Church News

Calhoun UMC
Welcome to the Good News from Calhoun Methodist. Our church family gathers at 9:30 a.m. for pre­church food and fellowship. We use this special time for visiting one with another, welcoming Guests as they arrive for Worship, and signing cards for our card ministry. We ring the church bell at 9:45 to
proclaim that all God’s children are welcome to join us for worship at 10:00 a.m.
We lift up friends, neighbors, and relatives in need of prayer Rev. Jackson Short and wife Sondra, Patty Dump, Jean Dittmer, and Millie Redding. We continue to pray for our military men and women and their families, as well as others in service jobs that we depend upon daily. We pray for guidance as we
continue forward as Calhoun Community Church on the square in Calhoun, Mo.
Joys to celebrate: We are thankful for cooler weather, and the 3+ inches of rain received the end of last week. Barbara Colwell was pleased to announce successful cataract surgery this past week and looking forward to having the other eye done in Oct. We are pleased to note that Sondra Short is adjusting well to her new surroundings. Each week we are one step closer to bring Calhoun Community Church into
reality for our small group. Guest this morning was Tonya and Wes Conner. We are sponsoring a Gospel
Sing September 30th at 6:00 p.m. on the City Hall yard, bring your lawn chairs and join us for this event. Check face book for more details.
Should you be looking for a new place to grow your faith come by for a visit. Coffee and a snack at 9:30 in the Welcome Room with worship at 10:00; come dressed as you are comfortable, bring the
youngsters and be prepared to receive a blessing for your effort. We are a Concerned and Praying
church should you find yourself in need of prayer we encourage you to join us any Sunday morning. We will be blessed by your presents.

First Baptist
On Sunday, Pastor Pat Findley delivered the 2nd message of his fall sermon series, Weakness is Greater than Strength, titled ‘Whispers in the Winepress’. Pastor Pat described how the angel of God spoke to Gideon in Judges 6:11-16, and how Gideon questioned how God saw him and his ability to accomplish what God was asking of him. When this angel visited Gideon, he was in hiding, in a winepress, terrified of the Midianites. Then the angel greeted him, saying “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Gideon did not label himself a warrior, and this story reminds us of how we live in a world that labels ourselves and others. Sometimes the most difficult labels we face are those we’ve given ourselves. In order to come out of hiding, we must deny the lies that arise from inside. What are we telling ourselves? As we process things in our minds, are we being honest with ourselves? God doesn’t intend to call us to do something that He doesn’t intend to help us with. When we realize our weakness, God’s strength allows us to accomplish the things He’s asked us to do. If He calls us, we must walk in faith, trusting Him to help us. The Bible teaches us to take every thought captive. When we renew our minds, we may begin to hear God’s voice more clearly. Let God’s voice be the loudest voice in your life!
Beginning October 1st, Sunday worship service times will change to 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and Sunday School will then be offered in 2 times slots: 8:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Youth and Children’s Ministries will align with these times. Celebrate Recovery is on Tuesday evenings, beginning at 5:30 p.m., for anyone with hurts, habits and hangups. On Thursdays at 6 pm, GriefShare provides help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. For more information and upcoming events, please visit www.firstbaptistclinton.church or find us on Facebook at ‘First Baptist Church – Clinton, MO’.
We invite those without a church home to join us in worship of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. First Baptist Church exists to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) by loving people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

First Presbyterian
Praise the name of God in whose image you and I were made. God is merciful. He listens, forgives, and gives love and peace to us. Begin each morning grateful for your blessings and show compassion to others. Dr. David Maggi brought the message on Sunday. Using Luke 15: 11 – 32 as his text he delivered a sermon titled What Did You Expect?. Gay Smith displayed her musical talent playing “Anthem of Fellowship” by Althouse.
The results of the “Cut & Tie” work day are hanging in the foyer. Brightly colored fleece throws numbering 12 were created for the Festival of Sharing “Blankets of Love” project. In addition, donations of prescription glasses, garden seeds, Best Choice labels and school supplies continue to collect. This yearly mission project ends September 30th and will be delivered to their destination soon.
Tai Chi classes meet here each Monday and Wednesday at 10:00 am. Tai Chi helps strengthen your core and improve balance. There is room for you.
Are you looking for a church home? We would love to have you. A friendly group of people will welcome you and make you feel at home. If unable to attend in person our broadcasts are also available online at our website: fpcclintonmo.net or Facebook First Presbyterian Clinton MO. Stay updated on the happenings at First Presbyterian by visiting our website. Our monthly newsletter, pictures and other interesting items about the church can be found there.

Friendly Pentecostal Church
“Yahoo, for me?”
Jesus came for us! He left Heaven behind, temporarily, for you & I. He prepares a place for us! Jesus invested Himself for us! Where He is, we will be also!
Jesus has something for us! He is mindful of each one of us. He prepares a place for us. He is coming again, after us! Just for us!! There will be no more aches, pain, or tears!
Our quality of life is not just for us but for the people around us. If we have a relationship with Jesus, we are going to a place especially prepared for us!
Papa God, we believe because Your Word tells us that You have a place especially prepared just for us!!
Read ... John chapter 17, John 1:1, John 14:2-3
These truths should pulverize anything we have to suffer here on earth. Jesus has something for us! He is mindful of each one of us. He prepares a place for us. He is coming again, after us! Just for us!! There will be no more aches, pain, or tears! He is Lord!
1 Corinthians 2:9.
Jesus has something for us! He is mindful of each one of us. He prepares a place for us. He is coming again, after us! Just for us!! Revelation 21 :4 says, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Be a friend of God & be encouraged today, for anything is possible with God! Matthew 19:26.”
Romans 10:9-10.
If you do not have a place of worship, Pastor Jim & Brenda want to invite you to Friendly Pentecostal Church Sundays at 10:30 am. Have a blessed week!!

