MARCH 12, 2024

MESSAGE FROM JIMMY

Happy spring break week! I have three things for you to enjoy…

1. It’s a good deal. Newk’s has a fantastic 2 pizza meal deal for $20. No, I am not paid to be a spokesperson for Newks, but I know a good deal when I see one. Our family has taken advantage of this lately. Give it a try. They even throw in one of their large salads with the 2 pizzas.

2. Go fishing. The weather is great right now, and the fish are biting. Take the family to your favorite fishing hole. Every kid needs to experience the joy of watching a cork go under. The crappie are starting to move closer to the bank on warmer days. There is nothing better than fresh fish for supper.

3. Easter is coming! We are starting to finalize our Holy Week services this week. Palm Sunday, March 24th, we will have our annual choral cantata in the Sanctuary at 9:00 a.m. The Connections service will be at 11:00 a.m. The final Lenten Luncheon will be on Tuesday, March 26th with guest speaker Rev. Maxine Bolten, Chaplain at Methodist Rehab. Thursday, March 28th will be a Maundy Thursday service at 6:00 p.m. in the Worship Center. Good Friday service will be at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Easter morning there will be three services. Sunrise will be at 6:00 a.m. in front of the Sanctuary. The Men’s Club will have their pancake breakfast at 7:00 a.m. The Traditions service will be at 9:00 a.m. and Connections at 11:00 a.m. There will be a family celebration in the Family Life Building at 10:00 a.m.

We will step up our hospitality campus-wide starting Sunday, March 24th as we welcome families to our events. Be on the lookout for the “little extra” things we are planning. If you would like to help us with hospitality on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, please let me know by emailing me at [email protected].

TOP 2 AT FIRST UMC

DONATIONS NEEDED FOR EASTER

The Easter egg hunt is only one month away! We need your help with donations of stuffed plastic eggs. The eggs can be stuffed with candy or trinkets. Please drop off in the church office or in one of the bins located throughout the church.

LENTEN LUNCHES

This Lenten season we hope you’ll join us for our weekly Lenten lunches from 12-1 pm in the gym. Each week, the circles of Clinton First host by providing the table decorations and desserts. We hope you’ll join us for a brown bag lunch from home or from your favorite Clinton restaurant as we enjoy the teaching from some incredible speakers.

March 12th, Rev. Haven Boyd, Associate Pastor at Parkway Hills UMC

March 19th, Rev. Sapada Thomas, Pastor at Central Jackson UMC

March 26th, Rev. Maxine Bolten, Chaplain at Methodist Rehab

FAMILY MINISTRY EVENT

You're invited to our annual family ministry event in the family life building at 10 am on Easter morning.

We'll have a Easter themed photo opportunity, our kids' Easter egg hunt and all the donuts and water! And for the sleepy adults, coffee!

MINISTRY MOMENT

I knew nothing about basketball. Even now, I don’t really know all that much, even though the season is over and I’m a “professional Upward Director.” But I do know that the 195 kids that came through the doors of this gym encountered the living God here. It wasn’t always pretty. Kids and parents alike want to win. Coaches made mistakes - refs made wonky calls. We went through LOTS of paper towels. We are missing approximately 87 basketballs. And still, between the whistle being blown and practices held, the word of God was preached through action and word.

It makes it all worth it!

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

MENU:

JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP DINNER!

The serving line opens at 5:15 pm and closes at 5:45 pm. Reservations must be in by NOON on Monday prior to the Wednesday night dinner.

Adult Meal - $8.00
Salad Bar - $8.00
Potato Bar - $5.00
Kid Meal - $5.00
Pizza (when offered) - $2.00 per slice
Family Maximum - $40

MENUS:

NOTE: ALL MEALS ARE SERVED WITH A DESSERT

March 13th

No meal/activities - Spring break!

March 20th

Hamburgers, fries, baked beans, dessert; kids meal: hotdog (no pizza)

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

Download Prayer List