00 a.m. The Nine Contemporary Service (MIN) 9:45 a.m. Sunday School/Youth Sunday School Assembly (The Corner, MIN) 10:00 a.m. Youth Sunday School (The Corner, MIN)/Alpha (Meeting Rm., MIN) 10:55 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary, Main) Broadcast over WLTC 103.7 Lite FM and at www.stlukeum.com beginning at 11:00 a.m. 12:20 p.m. Worship in Spanish (Chapel)2-3:00 p.m. Hispanic Fellowship (Stockwell Hall, Main) 5:00 p.m. Christian Believer (Conf. Rm., Main)Monday, November 24 - No School or Preschool all week 12 Noon Hands for God (Room 110, Main) 5:30 p.m. ELC Board Meeting (Middle School Media Center) Tuesday, November 25 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting (SD, MIN) 10:00 a.m. On-Site Respite (1021 Third Ave., Respite Bldg.) 12:45 p.m. Caregiver Support Group (1021 Third Ave., Respite Bldg.) 6:00 p.m. Upward Basketball Practice (Gym) 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir (Music Suite)Wednesday, November 26 11:30 a.m. Kiwanis (SD, MIN) Thursday, November 27 - Church and ELC Closed for Thanksgiving 7:00 a.m. Hispanic Sunrise Thanksgiving Worship and Breakfast (Chapel & Stockwell Hall)Friday, November 28 - Church and ELC Closed for ThanksgivingSaturday, November 29Main (main building, where Sanctuary is)/MIN (Ministry Center). Contact the Ministry Center for information about renting or reserving rooms.

PermitST. LUKE (552680) is published weekly except Christmas by St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1104 Second Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31901. Periodical Postage entered and paid at Columbus, GA POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. Luke, P.O. Box 867, Columbus, GA 31902.

DECEMBER WEDNESDAY FELLOWSHIP SUPPERS December 3 - Stockwell Hall--please note location change!

December 10: St. Luke Wind Ensemble Concert, Ministry CenterDecember 17: Christmas Memories, Ministry Center

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The serving line is open until 6:30 p.m. Please make or cancel reservations by using the form below, by e-mailing jwidener@stlukeum.com, or by calling 706-256-1017 before Monday noon.December 3rd Menu: Lasagna, Salad, Bread, Dessert.Name: ________________________________Adults ($7.00) _______ Children ($3.00) _______

Daytime Phone: _____________________ Email: _______________________________________

St. Luke Free SpiritSIreland Tour Sept. 9 -18th, 2015

Once-in-a-Lifetime excursion to Ireland! Join us on a ten day adventure as we explore the famed Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Ring of Kerry and much more. Trip Leaders: Dick & June Reese, Mitch & Tammy Watts and Buddy Cooper. For information, please contact Kym Harden, 706-327-4343 or kym@stlukeum.com. Early registration is highly encouraged.

November IS MUFFIN MIX MONTH!Please bring your donations of muffin mix to the donation tubs in Stockwell Hall and the Ministry Center.

CElEbrATION SuNdAy PlEdgE CAmPAIgN uPdATE Celebration Sunday Pledge $ Received: $ 564,296 Pledge $ received to date: $ 1,531,147 2015 Projected Mission/Ministry $ Needs: $ 2,700,000 Pledge $ amount Needed: $ 1,168,853

Number of members pledged to date: 236 Number of members increased pledge: 87 Number of new members pledged to date: 52

We currently have received about 43% of the Pledge dollars needed to meet 2015 Ministry needs. Please prayerfully consider submitting your Pledge/Gift to support the Mission and Ministry of St. Luke Church in 2015. Please Continue to pray for St. Luke as we seek to follow where God leads His Church.

Music Box

grEAT SOCKS drIVEPlease participate in St. Luke’s great SOCKS drive by bringing your dona-tions of unopened packages of new, white, men’s athletic socks. We use these to assist our guests in fitting shoes for December First Saturday. Donations can be received by any St. Luke staff mem-ber. Questions: groller@moon-meeks.com.

WORSHIP IN SPANISH: 12:20 p.m. worship in Turner Chapel, The Rev. Dr. Ivelisse Quiñones, Mateo 25: 33-41; Ezequiel 34: 22-24 “La necesidad de las ovejas.”

ALTAR FLOWERS: The beautiful flowers in the chancel area are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of the Rev. Dr. Gilbert Ramsey by Mrs. Frances Ramsey and family.

Open Altar Flower Dates for 2015: January 4, 18, and 25th. For other information or other open dates contact Maggie at 706-327-4343 or maggie@stlukeum.com.

