MESSAGE FROM RICKY
Dear Friends,
The word "Advent" means "arrival." It is a season of the church that looks in two directions. First, it looks back into the past, to celebrate the arrival of Jesus, born as a child more than 2000 years ago. Second, it looks to the future, to remind us that the child who arrived in the midst of a troubled world has promised to return again to set everything right. It is a "both/and" celebration.
The Christian life is full of these "both/and" kind of realities. We are sinners and at the same time we are forgiven! The Kingdom of God has come and is coming. Death is a reality and Death is defeated in Jesus!
And so, we enter into the season of Advent this week, looking in two directions. Looking back in joy, and looking forward in hope.
I pray that you experience the "both/and" of this season!
Grace and Peace,
Ricky
[email protected]
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MESSAGE FROM KATIE
Hi there,
For some reason, even after 29 years of life, I never expect for the holiday season to be busy. I never anticipate a jam-packed schedule. And yet, as I look toward this weekend, I see a jam-packed schedule. Granted, I am the kind of person who loves to be busy; I adore having plans and having a full calendar. And boy do we have a lot of options for socializing this weekend at church events both on campus and off! On Thursday, all of the ladies are invited for a girls' night out at the Santa Claus Crawl (just look in the adult ministry section for the link to purchase tickets).
On Saturday morning, we will be working at a hydration station for the Yule Run, so if you're running, be on the lookout for us! Also on Saturday, we will meet on the front steps of MC before the parade to tailgate! Come ready for hot cocoa and watch the annual parade with your church family! Sunday evening, ladies in the church and from the community will gather around for a ladies' night out to support our youth ministry. We have so many options for fellowship this weekend! I hope you'll make it to at least one event!
Blessings,
Katie
[email protected]
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Sounds of the Season
This past Sunday, we entered the season of Advent and with that, we will be hearing Christmas music from every corner of the world. As we are shopping and going about your busy lives, may we all be mindful and remember the real reason for the season...the birth of our Savior, Jesus. As His people, we should celebrate this with thankful hearts and with joyful songs. You'll get many opportunities to do this at church each Sunday as we move toward Christmas day. Two opportunities will be on December 18 at morning worship, as our Sanctuary Choir has their annual "Sounds of the Season" program, and again that afternoon, as the children of our church have their Christmas play and music program. But every Sunday we will be hearing from other soloists and bell choirs, as well as our congregational hymns celebrating His birth. May this be a joyous time for you and your and I'll see you all in worship on Sunday!
In His Service,
Tommy
[email protected]
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT
FELLOWSHIP & DISCIPLESHIP
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JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP DINNER
The serving line opens at 5:15pm. Reservations must be in by NOON on Monday prior to the Wednesday night dinner.
MENUS:
NOTE: ALL MEALS ARE SERVED WITH A DESSERT
November 30th
BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Baked Beans, Asian Cole Slaw, and Potato Salad
December 7th
Church Wide Potluck
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- Adult Meal - $8.00
- Salad Bar - $8.00
- Potato Bar - $5.00
- Kids Meal - $5.00
- Pizza - $2.00 per slice
- Family Maximum - $30
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Fall 2022 Discipleship Guide
Check out our discipleship guide, found at various places around the campus or click on the button to download a view for the fall semester offerings of the weekday and Wednesday night small group and spiritual formation options we have available.
Please reach out to Katie if you have any questions or need help getting plugged in! You can reach her by email click the email button.
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ADVENT BIBLE STUDY TOOL
We are offering a new Advent Bible Study tool this holiday season. Written by Dan Wilt, Roots: Advent and the Family Story of Jesus walks the readers through the ancestry of the Lord, as we discover the roots of Jesus’ family tree. Wilt takes us back through the roots of the King born in a manger, full of sinners and saints alike and what this means for us as followers of Christ. This study can be utilized in a variety of ways, by way of a personal at home study, through Sunday school lessons or by small groups. Each study is $10.00 and can be purchased in the church office or on Wednesday evenings during our fellowship dinner beginning on November 10th. Feel free to reach out to Katie for any questions you have!
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FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING | |
The final Finance Committee meeting of the year has been scheduled for
December 18 at 2:00pm in the Rasberry Room.
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Upward Basketball Is Back!
Our league is open to 1st through 6th grade boys and girls. Registration is $65 and payable through the Upward website. Click on the Player Registration Button.
Games will be held in the Family Life Building /Gym on Saturdays, beginning January 14th! The season will last eight weeks and conclude on March 4.
Register your players today! Also, if you are interested in coaching, there is a registration button to volunteer.
THE BIG PICTURE FOR UPWARD SPORTS:
UPWARD Sports views sports through the lens of a greater purpose – which means the impact can extend far beyond the game. Sports break down barriers and creates a powerful catalyst for our church to build relationships and serve others.
All children deserve opportunities to be active, learn and have fun! That’s why the Upward program values co-creating new and different play experiences to welcome and reach all children.
Based on Luke 2:52, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” our experiences are designed to equip churches to engage the whole athlete – mind, body, spirit and soul.
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Thank you to everyone who donated items for the Kids Ministry "Hanging of the Greens". The children and their families had so much fun making ornaments and paper chains, decorating the tree and learning about Advent. | |
SAVE THE DATE &
COME TO THE MANGER
The Kids Ministry will be presenting their Christmas Program on December 18th. If your kiddos would like to participate here is a list of the practice dates:
November 27, December 4, December 11
at 5 pm in the sanctuary.
All kids ages kindergarten-6th are invited to participate.
