Apex United Methodist Church
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Apex United Methodist Church
August 29, 2021
Welcome All. Love All. Serve All. | 100 S. Hughes Street, Apex, N.C., 27502 | 919-362-7807 | www.apexumc.org
Welcome! Please check in for worship using the APEX UMC STAFF
Church Center app on your phone, tablet, or at
the kiosks in Crossroads or the Christian Life Laura Katherine Stern
Lead Pastor
Center (CLC). If you are a first-time guest,
please fill out our online Connect Card; scan the
Laura Johnson
QR code on the back of your bulletin. Teaching Pastor
Worship: We have traditional services at 8:15 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sheila Ahler
Sanctuary and a contemporary service at 9:35 in the Christian Life Associate Pastor
Center (CLC).
Ed Gunter
Children’s Ministry: Our Children’s Ministry is taking a break for Congregational Care Pastor
the summer. Find out more at apexumc.org/children. Our ministry
consists of: Todd Arant
• Stepping Stones: Nursery for birth-3 years Traditional Worship Arts
• Foothills: Sunday School for preschoolers
• BaseCamp: Sunday School for K-5th grade Ellen Griffin
• Children’s Church: Preschool-2nd grade (during worship) Children’s Ministry
Mark Hite
Youth Ministry: Our Youth Ministry is on summer break. Visit our
Digital Media
website at apexumc.org/ym.
• Sunday Evenings: During the youth school year, dinner begins
Brad Hoffman
at 6 p.m. in the CLC gym. Programming is from 6:30-8 p.m. Facilities
Please pray for: All serving in the military; Benjamin Webb; Tanner Johnson
Charlotte Reynolds and family; David Kelder. Confidential prayer Youth Ministry
requests can be made online at apexumc.org/prayer.
Kara Matthews
New to Apex UMC? We want to connect with you! Please take a Senior Adult Ministry
moment to fill out our Connect Card at apexumc.org/connectcard.
We hope you enjoyed your visit, and we look forward to seeing you TJ Rogers
soon! Contemporary Worship Arts
Jacqueline Schechter
Communications
Deborah Wade
Nursery
Norma Wallace
Children’s Ministry
Will Wilson
Custodian
Joette Winberry
Organist
CONTEMPORARY ORDER OF WORSHIP
10:00 a.m., Christian Life Center
August 29, 2021
* Please stand as you are able.
* GATHERING SONG Your Love Awakens Me
WELCOME
LIFE APP REVEAL
SCRIPTURE LESSON Nehemiah 2:11-18
* SONG OF PRAISE Our God is Love
* SONG OF PRAYER Who You Say I Am
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OFFERING Who You Say I Am (reprise)
MESSAGE Pastor Laura Katherine Stern
* SONG OF RESPONSE Beautiful Things
KINDERGARTEN BACKPACK BLESSING
WRAP
BENEDICTION
* CLOSING SONG Our God is Love
Worship Leader: TJ Rogers
AV Team: Chris Bowen, Brandon Chauvaux, Brian Fahs
TRADITIONAL ORDER OF WORSHIP — 14TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
10:00 a.m., Sanctuary
August 29, 2021
* Please stand as you are able.
WELCOME
PASSING THE PEACE
* GREETING Psalm 15:1-2
O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,
And speak the truth from their heart.
* HYMN OF PRAISE This Is My Father's World UMH 144
* OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, you show us the way to live through your son, Jesus Christ. Help us to serve you
with joy, obey you with love, and honor you with all that we say and do. Amen.
LIFE APP REVEAL
SCRIPTURE LESSON Nehemiah 2:11-18 Pew Bible, OT page 431
The Word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God!
