January 26, 2020 Third Sunday after Epiphany 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.

GATHERING

OPENING VOLUNTARY

GREETING

OPENING PRAYER Lord God, your lovingkindness always goes before us and follows after us. Summon us into your light, and direct our steps in the ways of goodness that come through the cross of you Son, Christ, our Savior and Lord.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

† HYMN

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM (11:00 a.m.) Baker Thomas, child of Mary and Andrew Lassere

Pastor to congregation: Do you, as Christ’s body, the , reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.

Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include this family, now before you, in your care?

With God’s help we will proclaim the Good News and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround this family with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of 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.

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE all sing Baker Thomas, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too. We this day do all agree, a child of God you’ll always be. Baker Thomas, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.

OUR SHARED LIFE The flowers are given to the glory of God and in honor of Bill and Cooky Coffey’s 58th wedding anniversary.

The rose honors the birth of Dixon Lane, child of Brandon and Rayne Hurley, born December 15, 2019.

The votive candle is in memory of Robert Britt.

MINISTRY OF MUSIC I Will Arise and Go to Jesus arr. Cathy Moklebust

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Guided by the light of Christ, who has been made known to the nations, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all people in need.

Brief silence is kept.

We pray for Christ’s church on earth and for those who proclaim the good news of the kingdom, that all divisions cease. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for sky and sea, fish and bird, and the beauty of the whole creation, that God’s goodness be seen through our everyday surroundings. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our political and social leaders, that they use their power justly, and for all the nations of the world, that peace and understanding prevail. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who call upon the Lord for help: those dealing with depression or anguish, those who are afraid, those suffering from illness, and for those who seek shelter, that God provide for them with compassionate caregivers and advocates. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the followers of Jesus Christ gathered here, that we be guided by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the cross as the power of God. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Radiant God, hear the prayers of your people, spoken and silent, for the sake of the one who has made his dwelling among us, your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior, who taught us to pray…

LORD’S PRAYER 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 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.

Children are invited to the front for the children’s sermon.

† HYMN

CHILDREN’S SERMON

† PASSING OF THE PEACE

ANNOUNCEMENTS  Please register your attendance on the Connect Card, located in the black basket at the end of each row. Place your card in the offering plate.  There are also prayer cards in the basket. Bring your card forward and give to a minister during the closing hymn.

OFFERTORY Timbrel and Dance Kevin McChesney

† DOXOLOGY Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD

† PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that, as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.

† LESSON

This is the Gospel of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

SERMON Reverend Whitton

INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP

† HYMN

† BENEDICTION

CLOSING VOLUNTARY

LEADING TODAY’S WORSHIP Preaching Reverend Brady Whitton, Senior Pastor Liturgists Reverend Kim McGee, ? Reverend Becky Poor, Associate Pastor Reverend Dr. Jane Riecke, Associate Pastor Reverend Greg Toney, Associate Pastor Musicians The Woodland Ringers Richard Webb, Music Associate/Piano Lamar Drummonds, Director of Music and Worship (8:30 a.m.); (11:00 a.m.) Brannon and Caroline Cohn (8:30 a.m.) Porter Eglin and Shepherd Gammon (11:00 a.m.) Children’s Sermon Rhonda Kemp Lay Reader Judy Foust (8:30 a.m.); Josh DeCuir (11:00 a.m.) Soundboard (8:30 a.m.); (11:00 a.m.)

Welcome to First

 Childcare is available during all services for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten. Check-in is located in the Conference Center.  FUMC offers Sunday morning groups for children and youth from 9:40- 10:40 a.m. Let us assist you in finding a group by visiting the Check-in table located in the Conference Center.  New to First Methodist? Stop by Café 930 in the Conference Center for coffee and tea. Café 930 is open every Sunday from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Classes, Events & Mission Opportunities

Believe and Belong is your opportunity to talk with the pastoral staff about why following Jesus is so important and how we follow Jesus in the Methodist tradition. Those who wish to join the church are invited to attend on February 16 at noon in the Adult Parlor or Monday, February 17 at Zea’s Rotisserie at 5:30 p.m. RSVP by emailing Karen Milioto, Director of Small Group Ministries, at [email protected]

DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. DivorceCare meets Wednesdays from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in Room 109. Registration can be done online through www.firstmethodist.org/events.

The 2020 Generosity Campaign continues to bear fruit. If you have not yet completed and turned in your Estimate of Giving card for next year, please prayerfully consider doing so. Cards are available at the reception desk outside the Conference Center. You can also make a contribution by visiting www.firstmethodist.org.

FUMC is growing and we are so excited about all the upcoming events and ministries this season. We invite you to get involved in the Hospitality Ministry. Areas to serve: Greeters, Ushers, Café 930 Baristas, Note Writers, and Attendance Clerks. If you can dedicate at least one Sunday per month please contact Sonia Fealing, Director of Inviting & Welcoming, at [email protected].

The Youth Ministry Superbowl Party is next Sunday, February 2 from 5:00 p.m. until the end of the game. Last names A-M brings an appetizer, N-Z brings a dessert.

Mid City Church is officially launching on March 15, 2020! Our team has secured a location at Bernard Terrace Elementary School and we are beyond excited for what is to come at our second campus. But we need your help buying some supplies. Help us by visiting www.midcity.church/wishlist and making a purchase before January 31. Thank you in advance for your help.

Each Sunday flowers are given to the glory of God by members and friends of our congregation who want to remember a loved one or to give thanks for the people and events in their lives. Requests can be on-going for annual placement or one- time only recognitions. To reserve flowers, contact Virginia Guffey at [email protected] or by calling (225) 383-4777, ext. 210. Jesus’ Definition of a Disciple – You are invited to join the Journey class as they look deeply into the Beatitudes on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in the McKenzie Library. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ Studies in the Sermon on the Mount will help guide discussions. The study begins Sunday, February 9 and ends May 24. For more information, contact Alvin Smith at [email protected].

Lenten Women’s Retreat – You are invited to slow down for a weekend of reflection and allow yourself to ponder Christ’s walk to the cross. This retreat will take place at St. Joseph’s Abbey in St. Benedict, LA, March 6-8. Stacy Garrett, SD and Reverend Kim McGee will facilitate. For more information and to register, visit www.firstmethodist.org. Space is limited to 30 participants.

We Celebrate Today’s Birthdays Laura Balden Jamie Jones Laurel O’Brien Charlotte Cain Matt Kauffman Emery Payne Jim Corbett Stephanie Labarre Tom Quaid James Gibbons Olivia Labarre Caroline Soog Jenni Gibbons Lennon Lee Anna Taylor Glynes Hill Marrye Miyagi Mac Vick Jean Jenkins Lee Montgomery Liz Walker

We at First United Methodist care about our members. Please be sure to let us know if you, or any other member, are in the hospital. You can do this by emailing [email protected] or calling (225) 383-4777. For Pastoral Care emergencies after hours, call the church office (225-383-4777) and when prompted, press #4.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 930 North Blvd. . Baton Rouge, LA 70802 . (225)383-4777