MESSAGE FROM RICKY
Dear Friends,
I hope that you have been enjoying our worship experiences these past few weeks. We have a tremendously talented team of staff and volunteers who have put in such creative work to help us "gather" virtually. It's also great to see our members who have made special guest appearances!
In keeping with our Governor's recommendations, we'll continue to gather online until further notice. I know it is difficult to not be physically together. But please remember what I asked us all to consider, all the way back on March 16. In Micah 6:8, the Lord calls us to "Do Justice, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly." That's what we've been doing these past 6 weeks. We've been doing justice for our healthcare workers and those who are sick by staying home. We've been loving mercy by continuing to give generously, providing for those in need, and praying for one another. And we've been walking humbly, as we've learned knew ways of being church in the midst of this pandemic.
This is not forever, but sometimes it can feel like it. Whenever I get discouraged, I remember the words of the apostle Paul in Roman 8:18,
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
Keep up the good work, and we will be together again soon!
Grace and Peace,
Ricky
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As we continue in this unprecedented time of a global pandemic, we feel as if we are lost in a wilderness, unsure of what will happen next. Yet as we look to scripture, the wilderness has often been a place where the people of God learn profound truths. Over the next three weeks, we’ll look at three different moments of wilderness: a near defeat at the Red Sea, a prophet who skips-town during a famine, and finally a temptation to take the easy way out. In each moment we’ll seek to draw wisdom from the wilderness.
May 3@ 10am Online
Luke 4:1-13
Part 3: The Temptation of Jesus
One of the common myths of humanity is that “the ends justify the means.” And so we’ll often skirt around the truth, or take short-cuts, or make moral compromises; all the while telling ourselves that it’s ok if we have a good goal. In the wilderness, Jesus is tempted by the devil to skip all the pain, and get exactly what he always wanted, but at what cost?
UPCOMING SPECIAL VIRTUAL SERVICE
MAY 17 - BACCALAUREATE SUNDAY
Typically one of our important in-person events will now be a virtual celebration. We want to honor our graduates and their accomplishments by recognizing them during our online worship service on May 17. Join us for this special virtual celebration.
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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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...going to my heart
and then out
through my voice.
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I hope you are all safe and okay with the recent storms that came through our area. Sometimes it seems like we're going through a really dark and stormy time, but we must remember that there is hope, and that hope is Jesus! When he was crucified, his followers were left with no hope. But that didn't stop Hope from rising up, alive again. As a musician, I often find hope in the music that I hear. That hope usually ends up going to my heart and then out through my voice. That may or may not be the way you experience hope, but it is my prayer that you do indeed embrace the Hope that is Jesus in every day of your life.
Have a wonderful week and be sure to join us for online worship this Sunday!
In His Service,
Tommy Steadman
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GET CREATIVE YOU
SMART GOOSE!
Share with us the ideas
that you have and send us
your pictures!
BE CREATIVE & HAVE FUN!
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Pastor Sharonda led the Kids Moment on Sunday and shared with us interesting behaviors of a goose. The Kids Moment Challenge this week is to Honk... Do Good... and Take Care of One Another.
HONK
What can you do this week to encourage others?
Ideas:
- Chalk Your Walk with words of encouragement or positive phrases.
- Write Thank You's to healthcare professionals, delivery drivers, postal carriers, grocery store workers, just to name a few.
WORK TOGETHER
What can you do this week to help others in your home?
Idea:
- Come up with a "to do" list of ways to help in your home.
TAKE CARE OF OTHERS
What can you do this week to take care of others in your life?
Ideas:
- Make a video, draw pictures, or FaceTime with grandparents, older adults in care facilities, friends, and teachers. Check on someone this week.
- Make a care package with a restaurant gift card, hand sanitizer, mask, and gloves then mail to someone.
- Find a local charity to learn about and make a food or financial donation.
- Send a food delivery to a nurses station or care facility.
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Thank You For Your
Continued Generosity!
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Re-directing the negative energy and fear of the current climate towards something positive is even more important these days. Seeing and sharing all kinds of togetherness, support, and selfless behavior creates movements of generosity. Thank you for continuing to give and make a positive contribution in this tense environment in order for First United Methodist to empower the ministry in our community, state, and world.
WEEKLY FINANCIALS
Received 4/19: $24,360
YTD Received: $332,249
YTD Need: $378,033
Difference: - ($45,784)
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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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SUNDAY SERVICE
Rev. Dr. Ricky James
Three Part Series Wisdom from the Wilderness
Scripture:
1 Kings 17: 1-16
Title:
Elijah and the Widow of Zarapheth
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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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