MESSAGE Pastor Laura Johnson
* SONG OF RESPONSE Happy and You Know It
KINDERGARTEN BACKPACK BLESSING
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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.GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY God Is Our Refuge Pote
WRAP
* BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
* POSTLUDE Postlude on Hymn to Joy Payne
Liturgist: Sheila Ahler Worship Arts Director: Todd Arant Organist: Joette Winberry
Hosts: Brent Sigmon and Missy Balleydier
Service Musicians: Chancel Choir90-Day Prayer Initiative
Aug. 29 to Nov. 26
A prayer initiative is when God’s people join in an
intentional movement across all ages to pray simply
and repeatedly, either silently or out loud, asking God
to break through in new and miraculous ways. The
purpose of the initiative is for the Holy Spirit to break
through ANYTHING that holds us captive so we can
boldly move forward, right now and into the future, to
fulfill God’s intention for why we exist as Christ’s body
here at Apex UMC. We are bringing the current
situation in our lives and the life of our congregation
to God’s all-powerful presence so HE can do what we
cannot.
What do I need to do to participate? Stop in the chaos or quiet of your day for a moment to focus on
your Heavenly Father who loves you with unfailing love. Pause daily at noon or a selected time for you
and/or with your family to pray the following prayer:
Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God,
my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. [Psalm 25:4-5]
Then, as you go through your days, be open to what God is doing in and around you and in our church to
see how you can fit into His plans. You will have the opportunity to write your "God-sightings," which will
be posted on special canvases. Bookmarks and prayer cards will be handed out after the worship services
in the CLC and sanctuary. They will also be available in Crossroads, the CLC lobby, and the church office.
Planning Center/Church Center
In August 2020, we announced a new church management platform –
Planning Center – that makes it easy for us to keep your information up
to date and serves as a consistent tool for you to sign up for all church
groups, programs, and events.
You’ve also heard us use the term Church Center. Church Center is a
mobile app and web experience—an online space where you, the
congregation, can explore, engage, and get involved throughout the week.
In Church Center, you will find links for Check-Ins, Groups, Events,
Directory, Calendar, and Sermons.
• Check-Ins: Using Church Center to check in to worship – either at the kiosks or on the app – is
taking the place of our attendance pads. This will also be the way you check your children in for
Sunday School and print their security badges.
• Groups: Under Groups, you will find information about our small groups, classes, music groups,
youth ministry, children’s ministry, missions, and leadership. If you are in one of these groups, you
will find resources, ways to communicate with team members, meeting schedules, and more. If
you’re interested in joining a group, sign up!
• Events: Register under Events for any of our upcoming opportunities.
• Directory: Join the directory to search our church membership. You must opt-in to join, so fill out
the form at apexumc.org/directory. Then you will receive an invitation to the directory. From there,
you will be able to enter any missing information, correct any outdated information, select what
information you would like shared for each member of your family, and upload individual and
household pictures.• Calendar: See the church calendar to find meeting rooms, event locations, and more. • Sermons: Church Center is another place to watch our livestreamed worship services each week. You can access Church Center on your computer at apexumc.churchcenter.com, or you can download the app for iOS or Android. If you visit apexumc.org/training/planningcenter/churchcenter, you will find short, easy-to-follow training videos on how to get set up in Church Center. We think this is a great new tool for us to use as we work to equip you in your spiritual development. If you have any questions or want more information about Planning Center or Church Center, contact Jacqueline Schechter (jacqueline.schechter@apexumc.org). Worship Outdoor Worship: We are excited to add a fourth worship service for six weeks, beginning Sept. 12, on Sundays at 11 a.m. The service will be simple, with preaching and singing on the front lawn of the church office. We will still hold the 11:00 traditional service indoors - this is an outdoor option for those who feel more comfortable in an outdoor setting. In case of inclement weather, call the church office and we will update the outgoing message