(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

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o. 9 CHRISTIAN DEFORMATION: LAYING ASIDE DISTRACTIONS

In the second week of the prayer guide, “40 Days of Prayer”, Mark Tidsworth says:“Christian mystics call the process of laying down our wills and taking up God’s will ‘Deformation.’ This is an accurate description of the experi-ence. We have built up layer upon layer of control and self-direction. The process of becoming a disciple is submitting to God’s refinement. God strips away these layers of denial, sin and selfishness. The process feels like we are being de-formed.The result….then we are far more open to being re-formed as disciples of Jesus Christ.”

Later, on Day 23, Tidsworth offers this thought for prayer. Referencing Romans 12:1-2, he says:“The Christian Deformation process is working to not be conformed to this world’s values, actions and perspectives. The Christian Formation process is becoming conformed to the image of Christ.What does becoming more Christ-like mean for you? As you become more Christ-like even today, how (specifically) will that show up in your life?”

Tidsworth then has these “Ask God” invitations to guide our prayer together as a church:• Ask God, what in your life needs the Prayer of Surrender---not my will but your will be done, dear Father.• Ask God to identify what you are clutching that prevents you letting go.ThenaskGodforthecouragetoletgoandfly.• Ask God to give you the eyes to see and the ears to hear his calling for you and our congregation.• Ask God to help you orient your entire life more around Christ.• Ask God to transform (reform) you, showing you what new values, actions and perspectives to embrace. • Ask God to help you lay aside human criteria for church success and to integrate God’s criteria more fully.

In the days of this Lenten journey, let’s take these “asks” to heart, pray-ing in trust as Jesus encouraged his disciples: “Ask and it will be given you;searchandyouwillfind;knockandthedoorwillbeopenedforyou.”(Matthew 7:7) We are praying for God to open new doors for effective ministry through faithful lives at St. Luke.

ORDER OF WORSHIPThe 10:55 a.m. service is streamed at www.stlukeum.com and broadcast at WLTC 103.7 Lite FM

Broadcast live on WXTX Channel 54 at 11:00 a.m.

February 28, 2016 Third Sunday in Lent

8:25 a.m. & 10:55 a.m. Color: Purple

Chiming of the Hour

Invitation to Worship

The Prelude ...............................“What Wondrous Love Is This” ............................B. Childers(Bessie Howard Ward Handbell Choir)

Call to Worship (10:55 a.m., Mitch Watts)...“The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power”....A. Crouch

*Hymn ............................ “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” ......................... Number 127

TheAffirmationofFaith................ “The Apostles’ Creed”..................................Number 881I 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.

*The Gloria Patri (Glory be to the Father)Glory 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.

The Sacrament of Baptism (10:55 a.m.)..................................................James Michael ThomasSon of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby (Melissa) Thomas, Jr.

As Christ’s body, the church, we reaffirm both our rejection of sin and our commit-ment to Christ. With God’s help, we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround James Michael with a community of love and forgiveness, that he may grow in his trust in God and be found faithful in his service to others. We will pray for him, that he may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life.

BHW Handbell Choir ............................“Agnus Dei”..............................Bizet/arr. Thompson(Sophie Wang, Violin)

Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer.................................................The Rev. Cindy Cox GarrardOur 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.

The Children’s Sermon ...............................................................The Rev. Cindy Cox GarrardAfter the Children’s Sermon at 10:55 a.m., children who are in Kindergarten-5th grade are invited to go to Corner

Kids for a time of extended worship. Parents pick them up in Stockwell Hall when this service is completed.Please take time to register your attendance on the fellowship roll and pass it down your pew!

*Hymn ..........................................“There Is a Balm in Gilead”..........................Number 375

The Offertory Prayer..................................................................................The Rev. Beckum

Offertory (8:25 a.m., Mitch Watts)........“The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power”..........A. Crouch **(10:55 a.m., Chancel Choir) ................“Cornerstone”........................................arr. L. Goss

The Dedication of Offerings ................“The Doxology”........................................Number 95Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

*The Written Word ...........................................Philippians 2:1-11 (p. 186, NT) in pew Bible

The Spoken Word ....“DEFORMATION AND REFORMATION”.. The Rev. Robert Beckum

*Hymn .............................“Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy” ........................Number 340

*The Benediction

Benediction Response ............................ “Amen” ......................................................Danish

Postlude (Aesook Lim, Organ) ....“Lamb of God, Pure, Spotless” ........................... J.S. Bach

