February 19, 2017 Liturgical Color: Green 8:00 am

PRELUDE

THE RINGING OF THE BELL

+HYMN OF PRAISE No. 585 Brethren, We Have Met to Worship (vs 1) Duke Cleghorn

Brethren, we have met to worship and adore the Lord our God;

Will you pray with all your power, while we try to preach the Word?

All is vain unless the Spirit, of the Holy One comes down;

Brethren, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.

+CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 11:4-7 page 851 Rev. John Richter, Sr. Pastor

The Lord in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine

them. The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the

wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the Lord is righteous,

he loves justice; upright men will see his face.

THE CHURCH IN PRAISE

+ HYMN No. 345 Blessed Assurance Duke Cleghorn

Lighting of the Altar Candles

+ HYMN No. 382 Be Thou My Vision (vs.1,2,4) Duke Cleghorn

INVOCATION Rev. Richter

SPECIAL MUSIC

THE CHURCH IN FELLOWSHIP WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS Rev. Richter

+FELLOWSHIP CHORUS No.529 O, How I Love Jesus (refrain only) Duke Cleghorn

CHILDREN’S TIME Rev. Richter

WORDS FROM SAFE SANCTUARIES Stan Sandlin

HYMN No.364 My Jesus I Love Thee (vs. 1,2,4) Duke Cleghorn

CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH Rev. Richter

HEARING GOD’S WORD SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 1:10-20 page 1060 Rev. Richter

+Gloria Patri, +Apostles’ Creed, +Prayer of Affirmation Rev. Richter

A TIME OF GIVING THE GIVING OF GOD’S TITHE AND OUR OFFERINGS Rev. Richter

The Offertory, +Doxology, +Prayer of Dedication

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD THE MORNING MESSAGE Luke 12:35-48 page 1618 Rev. Richter

Prodigals and Samaritans CLOSING PRAYER AND THE LORDS PRAYER Rev. Richter

DEPARTING TO SERVE +BENEDICTION AND +POSTLUDE Rev. Richter

______________________________________________________________________________________

+ Please Stand Acolyte: Will Bolzle

SAINT JOHN’S EVANGELICAL PROTESTANT CHURCH

St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church

Established 1874

Cullman’s Community Church

Rooted in the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation. We believe we are saved by grace through faith in

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Registration

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January 19th

SASSY SAGES FEBRUARY ROADTRIP

Antique Archeology / Marathon Village, Nashville Tn leave: 7:14am return 4:30ish

February 16th

will be our next new adventure! We will visit Antique Archeology and Marathon Village,

and have lunch at Monell’s. Antique Archeology is the home of American Pickers- Mike Wolfe. Mike

and his assistants travel all over the United States with great anticipation of finding hidden treasures by

sifting thru other people’s personal collections and “trash”. The store is small but the finds can be great!

Marathon Village is home to Antique Archeology and many other unique shops and the original home

to1900’s Marathon Automobile Car Factory. Time and weather permitting maybe a little shopping on the

way home! Bring $$$ for spending, snacks and lunch and $5 gas day of trip. Sign up by: Feb. 10th

.

Jazz Sunday

Feb. 26th Schedule 8:30am-12:00 pm Ministry Fair

8:30-9:15am Pastries, juice, coffee in the Atrium

9:15-10:10am

Sunday School

10:30 am ONE SERVICE ONLY(Christ Hall)

Music with Tiffany Richter & Ricky Burks

11:30a

Lunch (Low Country Boil or

Chicken Gumbo)

Tickets are required for this meal.

Tickets available in the church office

or Sunday’s after 8 and 9:30 in the office

and after 10:30 in Christ Hall.

Last day of ticket sales: Feb. 20.

**child’s plate: chicken fingers & fries

$3 each (10 and under)

St. John’s Ministry Fair

Feb. 26th

8:30-12:00 pm

Atrium

Come and see all the ministries

and organizations of SJ’s.

A representative of each group

along with a pamphlet with

detailed information about

specific groups will be available at

each area.

See where YOU want to serve or

know more about!

What’s the missing piece?

YOU ARE!!

Don’t be the missing piece any longer!!

Laissez les bons temps

rouler

Jesus, that the Bible is the rule for Christian life and faith, and that the Good News of Jesus should be proclaimed

in word and deed.

Sacrament Celebrating. We believe God ministers to the community of believers in unique and special ways

though Baptism and Holy Communion. Liturgically Oriented. We believe remembering the whole life of Christ is important for spiritual maturity. We

follow the church calendar, celebrating seasons like Advent and Lent. Ecumenically Minded. In the context of our heritage, we believe all those who call upon Jesus as Lord will share

in his eternal blessings and so we welcome all believers who join us to participate fully in worship.