IN MEMORIAMMrs. Elizabeth Regena Marchbanks Bennett

November 13, 2014

CHRISTIAN LOvE AND SYMPATHY To Mr. and Mrs. Dan (Judy) Terry in the death of his brother, Mr. Roy Terry, of Valley, AL, on November 12, 2014.

St. Luke Free SpiritS

Tuesday, December 211:30 a.m. (MIN)

Christmas Extravaganza and LunChEon

$10/personReservations706-327-4343

kym@stlukeum.com

ChristmasVocalRecitalFriday, December 12

6:00 p.m. St. Luke Sanctuary

The voice students of Kimberly Cone,

CSU Professor of Voice, and accompanist Dr. Aesook Lim,

St. Luke pianist/organist and CSU accompanist,

present Christmas songs from Bethlehem

to Broadway. The program is

free and open to the public.

mEAlS ON WHEElS HOlIdAy VOluNTEErS NEEdEd!

We are in need of several volunteers to deliver meals on Christmas Day.Please contact Julie Widener @ 706-256-1017 or jwidener@stlukeum.com. If you would like to volunteer to help with this important ministry. Thank you!

Christmas Music at St. Luke

Experience the wonder and joy of Christmas through the unique music of the season.

Christmas festival ConCert

Sunday, December 74:00 p.m.

St. Luke Sanctuary

The St. Luke UMC Chancel Choirand The St. Luke Children

Present With Strings, Organ and Piano a concert of Sacred Music.

The program is free and open to the public.

STAY AT HOME MOMS CHRISTMAS BRUNCHBring your infant or preschooler and join us for a “stress-less” Christ-mas Brunch, Wednesday, December 10, 10:30 a.m. at the home of Nicole Mayne. We’ll be planning our Bible study for 2015 and getting to know one another! Contact Nicole at Coley.mayne@gmail.com for directions!

Children’s MinistryNickie Tillery, Director of Children’s Ministries, ntillery@stlukeum.com

www.cornerkidz.comCorner Kids@The Nine in Stockwell Hall, K-5th grade.Corner Kids@11 in Stockwell Hall, K-5th grade.We need toys and volunteers for December First Saturday. Please email ntillery@stlukeum.com to help in the toy section.

CHOIr PrACTICE SCHEdulE Sunday mornings during Corner Kids at the 9 and 11 o’clock services.

Wednesday, Nov. 19th, 6-7:00 p.m. (Aerobics Room, Ministry Center). mANdATOry PrACTICE Wednesday, Dec. 3rd, 6-7:30 p.m.

for the dec. 7th Christmas Festival Concert.Parents need to bring and pick up in the Shaw Classroom.

Wednesday, Dec. 10th: 6-7:00 p.m. (Aerobics Room, Ministry Center).Wednesday, Dec. 17th: 6-7:00 p.m. (Aerobics Room, Ministry Center).

CHOIr PErFOrmANCE dATESSunday, November 23rd at the 10:55 a.m. service,

please arrive at 10:40 p.m. in Stockwell Hall.We will pick up from Sunday School.

December 7th 4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, Please arrive at 3:30 p.m. in Stockwell Hall.

December 24th at 5:00 p.m. in the Ministry Center. Please arrive at 4:40 p.m. We meet in the Small Dining Room.

Please email Mary Pat Beckum at jrbeckum@aol.com for more information.

PArENTS WE HAVE A WONdErFul dECEmbEr COmINg uP!!! We need you to make it all work smoothly. Please pick a date to come help us Celebrate Jesus’ Birth. Below you will find opportunities to worship with your child.december 6: December First Saturday- please volunteer to come and bring toys to donate to this wonderful event.december 14: Christmas Workshop during Corner Kids and Sunday School.We will make gifts for our family and discuss 12 symbols of Christmas. december 21: Happy Birthday, Jesus!! During the 9am and 11am services and we will Skype with Naomi’s village during Sunday school. Please email ntillery@stlukeum.com to volunteer.

ADvENT DEvOTIONAL BOOKLETThis year’s Advent Devotional Booklet, A Season of Hope is written by the Rev. Brett Maddocks. You will find copies avail-able around the church beginning the first Sunday in Advent, November 30th. If you wish to have a copy mailed to your home, please contact Maggie at 706-327-4343 or maggie@stluke-um.com.

