Dear Friends,
One of the challenges I’ve discovered in this time of pandemic is finding a routine. Things change on a weekly, and sometimes, daily basis. Previously our house had an expected rhythm: get up, eat, get dressed, go to work/school, eat dinner, bath, bedtime! (Repeat). Now we’re struggling to remember what time it is or what day it is. Without these rhythms and routines we sometimes feel like we’ve lost our anchor. If you’re feeling like that, this week might provide a familiar rhythm to reorient yourself.
This week is Holy Week, and it will be unlike any other we’ve celebrated before. Although we are unable to gather in person, we will provide video versions of our special services. We began with Palm Sunday (which you can watch now if you missed it yesterday). On Tuesday at Noon we will finish with our last word from the cross of Christ: It is Finished. On Thursday at 6 p.m., we will remember the Last Supper. On Friday at Noon, we will offer a Tenebrae Service of Darkness as we hear the passion story read once again. I take comfort in remembering that Christians have celebrated this exact same rhythm for nearly two-thousand years in the midst of famines, pandemics, and wars!
Finally, we will celebrate with a special Easter Service at 10:00am. In spite of all the bad news we are enduring, the GOOD NEWS is that Jesus has conquered death and opened the way to life eternal. And no matter what, that is worth celebrating!
Grace and Peace,
Ricky
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
TUESDAY
LENTEN MEDITATION
April 7@Noon
Available on
Facebook & Website
|
|
MAUNDY THURSDAY
SERVICE
April 9 @6PM
Available on
Facebook & Website
|
|
GOOD FRIDAY
SERVICE
April 10 @Noon
Available on
Facebook & Website
|
|
|
|
APRIL 12 @ 10 AM
REV. DR. RICKY JAMES
ONE WORSHIP SERVICE
Available on Facebook & Website
|
|
WAYS THAT YOU ARE CONNECTING
|
|
Stay Connected on Facebook
Our Facebook page has the latest updates, videos, and pictures from our congregation weekly. Through our page we hope to
create more connection between the church and members during this time of distancing.
|
|
|
COLLEGE & CAREER MINISTRY
|
|
 |
Dani Henderson has been taking care of her family’s chickens while at home, but said
“I. Miss. My. Peoples!”
|
|
|
|
Melanie Sistrunk is practicing her baking skills to keep from being bored!
|
|
|
|
Rachel Rogers said
“So far my family and I are handling everything well and we are healthy.”
Caitlin Lacey, a recent MC grad working as a PICU nurse at UMMC, said
“I miss y’all so so much! But, work is going great, and it helps knowing I’m making a difference!”
Jenna Miller said
“I miss y’all, too! It’s honestly been quite a trip doing nursing school online, but we are making it happen.”
|
|
|
|
Digital Easter Eggspedition
Submitted by Sarah Kate, Kids Ministry Director
Our Digital Easter Eggspedition pictures are coming in! Check out our Facebook page to see how each family’s hunt went. I’m so thankful that even during this time, we’re able to connect in unique ways!
Our Kids Min Sunday School lesson was on the second half of the Prodigal Son's story & our Confirmands walked through Spiritual Disciplines. Below are the video links if your family missed out!
|
I had a blast receiving all the fun and creative Digital Eggspedition photos! Check out some of our pictures and be sure to head over to our Facebook page to see them all
! -SK
|
|
|
During this time of social distancing,
let's capitalize on the space to implement new spiritual disciplines & rhythms
into our lives.
|
|
|
|
Today we are talking about
"The Prodigal Son" taken from the
Jesus Storybook Bible!
|
|
|
|
Surprise! Surprise!
Submitted by Jamie Steadman, Weekday Director
Once you read this, we will have had our fabulous weekday program surprise! Friday, we had three spectacular drive thru parades - one for each part of our weekday program. It was pushed all into one day in order to abide by the stay at home order which began on Friday at 5PM.
Don’t worry - we didn’t enter the buildings or get within six feet of each other. MMO was first thing in the morning, Preschool before lunch, and ASC late afternoon. Our super excited teachers held their prepared signs and waved at their lovely students from a safe distance as they passed by in their cars.
Our preschool teachers are doing a fabulous job reaching out to our students and their families where they are. We will share pics of the drive thru on Friday, but until then stay home and stay safe.
Continue to join me in praying for each of our weekday families and all of our staff during this time.
|
|
|
|
Yesterday, Palm Sunday, should have been the annual Easter music program for our Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra. Covid-19 changes many things, though. As we live into being the church in the unusual days, may we strive to keep a song in our hearts. With all of the negative news reports, just be mindful that some things do not change. Jesus is still our Lord and He is still on His throne, so as we go through this Holy Week, may we remember how He sacrificed and suffered for us. I hope you will enjoy every opportunity this week as we build up to a triumphant Easter Sunday morning different from any we have ever experienced. Yet the message will be the same! Jesus has died, Jesus has risen, Jesus will come again! Have a blessed week!
|
|
|
|
Continuing GENEROSITY
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.
|
|
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!
|
|
Missed this one? You can catch up online!
|
The Last Day Series
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.
Scripture:
John 19:38-42
Title:
The Aftermath
Theme:
What can we learn from the hours after Jesus’ death. Who’s there, who’s missing, and what might we have done?
|
|
|
|
|
Prayer List for Week of April 6
|
Our church continues to serve our congregation and community during this season. If you have a prayer request or you know someone that has a need please let us know by clicking on the request button (ABOVE). Remember when requesting prayer for someone other than your immediate family please ask permission to publish before submitting the name of the person.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
Submitting information for The Voice:
All content submitted is subject to approval and editing. Thank you for your cooperation!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