by 8 a.m. on Sunday if the service is cancelled. Bring your own chair or blanket to sit on and a heart to worship God in the Apex outdoors! Children ages 3 through 1st grade will have the option to leave during the service for an outdoor version of Children's Church (masks required). Monthly Communion: We have returned to our pattern of receiving holy communion together on the first Sunday monthly. On Sunday, Sept. 5, communion will be served outdoors in the Crossroads Circle at the conclusion of each worship service. All worshippers will be able to unmask and receive communion. We will offer intinction (dipping bread in the cup) and pre-packaged stations, so everyone can choose to receive as they are most comfortable. In the case of rain, we will gather under the covered entrances. Healing Service: Join us for a healing service on Sunday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. Questions? Contact Pastor Laura Katherine at laura.katherine@apexumc.org. Blessing of the Animals: Bring your animals for a Blessing of the Animal Service on Sunday, Oct. 3, at 3 p.m. in the Crossroads Circle. Questions? Contact Pastor Laura Katherine at laura.katherine@apexumc.org. Connect Youth Ministry: Youth is back! Youth is a place for all students from 6th to 12th grade to get to know God and live into “Welcome all. Love all. Serve all.” Starting Sept. 12, we will meet weekly on Sunday evenings from 6-8 p.m. With the changing tides of COVID cases, we will do our best to provide dinner if we deem it safe for our students and families! Dinner will be served from 6-6:30 and programming begins at 6:30. Youth Communications: There are a lot of ways that you can connect with the youth ministry and stay up to date with all that is going on: • Like us on Facebook (Apex UMC Youth) • Follow us on Instagram (@aumcym) • Subscribe to our YouTube channel (Apex UMC Youth) • Sign up for text updates (text @msaumcym to 81010) • Sign up for our newsletter and check out our website at apexumc.org/ym
Youth Praise Band: Youth Praise Band is back in action! Starting Sept. 12, we will meet on select
Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. We will connect this group to the outdoor worship service at 11 a.m. each
Sunday. Questions? Email TJ (tj.rogers@apexumc.org). Join our group via Church Center at
apexumc.churchcenter.com/groups.
Children’s Ministry: Fall children's programs are launching! Here are the ways your child can get plugged
in at church this fall:
• Sunday School: Ages 3 through 5th grade. Weekly beginning on Sept. 12 at 9:35 a.m. Drop-off at
exterior doors to the Discipleship Center. Held indoors; masks required. To begin the year, we will
ask for registration each Sunday so that we can be prepared with the appropriate number of leaders
and classrooms. Registration links will be sent out each week via the children's newsletter and social
media platforms. If you forget to register, we will do our best to accommodate your child, but may
need to ask one parent to volunteer to keep group-size small. Please contact Norma Wallace
(norma.wallace@apexumc.org) if you are interested in your child participating, to receive our
newsletter, or if you are willing to serve.
• Children's Church: Ages 3 through 1st grade. Weekly beginning on Sept. 12 during 11 a.m.
services. Leaders will pick up children during service. Held outdoors; masks required. Children must
be checked in at an iPad kiosk and get a name tag prior to the beginning of service. Parents are
asked to take turns serving. Please contact Ellen Griffin (ellen.griffin@apexumc.org) if you are
interested in your child participating or if you are willing to serve.
• Virtual Sunday School: Grades K-5th. Will begin in September on Sunday mornings via Google
Meet. Please contact Norma Wallace (norma.wallace@apexumc.org) if you are interested in your child
participating or if you are willing to serve.
Children’s Choirs/Handbells: We are very excited to return to in-person rehearsals for Children’s Choirs
and Handbells this fall! Choirs (grades K-1 and 2-5) rehearse on Sundays at 4 p.m. and handbells (grades
3-5) rehearse on Sundays at 5 p.m. Our kick-off rehearsals are Sunday, Sept. 12. Join us as we make a
joyful noise together! Register online at apexumc.churchcenter.com/registrations.
Encore: We are offering a monthly opportunity for an evening walk followed by a devotion at our local
parks and greenways. Please join us on Tuesday, Aug. 31, from 6-7:30 p.m. as we stroll through the
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve located at 2616 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary. We will gather at the entrance
and enjoy the statuesque Eastern Hemlock Trees nestled in God's glorious creation. Register online:
apexumc.churchcenter.com/registrations.
