Director of Music: Craig Robertson Organist: Betty Winslow

Directors of Youth: Cheryl Best & Randy Finck Custodian: Michael Colbert

Church Secretary: Susan Coard Nursery Worker: Rebecca Burcher Jones

Directors of Children’s Ministry: Donna Mishler

Acolyte: 8:30 John Jennings 11:00 Kassidy Strosnider

Next Week: 8:30 Raymond Stutz 11:00 Carlee Barnes

Children’s Church: 8:30 Sabrina Leist 11:00 Lita Gedro

Next Week: 8:30 Cindy Feldman 11:00 Terri Cole

Offering Counters: Beverly Edge & Debbie Sweigart

Next Week: Alan Foster & Ann Tasker

Bread Ministry for March: Michele Sutton, Margaret Norfleet & Mary Minch

Autumn Care Leaders for March: Arnie Lindblad & Marlene Smith

C H U R C H C A L E N D A R

Sunday	3:00-4:00 p.m.	Confirmation Class
	4:30-6:00 p.m.	God’s Kids
	4:30-6:30 p.m.	Youth
	5:00 p.m.	Choir Practice
Monday	7:00 p.m.	Administrative Council Meeting
Tuesday	6:30 p.m.	Mature Men’s Pickup Basketball
	7:00 p.m.	Men’s Bible Study
Wednesday	5:00 p.m.	Youth - WinterJam
	7:00 p.m.	Disciple 2 & John Bible Study
Thursday	7:00 p.m.	Volleyball

NEST – March 10^th -17^th.

Variety Show – “Step on Stage” - to benefit the Laura Marie Etzell Scholarship Fund: Sunday, March 21^st, 5 pm.

Great Bridge Food Closet Hotline: 757-456-1220

Looking for Hickory UMC on You Tube?  Here is the link: www.youtube.com/HickoryUMC.

Have an event you want to announce on this site, contact Cheryl Best @ cherylbest07@verizon.net.

HUMC AFTER SCHOOL DAY CARE PROGRAM: Farm Fresh Receipts: Collection containers are available on the piano and on the table in the Welcome Center. Thank you!

Hickory United Methodist Church Mission Statement

“To live and proclaim the Gospel, seeking, encouraging and equipping all to become disciples of Jesus Christ.”

2708 Battlefield Boulevard, South, Chesapeake, Virginia 23322

Thomas L. Mercer, Sr., Pastor

Church 421-2778 – Parsonage 421-2777 – Cellular 287-8420

Worship Services: 8:30 & 11:00 am-Sunday School 9:45 am

Second Sunday in Lent – February 28, 2010

Welcome to Hickory United Methodist Church! We hope today is a blessing and invite you to worship with us again soon. The Pastor, Staff and people of Hickory will be glad to share with you information about opportunities for Christian growth. Please call the church office (421-2778) for more information. You may also email the church at office@hickoryumc.org or visit our website at www.hickoryumc.org.

If you need help hearing today’s service, hearing aids are available. Please see an usher.

After the 8:30 service and just before Sunday School there is a social time with light refreshments in the Welcome Center. You are invited to meet and greet.

The flowers on the altar are given by Sabrina Leist in honor of the birthday of her mother, Betty Smith.

The Etzell Family would like to thank the congregation for your ongoing prayers and support.

2009 Financial Statements: Financial Statements for 2009 are available in the Welcome Center.

A great big thank you from God's Kids for your donations to the Souper Bowl of Caring on Feb. 7^th. Because of your generosity, 183 canned goods were delivered to Chesapeake Avenue UMC and a check for $605.00 was sent to the Great Bridge Food Closet.  By sharing your love to others in this way, many hungry families will be fed.  God Bless each of you.   Love, God's Kids and Ms. Donna   

Confirmation Class: Confirmation Class will be held today and on March 7^th, from 3-4 pm.

