If you are looking for a place that respects tradition while embracing the future, then you discover why God brought you here. We are a faithful place, which is led by the graciousness of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God’s Word. We hope that you might consider our church to be your spiritual home!
Come as you are. We care about you, not what you wear.
Give if you want. Our weekly offering is a commitment of our church
family and your participation is optional – we care about you, not your money.
Have questions? Feel imperfect? Looking to belong?
We welcome those who are searching for more than a religion.
Youth Happenings–During Sunday school confirmation class meets and Senior Highs regular Sunday school; tonight 5-7 p.m. meet in Youth Room;
You may contact our interim pastor Gradye Parsons at 865-368-2762 or .
You are invited to our Palm Sunday churchwide luncheon (lunch provided) followed by our annual Easter egg huntimmediatelyafterworshipon Sunday, March 25. Bring your baskets and be ready for fun! All ages invited. Easter egg hunting for children through the 5th grade.
Save the date– April 21 (note date change) Blitz Day for the Dave and Susan Lloyd Habitat House
Habitat House workdaysign-up sheets are on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary. Please sign up on the new daysyou are available to volunteer.
Habitat House:donations are still needed. Mark your check “Habitat”
Easter Schedule
Palm Sunday, March 25 – worship with dramatic reading and music
Monday, March 26– Noon Holy Week service in the chapel
Tuesday, March 27– Noon Holy Week service in the chapel
Thursday, March 29– 7:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday service in the fellowship hall
Good Friday, March 30– 7:30 p.m. service with communion with darkened sanctuary and darkened cross
Easter Sunday, April 1– 10:30 a.m. service with communion and Easter Lily Cross
Looking ahead – Youth Sunday is April 15.
Easter liliesfor the Lily Cross on Easter Sunday are $9.00per lily Please put money in offering plate with information of "in memory of" or "in honor of." Please note on the check in the memo section, "Easter Lily Cross." If you have any questions, please contact Karen Sheddan 705-9546 or Robin French 566-4501. Deadline for orders is March 21st.
The PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee) is completing the congregational input portion of the procedure needed to complete the Church Information Form for posting our open pastor position. If you have not already completed the Congregational Input form that has been circulating for the last few weeks, please pick one up in the narthex or other door to the sanctuary. If you would like one emailed to you please call the church office or see a member of the PNC. They should be left in the basket beside the telephone outside the church office. We would like to hear from everyone by April 8.
Spring Grounds Day at Fountain City Elementary– Saturday, March 24 8 a.m.-12 noon. We will be raking/blowing leaves, planting flowers, cleaning flower beds and other outdoor projects to spruce up our school grounds. Don’t forget your rakes, hand tools, leaf blowers and gloves. Coffee and refreshments provided!
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Amazing grace! How sweet the soundThat saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;Was blind, but now I see.
[Verse 2]
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear;And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appearThe hour I first believed.
[Chorus]
My chains are gone, I've been set free.My God, my Savior has ransomed me.
And like a flood His mercy reigns,Unending love, amazing grace.
[Verse 3]
The Lord has promised good to me;His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion beAs long as life endures.
[Chorus]
My chains are gone, I've been set free.
My God, my Savior has ransomed me.
And like a flood His mercy reigns,
Unending love, amazing grace.
My chains are gone, I've been set free.
My God, my Savior has ransomed me.
And like a flood His mercy reigns,
Unending love, amazing grace.
March 11, 2018
4th Sunday in Lent
10:30 A.M.
ASSEMBLE IN GOD’S NAME
Welcome to our worship service. We are honored by your presence and count it a blessing to share this time together. May the warmth and acceptance of Christ’s love surround you this, and every day.
Organ Prelude
Welcome Gradye Parsons
Choral Prelude Great is the Lord Almighty, Chancel Choir
Call to Worship
Leader:We gather to share in our love of God.
People:Lord, open our hearts and let us share your Good News.
Leader:We gather to share our witness to God’s goodness.
People:Lord, let our lives bear witness through service to your
people.
Leader:We gather to praise God whose love is eternal.
People:Lord, open our hearts today to sing your praises.
Amen.
Opening Prayer Dan Rhea
Lord, as we gather here, on this day of sharing, remind us that you have shared with us your most precious gift, our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to model our lives after his messages of compassion and service to you and to all your world. In Christ’s Name, we offer this prayer. Amen.
(please stand as the organ begins)
*Hymn No. 21 O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Scripture Reading Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22, p.470 Dan Rhea
Call to Confession
Choral Call to Confession Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Prayer of Confession
God of mercy and patience, help us to remember that the gifts we give, go to help many people in need. Remind us again that our lives are meant to be gifts to others, for healing, hope, comfort, peace and love. Forgive us when we get so caught up in the details of living and when we become so overwhelmed by our current economic woes that we neglect to help others. Enlighten us again with your spirit and your words of healing love. Caring and sharing are the hallmarks of discipleship with Jesus Christ. Heal and forgive us. Give us hearts for joyful caring and sharing; for it is in Jesus’ name, we offer this prayer. Amen.
Silent Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Pardon
*Response Sung by Congregation
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.
*Hymn No. 328 In the Cross of Christ I Glory
PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD
Ritual of Friendship Dan Rhea
Members and Guests - Please sign and pass the friendship register located on the center aisle under the pew in front
Minute for Mission Beverly Holland
Children’s Sermon Gradye Parsons
Anthem Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone), Chancel Choir
(led by Bob Eubanks)
Scripture John 3:1-21 p.810
Sermon The Theater of Salvation Gradye Parsons
GIVE THANKS TO GOD
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Gradye Parsons
Our 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Offertory
*Doxology Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
The Celebration Hymnal, p. 815
*Affirmation of Faith(from PCUSA Study Catechism) Dan Rhea
Question 30. How do you understand the uniqueness of Jesus Christ?
No one else will ever be God incarnate. No one else will ever die for the sins of the world. Only Jesus Christ is such a person, only he could do such a work, and he in fact has done it.
GO IN GOD’S NAME – BEGINNING OF MISSION
*Hymn 10,000 Reasons(lyrics on insert)
*Pastoral Benediction Gradye Parsons
*Congregational Benediction
May the grace of Christ, our Savior, and the love of God, our Father, and the fellowship of the Spirit be with us. Forever and ever, forevermore. Amen.
*Organ Postlude ______
*For those who are able, please stand
Ushers: Ben Cartledge, Walt Tappan, Sherri Brown, Mickey Brown
Greeter: Chick Kryder
Hearing Aids are available for use anywhere in the sanctuary. The ushers have them available.
Enlarged copies of hymns are at the sanctuary entrances.
Please recycle the bulletins and enlarged hymns. Place them in the boxes provided at the entrances to the sanctuary.
The flowers this morning are given to the glory of God and in honor of Abigail Bell’s 13th birthday and 55th wedding anniversary of Don and Jearld Lucas by Jim, Angela, Emaleigh and Olivia Bell.