Holy Week Online Services / Messages
Throughout the week, we’ll have special Holy Week reflections and meditations delivered virtually through our website and Facebook.
Palm Sunday, April 5th
Tuesday, April 7th
Lenten Lunch at Noon with Rev. Dr. Ricky James
Thursday, April 9th
Maundy Thursday Meditation at 6pm
Friday, April 10th
Good Friday Meditation at Noon
Sunday, April 12th
Easter Service at 10am
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Dear Friends,
By now you have heard Governor Reeves’ executive order mandating a statewide stay-at-home policy effective Friday, April 3 at 5:00 p.m. The staff and lay leadership of our church have been closely attuned to the directions of federal and state leaders. As a result, we will continue suspension of all in-person gatherings until further notice.
As you pastor, I encourage you to abide by this order. The apostle Paul urges us in Romans 13:1 to obey the authorities in our land—particularly when they call us to wise actions for the welfare for others.
However, we also have the opportunity to appeal to a higher authority! And so we are calling our whole church to join in a 24 hour prayer vigil this weekend, from Saturday at 9:00 a.m. until Sunday at 9:00 p.m. Below in this update, you will see how to sign up for a time slot, so we can cover our whole weekend in prayer. Not only is this needed in our world at this moment, it is also a great way to begin Holy Week.
Speaking of Holy Week, although we are unable to gather in person, we have several wonderful opportunities for worship this week. Make sure you join us this week for our various services online. We have been working hard to improve the quality of our videos to give you the best experience! I’m grateful to our staff team and volunteers who have been amazing this week! Make sure you take note of our schedule next week!
This coming Sunday we will have Palm Sunday worship at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. I do hope you join us virtually as we begin this most Holy Week of the Christian year!
Grace and Peace,
Ricky
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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.
Pastoral Care Line 601-460-0570
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BEAUTIFUL IDEA FOR PALM SUNDAY AT HOME
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What if everyone on Sunday puts a branch on the door of their home or on the window to celebrate Palm Sunday?
Use any green branch you can find in your immediate area. This would help, despite the social distancing to be connected as we enter into Holy Week.
God’s promises remain true. His love reigns. His purposes are good. God’s Word will be established on this earth. Pandemics will not stop the gospel. Just look at how we are finding ways to rally together, even though we are physically distanced. Love is unstoppable because God is love.
This year, as we celebrate Palm Sunday in our homes and across screens virtually, we can anticipate the hugs and the high fives that will come again soon. This won’t last forever, but God’s promises will.
Want to Join?
Post your picture of your palm interpretation and tag First United Methodist Church of Clinton, MS.
Or Email pictures to
debb@firstmethodistclinton.org
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Pray for:
- People on our church prayer list
- Those who are sick
- Those who are most vulnerable to illness
- Those who lack medical care
- Healthcare workers, first responders, and other public servants
- Scientists, researchers, and experts as they work towards cures, vaccines, and treatments
- Our leaders of the world, our country, our state, our city, and our churches
- Those who are suffering economic hardship
- Students and teachers who are working remotely
- Those who are worried, sad, lonely, or anxious
- Those facing food insecurity
- Those who do not know the peace of Jesus.
- Your neighbors, family, and friends, by name
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As we prepare for Holy Week, we are calling our church community to 24 hours of focused prayer
Saturday, April 4th at 9am- Sunday, April 5th at 9am.
Simply sign up for 30 minute prayer times through SignUp Genius by clicking on the button below.
Prayer
For United Methodists, prayer is a “means of grace” through which we experience the presence and grace of God. In prayer, we make ourselves available to God, opening ourselves to the power of God’s love that heals and forms us into the image of Christ. Christians understand prayer as spiritual communication with God, similar to our human communication with one another, involving both speaking and listening. In prayer, we talk to God and God talks to us. In prayer, we have an active role in the process of spiritual communication.
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WAYS THAT YOU ARE CONNECTING
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WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL
Submitted by Jamie Steadman
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Man! We sure are missing our kids and their families. Our preschool teachers are doing a fabulous job reaching out to our students and their families where they are.
