“To glorify God and love others through worship, study, and service.” Rev. James A. Cason Senior PastorRev. Stephanie Smith Associate Pastor

An Unheard of King

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people. ’” Matthew 4: 18-19

Based on their understanding of Old Testament prophecy, Matthew’s primary audience, the Jews, thought the Messiah would come as a king, which helps us understand why Jesus begins his public preaching with the call to repentance because the kingdom of heaven is near. This would have made the Jews happy, because they wanted Jesus to establish a new kingdom. However, Matthew’s main message in his gospel is that the King had come, but He is not what they expected, yet He is better than they imagined. Kings could command individuals to follow simply because of their royal lineage, a promise of power or a fear of punishment. Jesus didn’t use a tactic or threat. He would not lead by manipulation or coercion, but tender invitation. And who Jesus invited first to follow Him was astonishing. Kings surrounded themselves with the powerful, influential and wise. Yet Jesus didn’t call political heavyweights or theological giants. He didn’t choose the wealthy or wise. Instead, as Jesus moved into public ministry and built His inner circle of disciples, He chose simple, hard-working faith-filled fishermen to do miraculous, life-changing work. The first followers of Jesus were men who worked day in and day out without fanfare. People who would rise early and work late at the back-aching, heart-breaking work of casting nets unsure of their reward. People who had learned their trade by watching others. People who had developed their passion through years of consistent practice. As we read Matthew’s Gospel, he wants us to see Jesus as a ruling King, the promised Messiah. But like the Jews of His day, we will be challenged by Matthew’s unspoken question: Can we accept Jesus authority even if it doesn’t look like we thought it would? Will we follow Him even if He doesn’t call us to power or influence but to service and sacrifice?

Seeking God Together, Rev. Stephanie Smith

January 26, 2020 Worship Services: Sunday School:Sanctuary: Fellowship Hall: Classrooms:

8:30AM & 11:00AM 9:01AM & 11:00AM 10:00AM

Sunday, January 26, 2020Sunday, January 26, 20208:30AM & 11:00AM Traditional - Dr. Jonathan Smith

9:01AM & REVIVE - Rev. Stephanie SmithMatthew 4:12-23

“What Does Jesus See?”

Our Faithfulness in Worship (Sunday, January 19, 2020)Morning Worship: 470 Sunday School: 252

8:30AM: 53 9:01AM: 171 11:00AM: 178 REVIVE: 68Offering Received: $15,482.00

New Building Fund: $10.00 (total $76,849.92)

Our Church Family

Prayer Concerns Ongoing: Susan Cason, Gladys Hacker, Connie Hodges, Charlie Christmas, Greyson Kennedy, Joyce Bohler, Steve Piazza, Bill Mathis Jr., Bill Mathis Sr., Sue Brammar, Joel Martin, Ed Akins, Sara Betty Cook, Carter Berkeley, Frances Humphrey, Fred Maddox, Ken Whitaker, George Ann Thigpen, Judy Strickland, Yvonne Redden, Laura Beasley, Mike Beasley, Jim Long, Brian Harrison, Daryl Harrison, Shirley Connell, Lloyd Jones, Diane Deloach, Care Facilities: Willow Pond - Willie Coleman, Carolyn McCarty, Janette Johnson Southern Manor - Jean Braswell, Libby Hutcheson Brown’s - John Gould

Statesboro First United Methodist ChurchPastor Jimmy’s Bible Study

Reminder: Pastor Jimmy’s Bible study on the book of Matthew will resume thisWednesday, January 29. They will start with Matthew Chapter 6. The study meets in Room 206. New persons are welcome!

Panera Bread Receipts for Relay for LifePanera Bread has agreed to help again this year with Relay for Life. Last year almost $200 was added to our church’s total just by turning in Panera receipts. A collection box is in the Church Office to receive your receipts. Panera also donates their “leftovers” Friday nights for our Soup Kitchen on Saturdays. Relay for Life is scheduled for Friday, April 24.