*Standing as able ** See Music Box *** quick means “living”; catholic means “universal,” or the global Church

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE WEEKSunday, February 28 8:25 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary, Main) 9:00 a.m. Contemporary Service (MIN) 9:45 a.m. Sunday School/Youth Sunday School Assembly (The Corner, MIN)10:00a.m. ConfirmationClass(MeetingRoom,MIN)/YouthSundaySchool(TheCorner,MIN) College Small Group (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) 2:00 p.m. Hispanic Fellowship (Stockwell Hall)/DAR Meeting (Room 110, Main) 4:00p.m. Confirmandsreturnfromretreat5-7:00 p.m. Extreme Kids (Stockwell Hall, Main) Middle and High School Youth Ministry (The Corner, MIN) 6:00 p.m. Orchestra Rehearsal (Room 110, Main) Monday, February 29 9:15 p.m. Preschool Board Meeting (Conf., Rm., Main) 12 Noon Hands for God Knitting (Parlor, Main) 2:00 p.m. Staff Meeting (Room 110, Main) 3:30 p.m. Bricks for Kidz (Stockwell Hall, Main) 8:00 p.m. College Bible Study (1030 2nd Ave.)Tuesday, March 1 7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study (SD, MIN) 9:30 a.m. Susan Graham’s Bible Study (Large Classroom, MIN) 10:00 a.m. On-Site Respite (1021 Third Ave.) 11:30 a.m. Civitan (SD, MIN) 5:30 p.m. 3rd Grade Girl Scouts (Aerobics, MIN)Wednesday, March 2 8:35 a.m. SLS 4th-8th Chapel (Sanctuary, Main) 9:10 a.m. SLS K-3rd Chapel (Sanctuary, Main) 9:35 a.m. Preschool/ELC Chapel (Chapel, Main) 10:00 a.m. On-Site Respite (1021 Third Ave.) 10:30 a.m. Stay-at-home Moms’ Bible study (coley.mayne@googlemail.com for location) 11:30 a.m. Kiwanis (SD, MIN) 3:15 p.m. Take the Lead (Library, Main) 3:30 p.m. Children’s Choir (Large Classroom, MIN) Middle School Girls/Guys Bible Studies (The Corner, MIN) 5:00 p.m. Handbells 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Supper (LD, MIN) The Talk (SD, MIN) 6:15 p.m. Children’s Choir (Large Classroom, MIN) 6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts Pack 35 (Stockwell Hall/Chapel, Main) Boy Scouts Pack 35 (Commons Area, Main) 7:00 p.m. Bible Study in Spanish/College Girls Bible Study (Lisa Williams’ Home) 7:15 p.m. Chancel Choir (Music Suite, Main) 7:30 p.m. High School Bible Study (Home of Jonathan & Lisa Moore) 8:10 p.m. Hispanic Praise Team Rehearsal (Chapel)Thursday, March 3 8:45 a.m. Women’s Bible Study (Meeting Room, MIN) 10:00 a.m. On-Site Respite (1021 Third Ave.) 11:30 a.m. Exchange Club (LD, MIN) 12 Noon Women’s Bible Study (Conf. Rm., Main)/College Luncheon (The Corner, MIN) 3:15 p.m. SLS Faculty Meeting (SD, MIN)Friday, March 4 8:35 a.m. Moms in Prayer (Corner Café, MIN) 11:00 a.m. Christian Citizen of the Month (SD, MIN) 6:00 p.m. Harris County JROTC Dinner (LD, MIN) 7-9:00 p.m. SLS NJHS Dance (Stockwell Hall, Main)Saturday, March 5 10:30 a.m. First Saturday (Stockwell Hall, Main) 3:00 p.m. Private Function (Room 110, Main) Main (main building, where Sanctuary is)/MIN (Ministry Center). Contact the Ministry Center for information about renting or reserving rooms.

WEDNESDAY FELLOWSHIP SUPPER March 2

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.Menu: Fried Chicken, Teriyaki Glazed Salmon, Baby Carrots, Rice Pilaf, Rolls, Cakes and pies.Name: ________________________________Adults ($7.00) _______ Children ($3.00) _______

Daytime Phone: _____________________ Email: _______________________________________

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.

WORSHIP IN SPANISH: 12:20 p.m. worship in Turner Chapel, The Rev. Dr. Ivelisse Quiñones, preaching, “Si da fruto, bien; y si no, lo cortas” Lucas 13:1-9.