VISITORS

Thanks for visiting with us today! Feel free to call the pastor, Rev. John Richter @ 256-734-0344 if you have

questions and would like to set up a time to discuss them. You may also check out our website www.sjepc.com to

learn more about St. John’s.

NURSERY

Nursery is available for newborns up to 3 yrs. of age at all worship services and Sunday School. Please see any

usher or greeter this morning and they will direct you to the nursery.

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

The church office will be closed on Monday February 20th

in observance of

President’s Day.

SAFE SANCTUARIES ESTABLISHING CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAMS

This morning you will hear from a member of the Safe Sanctuary Steering Committee concerning policies and

procedures for establishing Crisis Management Teams for each service. This is part of our mission to ensure

physical safety for all who enter our doors. Congregation members, both skilled in emergency training and not

trained, will have the opportunity to serve with a team. Safe Sanctuary Steering Committee Members: Kenny

Culpepper, Tricia Fuller, Karen Hassell, Billy Jackson and Stan Sandlin.

Please complete the form on the back of your worship guide today and place in the basket in the narthex of the

Sanctuary or in the baskets on the welcome centers in Christ Hall.

SASSY SAGES FEBRUARY MONTHLY LUNCHEON

Sassy Sages met this past Saturday for their regularly scheduled monthly luncheon. Those attending were: Virginia

Griffin, Bob Rigdon, Florine Clarke, Richard and Betty Gibbs, Charles and Sherry Goeller, Lorene Hyatt, Wesley

and Billie Kelly, Sonny Glaser, Juanita Schuman, Mary Green, Margaret Richter.

Preparing and serving were: Maxine Whisenhunt, Rosemary Herge, Jean Clingan , Jo Webb, Dottie Henke.

MARCH 11 BUILDING AND GROUNDS WORKDAY ---8-12pm

Needed: 4-5 painters and some folks for outside work. Contact Terry Bradford or

Karen if you can help in either area.

THANK YOU’S

Thank you for the invitation to share in your Lavender Springs Spa Retreat. It was a blessing to be with such

strong Christian women. Thanks go to everyone involved in accomplishing an inspired retreat. The day was full of

blessings with sharing great Psalms, songs, testimonies and Christian love. May God bless you all as you do God’s

work here on earth. ~ In Christian Love, Center Hill Baptist Church

Dear church family and friends, Thank you all so much for the prayers, plant, calls and concerns show to our

family during the recent loss of my mother Eileen. Please continue to remember us in prayer as we face each new

day.~ Jim and Pam Trakel

BAGS… PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS….PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS …AND BAGS

Please remember to bring your plastic grocery bags! You are the first important step to our mats!!

ASH WEDNESDAY…..What is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is the beginning to the Lenten Season. During this Season many Christians prepare for Easter by

observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and different spiritual disciplines. Ash Wednesday

emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality. At a designated time in the service,

the congregation will come forward and the ministers will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto each

person’s forehead. Thru Christian history, ashes signifies mortality, repentance, purification and sorrow for our

sins. The Liturgical color for Ash Wednesday is black. This signifies the color of ashes, to which we will all

return. Watch for more details about the special evening service for Ash Wednesday.

CROSSES OF COMMITMENT

The cross and empty tomb are the key symbols of our faith. The empty tomb reminds us death has been defeated

and the grave conquered. The Cross reminds us of God’s commitment to us and Christ’s death speaks to the

lengths which God would go to show us that He loves us.

This Lenten Season we invite you again to show your commitment to Christ. Each household is invited to bring a

cross (varied sizes up to 9” x 14”) to hang in the designated space in the Atrium. Nails and a hammer will be

located on the stage area for your convenience. If you brought a cross last year and would like to bring another

one, you are welcome to do so.

JAZZ SUNDAY LUNCH 11:30a Feb. 26th

Tickets available in the church office after 8 and 9:30 Services ; after 10:30

See Michelle Ray in Christ Hall at the North end welcome center

Low Country Boil or Chicken Gumbo

$10 per person

(You must have a ticket prior to meal. Available in the office)

Deadline for sale of tickets: MONDAY FEB. 20TH

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE

12 - Sanctuary

Traditional Communion and Imposition of Ashes

5:00 meal—Rice and Beans only

This year's evening Ash Wednesday service will be a very unique and different service. As you gather you will

notice the floor will be covered with plarn* mats (regular chairs will reserved only for those in need and unable to

get up and down from the floor) and our meal (5 pm) will consist of a simple meal of rice and beans. As you enter

the service, you are invited to do so quietly and reverently, sitting on or around a mat, as we prepare to reflect on

poverty and poverty of spirit.

