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MESSAGE FROM RICKY
Dear Friends,
I know that not everyone likes numbers, but every once and a while, numbers help to paint a picture for us to understand a greater purpose. Here are some numbers that stand out to me this week.
927- the number of members we have at First UMC. I’m grateful to Dianne Alford and her merry band of volunteers who, over the past few months, contacted everyone on our membership roll. They were able remove those who have moved away, update addresses, and make sure our records are accurate. In case you are wondering, prior to COVID our recorded membership was 1,085.
550- the number of people who attended Trunk or Treat. After several years, we were again able to hold our Trunk or Treat outside! Thanks to Lauren Beckman and Nikki Parsons, and the wonderful team for a great event. Plenty of candy, food, and good times were had by all!
47- the number of pledge cards received. We have officially begun receiving our financial commitment cards for the 2023 budget. I’m grateful to all those who have turned in their cards, it is a great beginning! We want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to make their investment in the missions and ministry of our church for the coming year. You can download a copy (see the financial section below) and mail it in, turn it in on Sunday, or fill it out online at: https://firstmethodistclinton.org/commitment-form/
11- the number of dear saints we will name aloud this Sunday. All Saints Sunday is our annual commemoration of our members who have passed away in the previous year. We will read their names and light a candle to remind us all that they now dwell in the light of God.
1- the number of someone this week whose life could be changed forever if you invited them to church. Did you know that most first-time visitors attend church because they were invited by a friend. What if you made the decision, this week, to invite just 1 person. They might say no, and that’s ok. But they might say yes, and never be the same again. Imagine the impact we could make if we all focused on just 1 person!
I love numbers, particularly when they represent people that God loves and has called us to serve.
Grace and Peace,
Ricky
[email protected]
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MESSAGE FROM KATIE
Hi there friends,
Calling all the ladies! On December 3rd, 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 at this link: https://mainstreetclintonms.com/events/all/santa-claus-crawl?fbclid=IwAR2hL…
Grab a ticket and a friend, and come join us as we celebrate the Holiday season together. 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 Towne 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 Towne 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!
See you Sunday!
Katie
[email protected]
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MISSIONAL OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY | |
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PRAY FOR OUR MUSICIANS
The Children's Bells did a beautiful job on the prelude this past Sunday morning. This coming Sunday, our Children's Choir will be singing during the 9:00am Traditions service. Please pray for these and all of our musicians as we continue to lead the congregation each week in worship through our music.
Have a blessed week 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 2nd Potluck
November 9th
Smothered Chicken and Gravy, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Dinner Roll, Side Salad
November 16th
Thanksgiving Holiday Meal
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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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FRIENDLY REMINDER:
YOU GET AN EXTRA HOUR OF ZZZ'S
Not only does the cooler temps and the pulling out of the sweaters mark the transition of fall but the outdoor lighting is dimming earlier these days. Take advantage of the "falling back" and get that extra hour to rest or have an extra hour to get the troops ready for Sunday morning worship. Daylight Saving Time ends on November 6th, Sunday morning 2am.
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STAFF PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE REQUEST | |
SPRC SEEKING YOUR INPUT / LAST DAY TO SUBMIT
Your Staff-Parish Relations Committee is seeking your input in advance of its annual discussions regarding our Conference-appointed pastors, Ricky and Katie. Please take a moment to contact a member of SPRC to give us your feedback on Ricky and Katie’s work here at First United Methodist Church. We want to hear your praises and constructive criticism, strengths and weaknesses on them. Your input to the SPRC is requested by today, November 1.
SPRC members you may contact are Benjie Barham, John Brasher, Jason Carlock,
Ruth Ann Gibson, Bob Gorman, Hans Horne, Sarah Shaw, Pam Stuart, Cindy Tauchar,
and Beverly Yeates.
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DISCERNMENT PROCESS
CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY
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CONGREGATIONAL ONLINE SURVEY
Discernment & Disaffiliation
In recent town hall meetings, First United Methodist Church has been discussing issues surrounding human sexuality in The United Methodist Church and possible disaffiliation. The online survey is not a vote to disaffiliate, rather it is an effort to gather accurate information on the concerns and additional informational needs of our local congregation. It also allows everyone, whether they attended the town halls or not, to have input at this stage.
In order to distribute this online survey properly we are requesting that you contact the church office to confirm that your contact information is up to date.
Families / Couples that share an email address will be allowed one hard copy survey which will be available for pick up starting Monday, October 24 - Sunday, November 6.
The online survey will be released on Monday, October 24th. Please allow time to receive your online version if you have a valid email address before requesting a hard copy.
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PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
The survey platform that we will be using will allow only one response per email address. Please let the church office know this week if you have an address that needs to be added for another member of your family to participate .
We need one email address per person.
Paper copies of the survey will be available for those without an email account.
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INFORMATIVE UMC RESOURCES | |
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IMPORTANT RESOURCES
In an effort to answer and clarify misinformation and misconceptions that have arisen surrounding various disaffiliation issues, The United Methodist Church is compiling FAQs based on questions it has received.