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE (THE NINE): 9:00 a.m., Ministry Center, The Rev. Robert Beckum, preaching. ALTAR FLOWERS: Thebeautifulflowers in thechancelareaaregiven to theglory of God and in loving memory of the Reverend Emory Gilbert by the Discovery Class.

OUR KNOWN SICK: St. Francis: Glenda Warner, MWI 3, Polly Miller, MSI 7, Lee Harrell, 440. Spring Harbor: Gerry Blackmon, 2105. Midtown Medical Center: David Smart, 1008.

OPEN FLOWERS DATES: March 13, April 3, 10, 17 and 24. Please contact Maggie at maggie@stlukeum.com.

Music Box

Sunday night BiBle StudyThis Sunday Night from 5-7 PM“We Believe…”: A Study of the

Apostles’ CreedAll are invited.

Contact Brett Maddocks, bmaddocks@stlukeum.com

for more info.

HOW DO I JOIN THE CHURCH?

You may become a part of the St. Luke family of God in one of the following ways:1. If you have never joined a church before, you may become a member by profession of faith in Jesus Christ and by being baptized. If you have already been baptized (as a child or as an adult) in a Christian Church, your baptism is recognized by St. Luke United Methodist Church. You will be asked to uphold St. Luke church with your prayers, presence,gifts, service, and witness. 2. If you are a member of another United Methodist Church or another Christian denomination, indicate to one of the pastors that this is your desire. St. Luke will then transfer your membership.3. If you have any questions about faith in Christ, about United Methodism in general or St. Luke in particular, please ask one of the pastors!

“Cornerstone” Lari GossJesus is the Cornerstone; came for sinners to atone. Tho’ rejected by His own, He became the Cornerstone; Jesus is the Cornerstone.When I am by sin oppressed, on the Stone I am at rest. When the seeds of truth are sown, He remains the Cornerstone; Jesus is the Cornerstone.Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee. Rock of Ages, so secure, for all time it shall endure. ‘Til His children reach their home, He remains the Cornerstone. ‘Till the breaking of the dawn, ‘til all footsteps cease to roam, ever let this truth be known: Jesus is the Cornerstone, Jesus is the Cornerstone.

IN MEMORIAMMrs. Sybil Copland Eastburn

February 18, 2016

NEW MEMBERS: Jared and Kelly Cook come by transfer of their mem-bership from another denomination. Their daughter, Avery, will be added to our preparatory roll.

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. Choir: Wednesdays in the Ministry Center at 3:15-4:30 and 6:15-7p.m.Take the LEAD- Wednesdays from 3:15-4:30 p.m.Easter Celebration - Worship, crafts, music and egg hunt on WEDNESDAY, March 16th in the Ministry Center. Begins at 4:30 p.m. in Stockwell Hall.BOTTOMS UP!!! Children’s Ministry has partnered with the Junior League of Columbus to try to collect 8,000 diapers for children in our area whose parents cannot afford to purchase them. Please bring in new, unopened packages of disposable diapers or make a monetary donation. We will collect the diapers on stage in Stockwell Hall by grade level. The grade that brings the most diapers wins an ICE CREAM SUNDAE SOCIAL during SUNDAY SCHOOL!!! Collection starts January 24th and ends March 6th. Help those in need in Columbus by providing clean diapers for their children.

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

Diane Hett, Director of Respite Ministry, 706-256-3117 or

dhett@stlukeum.com.

OUR CLERGY STAFFRev. Robert Beckum, Senior Minister

rbeckum@stlukeum.comRev. Cindy Cox Garrard, Associate Pastor

cindy@stlukeum.comRev. Brett Maddocks, Associate Pastor

bmaddocks@stlukeum.comRev. Dr. Ivelisse Quiñones,

Associate Pastor iquinones@stlukeum.com

Rev. Dick Reese, Minister of Pastoral Care

cdickjr@att.net

ST. LUKE SOLE SURVIVORSSign up today for the Open Door

Walk Classic. This March 5, 5K Walk/Run and 1 mile funrunbenefits

Open Door Community House. St.

Luke has led the District for

two years! Contact cindy@

stlukeum.com for information

or go to www.odch.org and register

online to join the St. Luke Sole

COLLEGE HOUSE MINISTRIES

College and Young Adult ministry (Ages 18-26)

For more information, email Lisa Williams at LWilliams@stlukeum.com or check us out online at www.collegehouseministries.com.

Follow us online!Instagram: CollegeHouse_

Twitter: CollegeHouse_Facebook.com/

collegehouseministries

I have Dementia.My eyes do see, My ears do hear.