Church-wide Monthly Writing Club: Join us on the third Thursday monthly for our church-wide writing
club, beginning on Sept. 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. in Crossroads. Vicki Meigs-Kahlenberg has agreed to lead us
in the endeavor. It will serve as a wonderful place to share your current writing ventures, including poetry,
novels, short stories, autobiographies, historical fiction, or personal blogs. Vicki is the author of two
instructional writing manuals that have been utilized by teachers throughout the United States. She is also
regarded as an esteemed speaker, has led several conferences on the components of writing, and is
currently working on a thrilling new novel. Register online: apexumc.churchcenter.com/registrations.
Praise Team: We are pumped to revitalize contemporary worship on Sundays at 9:35 a.m. Our Praise
Team is open to experienced adult singers and musicians and select high school students. Rehearsals will
be held on Wednesdays from 8-9 p.m. We are also kicking off with a team night on Wednesday, Sept. 1,
at 6:30 p.m. where we will have outdoor food and fellowship and learn a few new songs for worship in
upcoming weeks. Questions? Email TJ (tj.rogers@apexumc.org). Join our group via Church Center at
apexumc.churchcenter.com/groups.
Monday Morning Bible Study: MMBS will begin on Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall with a
study of the book of Isaiah, taught by Pastor Laura Katherine. This will be offered as a hybrid class, so
participants can join in-person or on Zoom. If you haven’t already, join the Monday Morning Bible Study on
Church Center at apexumc.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups to receive the group’s emails and the
Zoom link. Questions? Contact Sandy Dukeman at sandyd38r@jboothco.com.Wonderful Wednesdays: Beginning Sept. 8, you are invited to join your church family for Wonderful
Wednesdays, which will include a family-friendly pre-ordered catered fellowship meal at 6 p.m. followed by
a variety of classes, small groups, and music rehearsals. Childcare available by registration at
apexumc.org/childcare at least 5 days in advance. Dinner registration will open on Thursday the week
prior, and close Monday evening the week of. The cost will be $8-$10 for adults and $4-$5 for children,
with a $25 cap for families. Meals will be provided by restaurants such as Daniel’s, Jason’s Deli, and Tacos
Mexico. Registration is now open for the following classes:
• Believe: Living the Story of the Bible to Become Like Jesus: What you believe in your heart will
define who you become. God wants you to become like Jesus, and the journey to becoming like Jesus
begins by thinking and acting like Jesus. The “Believe” Adult Curriculum video series, by Pastor and
author Randy Frazee, gives groups the opportunity to learn, discuss, and apply what they experience
in this journey through the Bible by exploring essential beliefs, practices, and virtues that every
Christian needs to know and live. Led by Jeff Babcock. Sept. 15-Nov. 17. Available as a hybrid class.
Register online at apexumc.churchcenter.com/groups/classes.
• Disciple Fast Track: The Old Testament: Do you want to better understand the Old Testament?
Do you want to get into a habit of daily Scripture reading? Disciple Fast Track, an adaptation of the
original Disciple Bible Study, provides a viable option for busy people seeking comprehensive
engagement over time with the entire biblical text. This 12-week study immerses the participant in
the Old Testament. Learn, discuss, and grow in fellowship with God and your church family. Led by
Jackie Howard and Sharon Clapp. Sept. 8-Nov. 24. Register online at
apexumc.churchcenter.com/groups/classes.
• Legacy of Prayer: A Spiritual Trust Fund for the Next Generation: Learn to pray for your
children and other descendants in a way that frees you and gives their futures over to God (who has
them anyway!). No matter how young or old your descendants are, this 5-week study of Jennifer
Kennedy Dean's Legacy of Prayer is for you. Led by Sandy Bryant. Sept. 15-Oct. 13. Register online
at apexumc.churchcenter.com/groups/classes.
• The Parables of Jesus: Jesus communicated deep spiritual truths through simple, vivid, and
engaging stories. Woven from the stuff of first-century Jewish everyday life, the parables of Jesus
made the kingdom of God understandable and accessible to his listeners. In six engaging, interactive
small group sessions, this DVD based study by Matt Williams will give you the necessary historical
background and fresh new insights into Jesus’ parables to help you apply these lessons to your own
life. Join the Men’s Discipleship Group, led by Heath Williamson and Robert Ross, Sept. 8-Oct. 13.