6 - Christ Hall

As you enter the service, you are invited to do so quietly and reverently, sitting on or around a mat, as we prepare

to reflect on poverty and poverty of spirit.

PRAYER CARDS ON ASH WEDNESDAY

The JUST PLARN FUN-Mat making group is asking for your help. Ash Wednesday (March1) in the evening service, we are asking each family to write a prayer or Bible verse (like we did for the military and police departments) for the person that will be receiving one of our mats. Note cards will be available at the Ash Wednesday evening meal. Completed cards will specially attached the mats. Feel free to write your prayer or Bible verse before Ash Wednesday and leave in the church office or give to Suzy Shavers. Instead of your signature, please sign the card St. John’s Church. We have almost 150 mats, so feel free to make more than one card.

2017 Lenten Line Up After each evening Lenten service we will have a short reception time with all our guests. Weather permitting,

receptions will be located in front of the education building on the new patio area recently completed by Women’s

Guild. In the event of impending or bad weather, receptions will be held in Heritage Hall located under the

Sanctuary. Stop by and grab a quick snack and visit with someone you may not have seen in a while!!

March 1 Ash Wednesday

Rev. John Richter, Sr. Pastor, St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church

Rev. Jim Walker, Minister Emeritus St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church

March 8 Derek Dale, former Youth of St. John’s; Associate Pastor Daystar Church

March 15 Rev. Steve Wood, former Christian Education of St. John’s Church

March 22 Lt. Commander Rev. Chris Hester, Chaplin US Navy

March 29 Rev. Bob Kurtz, Pastor Emeritus St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church

April 5 Ben Karwoski, former Youth Minister of St. John’s Church

April 9 Palm Sunday / Examination Sunday of Confirmation Class

April 16 Easter Sunday / First Communion of Confirmation Class

WAYS TO GIVE IN 2016 INTO 2017

Never forget your offering again!

2 ways you can now give your gifts, tithes and offerings to the church. You may give with your credit or debit card

simply by completing an authorization form for Visa, MasterCard, Discover. You have the option of weekly, bi-

monthly or monthly contributions. Forms are available in the church office during regular business hours.

Secondly you can now give online thru the church website (www.sjepc.com) “Text to Give” and text your amount

to the following number 84231 then follow the prompts through the replied message

.

Bible Bucks!

Join SJ Tweens as we raise money to provide Bibles to families through

Cullman Caring for Kids!

Donations may be dropped in the large jugs with the Bible Buck label located at

the preschool desk, Christ Hall and the Ruehl Building.

Every dollar counts! Help us spread God’s Word!

We will be collecting money thru Feb. 22nd .

Reflections of our Faithfulness: Attendance :

Sunday Feb. 5 , 2017 8:00—139 9:30—107 10:30—211 total: 457

God’s People Gave: $18,412.18

GIFTS GIVEN:

Glory of God:

…memory of my brother Bob Baldwin by Jean Clingan

CANNED FOOD DRIVE

Have you remembered?

In Hospital: Home:

News & Happenings Sun. 9:15-10:15am

ELEVATE Wednesday’s

6:00-7:15pm

Youth Mission Trip to Nashville

Please remember to cover the youth and

their leaders while they are on their home

today from their Nashville mission trip.

FEB. 17-- Winter Jam-Bham.

Feb. 19th

Rent a Teen Fundraiser

Youth Summer Mission Trip Philadelphia June 17-25, 2017

Come join us on this inner city mission trip.

It will be a fun and exciting trip.

Cost: students $350 Adults/parents $250

$50 non refundable deposit due March 15th

$100 due April 15th

Remaining balance due May 15th

To register and make payments please see

Melanie Gann (720-560-6427) if you have

questions please call Melanie.

Nate Randall, Minister to Youth:

308-440-2672 nate.randall@sjepc.com

Reaching Higher 4-1-1 (ages 18-35)

Sunday’s 9:15-10:15am

Tuesday’s @ 6pm (childcare provided)

DVD/book study by Kyle Idleman

♦ DIOKO-- (run the race Spiritually and Physically)

Sunday’s 2:30 @ St. Bernard Trail

Tues.7:45p @ St. John’s Thurs.@

5:30 St. Bernard

In 2016 CCFK Food Bank Served:

120 TONS of food, 14,390 people and 7,000

families.

