FEBRUARY 13, 2024

MESSAGE FROM JIMMY

I have three more awesome things for you this week.

1. Will you give me ten minutes? Next week on Monday, February 19th and Tuesday, February 20th our Ministry Council will enter an intensive time of conversation, prayer, and discernment. I have challenged our church leaders to find consensus on a way forward for our church around the question: What is best for our church – stay UMC or leave the UMC? They will make their recommendation the week before you vote on March 3rd. I will ask you on Sunday to sign up for a 10-minute slot to pray for our leaders while they meet. It will help with your anxiety and help them know they are supported. You will receive a prayer guide to help. I need my prayer warriors to step up!

2. Date nights are awesome! Valentine’s Day is Wednesday the same day as Ash Wednesday – not exactly a great day night. I guess instead of imposing ashen crosses on our foreheads we could do hearts. I mean God so loved the world that he sent us his only son. Maybe we will stick to the crosses. Anyway. I would like to encourage you over the next 7 days to find time for a date night with your spouse. Investing in your relationship is worth it!

3. Nerds Gummy Clusters. I love candy. The benefit of having a teenage daughter is she always has an amazing candy suggestion. She came in with a bag of these Nerds Gummy Clusters the other day, and I couldn’t stop eating them. Try them or gift them…here is the link.

This Sunday in worship…

“Follow Me”

Mark 1:14-20; 8:31-38

Part two of this series through the Gospel of Mark orients us toward a journey of discipleship. Mark makes clear that if we want to know Jesus we must follow him. As we follow, we encounter his presence and grow in our understanding of who he is and who we are as his disciples.

I hope to see you Sunday.

Jimmy

TOP 2 AT FIRST UMC

CHAT AND CHEW

Bishop Lewis is going across the Annual Conference to get to know all of the churches at an event known as "Chat and Chew 2.0."

Clinton First United Methodist Church has the honor of hosting our district's Chat and Chew on February 17, 2024, in the sanctuary beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 12:30 p.m. We hope you'll join us that day as the Bishop takes time to get to know the churches throughout the state.

LENTEN LUNCHES

This Lenten season we hope you’ll join us for our weekly Lenten lunches from 12-1 pm in the gym. Each week, the circles of Clinton First host by providing the table decorations and desserts. We hope you’ll join us for a brown bag lunch from home or from your favorite Clinton restaurant as we enjoy the teaching from some incredible speakers.

February 20th, Rev. Chad Bowen, Pastor at Forest and Independence UMC

February 27th, Rev. Suzannah Grubbs Carr, Associate Pastor at Galloway UMC

March 5th, Rev. Dave Steveline, retired Pastor of Pastoral Care at Clinton First

March 12th, Rev. Haven Boyd, Associate Pastor at Parkway Hills UMC

March 19th, Rev. Sapada Thomas, Pastor at Central Jackson UMC

March 26th, Rev. Maxine Bolten, Chaplain at Methodist Rehab

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

UPWARD IN THE FINAL STRETCH

Every week during the upward season, I spend about eight hours every Saturday in the gym, give or take a trip to Starbucks or Chick Fil A. It leads to a lot of conversations about how the program has grown over the years. We're in our third season of hosting the city's only basketball league, and the need for the sport just continues to increase. We've actually completely run out of space and open times for practices to be held. Every time I think about that, I am reminded of just how many kids are getting to come into God's house during the season, and how some of them do not often hear the Gospel preached. I know the Lord is using the devotional times and times in community to make a difference in their lives. I'm just grateful to be a part of such Kingdom work!

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
Kid Meal - $5.00
Pizza (when offered) - $2.00 per slice
Family Maximum - $40

MENUS:

NOTE: ALL MEALS ARE SERVED WITH A DESSERT

February 14th

Homemade lasgana, roasted carrots, green beans, salad, bread, dessert; pizza is available

February 21st

Chicken strips, baked potato, side salad, bread, dessert; pizza is available

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 [email protected] 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