Apex United Methodist Church
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Apex United Methodist Church
August 8, 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
Laura Katherine Stern
the kiosks in Crossroads or the Christian Life
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
We celebrate the birth of Caleb Parker Killebrew. Caleb was born Senior Adult Ministry
Feb. 27 and is the son of Brad and Lauren Killebrew.
TJ Rogers
Contemporary Worship Arts
Jacqueline Schechter
Communications
Deborah Wade
Nursery
Norma Wallace
Children’s Ministry
Will Wilson
Custodian
Joette Winberry
OrganistCONTEMPORARY ORDER OF WORSHIP
9:35 a.m., Christian Life Center
August 8, 2021
* Please stand as you are able.
* GATHERING SONG Only King Forever
WELCOME
* SONG OF PRAISE Only King Forever (reprise)
* SONG OF PRAYER Do It Again
OFFERING Do It Again (reprise)
CHILDREN’S MOMENT
SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 2:25-32
MESSAGE Pastor Laura Katherine Stern
* SONG OF RESPONSE It is Well
* SENDING FORTH AND PASSING
THE PEACE
Worship Arts Director: TJ Rogers
Worship Leaders: Lori Fahs, Sean McGee, Nelson Santiago, Nicole Williams
AV Support: Brandon Chauvaux, Donna Colville, John Dooley, Brian FahsTRADITIONAL ORDER OF WORSHIP — 11TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:15 and 11:00 a.m., Sanctuary
August 8, 2021
* Please stand as you are able.
ENTRANCE AND PRAISE
WELCOME
PRELUDE Meditation Peeters
PASSING THE PEACE
* GREETING Psalm 148:1-4
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!
Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
* HYMN OF PRAISE My Hope is Built UMH 368
* OPENING PRAYER
God of all hopefulness, our souls wait for your light more that those who watch for the morning.
Let your Holy Spirit illumine our hearts with the light of your redemption, a new day, a new life
in Christ. Amen.
THE WORD PROCLAIMED
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as Your scriptures are read
and Your word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what You say to us today. Amen.
FIRST LESSON Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Pew Bible, OT page 692
The Word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God!
CHILDREN’S MOMENT
SECOND LESSON Luke 2:25-32 Pew Bible, NT page 59
The Word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God!
MESSAGE Pastor Laura Katherine SternRESPONSES AND OFFERINGS
* HYMN OF RESPONSE Hymn of Promise UMH 707
* THE APOSTLES' CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only son
our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius
Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into
heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to
judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the
communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life
everlasting. Amen.
* GLORIA PATRI
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.
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 Cares Chorus (8:15) Tornquist
Lord, I Know I Been Changed (11:00) Shackley
* OFFERTORY RESPONSE
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
* HYMN OF SENDING FORTH I Am Thine, O Lord UMH 419
* BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
POSTLUDE Recessional Peeters
Liturgist: Sheila Ahler Worship Arts Director: Todd Arant Organist: Joette Winberry
Lay Readers: Sterling Smith (8:15); Alta Whitt (11:00)
Service Musicians: Chancel Choir (11:00)General Announcements
Email Scams: We have recently been made aware of another instance of someone requesting help via
email using Pastor Laura Katherine's name. Please remember:
1) Pay attention to the email address. If it doesn’t end in @apexumc.org, then it wasn’t from a staff
member.
2) We will NEVER solicit money or gift cards through personalized email, so do not respond to these
requests. Gifts should only be made via the church’s official online giving platform, never directly to a
staff member personally or using alternative giving platforms.
Apex Launch Party! It’s time to launch into fall with a fun-filled Sunday morning of worship and
fellowship designed for the whole church family. Join us on Sunday, Aug. 29. Everyone is invited to
worship at 10 a.m. - in both traditional and contemporary services. Join in the blessing of our
kindergartener's backpacks, then stick around for refreshments and fellowship with friends, old and new.
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.
Leadership Seminar: Our transition consultant, Rev. Doug Anderson, will lead a two-part seminar
entitled Methodist Structure 101 and Expanding Volunteerism on Sunday, Aug. 22, from 3-6 p.m. in the
sanctuary, or you can attend online. The first part covers basic principles on church leadership, organizing
a team, decision making, authority, and accountability. The second part addresses how to expand our
volunteer base. This seminar is open to anyone looking to learn more about Methodism, but attendance is
especially encouraged if you are serving on a church committee. Register online at
apexumc.churchcenter.com/registrations.
New to Apex UMC? We want to connect with you! Please take a moment to fill out our Connect Card at
apexumc.org/connectcard. We hope you enjoyed your visit and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Worship
Campmeeting Service is Today! Come out to Apex Nature Park Amphitheater for a special outdoor
Camp-Meeting Worship Service on Sunday, Aug. 8, at 5 p.m. Join us for a time of singing some old-time
Gospel favorites, led by AUMC’s Bluegrass Jam, and there will be preaching and refreshments. We look
forward to seeing you there!