The need is great

2 Food collection points: entrance to the Education

Building and Entrance to LLS

CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS

Scot Andrews, Terry Bradford, Lindsey Dossey, Austin Hall, Fred Hankey, Lucinda Harding , Doug Johnson,

Jason Kelly, Trent Lowry, Michelle Ray, Steve Stanford, Melanie Townson,

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

8:00-9:00 Worship- Sanctuary 8:40-9:10-Light Breakfast 9:15-10:15 Sunday School

*9:30-10:25 Communion Service-Sanctuary

(*Note: this time does conflict with the Sunday school hour. Please understand if you intend to bring your children

to this service they will miss this important time of Christian education.)

10:30-11:30 Worship-Christ Hall

WEEK AT A GLANCE @ SJ’s

Monday- Feb. 20

12:00p Kiwanis (Christ Hall)

Tuesday- Feb. 21

7:00-7:30a Men’s Fellowship Breakfast / Bible Study this week

9:00-12:00p Just PLARN Fun-Matt Making (Heritage Hall)

6:00p Reaching Higher Small Group (Young Adults-Ruehl Bldg. Basement) DVD / Book Series by Kyle Idleman

WEDNESDAY- Feb. 22

4:00 p Children’s Handbells

5:00 p meal ( hamburger steak, baked potato, salad ) or child’s chicken finger plate

(cashier: Trent Lowry )

5:45p Nursery up to age 3

5:30-6:00 – SJ Kids Music

Pre-K - Room C2

Kindergarten-6th

- Adult Choir Room

5:30-6:00- Tweens Activity Time (Lower Level Ruehl Bldg OR music)

6:00-7:00 – Class

Parents please pick up Tweens in the Atrium and Kids from their classrooms

6:00-7:00 Adult Class Time Ladies Class: “Armor of God” by Priscilla Shire Facilitators: Tammy Knight, Jane Brannon

Men’s Class: “Freedom”-final chapter (4weeks) leading into “Experiencing God” (4 weeks)

Facilitators: Willy and the Boys

Men’s / Women’s Class: "Sticky Faith"--How to make faith stick with our kids Facilitator: Brannon Ray

6:00-7:15pm Elevate Group (youth area)

7:00pm Chancel Choir (Choir Room)

Thursday-Feb. 23

8:30-10:00 Ladies Bible Study “ Faithful, Abundant, True” ~ Facilitator : Melanie Gann

12:00p Cullman Rotary Meeting Club Lunch ( Christ Hall)

Friday- Feb. 24

5pm Church Council Worship

Sat. Feb. 25

8-12 Piano Festival-Jr Festival

2017 2

0

1

7

Safe SANCTUARIES

What are the four basic types of domestic abuse? Physical Assault, Sexual Assault, Psychological Assault, Attacks Against Property and Pets We are a Safe Sanctuary

Campus local 24 /7 crisis line if you believe you are a victim:

256-734-6100 and need help or information.

CHURCHWIDE EMAILS

Be in the know

Meeting, where? Going where? Latest news, about?

If you are not receiving church emails and would like to be included, or if your email has changed, please notify

Karen at: karen.hassell@sjepc.com so you will not miss information about upcoming events or possible changes

in schedules at St. John’s.

Face book

If you have a Smartphone, ipad, laptop, tablet or home computer, search “St. John’s, Cullman” and “like” our page

to add us to your newsfeed. Articles of interest to read, announcements and prayer requests are posted regularly on

our St. John’s Face book page. Remember prayer requests posted here, are for your church family to see.

(Remember FB is a public forum so please word prayer requests carefully.

CONTRIBUTIONS

When making contributions to any fund other than the general fund (Burn the Note, Music Fund, or Youth

Fund, Women’s Guild / Whit’s Place) please write a separate check made specifically to that fund.

EMAIL ADDRESSES

Please notify us when your email address changes by emailing karen.hassell@sjepc.com so you can receive the

church wide email messages.

PRAYER REQUESTS

All prayer requests we receive are very important to us. To make sure that we can give them proper attention,

please be sure to write them on a Prayer Request card found in the pews or on the welcome stations in Christ Hall.

Requests can be placed in the offering plate or leave them in the church office. You may also email prayer

requests to: karen.hassell@sjepc.com. Sunday Mornings and Wednesday evenings are busy times for everyone

and prayer requests can be accidentally lost in conversations. Thank you for helping us with this important matter.

What is Safe Sanctuaries?

