MESSAGE FROM RICKY
Dear Friends,
My birthday is this week. I'm at that stage in my life that unless the age is a round number or qualifies me a discount, I don't really think about it much.
But I have seen so many of my kids' friends who've been celebrating birthdays in the midst of this pandemic and my heart goes out to them. No jump houses, no swimming parties, and no cupcakes at school! It's tough to mark those milestones without the normal fanfare. But I've noticed how people persevere in spite of this: arranging "drive by parties", singing happy birthday over face-time, and sending old-fashioned hand-written letters.
It reminds me that we will always find a way. That gives me hope each day. Even more so, as a follower of Jesus we should have extra hope, because in the midst of everything we have a God who makes a way out of no way; a way even through death itself.
If you're missing a celebration this spring, whether it's a birthday party, graduation, or a senior athletic season I know it can be discouraging. But you should still be proud of the accomplishments you've made. Our celebrations may look different right now, but soon we'll be able to party like before! In the mean time, be intentional in reaching out to one another to say: congrats, happy birthday, or job well done!
Grace and Peace,
Ricky
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As we continue in this unprecedented time of a global pandemic, we feel as if we are lost in a wilderness, unsure of what will happen next. Yet as we look to scripture, the wilderness has often been a place where the people of God learn profound truths. Over the next three weeks, we’ll look at three different moments of wilderness: a near defeat at the Red Sea, a prophet who skips-town during a famine, and finally a temptation to take the easy way out. In each moment we’ll seek to draw wisdom from the wilderness.
April 26@ 10am Online
1 Kings 17:1-16
Theme: The Prophet Elijah announces to the King that a great famine is coming, and then promptly skips-town. In the wilderness he learns to depend solely on God’s provisions: first in the form of birds, then in the unexpected generosity of a stranger.
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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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She is coming HOME!!
Submitted by Tom Smith
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After 100+ days, over 3 months in local hospitals, Linda Gee is coming HOME!
January 10th was a long time ago. Linda Gee has fought for her life since the accident. Her left leg will require constant care and eventually plastic surgery.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Don has been the only person allowed to visit Linda. Currently, Linda is at Methodist Rehabilitation Center.
Lynn Porter, a neighbor of the Gees is trying to organize the great folks in their neighborhood to come together and line the streets to wave and welcome Linda home (Southern Oaks Dr from the entrance to Charleston Ave and along that portion of Layfette Circle up to their residence).
Don Gee and Tom Smith will be bringing Linda home from the hospital this Wednesday April 22. Lynn is asking those who are willing to participate in welcoming Linda back home to text her so she can get word to each of you with the approximate time of her arrival back to the Southern Oaks neighborhood.
In addition, if you have any yellow ribbons or bows available in your home, it would be great to do some trees in their yard.
Contacts for more information: Tom Smith 601-572-0880 or Lynn Porter 601-573-2220
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Hang In There...
I trust you are all staying safe and hanging in there as we continue to navigate the uncharted waters we find ourselves in these days. For the next few weeks, we will be continuing the format of worship service that we started using Easter Sunday. I’ll be using videos from various music groups each week, as well as musical submissions by our organist and pianist. Hope you all enjoy!
Have a safe and wonderful week and I’ll be praying for you all! - Tommy Steadman
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Woman To Woman The Magazine which celebrates women in Mississippi has featured our own
Rev. Sharonda Medina in their March/April Issue. The article gives us a look at her education, developing career path, and family. We are grateful to have such a talented Mississippi Lady to assist in leading our congregation!
Thank you - Dr. Brenda Wilder for writing this interesting article.
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MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT / Weekday Ministry
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MESSAGE FROM JAMIE STEADMAN
Weekday Director
Our three year old classes had a wonderful visit from our city’s fire department back in February! They got to see the fire truck up close and climb in. They were shown all of the equipment firemen must wear to keep them safe. They were told that even though the firemen may look scary that they are there to help and to always go to them - and not to run away. They also showed our kids how to stay low and crawl underneath the smoke. It was a great visit. Thank you Clinton Fire Department!
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Thank You For Your
Continued Generosity!
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Re-directing the negative energy and fear of the current climate towards something positive is even more important these days. Seeing and sharing all kinds of togetherness, support, and selfless behavior creates movements of generosity. Thank you for continuing to give and make a positive contribution in this tense environment in order for First United Methodist to empower the ministry in our community, state, and world.
WEEKLY FINANCIALS
Received 4/12: $26,268
YTD Received: $307,889
YTD Need: $353,368
Difference: - ($45,479)
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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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SUNDAY SERVICE
Rev. Dr. Ricky James
New Series / Wisdom from the Wilderness
Scripture:
Title:
"Crossing The Red Sea"
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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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