Register online at apexumc.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups.
• When Faith Fails: Finding God in the Shadow of Doubt: Have you ever wrestled with questions
about God, the church, and the Bible? If you have ever struggled with doubt, please join this 12-week
study. Dominic Done offers a fresh perspective on faith using Scripture, humorous anecdotes, and his
own experiences. Done argues that not only is questioning normal, but it is also the path towards
finding a rich and vibrant faith. Led by Pastor Kara Matthews. Sept. 10-Nov. 17. Available as a hybrid
class. Register online at apexumc.churchcenter.com/groups/classes.
Women’s Bible Study on The Letters of John: Join Phyllis Stern in a study of NT Wright’s The Letters
of John on Tuesdays, Sept. 14-Nov. 16. Two class options are available: a 10 a.m. in-person class or a 7
p.m. virtual class. This study will consider how discipleship involves not just correct doctrine and outward
behavior, but also love for God and fellow believers. Register online for both sessions at
apexumc.churchcenter.com/groups/classes.
Parenting Through the Phases: Sundays, Sept. 19-Oct. 24, 4-4:45 p.m. You have approximately 936
weeks from the time your child is born until he or she moves on to what’s next. It goes by fast, and kids
change and grow quickly. Parents of elementary-aged and younger children are invited to this small group,
video-based (no prep) study to discover what’s changing about your kid, the six things your kid needs
most, and four conversations to have with your kid while they are in each phase. Childcare available by
registration at apexumc.org/childcare. Led by Clint and Shirley Spedding, Matt and Emily Penny, and
Pastor Laura Johnson. Register online at apexumc.churchcenter.com/groups/classes.Youth Parent Fellowship: We would like to offer you an opportunity to refresh your soul and overworked
minds to connect with other youth parents. Please join Kara Matthews, along with other youth parents, for
a monthly fellowship gathering. We will partake of delectable treats, delightful conversations, and offer
time and space for us to pray for our youth and one another. Our first gathering is Sunday, Sept 19, from
6-7 p.m. at the Glenn Mason Prayer Labyrinth. Register online at apexumc.churchcenter.com/registrations.
We hope to see you there!
The Chosen TV Series - Watch and Discuss: Rediscover the story of Jesus through the first season of
The Chosen. This group will watch an episode and discuss what inspires, challenges, and encourages. Led
by Margaret Miller. Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Sept. 28-Nov. 16.
For a list of all ongoing small groups and classes, visit the Discipleship table during the Launch Party.
Involve
Habitat Build: Apex UMC is pleased to be part of this fall’s Fiesta Build, a special home building project by
Habitat for Humanity that brings together several churches with Hispanic/Latinx congregations and
Spanish language services to build a house for a Latinx homebuyer. We have reserved Aug. 28 and Oct. 9
as the dates that we volunteer and provide lunch. Everyone age 16 and above is eligible to participate; no
experience is necessary. Register online with Habitat for Humanity at habitatwake.volunteerhub.com. You
are also invited to join our Habitat for Humanity group on Church Center at
apexumc.churchcenter.com/groups/missions-service to stay up to date with upcoming builds.
ZOE Virtual Mission Trip: Grab your computer and join us for a virtual trip to Rwanda and Kenya on
Sept. 14 and 15! Glimpse the kingdom of God with orphaned and vulnerable children around the world
lifting themselves permanently out of poverty. Sign up online at apexumc.churchcenter.com/registrations
to receive Zoom details. What does this unique travel experience include?
• Day 1, Sept. 14, 9:30-11 a.m. Visit Rwanda with Epiphanie Mujawimana, founder of Zoe’s
empowerment program and manager of Zoe Rwanda. Listen in wonder as Epiphanie describes Zoe’s
genesis out of tragedy and how this movement of God began. You will be amazed by what orphaned
children in Rwanda are capable of with just a little support.
