MESSAGE FROM RICKY
Dear Friends,
If you had asked me back in March if we would still be dealing with Coronavirus in August, I would have said, "no way!" It seems that we are in a perpetual state of waiting for this to all be over. As a parent of two young kids (who desperately want to go back to school!) I know that "waiting" is something that everyone struggles with.
This coming Sunday, I'm going to begin a new sermon series on waiting, looking to scripture to teach us how to wait, what to do while we're waiting, and finding hope that our waiting will not last forever.
In the meantime, while we wait, the ministry of the church still goes on. We're preparing to reopen our Preschool, MMO, and After-School programs this month. Next Sunday afternoon, we'll host a drive through blessing of the backpacks! Last Sunday, we had a great turnout for our Shower Power collection for this important ministry to the homeless. Small groups are continuing to meet virtually and in person (with appropriate precautions).
Make sure you keep reading this and future editions of the VOICE for more information on ways you can serve and connect while we "wait." I've stopped trying to predict the when and how of life, but I know that in God's good time, all will be well.
Grace and Peace,
Ricky
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NEW BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITY & RESOURCES
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6 WEEK ZOOM BIBLE STUDY
The Community of the King
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A new Bible Study Opportunity
Tuesday Evenings @ 6:30pm
July 21st-August 25th
Led by: Genny Seeley
Church member Genny Seeley will be leading a
six-week Bible study focused on The Community
of the King by Howard A. Synder.
The study will meet via Zoom at 6:30pm on Tuesday evenings July 21st-August 25th. The study will explore the nature of the kingdom of God and its implication for the church. No book is required for the study. For more information or to sign-up click on the JOIN button below. You may also contact Genny by phone at
601-708-1328.
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What would life be without music?
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The ancient Greek philosopher Plato once made the statement that "this new music is promoting the moral degeneracy of adolescents." So you see, the concerns about questionable lyrics, syncopations, rhythmic pulses, etc. are not limited to the present age!
We have always used music to enhance and reflect the things that are most important to us. What would a wedding be without music? What would Christmas be without music? What would worship be without music? What would life be without music?
In these strange days of COVID, we are getting just a small taste of that as it relates to music and gatherings. It has become even more obvious to me that music is a part of our soul, a part of the very essence of mankind.
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Also, what is new is not necessarily bad, just different. We're learning that lesson about many things in many different ways lately. I, too, hope that we will be able to gather as a church very soon, but in the meantime, let's all continue singing and lifting up the name of Jesus, even if it's just one voice at a time.
Have a blessed week and I'll see you all in virtual worship on Sunday.
In His Service,
Tommy
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ANNOUNCEMENTS & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY
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WEEKDAY MINISTRIES EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Submitted by Jamie Steadman
HOURLY CHILD CARE POSITION / JOB OPENING
Individuals will work with K through 5th grade children on a daily basis Monday through Friday starting in August. Applications which are available at the church office (Monday - Friday 8AM - Noon) will be accepted through the end of July.
CALL OUT FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS
As you may have seen, the Clinton Public School District has announced its plan to restart in-person instruction for students this August. While this is good news for thousands of parents and students, the way school is beginning presents a new challenge. For the month of August, CPSD schools will meet in a hybrid format, with students only attending in-person two days a week. For the remaining three days each week, our weekday parents will need all day childcare for their students. The plan is for this to continue only for August, after which schools will return to a fully traditional schedule.
The Weekday Ministry is asking for anyone in our congregation who is willing to take a “short-term mission trip” and become a childcare volunteer to contact the main office or our director,Jamie Steadman, with your availability.
You would join a team of others providing supervision to students from Kindergarten through 5th Grade. You don’t need any prior teaching experience; just patience, the willingness to be up on your feet a fair amount, and the health to be outside for 45 minutes at a time for recess.
We need coverage Monday -Friday from 7am to 6pm, but you don’t have to work the whole day or every day. Any time you could commit would be appreciated immensely!
For a “no commitment conversation” please email or call Ricky James at
With the start of school less than a month away we need to be prepared! So, let us know today if you’re able to help us out!
SUZANNE ELAINE SHAW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The scholarship fund was established June 5, 1988 in memory of Suzanne Elaine Shaw. Begun at Epworth United Methodist Church, the scholarship was transferred to First United Methodist Clinton in 2010.
Recipients of the scholarship must be students pursuing a degree either in the medical profession or a full time Christian vocation.
A special offering each year supplements the principal of the fund. While we have been unable to hold the special offering this year, you may donate to the scholarship fund by sending your gift to the church office.
Interested students may pick-up an application in the church office or download an application [
APPLICATION
].
Return completed applications to Ricky James via email or at the church office.
Deadline to return application is August 15, 2020.
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BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS
Blessing of the Backpacks service on August 9th. In lieu of that, we will offer a drive-up Blessing of the Backpacks on Sunday, August 9th from 12:30pm-2:30pm. Drive through the parking area located on the Mt. Salus Drive side at the Family Life Building/Gym, remain in your vehicle and prayer will be offered. We hope that all students any age, teachers and school staff / administration will participate on Sunday. Whether you have a diaper bag, backpack, teacher bag, or are learning from home, come for a blessing!
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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.
Please review the prayer list download. If you would like to add to the prayer list please continue to use our digital form for submission which can be accessed by clicking on the link in this email or on our website.
Pastoral Care Line 601-460-0570
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August 2020
August 2: $23,611
July 2020
Total Giving: $70,462
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June 2020
June Giving: $111,851
Other Income: $9,719
Total Income: $121,570
June Expenses: $104,178
June Surplus: $17,392
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2020 Year to Date
Through June
YTD Giving: $529,610
Other Income: $59,029
YTD Total Income: $588,639
YTD Expenses: $631,239
YTD Deficit: ($42,600)
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Thank You For Your Continued Generosity!
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Missed last week? You can catch up online!
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New Series Begins Sunday - The Waiting
Rev. Dr. Ricky James
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PASTORAL CARE INFORMATION
If you have an emergency need or need to speak with a pastor
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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