First Sundays are for Food BankPlease note your calendars for the first Sunday of each month and bring non-perishable food for the Statesboro Food Bank. They are especially in need of powdered milk, along with cereals and other grain products. Red wagons for your donations are placed in the Narthex and near the entrance to the Fellowship Hall. Thanks for having big hearts, SFUMC!

Home CommunionHome communion is available to any who cannot be at a worship service. Please call Nora Ford (687-6169) if you would like for someone to come to your home.

Volunteers for January 26, 2020 (Fourth Sunday of January)Prayer Warriors: Joel & Nancy Martin8:30 Lay Liturgist: Buck Ford8:30 Ushers: Ken LeCain, Max Manack9:01 Ushers: Chris Bishop, Tonya Bishop11:00 Lay Liturgist: Martha Ray11:00 Ushers: Mike Rollins, JJ Altman, Jack Bailey, Anthony Waters, Wayne Laircey, Russ Lanier, John Hatcher(Balcony: Olin Lovett, Ronnie Hodges, Earl Dabbs Jr., Brad Shiels)Greeters: Linda Rushing, Suzan Laircey, Grace Adams Stewart, Ellen LanierMeals On Wheels (January 28): Buck & Nora Ford

SFUMC Students News

Our Church CalendarSunday, January 268:30AM - Traditional Service, Sanct.9:01AM - 901 Service, FH10:00AM - Sunday School, Classrooms11:00AM - Traditional Service, Sanct.11:00AM - REVIVE Service, FH4:30PM -Youth Band Rehearsal, YR5:00PM - Stephen Ministry Training, 2066:00PM - Youth Surge MS/HS,YR,FH, 306

Monday, January 277:00AM - Youth Breakfast Club, 3066:00PM - Church Council, 3066:15PM - Young Adult Bible Study, YR

Tuesday, January 2810:00AM - Through It All Bible Study, 2126:00PM - Al Anon, Grace House

Wednesday, January 299:00AM - ACTS, Outreach Center(offsite)12:30PM - Roxella’s Bible Study, 2135:15PM - Kids JAM, Choir Rm, 2005:30PM - Wednesday Night Ministry, FH6:30PM - Adult Bible Studies.7:00PM - Chancel Choir, Choir Rm.

Thursday, January 306:00PM - Chancel Ringers, 305

Friday, January 319:00AM - ACTS, Outreach Center(offsite)

Saturday, February 111:00AM - Al Anon, Grace House12:00PM - Soup Kitchen, FH

Combined Sunday Night Surge - January 26Middle School and High School students will meet from 6:00PM-7:30PM in the Youth Room. This is our weekly large group meeting where students participate in games, food, worship, and a message. Cost for dinner is $2. Also, please note that if your student is attending the Winter Retreat we will be having the rental equipment fitting this Sunday night. It will take place directly after Surge at 7:30PM in Room 306. All students and adults attending this trip need to be present!

Breakfast Club - January 27This event is for Middle and High School students. We meet on Monday mornings on the third floor (Room 306) for breakfast (Chick-fil-A and Donuts), a devotional, and then we give students a ride to school. Arrive at 7:00AM and the cost is $2.

Small Groups - January 29Middle and High School students meet on Wednesday nights in the Youth Room for fellowship, food, and small group Bible study. Small groups are divided by age and gender. Youth Room opens at 6:00PM, games begin at 6:20PM, Bible study starts at 7:00PM, and students are dismissed at 8PM.