Class on Christian Beliefs & United Methodism: The Pastor will lead a class on United Methodist Christian beliefs, church structure, United Methodist history and Hickory Church history on Sunday, March 7^th, at 7 pm. All interested persons, including members and prospective members, are invited. While not necessary, notifying the Pastor of your intention to attend will help make sure sufficient materials are available. A nursery will be provided if you notify the Pastor.

The pastor is available in his office on Wednesday and Friday mornings subject to emergencies. Please feel free to call the Pastor at any time on his cell phone (287-8420) or the church office (421-2778) and an appointment can be arranged.

Ladies...we are engaged in a war.  Our enemy is strong.  The battle is real.  Come prepare for victory in a thrilling new Bible study by John Franklin & Chuck Lawless.  Spiritual Warfare: Biblical Truth for Victory begins Tues., Mar. 23^rd, 6:30 pm.  In 10 weeks we will learn to identify our cunningly deceptive enemy and understand the strategy he uses to destroy our relationships...our health...our finances, and achieve and live in the victory that is ours through Christ.  Get ready to meet Jesus in a way that you have not met Him before!  A sign-up sheet is located in the Welcome Center.  Enrollment is limited, register today.  For more info contact Stephanie Stahler @ 546-9408.

There is a collection box in the Welcome Center for donations of used glasses and hearing aids which will be collected by the Lions Club. Also, Sandy Carawan is selling Lions Club brooms with all profits going to assist the blind. If interested, please call Sandy at 547-5479.

UM WOMEN

Cookbooks reduced to $5.00.

UM MEN

Men’s Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the church. All men are invited to attend.

NEST Care Kits: On March 10-17, we will be hosting the NEST Program. Each of our guests will receive a Health Care Kit when they arrive on their first evening at our church. The Children’s Ministry will be putting the kits together at their meeting today. All items should be placed in the NEST Health Care Kits box located under the Children’s Table in the Welcome Center. We hope you will help us again this year in this wonderful ministry of helping those who are homeless.

Also, if you would like to volunteer your time on one of those evenings, there is a sign up sheet in the Welcome Center where you can join us in this very special ministry. Cash donations are also welcome for purchases of food and supplies.

Please note that all starred items should be sample size or individually packaged.

*toothpaste, razors, hairbrushes, *toothbrushes, *shaving cream, *bars of soap, combs, *tissues, *shampoo, *mouthwash (alcohol free), *deodorant, socks, gloves, shoes, Gallon size Ziploc bags,

gently used sweaters, gently used coats

Praise Songs: THIS IS THE DAY

This is the day, this is the day that the Lord hath made, that the Lord hath made. We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day that the Lord hath made.

THY WORD

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way, still You’re there right beside me. And nothing will I fear as long as You are near, please be near me to the end. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Prayer Requests for a Praying Church

New Requests for Members

Robin Gronemus

New Requests Beyond our Congregation

Bonnie Roman Family of Elva Holbrook

Members with Continued Concerns

Dave Desler Thomas “T” Blake Cindy Feldman Nancy Jennings

Jeff Locke Dan Seals Juanita Adkins Shasta Tasker

Catelin Gilmore Carolyn Rittenberry Taylor Trowbridge Shirley Harrell

Jean Thompson Nancy Edney Kenny & Judy Hobbs Sandy & Doris Carawan

Eunice Boyette Betty Benson Dorcas Hanbury Andy Barnard

Bonnie Harrell John Harding Stephanie Stahler Dalton Finck

Continued Concerns Beyond our Congregation

Carolyn Harrell Karen & Lawrence Edwards

Janet Coward Frankie Everton Edward Hudgins Kathy Mustain

Adrian Robertson Nick Doize Richard Danko Betty Chappell

Ewan Rutherford Dr. William Russell Jeanette Charlton Richard Piper

Ronnie Jackson George Bowers Megan Wiggs Ellie Parker

Ella Newmiller Erin Bailey Ella Wells Ira Marshall

Greg Staylor – friend of Cindy Feldman Cynthia Potter – Kathy Cooper’s sister

Ricky & Tammy Massey – Bob Snow’s cousin Kathy Devine – friend of Marty Hutto

Danielle Miller – Granddaughter of Marty Hutto Roberta Steiner – Jennifer Foster’s friend