• Day 2, Sept. 15, 9:30-11 a.m. Explore a Kenyan village with Reegan Kaberia, Zoe’s chief program
officer and manager of Zoe Kenya. Hear directly from the incredible boys and girls in Zoe’s program.
Be inspired by the triumph of the human spirit in God’s hands.
If you would like to be a part of Apex’s ZOE team, please join our group on Church Center at
apexumc.churchcenter.com/groups. Questions? Contact Ellen Daniels at tudortower@bellsouth.net.
Sunday School leaders and greeters needed at 9:35. We need adults and youth who can serve on a
team twice a month or who can help with check-in and welcoming once a month. No experience or outside
preparation needed. Must love building relationships with kids in preschool through 5th grade. Contact
Norma Wallace (norma.wallace@apexumc.org) or Ellen Griffin (ellen.griffin@apexumc.org).
Adopt-a-Highway: Join us in the next trash pickup on Saturday, Sept. 25, 8:30-10 a.m. We will meet at
The Peak Church (1200 N. Salem Street). Register online at apexumc.churchcenter.com/registrations or
email Chris Finch at cfinchapex@earthlink.net with your name and the names of others joining you. Help
us keep this 33+ year mission of AUMC going and keep Apex the "Peak of Good Living!"
AUMC/Red Cross Blood Drive: Join us on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the CLC and
donate a unit of your life-saving blood! There is a critical shortage, as COVID and elective surgeries have
driven up the need but not the giving. To donate, please visit redcrossblood.org/donate/blood, type in the
zip code, find AUMC on Oct. 23, and select a time. All COVID protocols will be utilized, and masks are
required. If you have any questions about donating, contact Jim Ahler at jtahler49@gmail.com. Thank you!The 4th Annual Art and Gift Market will be held Saturday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is an annual event hosted by Apex UMC that features artists and vendors offering handcrafted gifts, one-of-a- kind pieces of art, and fair-trade crafts and products. The purpose of this market is to raise awareness and funds for our local and international missions. Questions? Contact Pam Cloer at pam_cloer@bellsouth.net. Western Wake Crisis Ministry: WWCM needs paper towels, 2 lb. bags of rice, 2 lb. bags of beans, ramen, peanut butter, oatmeal (individual pack boxes), hygiene products, cleaning supplies, small dish detergent, small laundry detergent, side items, baking goods, and condiments. Please place items in the marked bins in the Crossroads circle. Thank you! Feed the Kids: FTK provides weekend food bags to food-insecure students in Western Wake County. Current needs: any individually packaged foods, but especially breakfast items (cereal/oatmeal/grits) and individual fruit packs. Place items in the Feed the Kids bin in the Crossroads Circle. Thank you! Invest Giving to Apex UMC: Every time we give to Apex UMC, we are making a way for others to experience the love of God that we have experienced here. You can set up a recurring gift through your bank’s online bill pay service, you can place your offering in the offertory plate during worship, or you can text to give by texting familyumc apex and then the amount to 73256. To find out more, visit apexumc.org/invest. Questions? Contact our finance office at finance@apexumc.org. General Fund Offerings: July 2021 fiscal year-to-date, Apex campus. • General Fund Offerings: $145,654 • Other Income: $1,048 • Total Expenses: $137,946 • Difference: $8,756 General Announcements Pre-order your new church cookbook, Unbroken Circle for $15 to help fund additional features in the Memorial Garden. Order forms are available in the church office and Crossroads; send a check made payable to AUMC with “cookbook” in the memo line to the church office or visit apexumc.org/giving and designate your payment for “cookbook.” It is full of church history, biographical sketches of the cooks, and 150 tried-and-true recipes from members who have gone before us.
SCRIPTURE CARD: 8/29-9/4 CONNECT CARD S: James 1:17-27 M: Psalm 144:9-15 T: 1 Peter 2:19-25 W: Mark 7:9-23 TH: Romans 2:1-11 F: Psalm 125 S: Matthew 15:21-31
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