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MESSAGE FROM NICK
Breakthru is back! Our youth group will attend BreakThru December 29th – January 1st . This will be a special year at Timber Creek because they will be celebrating 45 years since the beginning of Breakthru by looking back to all the lives that have been deeply impacted throughout the years.
The theme this year is Come Follow Me. Throughout the weekend we will be reminded that we are invited by Jesus to join him on a life long journey. If you would like to be apart of this weekend signup today and be a part of this special year at Breakthru!
We still need small group leaders to make this happen! Reach out to Nick if you're interested. Click on the link to get all the information that you need.
https://firstmethodistclinton.org/breakthru/#reg
< BreakThru Registration >
Youth Ministry Prayer Breakfast
Come join us each Tuesday at 7am at Chick-Fil-A for encouragement and fellowship!
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DECEMBER LUNCHEON
A Christmas Party themed Luncheon for Adults will be held Tuesday, December 6 in the Family Life Building at 11:30am. Please join your Adult church family and friends for a great time of food, fellowship and devotion. Your reservation is needed. Please contact
Nel Joyner at 601-985-7812, email [email protected] by Sunday, Dec. 4th.
Christmas festive attire ( casual Christmas themed clothes ) are encouraged or just come
as you are! Hope to see then!
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CIRCLE MEETINGS / WOMEN'S MINISTRY | |
CIRCLE MEETINGS
Naomi Circle
Barbara Gibbons [email protected] 214-208-1857
Gathering Information:
3rd Tuesday of the month in Fellowship Parlor at 5:30 pm
Marion Lyons Circle
Pam McCord [email protected] 601-316-1752
Gathering Information:
Last Monday of the month in Sanctuary Parlor at 5:45 pm
Grace Circle
Dianne Carson [email protected] 601-924-2443
Gathering Information:
2nd Tuesday of the month in Fellowship Parlor at 10am
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SANTA CLAUS CRAWL / GIRLS' NIGHT OUT
Calling all the ladies! On December 1st, we are having a First United Methodist Girls' Night Out! We will be attending the Santa Claus Cider Crawl in Olde Town Clinton. Tickets are $25.00 in advance ($30 the day of) and can be purchased by clicking on the PURCHASE TICKET button.
We will plan to meet at the Chamber of Commerce tent near 303 Jefferson around 6:15 PM!
Here's a more formal description of what the Santa Claus Crawl is from the Chamber's Facebook event page:
Join Main Street Clinton for a stroll on the brick streets while sipping cider with Santa and discover all that Olde Town has to offer! Each guest will take home a keepsake mug and be eligible for great door prizes from participating businesses. Tickets are $25 dollars for early registration and $30 the day of the crawl.
The After Party will be held at the Olde Town Depot from
8 - 9 p.m. where the door prizes will be given away by Santa with help from the business owners. There will heavy snacks and drinks from local restaurants.
Shop local this Holiday season and support your community and neighbors!
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Grab a ticket and a friend, and come join us
as we celebrate
the Holiday season
together.
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LADIES NIGHT OUT IS GETTING CLOSER
Event Almost Sold Out... Hurry & Get Your Ticket
Christmas Under the Stars is scheduled for Sunday, December 4 with special guest speaker, Barbie Bassett. The special event
helps to raise funds for our youth ministry.
Please contact the church office if you would like to purchase a ticket. If you would like to contribute a door prize or items for the Silent Auction please contact Vickie White.
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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
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NOVEMBER 2022
Weekly Giving Need: $22,608
November 6 Giving: $25,994
November 13 Giving: $5,544
November 20 Giving: $20,748
November 27 Giving: $11,425
Other Income: $8,105
Total Income: $71,816
OCTOBER 2022
October Total Giving: $89,023
Other Income: $104,342
Total Income: $193,365
Year to Date through September 2022
Total Giving: $673,661
Other Income: $105,527
Total Expenses: $(999,319)
YTD Deficit: $(220,131)
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Attendance Report
November 27th
Traditional: 140
Connection: 69
Online: 92
TOTAL WORSHIP: 301
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ADVENT SERMON SERIES
HARK! The Herald Angels Sing
The word angel means “messenger.” God sends his messengers to announce the birth of the messiah to an old priest, a humble girl, a nervous fiancé, and tired shepherds. These angels proclaim that the world would change forever and invites us to join in sharing their Good News.
November 27- Luke 1:5-20- Gabriel and Zechariah
In his old age, Zechariah assumed there would be no more surprises in his life. Until one day at work, he is interrupted by an angel who tells him he’s going to be a father for the first time! What’s more, is this his son will be a prophet who will be called to declare the way of the Lord!
December 4- Luke 1:26-38- The Annunciation
The angel Gabriel visits a young woman to give her news that is, literally, unbelievable. She is going to be a mother, even though she is a virgin. And if that’s not enough, her son is actually the promised messiah- destined to be the King!
December 11- Matthew 1:18-25- Joseph’s Dream
Joseph has made the decision to break of his engagement. He’s found out that his fiancé is pregnant and he is not the father. But, like any wise person, he sleeps on his decision. In the night, and angel visits him and lets him know that this boy—Jesus—is too important for Joseph to walk away.
December 18- Luke 2:8-20- The Message to the Shepherds
Until now, the angels have only visited individuals. But the messiah has come not just for individual people, but for the whole world! The Shepherds stand in for all of us, who are struggling to make sense of this life, and who are invited to join in with all the company of heaven to proclaim the Good News!
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Missed last week? You can catch up online! | |
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 or Facebook page.
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:
Please email your submission by noon on Thursday to [email protected]
All content submitted is subject to approval and editing. Thank you for your cooperation!
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