NOVEMBER 21, 2022

MESSAGE FROM RICKY


Dear Friends,


What's your favorite Thanksgiving food? Mine is dressing with cranberry sauce. And, to be clear, I mean the gelatin style cranberry sauce that comes right out of the can--the kind you can slice!


I love all the traditions around Thanksgiving- food, family, football and the post-eating nap! In fact, Thanksgiving has become my favorite holiday as I've gotten older. It's not as commercialized as Christmas, it's not as hot as Fourth of July, and it's early enough in the holiday season that we're not yet sick of our cousins! 


But seriously, I value Thanksgiving because it still retains its original focus: gratitude. We gather with friends and family, usually around a table of abundance, to be reminded that in so many ways we are blessed beyond measure. We share what we are thankful for in this past year, we offer a prayer of gratitude to God, and we feast! 


In many ways, this is what church should be every time we gather! We celebrate our blessings, we offer thanks to God, and we feast on his Word and at his Table. 


So, whether you are traveling, hosting, or remembering absent friends, never forget that we all have much to be thankful for. Praise God. 


Happy Thanksgiving!

Ricky 


[email protected]


MESSAGE FROM KATIE


Hi there friends,


Yesterday, I dropped off the Operation Christmas Child boxes at Pear Orchard Presbyterian in Ridgeland. Thank you so much to all who filled up these boxes. We prayed over them Sunday in worship, and as the youth at Pear Orchard unloaded them from my car, I prayed over them again. That the hands who will receive these boxes will experience God's abundant blessings in this world. May they know the love and joy of Christ more deeply because of it.


It's Thanksgiving week, and whether you're traveling or staying in Clinton, I pray you remain safe and eat some good food, all while remembering the many blessings we all have in our lives.


See you Sunday!

Katie


[email protected]

MUSIC MINISTRY

Looking to Advent


This past Sunday, we celebrated Thanksgiving during morning worship. We heard a Thanksgiving prelude by our Angelicas Ringers handbell choir and worshipped with a beautiful anthem from our Sanctuary Choir. We have so much to be thankful for. May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving this week.


This coming Sunday, we move right into the Advent season. Our worship music will be the Sontones quartet and the Sanctuary Choir, which will feature Layne Allen as soloist. 


Have a wonderful week and I'll see you all in worship on Sunday.


In His Service,

Tommy


[email protected]

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

FELLOWSHIP & DISCIPLESHIP

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 23rd

NO MEAL SCHEDULED


November 30th

BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Baked Beans, Asian Cole Slaw, and Potato Salad

  • Adult Meal - $8.00
  • Salad Bar - $8.00
  • Potato Bar - $5.00
  • Kids Meal - $5.00
  • Pizza - $2.00 per slice
  • Family Maximum - $30
MAKE YOUR DINNER RESERVATION
DOWNLOAD GUIDE

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.

EMAIL KATIE

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!

UPWARD SPORTS BASKETBALL

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.

PLAYER REGISTRATION
VOLUNTEER / COACH REGISTRATION

WEEKDAY MINISTRY

THANKSGIVING AT THE PRESCHOOL


The weekday preschoolers and their parents had a great time at our Thanksgiving Celebration! Happy Thanksgiving!

KIDS MINISTRY

BEFORE YOU THROW THEM OUT...

Let the Kids Ministry UpCycle Christmas Decorations

Are you getting ready to deck the halls in your home or office space? If you are getting ready to throw out last years holiday decorations and start with a fresh look or you discover that you have a few more than really needed then consider donating them to the Kids Ministry for their rooms in the Family Life Building. Almost any kind of holiday decoration can be donated, provided that it’s in good condition. Bring your donations by the church office before Nov. 27th.



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.

YOUTH MINISTRY

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!


Annual Youth Ministry Fundraiser

Ladies Night Out is back and we are having Christmas Under the Stars on Sunday, December 4. This is a big opportunity for the youth to volunteer their time and earn money toward their student accounts. Contact Nick to sign up to volunteer today! We have a limited number of spots, so don't wait! 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094ca9ab2ba1fec43-ladies


November Youth Newsletter

Need to get the latest news about youth ministry? Click Here

If you are not receiving the youth newsletter contact Nick to be added to the email list.

CONTACT NICK FLATT

ADULT MINISTRY

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, December 4th. Christmas festive attire ( casual Christmas themed clothes ) are encouraged or just come as you are! Hope to see then!

CIRCLE MEETINGS / WOMEN'S MINISTRY

UMW 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



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!

PURCHASE TICKET

Grab a ticket and a friend, and come join us

as we celebrate

the Holiday season

together.

POINSETTIA ORDERS

Poinsettia Orders for 2022


Poinsettia orders are now being taken to beautify the sanctuary and worship center for Christmas. The beautiful flower has long been associated with Christmas. It's meaning stands for good cheer, mirth, and celebration. If you are interested in helping to decorate and place a flower “in honor of” or “in memory of” someone, please call the church office or email Dianne @ [email protected]. Orders are due by December 12th. Poinsettias will be $10 each and upon ordering, please specify what service you would like the poinsettia to be placed. Please note that poinsettias will be available for pickup following the Christmas Eve Candlelight service or after worship on Christmas Day.

SPECIAL EVENTS

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 or reserve a table. We only have 3 princess seats remaining and 1 host table. If you want to host a table contact Karen Horne or the church office. If you would like to contribute a door prize or items for the Silent Auction please contact Vickie White.

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
PRAYER LIST
Secure Online Giving

NOVEMBER 2022

Weekly Giving Need: $22,608

November 6 Giving: $25,994

November 13 Giving: $5,544

November 20 Giving: $20,748

Other Income: $8,055

Total Income: $60,341


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)

Attendance Report

November 20th

Traditional - 125

Connections - 64

Online - 82

TOTAL WORSHIP: 281




 



2023 Online Commitment Form
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP

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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