Church Center 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 in worship. It will also be used to sign your children in to
nursery and Sunday School. Download the Church Center app on your smartphone or tablet. Not only can
you check-in with just a few clicks, but you can register for events, keep up with your groups, and browse
the church directory. If you check in on your phone, you do not have to check in at the kiosks. Also, one
person can check-in their entire family. The Church Center app is available for Android or iOS devices.
Connect
Contemplative Prayer Group: The Prayer Ministry Team is starting a new contemplative (silent, quiet,
meditative, inside/outdoors) group and all are welcome! The group will meet Aug. 15 and 22 at 4 p.m. in
DC 409. Judy Jolly, a retired Methodist pastor, will lead. The fall meeting schedule will be set up when the
group meets again Sept. 12. Questions? Contact Judy at judithojolly@gmail.com.New Member Class: Are you interested in joining Apex United Methodist Church? You are invited to attend a New Member Class on Aug. 15 from 4-5:30 p.m. to learn more about membership, our mission and ministries, and how to get involved in the life of the church. Contact Pastor Laura at laura.johnson@apexumc.org with any questions. Register online at apexumc.churchcenter.com/registrations. Kindergarten Backpack Blessing: Starting kindergarten is a big transition for the whole family. We want to celebrate that major milestone with you and pray over your child’s year ahead. Please complete this form (apexumc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/272275) so we can include your child in the blessing either during worship or by preparing the gift bag and resources for you to pick up. The in-person blessing will take place on Sunday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m. Music Opportunities for Children and Youth: We have many in person opportunities for Children (grades K-5) and Youth (grades 6-12) to share their musical gifts and participate in worship! Visit our website (apexumc.org/worship/traditional-worship-arts/) to learn more about the vocal and handbell choirs we will offer this fall. Youth Choir/Handbell rehearsals begin Aug. 29. Children’s Choir/Handbell rehearsals begin Sept. 12. Register online at Church Center: apexumc.churchcenter.com/registrations. Save the Date for 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 rehearsals for music groups like Chancel Choir and Praise Team. Childcare will be available during the classes and small groups. More details will be coming soon! If you would like to be part of the Wonderful Wednesday team to help with meals, set up, and clean up, please contact Pastor Laura at laura.johnson@apexumc.org. The UMM BBQ is back! The 21st annual United Methodist Men’s BBQ will be held on Friday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All are invited to come to the Christian Life Center and enjoy good BBQ pork and chicken for $12/plate—eat in or take out. We will also have our drive-through service if you don’t want to come inside. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the church’s missions. Questions? Contact Lane Cloaninger at lane53cloaninger@gmail.com. Come help! This event would not be possible without our incredible volunteers. If you would like to help, sign up online at apexumc.org/bbq. Upper Room: The July-August Upper Room devotionals are available to pick up in Crossroads. Involve Youth Engaged in Service (YES): YES is a middle school mission project, open to students who will be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grades (traditional and year-round) during the 2021-2022 school year. This year, YES will be the weekend of Sept. 24-26. Teams will partner with local non-profits during the day on Saturday to support their work. Friday evening and Sunday morning will provide opportunities for gathering and worship. We will abide by COVID restrictions at the time of this event. Register online at apexumc.churchcenter.com/registrations. 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
Ways to Give to Apex UMC: 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.
General Fund Offerings: July 2020-June 2021 fiscal year-to-date, Apex campus.
• General Fund Offerings: $1,764,295
• Other Income: $19,592
• Total Expenses: $1,871,206
• Difference: -$87,319
Pastor’s Corner from Pastor Laura Katherine: As we move toward discontinuation of the parish
structure, each church was asked to present a break-even 6-month budget. This means we needed to
make a budget where income would meet expenses from July 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021. While a
break-even budget has been a long-held goal of Apex, we have approved a deficit budget in previous
years. To present a break-even budget for 2021, we had to ask each ministry area to rely heavily (if not
entirely) on their restricted funds. The good news is that money designated for a ministry area will be used
for that purpose. The bad news is we cannot continue to rely on restricted funds as most of them are for
specific programming costs, not for operating expenses. Please continue to keep our church and its
financial challenges in your prayers.
Parish Discontinuation Update: Our parish transition finance team and parish transition council have
now approved the methodology for distributing the unrestricted cash from our shared bank accounts. This
is tremendous progress! Since voting to discontinue this past May, we have already set up and approved
separate leadership structures, created and approved break-even, 6-month budgets for each church,
resolved copier contracts, separated out restricted funds, and completed separating out our IT contracts.
There is still work to be done - especially regarding some of our shared administrative work. However, we
are either on schedule or ahead of schedule with most of our discontinuation tasks. Please keep this
process in your prayers and if you have any questions, email transition@apexumc.org.
Financial Update: 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. We desire to provide you with full transparency and clarity
regarding the finances of the church. To see our current financial status, please visit our website at
apexumc.org/finance. If you have questions, contact Pastor Laura Katherine at
laura.katherine@apexumc.org or our finance office at finance@apexumc.org.
SCRIPTURE CARD: Aug. 8-14 CONNECT CARD
S: Luke 2:25-32
M: Psalm 57
T: 2 Samuel 18:19-33
W: John 6:35-40
TH: Acts 6:8-15
F: Romans 16:17-20
S: John 4:7-26You can also read