I am still me, so let’s be clearMy memory may fade,

My walk may slowI am ME insideDon’t let me go.

OUR PHONE NUMBERS Church office, 706-327-4343 • Preschool, 706-327-4343

St. Luke School, 706-256-1301 • Early Learning Center, 706-322-2703

FEBRUARYIS CANNED FRUIT MONTH!

Please bring your donations of canned fruit to the donation tubs in Stockwell Hall and the Ministry Center.

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 theChurchOffice.Contactmaggie@stlukeum.com.Food Pantry: In memory of Mr. Joe Harrell by Mr. and Mrs. Brad Turner, Mr. and Mrs. Malon Wickham, and Mr. Billy Cunningham. In honor of Mr. Bill Whatley by Mrs. Gladys Pitts.Meals on Wheels: In memory of Mr. Joe Harrell by Mr. and Mrs. Mote W. Andrews, Jr.Respite Care: In memory of Mr. Johnny Portwood by Mrs. Sue Portwood. In memory of Mrs. Jane Hester Cummings by Mrs. Kathy Riley.Music Scholarship Fund: In memory of Mr. Joe Harrell by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Register and Rev. and Mrs. Gaston Pollock. In memory of Mr. Tom Cunningham by Mr. and Mrs. James M. Sigmund. In honor of the Shaw Sunday School Class by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Register.Music Fund: In memory of Dr. Carolyn A. Gates and Mr. Richard Edge by Mr. Tom Gates.Memorial Maintenance Fund: In memory of Mr. Mark Porter and Mr. Dickie Edge by Mr. and Mrs. Rick St. John. In memory of Mrs. Emma Reaves by Ms. Geraldine Reaves. In memory of Mr. John Spencer by Mr. and Mrs. Len Sexton, Mr. and Mrs. Al Ramsay, Mrs. Kathy Riley, and Mr. and Mrs. George Flowers. In memory of Mrs. Katherine P. Creel by Dr. and Mrs. Hollis D. Sigman. In memory of Mr. Joe Harrell and Mr. John Spencer by Mrs. Martha Cunningham. In memory of Mr. Joe Harrell by Dala Durham, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Buck, III, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bickerstaff, III, Mr. and Mrs. Len Sexton, Mr. Walter Miller, JVHS Athletic Hall of Fame, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Albright, Ms. Mary V. Blackmon, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Howard, Mr. and Mrs. Pete Robinson, Mrs. Shirley Moon, Mr. Frank Romeo, and Mrs. Jacquie Rawls. In memory of Mr. Dickie Edge and Mr. John Spencer by Mr. and Mrs. John McCamy.UMCOR Fund: In memory of Rev. Emory Gilbert by Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Newman and Mrs. Juanice Still.Naomi’s Village: In honor of Dr. Donna J. Yeiser by Mr. and Mrs. Philip M. Adams, Jr.Youth Ministry: In memory of Mr. John Spencer by the Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study.Samaritan Fund: In memory of Mr. Joe Harrell and Mr. Allen Hamilton by Mr. and Mrs. Don Williams. In memory of Mr. Joe Harrell and Mr. John Spencer by Mr. and Mrs. Vince Haneman. In memory of Mr. William Franklin Tinkler by Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Tinkler.Fellowship Class: In memory of Mr. Joe Harrell by Mr. Monty Thorne and Mr. and Mrs. Whit Blackmon.

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

THE CORNER

WEBSITE: WWW.THECORNERSTUDENTS.COM

SOULED OUT SUMMER SIGN UPS BEGIN NOW! WE TOOK 105 LAST SUMMER! LET'S TAKE 3 BUSES THIS YEAR! THE MAGIC NUMBER IS 150 THIS YEAR! Souled Out Summer is 20 churches coming together and worshipping our hearts out! Relevant sermons, passionate worship, organized rec. on the beach, strong man and woman competition, 3 on 3 basketball tourney, Sun, food,lodging,ageandgenderspecificsmallgroups and St. Luke Family time every night! All for ONLY $299! SIGN UP TODAY AT http://www.thecornerstudents.com! Cost goes up to $325 for all sign ups after April 15! Only a $50 deposit is due at sign up and thebalance isduethefirstSunday inMay.Scholarships are available! DO NOT MISS THIS CORNER FAMILY EVENT! IT'S A BIG PART OF OUR OVERALL DISCIPLESHIP STRATEGY AND IT'S SOOOO MUCH FUN!