MESSAGE FROM RICKY
Dear Friends,
We are all disappointed by the need to suspend in-person worship and activities for the time being. I remember vividly back in March when we all thought this would take a few weeks and then we'd back to "normal." As the weeks have given way to months, I know we are all tired, frustrated, and at times angry about all that we have lost.
Growing up, my mother taught me that whenever I was upset I should choose to do something productive. Rather than dwell on a problem I had no control over, find something to do to channel my frustration. I still do that today, whether it's a bike ride, cleaning out a closet, or calling a friend for a long conversation to catch up. When I do something productive I actually begin to feel better (it's one of the neat little things God designed within us all).
So, in the days when you feel frustrated, I want to give you some ideas of things to do that can make a big impact.
Give to our Christmas Stewpot Food Drive. We are committed to helping Stewpot reach its goal of feeding 800 families in Hinds County this Christmas. The next time you're at the grocery store, or picking out your Click-List items online, add some extra non-perishable items and drop them by the church. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can also send in a check to support this mission as well. Let's make sure no one goes hungry this Christmas.
Worship with us online each Sunday. We've got special services of worship and some fun surprises in store. Over the next few Sundays we'll continue our sermon series and present our annual music program. On Christmas Day we have an extra-fun Christmas Special for the whole family to enjoy. And, the next time you're watching, consider sharing it in on Facebook, so that others can see! It's the easiest evangelism you'll ever have to do!
Pray for those who are sick, those who have experienced a death of a loved one, and those who are on the frontlines fighting this virus. Prayer is powerful, and we believe it is our greatest tool as Christians. We have members of our congregation who are currently suffering with COVID, and many more who have lost friends and family to this terrible virus. They need our prayer. We have members who have lost jobs, had their work-hours reduced, or forced into difficult financial decisions. They need our prayer. We have members who are nurses, doctors, teachers, and first-responders. They need our prayer. Saying a prayer today may be the most important thing you accomplish all week!
Now, more than ever, I believe we are coming to the end of this pandemic. With new vaccines and enhanced therapies we truly can see the finish line. But as any long-distance runner can tell you, it's those last few miles that can often be the hardest. So don't give up when we're so close to the end. In the meantime, I encourage you to Give, Worship, and Pray. One more family fed, one more person who hears the Gospel, and one more life saved, all pleases the heart of God.
Grace and Peace,
Ricky
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CHRISTMAS MUSIC ONLINE PRESENTATION
As you know, we have suspended all in person worship and activities for the month of December due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases. We are filming the Christmas Music Program this week and it will be available on December 20 through our facebook page, our church website and YouTube Channel. We hope you will enjoy this seasonal music from our handbells, soloists, and accompanists. We will also be accompanied by a string quartet. Be sure to watch and worship with us every Sunday morning online at 10am.
Have a blessed and safe week and I'll see you all in virtual worship on Sunday!
In His Service,
Tommy
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
MOTHERS MORNING OUT TEACHER (Hourly Wage Position)
One Year Old Room 2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Employment Period:
January 5th – May 27th
Tuesday and Thursday (Weekly)
Hours:
8:30AM – 2:30PM
12 Hours/ Week
Position & Duties:
MMO One Year Old Teacher
Primary care giver and Teacher will provide a safe, loving environment through play activities, snack, learning times, lunch and nap time.
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Completed Form and
$60 Registration Fee
can be turned in to church office Monday – Friday 8AM to 4PM
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MMO SPRING OPENINGS
The Mother's Morning Out Program has enrollment openings for the Spring Semester (Jan 4 – May 27)
Program Details:
$140/ month for two days a week
$60 registration fee
Openings:
One Year Old’s
Tuesday/ Thursday
8:45AM – 1:45PM
Two Year Old’s
Monday/ Wednesday
8:45AM – 1:45PM
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OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE OTHERS |
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CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVE FOR STEWPOT |
Stewpot Community Services provides thousands of men, women, and children with hot meals, groceries, clothing, shelter, and other programs. Stewpot has a goal to provide 800 Christmas baskets for families in the community. Each basket includes a turkey and lots of non-perishable items.
We will be collecting canned goods and monetary donations through Friday, December 11th. There will be collection bins in both buildings and in the church office to drop off non-perishables.
Financial donations are also welcome. Just note: "Stewpot Christmas" on the memo line of your check. (The cost of a turkey is $15-$20 and a total basket cost is estimated at $50.)
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CHRISTMAS BACKPACKS
Shower Power is a specially designed mobile shower truck. The organization is on a mission to bring hospitality to the streets by delivering mobile hygiene services to people experiencing homelessness. You can help support their efforts by purchasing needed items to supply the shower truck and create backpacks filled with hygiene products and basic clothing essentials. If you would like to learn more about this organization contact Beverly Oliver or Vicki White. You can also visit their facebook page Shower Power MS.