The Executive Committee wants to share this updated information with the congregation during our discernment process.
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This multi-part series may continue to grow so you will want to check the site often.
SITE LINK:
Specific topics are available by clicking on the links below.
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“Is The United Methodist Church Really…?”
PART 1: TOPICS COVERED
Theology, Pensions,
and Benefits.
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“Is The United Methodist Church Really…?”
PART 2: TOPIC COVERED
Matters relating to
human sexuality.
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“Is The United Methodist Church Really…?”
PART 3: TOPICS COVERED
The Use of Paragraph 2548.2, changes in abortion statements, and the payment of apportionments
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“Is The United Methodist Church Really…?”
PART 4: TOPICS COVERED
Disaffiliation and keeping local appointed pastor, way to retain individual’s UMC membership
if local church disaffiliates, and permitting 10% of membership to sidestep conference requirements.
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In response to the 2022 annual conference petition that was approved by the membership (page 145, Call for Vital Relational Conversations Among the Leadership and Churches of the Mississippi Annual Conference), the Mississippi Conference Delegation hosted a webinar entitled, “Important Connection Conversations in the Mississippi Annual Conference.”
The webinar is available to view by clicking on the view button below.
The webinar is hosted by Rev. Fred Britton, head of the delegation.
The panelists included expand on the following:
- Rev. Lisa Garvin will share the hopes of those who would like to change The Discipline to be a fully inclusive UMC denomination.
- Rev. Stephen Sparks will share the hopes of those that would like The UMC to remain a traditional denomination.
- Rev. Dr. Embra Jackson will share the hopes of those who advocate for unity and not separation.
- David Stotts will lead an overview of the disaffiliation process.
- Rev. Trey Harper will present on the related effects of clergy who choose to leave The United Methodist Church.
Questions will be received and answered in writing through the Delegation Hub within 10 days of the webinar which originally broadcast on September 25th.
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The Weekday Ministry Preschoolers enjoyed the costume carnival! | |
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.
HANGING OF THE GREEN KIDS MINISTRY STYLE
Save the Date for Kids Ministry "Hanging of the Green" Sunday, Nov. 27 from 3-5pm.
LADIES NIGHT OUT PRINCESS TABLES LIMITED SEATING
Ladies Night Out is extending an invitation to all 3rd - 6th Grade girls to dress up as a princess and enjoy a fun night night at a Princess Table. We only have 5 princess seats available at $10 each. Please contact Karen Horne or Vicki White to claim a seat! Nursery is available upon request.
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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!
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
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CIRCLE MEETINGS / WOMEN'S MINISTRY | |
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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
LADIES LUNCH BUNCH
Our next monthly lunch bunch will be on November 14th at 11:30 am at Los Parrilleros which is located at 460 Springridge Road in Clinton, MS. Please contact Marilyn Blackledge with any questions.
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EIGHT DAYS OF HOPE
Eight Days of Hope out of Tupelo is planning a trip to Lake Charles, LA, from December 3-10th, to rebuild houses damaged by Hurricane Laura two years ago. If you would like to participate, feel free to utilize this link: (https://eightdaysofhope.com/event/edoh-xviii-lake-charles-la-2/) to register or gather more details. I'd also love to know if you plan on going so feel free to reach out with any questions you have.
Blessings,
Mike Norcom
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LADIES NIGHT OUT IS GETTING CLOSER
Christmas Under the Stars is scheduled for Sunday, December 4 with special guest speaker, Barbie Bassett. 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 4 host tables. 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 Vicki 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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OCTOBER 2022
Weekly Giving Need: $22,608
October 2nd giving: $11,401
October 9th giving: $34,092
October 16th giving: $10,909
October 23rd giving: $21,786
October 30th giving: $10,835
Other Income: $104,342
Total Income: $193,365
YTD 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
October 30
Traditional - 164
Connections - 90
Online - 129
TOTAL WORSHIP: 383
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NOVEMBER SERMON SERIES
A Kingdom of Saints
November 6 - Saints Who Have Gone Before (All Saints Day)
Revelation 7:15-17
On this day we remember and give thanks to God for those in our church community who have died and now rest in the fullness of God’s Kingdom. Those who have gone before us now sit in the presence of God, in right relationship with the Father, as was originally intended.
November 13 - What Does it Mean to be a Saint?
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
We believe that those who have died in the faith of Jesus are now with him forever. They are saints! But we also believe that we can begin living in ways that honor them in this life and prepare us now for how we live in the Kingdom come!
November 20 - Who is our King? (Christ the King Sunday)
Jeremiah 23:1-6
There are saints and then there are kings and queens. And those who are alive are called to serve the king as necessary. And while society has its various kings, Christians are called to serve but one King. But who is this King? And what is His goal for His reign?
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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:
All content submitted is subject to approval and editing. Thank you for your cooperation!
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