Abiding giftsIf you wish to honor or remember someone, please attach to your check the name of that person and the address to which you wish the acknowledgement sent and mail or bring to the Church Office. Contact maggie@stlukeum.com.December First Saturday: In honor of Mrs. Betty Pearson by “Peg O’ My Heart.” In honor of Mr. Bob Hydrick by Circle 9 UMW. In honor of Mr. Mike Ogie on his birthday by Mrs. Lucile Ogie.Memorial Maintenance Fund: In memory of Mrs. Frances Brooks by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Simon, Ms. Barbara Hunter, Ms. Lynn Hunter Griley, and Ms. Ann Hunter Crotts, Dr. and Mrs. Hollis Daniel Sigman, and Mr. and Mrs. Greg Pridgen. In memory of Mr. Robert Thompson by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Scanling, and Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Lott. In memory of Mr. Robert Thompson, Mrs. Meis Boers, Mrs. Charlotte Esther Miller Wirt, and Mrs. Mary Turner by Mrs. Nancy Powell. In memory of Dr. Donald Stewart by Mr. Mat Mize, Ms. Sallie Hadden, Mrs. Mary L. Pierson, and Dr. and Mrs. Hollis Daniel Sigman. In memory of Dr. Donald Stewart and Mr. Bob Ramsay by Mrs. Corinne Jarrell.Food Pantry: In memory of Dr. Donald Stewart and Mr. Robert Thompson by Mrs. Betty Pearson and Mrs. Mary Hudson. In memory of Dr. Donald Stewart and Mrs. Charlotte Wirt by Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hall. In memory of Mrs. Meis Boers by Mr. Billy Cunningham. In honor of Mrs. Patricia Newsome and Mrs. Fran Watt by Ms. Nancy Pedersen. In memory of Mrs. Regena Bennett by Mrs. Glenda Merrill.Children’s Ministry: In honor of Mrs. Nickie Tillery by Circle 9.Respite Care: In memory of Mrs. Frances Brooks by Mrs. Mary L. Pierson. In memory of Mr. Max Burgdorf by the Fellowship/Jesus is Lord Class. In memory of Dr. Donald Stewart and Mr. Max Burgdorf by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Boers.Respite Scholarship Fund: In memory of Dr. Donald Stewart by Ms. Nancy Pedersen.Fellowship Class: In memory of Dr. Donald Stewart by Mr. and Mrs. Whit Blackmon.Music Fund: In memory of Dr. Donald Stewart by the Fellowship/Jesus is Lord Class.Samaritan Fund: In memory of Mr. Robert Thompson by the Fellowship/Jesus is Lord Class.Boy Scouts: In honor of Mr. Hunter Thomas Abell by Judge and Mrs. Gil McBride.Music Scholarship Fund: In honor of Mrs. Geraldine King by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Boers. In memory of Mrs. Frances Brooks by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Register.Organ Fund: In honor of Mrs. Adleyn Scott and Mrs. Aesook Lim by Mr. and Mrs. Dale Ellis.Rebuilding Fund: In memory of Mrs. Frances Brooks by Mr. and Mrs. Leon Belk, Ms. Mary Belk, Mrs. Frances Woolfolk and John Woolfolk.Samaritan Fund: In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Billy (Nadine) Chambers by Mrs. Sue Vaughan.

Jonathan and Lisa Moore, Directors of Student Ministries, jmoore@stlukeum.comthe Corner

-Respite Care-“Caring for loved ones and caregivers.”.

Diane Hett, Director of Respite Ministry, 706-256-3117 or dhett@stlukeum.com

This weekend, The Corner Students filled 10 houses across this city! A college staff of 20 students from this church and all over the southeast have led Bible studies and prayer times in age and gender specific small groups ALL WEEKEND! Ed Newton, ednewton.org, was our guest speaker and Andy and Ruth Bowen led worship all weekend long as well. ****AFTER A WONDERFUL WEEKEND WE WILL NOT HAVE "THE CORNER" TONIGHT!***We will resume regular worship, EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT, next week. Big Lee McBride will be our guest speaker November 30, the Sunday night after Thanksgiving! This has been a big night each year....So we'll see you there..This will be a Come Togther Night as well, meaning MS and HS will be togther!SIGN UP FOR SOULED OUT WINTER----THE CORNER'S SKI RETREAT----RIGHT NOW @ WWW.THECORNERSTUDENTS.COM!!!

For many, the holidays are overwhelming with the abundance of activities, shop-ping, excitement, and special times. But for caregivers, the holidays may be “just another day” and a reminder of the way things once were. Take some time to think of those who are caregivers and remember them in special ways in the weeks ahead. Some suggestions: offer to relieve them so that they can attend a special event, drop by with a snack and holiday CD, help with simple decorations, rent a holiday movie and watch it with them, or plan a family meal. The St Luke Caregiver Support Group meets Tuesday, November 25,12:45 – 2:00 p.m. Encourage the caregivers whom you know to share in the love, support, and compassion that caregivers offer to one another.