Our Number 1 Priority:

Keeping Basic Procedures for a Safe

Ministry with Children, Youth and

Vulnerable Adults

Wade Warren

Greeter

10:30am

CONTACT INFORMATION

To make sure you can receive the latest announcements about events at our church, please take a second and email

your new information to : karen.hassell@sjepc.com or by calling the church office.

Clip and Save

STAFF EMAIL AND CONTACT INFORMATION: Rev. John Richter: john.richter@sjepc.com

Nate Randall: nate.randall@sjepc.com

Gyzelle Warren: gyzellew@sjepc.com

Regina Baker: regina.baker@sjepc.com

Karen Hassell: karen.hassell@sjepc.com

St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church

512 2nd

Ave SE Cullman Al 35055

256-734-0344 website: www.sjepc.com

CHURCH CALLING INFORMATION CARDS

Have you filled out yours? Notification choices are: text message; email, or by calling your home phone. PLEASE

SELECT ONLY ONE METHOD FOR THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT YOU. Cards available in the

information rack in the education building. Turn in at the office

Assisted Living:

Morningside: Jim Jones, Faye Marty, Sarah Mann, Doris Keathley

Hanceville Nursing Home: Miriam Jones

Westminster Assisted Living: Virginia Richter Woodland Village: Carolyn Huck; Bea Mack

Folsom Center: Catherine Nelson , Don Dossey

ST. JOHN’S UPDATED PRAYER LIST

St. John’s prayer list is renewed the first of each month. Please fill out a new prayer card with

your individual requests each month and indicate clearly if you would like it published in the

bulletin—otherwise it will remain on the Pastor’s Prayer list only. Likewise as your prayer

request needs to be removed from the list, please let us know that too. The Prayer lists are

published in the bulletin as space allows each week.

CHURCH MEMBERS:

Mavous Speegle, David York, Theolene Moon, Gary Dean, Bobbie Cleghorn, Carolyn Huck; Aliya Schaffers;

Betty Grant; Frances Murphy; Jackson Ray; Charlotte Ecklund; Anna McGriff; Martha Keel; Catherine Nelson

CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS:

Myrl DobbinsDoreen McCluan; Janet Jean; Dwight Pierce; Kent Johnson; Maxine Tucker; Jean Lackey; Britney

Carter; Paula Bolzle; Jerry Smith; Royce and Betty Telle; Jennifer Brown

Military Prayer List: Help us update our Military Prayer list. Please look over the list and see if your family member or friend has

changed locations or has now arrived back at home.

MILITARY ADDRESSES

If you have friends or family currently serving in the US Military, our card ministry would like the opportunity to

send cards to them throughout the year. Please submit (clearly print) complete mailing addresses to Geraldine

Hendrix or bring them by the church office during regular business hours.

Lt. Cmdr. Chris Hester, Chaplain—Virginia Beach, Va; CW4 James Williams—Fort Lee, Virginia;;

Major Kellie Scott Hyatt—Birmingham, Al ; Lt. Cmdr. Scott and Lt. Cmdr. Roz Love, Guam, US Navy; A1C

Will Sapp US Air force, Key West, Fl; Sgt. Tony Parker, Air Force, Kandahar; John Lancaster, US Navy; Jason

Beck, US Army, Afghanistan; Adam Ramos, Sasebo, Japan; US Navy; Derek Ramos – 1st LAR Camp Pendleton,

CA; Major John Forbes, Pentagon; NC; Sgt. Zach Whisenhunt, Camp LeJune, NC; Jack Baker, Afghanistan;

Casper Shafer- Jump Platoon, Camp Pendleton, Ca

PLEASE EXCUSE OUR ACTIVITY!

When you notice any of the staff slipping out of 8:00 worship on Sundays, please know we are preparing for

Sunday School, or conducting rehearsals for the upcoming service, etc. If you see us on the move, please pray for

us and for all of our worship services!

CHECKS TO DIFFERENT FUNDS

Please remember when writing a check to the church for your gifts, tithes or offerings, if you are giving to a

different fund (Burn the Note, Music Fund, or Youth Fund) other than general fund, please be sure to write a

separate check. Women’s Guild / Whit’s Place donations go to The Women’s Guild. Most of the time we do not

have enough cash on hand to transfer monies in house. Thank you in advance for your help in this matter

Sunday Morning Fellowship Breakfast

8:30am to 9:15 am Sausage Biscuit $1.00 Gravy Biscuit $1.00 Pastry $ .50 Coffee / Juice $ .50

.