We have a huge surprise for Mother’s Morning Out, Preschool, and After School Care next week... we will share what it is in the Monday email and then pics in next Friday’s update!
Join me in praying for each of our weekday families and all of our staff during this time.
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LENTEN LUNCH MEDITATIONS - Virtual Meeting
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Weekly Topic & Speaker
April 7: “It is Finished/Into your Hands” (John 19:30, Luke 23:46)
Rev. Dr. Ricky James
Visit our website for the Lenten Lunch Meditation on Tuesday
or Visit our Facebook Page.
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EGGSPEDITION
Submitted by Sarah Kate, Kids Ministry Director
Hey gang!
Our Family Easter Eggspedition is going on a new platform. With the newest "shelter in place" update, we unfortunately cannot do our hunt in person, BUT have no fear! We are going to tackle this Eggspedition digitally.
As a family, I am challenging you to find these FIVE things, take a photo or video, and send to my email!
1. Egg
2. Cross
3. Branch
4. Flower
5. Bunny
I'll be posting the photos in an album on Facebook so everyone can see how your family completed the Eggspedition!
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In this video, you will learn how to participate in
the Eggspedition this Sunday!
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We have now gotten through a couple of weeks of live streaming our worship services on Sundays. We will continue to tweak this process and make improvements in our delivery. In the midst of this unfortunate situation that we find ourselves, God is still on His throne and we are working to stay connected to you through whatever media and telecommunications tools that are at our disposal. If you sing in the choir, please keep singing around the house! Don't let the cobwebs form on your pipes! LOL! Seriously, we are all called to make a joyful noise to the Lord as we worship Him. You already know that or you wouldn't be in the choir. However, you can still do that alone. Yes, it will be a great day when we can all get together and sing His praises in the same room, but until then, we will continue to do our best. He will honor that, too!
Hope to see you all very soon. Stay safe and healthy and I love you all!
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The Youth ministry is staying connected to our students in various ways. Our main form of communication at this time will be our Student YouTube channel. By subscribing to our channel you will have access to sermons, small group discussion questions, and the latest announcements for our students and their families to stay in the loop!
Find us on YouTube at First United Methodist Students Clinton, MS or simply click on the subscribe button below.
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The annual garage sale will be rescheduled for a later date.
Garage sale donations will end on Monday, April 6. The trailers will be locked after this date. If possible, please hang on to your large items until the new sale date has been determined.
THANK YOU FOR THE DONATIONS!
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Psalm 56:3-4
David tells of his strategy for combatting fear.
When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I am not afraid.
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Continuing GENEROSITY
Remember this situation is temporary. Our church will continue to serve our congregation and community. We encourage you to continue to be a part of the ministry – the need for the support you give to impact ministry in our community and around the world continues despite the pandemic.
Watch your email for opportunities to serve individually or in smaller groups. Please continue your financial support of the work of the church. Many of you have set up your tithes and offerings to be automatically given. If you haven’t, you can give your contribution securely online or you can mail a check to the church: 100 Mt. Salus Drive Attn: Finance Office.
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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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Missed this one? You can catch up online!
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The Last Day Series
Each week during Lent we will look at one moment in the last day of Jesus’ earthly life, reflecting on what happens, who is there, and, sometimes, who isn’t there.
Scripture:
Matthew 27:32-37
Title:
The Crucifixion
Theme:
Crucifixion had two main purposes: punishment and deterrence. In Jesus’ execution the Romans had these purposes in mind, while God has another.
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Prayer List for Week of March 30
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Our church continues to serve our congregation and community during this season. If you have a prayer request or you know someone that has a need please let us know by clicking on the request button (ABOVE). Remember when requesting prayer for someone other than your immediate family please ask permission to publish before submitting the name of the person.
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PASTORAL CARE INFORMATION
If you have an emergency need or need to speak with a pastor outside of church
office hours, 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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Submitting information for The Voice:
All content submitted is subject to approval and editing. Thank you for your cooperation!
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