*HYMN OF COMMITMENTHymn #98 To God Be the Glor F

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Children’s Moment (11:00 Traditional)Meg Hill

Kids Worship:9:00: Sarah Akins, Jodie Hendrix, Jody Polk11:00: Sarah Akins, Jodie Hendrix, Renee Perry

Statesboro First United Methodist Church101 South Main Street, PO Box 2048

Statesboro, GA 30459Main Church Phone: 912-764-7589 Church Email: mail@statesborofirst.comJimmy Cason, Senior Pastor: 912-764-1875 Church Website: www.statesborofirst.comStephanie Smith, Assoc. Pastor: 912-764-1874 Church FAX: 912-764-7638

Children’s Ministries News

Wednesday Night Menu - January 29 - 5:30PMBaldinos: Spaghetti, salad, rolls, dessert

Meals are $6.00 for adults; $4.00 for kids 12 and under$2.00 for pizza plate (kids & youth only)

Families of five or more (parents and children) pay a maximum of $24.

Wednesday Night MinistryPlease join us for dinner at 5:30PM in the Fellowship HallChildren’s WNM Schedule:• 5:15PM-6:00PM Kids JAM children’s choir (PreK-5th Grade)• 6:30PM-7:30 Team Kid small groups (PreK-5th Grade)

Upcoming Children’s Ministry Calendar DatesFebruary 2: 5th Grade Sunday school class collecting over the counter cold meds for Open Hearts Community Mission March 15: Kids JAM singing in 11:00AM traditional worshipMay 3: Children’s Sunday in 901 worshipJune 1-5: Vacation Bible School (9AM-12PM)

Statesboro First United Methodist Church

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020LITURGICAL COLOR: RED

GATHERINGPRELUDE & MEDITATION

Praise to the Lord, the Almightyarr. Kevin Hildebrand

*CALL TO WORSHIPTo those who sit in darkness, light has dawned.

To those who dwell in gloom and despair,God’s glorious presence has appeared.

God is indeed our light and our salvation.We will follow, unafraid,

where God and Jesus lead us.Let us worship our God of light and promise.

Let us celebrate the hope and joy of our salvation.

*HYMN OF PRAISEHymn #103 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITHThe Apostles’ Creed #881 Hymnal

I believe in God the Father Almighty,maker of heaven and earth;

And 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, dead, and buried;the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven,

and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;from thence he shall come to judge the quick 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 Hymn #71Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,World without end. Amen, Amen.

PASSING OF THE PEACE AND REGISTRATION OF ATTENDANCE

PROCLAIMING THE VISIONWhy does Statesboro First United Methodist Church exist?

To glorify God and love others through worship, study, and service.

CHILDREN’S MOMENT (11:00AM) Meg Hill

(Following the Children’s Moment, children in Pre-K through 4th grade are invited to Kids Worship in Room 306.)

ANTHEM (11:00AM Service)The Fairest of Ten Thousand

David RasbachPASTORAL PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER

GIVING OF TITHES & OFFERINGSOFFERTORY PRAYER

8:30AM Buck Ford; 11:00AM Martha Ray

OFFERTORYCantilene

Theodore Dubois

*DOXOLOGY HYMN #94Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below:Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts!

Praise Jesus Christ, whose power up-lifts!Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

*HYMN OF PREPARATIONHymn #368 “My Hope is Built”

*SCRIPTURE READINGMatthew 4:12-23

MESSAGE“What Does Jesus See?”Sermon Series: 20/20Dr. Jonathan Smith

*HYMN OF COMMITMENTHymn #386 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”

CHORAL BENEDICTION (11:00AM Service)Amen

Peter Lutkin

POSTLUDEMaestoso Postludium

Christoph Willibald Gluck

*Congregation standing if able during this portion of the service.

Please ensure your cell phone is silenced during the service.

A children’s bulletin with Bible puzzles and activities is available in the Gathering Area on the first floor and also in the back of the Sanctuary’s balcony on the second floor.

The Sanctuary is equipped with a hearing assistance system. Please ask an usher for a receiver.

Protected under the following Christian Copyright Licensing International licenses:CCL1032344, CRL050476, CVLI503970405

CHILDREN’S MOMENT (11:00AM Service)

(Following the Children’s Moment, children in Pre-K through 4th grade

are invited to Kids Worship in Room 306.)