Dear Friends,
I grew up as a “church kid.” My mom was Sunday School Superintendent and it felt like anytime the church doors were open we were there! My sister and I both went into the ministry. Me as a pastor, and she is an Executive Director for the United Methodist Women’s global offices in New York. It would be hard to imagine my family life without church, which has made this week all the more surreal without being able to physically gather.
But I remember a song I learned as a child at Parkway Heights UMC in Hattiesburg…
The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the CHURCH IS THE PEOPLE!
I always believed that, but I’ve experienced that in a powerful way this week. The “church” is not the place we gather, but it is instead the people; the body of Christ called by the Holy Spirit to glorify God the Father.
This week we have been forced to do “church” in a new way. But we have still been the church! We have connected with people over Facebook, sent out videos, emails, and even gotten old-fashioned and picked up the telephone. Members have run to get groceries for each other, picked up mail, and called just to check in. It’s different, but it’s a reminder, just like that children’s song teaches, “
I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together!”
You can help us continue to be the church for each other and our community by doing the following things:
1) Pray for healthcare workers, those facing job losses and slowdowns, and those who are sick.
2) Call or text your friends, check on one another and encourage one another.
3) Let us know if you or someone else needs help. There is a form on the website that you can fill out or call our Pastoral Care Line at 601-460-0570.
4) Continue to financially give to the church if you can. We still have our ongoing expenses, we’re still financially supporting our missionaries, and we still want to be able to respond to the needs of our community. Your gifts to our general operating fund make that possible. You can mail your check to the church or give securely online (
CLICK HERE
). Thank you for your generosity.
While it looks like this uncertainty will last for some time, what is certain is that we will be the church no matter what. Sometimes the simplest lessons we learn as children are the most profound:
I am the Church, You are the Church, We are the Church together!
All who follow Jesus, All around the world, Yes we’re the Church together!
Grace and Peace,
Ricky
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SHARE YOUR REQUEST
Our church continues to serve our congregation and community during this season. If you have a prayer request or if you, or someone you know, has a need complete a short request form (click on button). These requests will be reviewed by our Pastoral team.
Pastoral Care Line 601-460-0570
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS &
NOTES OF APPRECIATION
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Scheduled committee meetings will be postponed during this time.
Please watch for emails from the chairperson of the committee that you are serving for rescheduling.
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The annual garage sale fundraiser will be rescheduled. Please hold off on any large item donations until further notice. If you have smaller items to donate please contact Mike Norcom or Patty Fyke to arrange donation drop off.
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THANKFUL FOR TEAMWORK & THE DEDICATION TO CREATING WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES -
MUCH APPRECIATION TO THE ENTIRE SUNDAY MORNING PRODUCTION TEAM MEMBERS!
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Image submitted by Linda McBrayer
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We have volunteers sewing masks to donate to healthcare providers! Does anyone have 1/4 inch elastic you would like to donate to this project? We can pick up on people's doorstep with no contact. If you are able to help please contact Sharonda.
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MESSAGE FROM REV. SHARONDA MEDINA
FACEBOOK LIVE EVENT
We are going LIVE again on Facebook Wednesday night at 6pm! We'll check-in, give updates, and then have a discussion about Sunday's sermon "The Palace". If you missed the message, click on the button below to catch up.
SMALL GROUP ONLINE GATHERINGS
Several of our Sunday School classes met ONLINE Sunday morning using the ZOOM app. If your class has any questions or ideas about ways to connect during this time please contact me this week.
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LENTEN LUNCH MEDITATIONS - Virtual Meeting
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Visit our website for the Lenten Lunch Meditation on Tuesday or visit our facebook page.
Weekly Topic & Speakers
March 24: “My God, why have you forsaken me.” (Mark 15:34)
Rev. Dave Steveline
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March 31: “I Thirst” (John 19:28)
Tommy Steadman and Tom Edwards
April 7: “It is Finished/Into your Hands” (John 19:30, Luke 23:46)
Rev. Dr. Ricky James
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The Youth ministry is staying connected to our students in various ways. Our main form of communication at this time will be our Student YouTube channel. By subscribing to our channel you will have access to sermons, small group discussion questions, and the latest announcements for our students and their families to stay in the loop!
Find us on YouTube at First United Methodist Students Clinton, MS or simply click on the subscribe button below.
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By the time that you all read this, we will have had our first livestream Sunday morning worship services. In this uncertain time that we are living, it is our prayer that you may find an anchor in the familiarity of our worship as we carry on in the best way that we can. It is important to remember that God is still with us and wants only the best for each of us. I certainly don't know why this is all happening, but I do know that now is the time for us to cling even tighter to the hand of God. So as you worship remotely each Sunday, please pray for our church leaders, our civic leaders, and our nation, and may you find a Solid Rock to stand on in the midst of the storm.
Have a great week and may God be with you till we meet again!
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Psalm 56:3-4
David tells of his strategy for combatting fear.
When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I am not afraid.
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Continuing GENEROSITY
Remember this situation is temporary. Our church will continue to serve our congregation and community. We encourage you to continue to be a part of the ministry – the need for the support you give to impact ministry in our community and around the world continues despite the pandemic.
Watch your email for opportunities to serve individually or in smaller groups. Please continue your financial support of the work of the church. Many of you have set up your tithes and offerings to be automatically given. If you haven’t, you can give your contribution securely online or you can mail a check to the church: 100 Mt. Salus Drive Attn: Finance Office.
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The Voice
is our weekly update for the latest announcements, ministry activities and event information at First United Methodist Church.
Want to know more about us? Head on over to our website, Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. If you missed last week's sermon, you can catch up by visiting our sermon archives. See You on Sunday!
We are so glad that you are interested in the ministry of First Methodist Clinton!
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Missed this one? You can catch up online!
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Scripture:
Matthew 27:11-26
Title:
The Palace
Each week during Lent we will look at one moment in the last day of Jesus’ earthly life, reflecting on what happens, who is there, and, sometimes, who isn’t there.
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PASTORAL CARE INFORMATION
If you have an emergency need or need to speak with a pastor outside of church
office hours, please feel free to call 601-460-0570.
The number will reach one of our pastors who will be able to respond to you immediately.
Pastoral Care Number: 601-460-0570
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Submitting information for The Voice:
All content submitted is subject to approval and editing. Thank you for your cooperation!
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