JANUARY 16, 2024

MESSAGE FROM JIMMY

Hey Guys,

I’ve got three things for you this week.

1. Games: Our family enjoys playing games. With the frigid temperatures outside this week, we gathered around the fireplace and broke out Uno and Clue. Caroline is probably the best at Uno, but I go straight-up detective mode when it comes to Clue! The freezing weather provides a fantastic opportunity to slow down and connect as a family. Why not take advantage of it?

2. Bible Reading Plan: Have you started a Bible reading plan yet? I want to encourage you to get a plan and set goals this year to read the Word of God. Last year, I read from Genesis through Nehemiah. I am going to read the New Testament this year. There are tons of reading guides online. They will even read the Bible to you on your morning and evening commute! Here are two apps I enjoy - The Bible App and He Reads Truth/She Reads Truth.

3. Ministry Council Meeting: This Sunday our Ministry Council will meet at 12:15 p.m. in the worship center to discuss recent changes the Conference Board of Trustees made to its timelines regarding the Paragraph 2549 Closure Process. These timelines have an impact on churches that wanted to “wait and see” what happens at the General Conference, which will be held April 23-May 3, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is NOT a town hall, but an open Ministry Council meeting. Any church member may attend to receive the information.

This week in worship…

“Lord of Creation”

Mark 4:35-41

“He speaks and the sound of his voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing” (Hymn, In the Garden). Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him? Jesus is revealed to be the Lord of Creation as he commands the storm to be still. If Jesus can calm nature’s fury, what about the storms in my life?

Hope to see you Sunday!

Jimmy

TOP 3 AT FIRST UMC

OPEN ALTAR FLOWERS DATES

Don't miss out signing up for altar flowers! Below are open dates for altar flowers through May 2024. Please let Dianne know if you would like to reserve a spot. The cost is $45.00.

February and March open dates:

1 slot - 2/11

2 slots - 2/25

2-slots - 3/10

April and May open dates:

2 slots - 4/7

2 slots - 4/14

2 slots - 4-28

1 slot -5/1

2 slots - 5/26

SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES

Mark your calendar now for Wednesday night suppers and small groups coming back on January 24th, just a week later than anticipated due to the weather this week! Meal reservations are kindly requested so that our cook teams can properly prepare.

On Wednesdays at 6 PM, join Pastor Jimmy in the worship center for a bible study.

On Friday mornings, join Cynthia Street at 10 AM in the worship center for an exercise program.

College students, we will continue meeting at Cups this semester! Contact Katie if you need the details!

YOU'RE INVITED!

You're invited to a time of conversation and fellowship at an upcoming “Chat and Chew 2.0 with Bishop Lewis" coming to a church near you. In 2023, clergy and laity were invited to join the Bishop at the Chat and Chews so that we could get to know her. This time around, beginning in January 2024, she wants to get to know us. Simply click on the image to the right and watch a video to learn more details.

Please note, we are hosting a Chat and Chew on Saturday February 17, 10:00-12:30 PM.

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

BASKETBALL IS BACK

By Katie Giedd

Upward Basketball has started, and we are already two weeks in! For the next seven weeks, over 195 kids will come through the gym doors to play basketball in a Christ-centered environment. We host a total of over 400 people each Saturday! To be sure, this is a ministry field. We have less than 10 of our kids playing basketball – think of the opportunities for evangelism and hospitality that we have with Upward Basketball. While many kids and families who play already have church homes, there are plenty of families who do not have a church home – even some who may not know Christ as their Savior!

If you would like to financially give to the Upward Basketball program so that we can continue to have an active presence among the kids in our community, we would appreciate it! Simply denote in the memo line (check or online) that it’s for “basketball" or "upward."

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

MENU:

JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP DINNER!

The serving line opens at 5:15 pm and closes at 5:45 pm. Reservations must be in by NOON on Monday prior to the Wednesday night dinner.

Adult Meal - $8.00
Salad Bar - $8.00
Potato Bar - $5.00
Kids Meal - $5.00
Pizza (when offered) - $2.00 per slice
Family Maximum - $40

MENUS:

NOTE: ALL MEALS ARE SERVED WITH A DESSERT

January 24th

Taco soup, cornbread, side salad, dessert; kids meal: pizza

January 31st

Smothered Chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, roll, dessert; kids meal: pizza

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST

SHARE YOUR REQUEST

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.

Prayer Request Update: If you have requested a loved one or friend to be placed on the church wide prayer list and they no longer are needing prayers, please call the church office or email info@firstmethodistclinton.org for removal. The people who are on the Church Prayer Request are added by the request of church members.

Pastoral Care Line 601-460-0570

Download Prayer List