Ralph E. Nichols, Sr. – Ralph Nichols’ father Gerald Vaughn – Cindy Feldman’s uncle

Geraldine Webb – Cindy Feldman’s aunt Stacy Flores – Dave Feldman’s daughter

Kim Baratta – Sand De Ferebee’s friend Joy Longworth – Cindy Feldman’s aunt

David Ortiz – Christy Feldman’s friend Dave Lokie – Amy Harris’ friend

Mabel Grant – Kathy Moyer’s mother Bob Newell – Margaret Norfleet’s cousin

Gene & Doris Bryan – Cindy Feldman’s parents Elizabeth Wright – Nancy Oyler’s mother

Cordis Dudley – Carolyn Everton’s mother Jenny Friedman – Margaret Norfleet’s friend

Effie Day – Lynn Sorey’s grandmother Bill Haley – Natalie Robertson’s father

Our Deployed Military -Send a note of thanks to military overseas, go to www.letssaythanks.com .

Zach Strausser Daniel Feldman Carl Siebenschuh Sgt. Ray Mabry

Our Friends in Continued Care

Autumn Care Residents Viola Mosimann – Beacon Shores Nursing Home

James Boyette - Allzwell Assisted Living Lillian Mercer – Beth Shalom

Virginia Burcher – Warwick Forest Assisted Living

Our congregation hears all prayer requests during Sunday services. Please feel free to voice your request during the service. Please indicate your request on the Prayer Request cards found in the pews or call the church office (421-2778). On the Prayer Card, please list the person’s name you would like to add to our Prayer List, their relationship to you, and the prayer concern. Place the card in the offering plate or the Prayer Request box on the organ. Names will remain on the List for 4 weeks unless otherwise requested.

Order of Worship

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

THE PIANO AND ORGAN PRELUDE

THE WELCOME OF VISITORS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE BRINGING IN OF THE LIGHT Acolyte

THE CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP “As the Deer” Chancel Choir

*PRAISE SONGS “This Is the Day” see insert

“Thy Word”

*THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostles’ Creed, Traditional Version” No. 881

THE ORGAN INTERLUDE

Please register your attendance by using the form found in the red folder on each pew at the middle aisle.

Visitors are asked to please include your complete address and phone number. Please print.

THE SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS OF OUR CONGREGATION

THE PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE 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

“On Eagle’s Wings”

And God will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn,

make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand.

THE OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS AND TITHES

(In addition to your offering, the person on the center aisle is asked to hand the attendance sheet

from their row to the usher. Thank You.)

The Organ Offertory

*The Doxology and Prayer of Dedication

THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor

(During the singing of the hymn, children, preschool-2nd grade may go to Children’s Church.)

PLEASE PICK UP YOUR CHILD(REN) AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE WORSHIP SERVICE IN THE CLASSROOM(S) BEHIND THE SANCTUARY.

*HYMN: “Hymn of Promise” No. 707

ANTHEM “There Is None Like You” Chancel Choir

THE SCRIPTURE READING Luke 13:31-35 & Philippians 3:17-4:1

In blue pew Bibles pages 1033 & 1163

THE MESSAGE “Deciding Your Destiny” Pastor

*THE HYMN OF CELEBRATION AND COMMITMENT No. 529

“How Firm a Foundation”

THE BENEDICTION

*THE CHORAL RESPONSE “O How He Loves You and Me” All

Oh, how He loves you and me, Oh, how He loves you and me.

He gave His life, what more could He give?

Oh, how He loves you; Oh, how He loves me; Oh, how He loves you and me.

*THE TAKING OF THE LIGHT INTO THE WORLD Acolyte

*THE ORGAN POSTLUDE

*Denotes the Congregation Standing

Memory Verse:

Assurance of Victory I Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

¹³ No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

NEXT WEEK:

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9 & I Corinthians 10:1-13

Message: “The Last Three Years”