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CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI CORRECTIONAL FACILITY CHRISTMAS GIFT BAGS
Submitted by Mike and Carol Norcom
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Thank you again for your generous giving which helped to fund the supplies needed for a Kairos Prison Ministry special project. As in years past, along with other churches, individuals, and groups, First Methodist Clinton completed Christmas gift bags to be distributed to the inmates at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility located in Rankin County.
The bags are quite simple and contain four items: shampoo, deodorant, a pair of crew socks, and a small zip bag of hard candies.
For some of the inmates with no family support, this will be the only Christmas gift they receive. Please continue to remember them in your prayers.
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KIDS MINISTRY PROJECT
CHRISTMAS CARD
Submitted by Nikki Parsons
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Due to this unique time during the holiday season, we’re asking kids of all ages to make Christmas cards for some special members of our church community! Be sure to get them turned in to the church office by Monday, December 14 so we can process and deliver the cards in time for Christmas! |
These cards were created by the Weekday Ministries Program last year and presented to our senior adults. |
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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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December 2020
December 6: $27,846
November 2020
Total Giving: $85,000
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October 2020
October Giving: $82,788
Other Income: $6,264
Total Income: $89,052
Oct. Expenses: $109,396
October Deficit: ($20,343)
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2020 Year to Date
Through October
YTD Giving: $849,895
Other Income: $86,460
YTD Total Income: $936,355
YTD Expenses: $1,043,134
YTD Deficit: ($106,778)
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YEAR END GIVING MESSAGE
Around this time of the year, you may have questions about end-of-year giving. First United Methodist receives a lot of contributions near the end of the year and we hope you will consider what you can do and here’s a brief summary of ways to give before year-end:
Giving Online
The fastest way to give is our secure online giving option. If you give online, all contributions made before midnight on December 31 will be listed in your 2020 contribution statement.
Giving by Check or Cash
If you are planning to give using a check (or cash), then your contribution must be received in the church office before January 1. The last Sunday offering of the year will be December 27.
Checks that are mailed to the church must be postmarked by December 30 to be listed in your 2020 contribution statement. You can also bring your contribution to the church office instead of mailing it, however the contribution must be received by 4:00pm on December 30 to be counted in your 2020 contribution statement. The church office hours for December 30 will be 8am to 4pm.
Giving of Appreciated Securities
A contribution of appreciated securities is a great way to give. For income tax purposes you receive a charitable contribution deduction and avoid capital gains tax. The paperwork is an easy process but does take time and probably should be initiated by December 16. Please call the church office should you have questions about this contribution option.
Giving from Your IRA
For those of you have an IRA and are over 70 and ½ years old you may want to consider making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to the church. All or a portion of your annual required minimum distribution from your IRA can be made as a QCD up to $100,000 annually. The paperwork for initiating a QCD is easy and you will not pay income taxes on the distribution as long as it is sent directly from the IRA administrator to the church.
If you have any questions about any of the above ways to give, please feel free to contact the church office. Finally, if you have not turned in a 2021 estimate of giving card, please download the card and submit or come by the church office to get your card. DOWNLOAD GIVING CARD
The decision to give to the church with your first gifts and best gifts is a commitment of loyalty and love. We are always grateful for your generosity that makes it possible for our church to be in ministry and mission in Clinton and around the world.
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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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In the midst of all the glitz and glitter of the season, we may lose sight of the earth-shattering news (literally) that in Jesus we see Heaven on Earth. As we prepare our hearts to once again rejoice over this Good News, perhaps we can be on the lookout for glimpses of heaven breaking out among us. |
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November 29 / Candle of Hope
Isaiah 64:1
“Tear Open the Heavens and
Come Down”
The people of Israel had longed for a messiah, a delivering King, who would rule in justice and peace. Isaiah is a bit bolder in his request. Not just for an earthly ruler, but a Divine King, who would tear open the heavens and bring a bit of down with him!
December 6 / Candle of Love
2 Peter 3:8-15
“A New Heaven and a New Earth”
Peter reminds us that the one who came in Jesus, will come again in Glory. Advent is a time of looking back and looking forward. When Heaven broke out, it wasn’t just to rearrange the furniture, but to remake everything: including Heaven and Earth.
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December 13 / Candle of Joy
John 1:6-9
“The True Light of the World.”
John takes us way back before the manger, to let us in on a world-changing secret, that the one we call Jesus, is a brighter star than all the rest, brighter even than the sun in the sky.
9AM Worship Service
The Sounds of the Season
Christmas Musical Presentation featuring a String Quartet, Angelicas Ringers, and Special Soloist
December 20 / Candle of Peace
Luke 1:26-28
“Nothing is Impossible”
When Mary is told she’s going to give birth to the messiah, she can’t believe it, it’s impossible. She’s the first to hear the Good News, that when Heaven comes to earth, anything is now possible.
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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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PASTORAL CARE INFORMATION
If you have an emergency need or need to speak
with a pastor please feel free to call.
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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