w e a t h e r l y. o r g

The Weathervane Worship News For Sunday

The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

The Problem with Being Religious

Psalm 112; Matthew 5:13-20

Religion is a tricky thing. Religions promote support of religious institutions—churches, synagogues, mosques, etc. Religions promote adherence to their tenants. However, Jesus taught that one can support the institutions and adhere to the basic tenants and yet miss the heart of religion. We must be conscious of this problem of being religious. Please join us for worship next Sunday and invite a friend or neighbor to be your guest. We will observe the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.

Volume LV Issue 50 January 31, 2017

Weatherly Heights Baptist Church 1306 Cannstatt Drive Huntsville, AL 35803

UPCOMING EVENTS

Rummage Sale April 1 8:00-12:00

Preschool Easter Egg Hunt April 8 10:00

Howard H. Williams Lectures April 28-30

Dr. G. Todd Wilson, Guest Speaker

Does God Care about the Big Game This Weekend?

Perhaps the only thing that can distract Americans from our new president’s executive orders, at least temporarily, is the big game this weekend. Who will win Super Bowl LI—the Atlanta Falcons or the New England Patriots? After the endless hoopla, the frenzied advertising, and countless interviews, the game almost seems incidental. Nevertheless, there will be dazzling catches, artful runs, crushing tackles, and some creative end-zone dances. The Super Bowl is football the American way. Given the all the Super Bowl hype, we tend to assume that this event is important to everyone, even God. Yet I know plenty of people who have no interest in watching the game or the over-priced commercials. I know some who want to see the commercials and not the game. But what about God? Does God care about what happens Sunday night? I think we can safely say that God does not have a favorite team. God does not favor one city over another or some players over other players. But I don’t think we can say that God does not care about the game. God cares about how the game is played, the impact celebrity athletes have on children and youth, and the responsible use of the wealth generated by professional sports. God is not manipulating who catches the game winning pass or who recovers the crucial fumble. But that is not to say that God has no interest in the game. In a Kudzu cartoon strip, a member of the “Holy Rollers” basketball team, sitting on the bench, asks the preacher, “Really, preacher—if we thank God when we win shouldn’t we blame God if we lose? I mean, if he’s on our side, and he’s the author of all things, then he’s doing it—he’s making us lose.” The preacher responds, “I see—so maybe that’s why you missed that game-winning free throw! The Lord willed it!” The player says, “Exactly!” In the last frame the preacher laments, “Don’t you love theology?” Does God care about things like Super Bowls? Yes, but in ways far higher than most of us.

Watching the commercials, David

Community Grief Support Group

For anyone grieving any kind of loss or wanting to learn how to be more helpful to those who grieve. Begins: Tuesday, February 14 and will continue on consecutive Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00 pm. Facilitator: The Rev. Carl Malm of the Center for Loss, Grief and Change. Location: The Community Room of Hope Presbyterian Church, 10001 Bailey Cove Rd. SE (Park on the east side of the building and use the door be-hind the white fenced playground.)

Questions? 256 883-6539 or malmcarl@hotmail.com

PRAYER CONCERNS

THE RECORD SPEAKS Sunday School……….134

Morning Worship…………160

Budget Update

Weekly Requirements $11,242 Last Sunday’s Offering $ 8,409

FEBRUARY 2

Molly Malone

FEBRUARY 3

Terri Caniglia, Bobby Crain, Brooks Phillips

FEBRUARY 4

Ray Tucker

FEBRUARY 6

Ruth Simmons

Peggy Segraves, in the death of her sister

Charlene Pinke, in the death of her cousin’s daughter Betty Rodkey

Cole, Courtney & Savannah Jeffreys

Gail Kiker in the death of her cousin’s daughter

Marian Aldridge

Harold Stott

Al Henderson

Jeff King, brother-in-law of Melanie Berbrier

David Hardin, father of Melanie Berbrier

Wallace Jordan

Brandy Lighthall

Alice Allred & Willodean Boyle, aunts of

Beverly Olmsted

Alice Caruso

Nancy Darden

Evelyn Maiden, mother of Sally Hershberger

Robin Nicola, cousin of Mary Dohrman, Hospice

James Perry, grandfather of Bonita Rodkey

John Terry

Meghan Still

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

THE CHURCH IN SERVICE Deacon on Call

Week of 01/29: Jeff Brothers Week of 2/5: Elaine Avery

TELLERS Debra Williams & Ernie Gilmer

NURSERY Terri Caniglia, Dawn and Vernon Cole

CHILDREN’S CHURCH Polly & Lillian Pinke

USHERS FOR FEBRUARY David Sharp Leader

Danny Biggs, David Ledbetter, Jim Harchanko, Bobby Williamson,

Herb Aderholdt

Atlanta Falcons vs

New England Patriots

YOUTH SUPER BOWL PARTY

at the Pinke’s house 5:30-8:30

Bring a game day snack

SEE YOU THERE

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3

Respite Care

6:00-10:00

4

5

YA - (children incl) Casa Blanca for

Lunch

Deacons Meeting 3:30

Youth - Super Bowl Party

5:30-8:30

6

Prayer Shawl

10:00

Youth Committee

6:00

7

8 9 10 11

12

Senior Adult/Youth Brunch after Worship

Sunday Evening Classes Begin

Serve at Mission

13 14

Happy

Valentine’s

Day

15 16 17 18

19

Youth Council 11:30

Youth in Worship

Arts Begin 4:45

20 21 22 23 24 25

26 Youth led

Worship Youth Cookout

following at Patrick’s house

YA- Pack Backpacks

11:30-1:00

27 28

Shrove Pancake Supper 5:30-7:00

EVERY WEDNESDAY

ESL 9:30-11:30 Fellowship Supper 5:30-6:00

Prayer Time 6:00 ESL 6:00-7:30

Mission Friends 6:00 Youth Life Groups 6:00 Adult Bible Study 6:15

Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:00

EVERY SUNDAY

Morning Prayers 8:30 Sunday School 9:00

Morning Worship 10:10

Evening Classes will resume in February

FEBRUARY

WHBC Education Professionals Recognized

Last week the Madison County Board of Education recognized its best teachers and support personnel. Weatherly is the only church in the county with three education professionals who were recognized. Give these a pat on the back:

Dawn Cole—Teacher of the Year at Hazel Green High School Kelly Freeman—Teacher of the Year at New Hope High School and Alternate Teacher of the Year for Madison County Melissa Lewallen (a visitor at WHBC)—Support Professional (nurse) of the Year at Riverton Elementary School

Handy's Happenings

Youth and Senior Adult Brunch

Sunday, February 12 following morning worship

Please sign up, call the church office or send an email to Handy if you wish to attend.

February Acolytes February 5--Blake and Cade West

February 12--Caleb and Cody Brothers February 19--Makinley Newby and Jesse Plesce

February 26--Hannah Long and Emie Little