Mt. Calvary Apostolic Pentecostal
“You Judas”
Scriptures: Luke 22:1-6, 2 Samuel 11:14-17, Luke 22:21-23, Luke 22:54-57, John 12:6
Betray: to deliver or expose to an enemy by treachery or disloyalty
Regarding people who betray; King David was not loyal to his subject, Urriah, he seduced Urriah’s wife and got her pregnant.
He tried to cover up this betrayal by having Urriah spend time with his wife, which Urriah refused to do. Urriah was very loyal to David. David had Uriah killed to further cover his deceit. Urriah had no idea the letter he carried to one of the officers was a kill order for him.
Peter denied Knowing Jesus. It says in Luke 22:54-57
Luk 22:54-57.
There was a question as to why Judas wasn’t forgiven for his betrayal of Jesus.
While the others were forgiven.
The difference is this. David and Peter asked for forgiveness. Judas, like the others, had every opportunity to ask for forgiveness. He took the coins back, though they would not take them back, he left them there.
Judas, though he was a disciple, was stealing money from Christ’s purse. His heart was far from the Lord. He was a thief before he became a disciple.
John 12:6.
Judas’s love for money made it easy for Satan to enter. He had a choice, he did not have to betray Jesus. If he had refused to do it, the others still would have found a reason to kill Jesus.
Judas’s death was a part of God’s plan. When the men would not take the blood money back, he left it there and went and hanged himself. ( Matthew 27:5)
In trying to hang himself, The rope did not hang him. Instead, his body fell and he was disemboweled. God disembowed those who were disobedient to him.
Peter, David, and Paul acknowledged their wrong and asked God to forgive them. Judas had every opportunity to ask for forgiveness but did not.
There is no reason for us to miss heaven. God gave us the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and perfect us because we cannot do it on our own.
We must check our heart posture; what is our motivation, attitude, and behavior? Do we have an attitude of reverence for God? Or do we have an attitude of pride? Whatever our heart posture is dictates our lives.
God is quick to forgive us when we ask for it and repent. To repent is to turn away from that thing that goes against God. He sanctifies us which makes us pure and righteous. We need to discern everything through the spirit. The question is are you going to be faithful to God or will you betray him?
God Bless.

Trinity Lutheran
Some Lutherans may be a little hesitant to invite a friend to church. Why? Because in today’s plugged-in world, the Divine Service is not what most people are expecting to find. The traditional liturgy can be confusing at first for those who are unfamiliar with it. It’s designed for worship, not to entertain. It is worship, not a music concert. The Divine Service is different, but in a good way!
Sure, visitors might feel a little lost at first. Why is the pastor dressed like that? The liturgy? What’s that? Organ music? Where’s the praise band? Where are the electric guitars and drum sets? Why is there so much emphasis on confession of sins and the need for God’s forgiveness? What a downer! I don’t want to attend a church that makes me feel bad! Where is the worship leader? How come I haven’t heard any of these songs on the radio? Doesn’t the altar, baptismal font and the Christ candle at the front of church get in the way of all the musical instruments and religious dancers?
The truth is, the historic, traditional Lutheran liturgy is the best kind of evangelism. During Divine Service, we learn that God loves us. The liturgy reminds us that we sin much daily, and about our need for God’s forgiveness. In the ancient creeds we learn and confess that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried, but He rose from the dead and now sits at the right hand of the Father, and He will come again one day to judge both the living and the dead. Those who believe in Him and are baptized will be saved. Law and gospel. It’s a beautiful story proclaimed every Sunday.
Come and join us this Sunday and experience for yourself the power and joy of Lutheran worship and the Divine Service. The Holy Spirit will meet you there to create and strengthen your faith unto life everlasting. Amen.

Urich Baptist
It was a nice autumn day to worship the Lord. Clint Keeney rang the church bell. Mrs. Julia Klinefelter led in the congregational singing with Mrs. Dixie Collins playing piano. Randy Vogt and Clint Keeney collected the offering.
The scripture passage from interim Pastor Steve Sowell was fromJohn16:16-24. In this passage Jesus was telling the Disciples what was going to happen to him, but they were confused. He told them they would mourn and then have joy when they understood. (verse 24- “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”) Believe in Jesus and be blessed, have joy, and eternal life.

Valley Center United
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations. Where ever you are in life, our doors are open and affirming for all to come join us for worship on Sunday morning at 9 am.
Much work and planning for annual Oktoberfest on October 14th is underway! Serving begins at 3 pm. There is always delicious food and wonderful fellowship to enjoy!! We hope to see you all there!
Congratulations to our minister, Rev. Dane Sommer, for his 45th anniversary of his Ordination into the ministry. We have been blessed to have him as our teacher, preacher and friend for 35 years here at the Valley Center Church.
We send our prayers to Steve and Kim Meszaros for the passing of Steve’s sister from Cancer. We send prayers to Bob Neuenschwander who is facing surgery soon and to all those facing health issues. We pray for peace, love and understanding everywhere.
The lesson from the parable about the workers in a vineyard tells us that we should not feel slighted or entitled. The workers in the story felt like that they were being slighted and deserved more pay even when they each received equally what they had bargained for.
In God’s eyes, we all are equal. We are all born with a certain similarity, but at times we see people do things that are harmful and chosen to be something they shouldn’t. The good news is that we do not need to address any of that, God will take care of it! Do not be distracted by others! The joy comes when we focus on what we are to do and on how we live our lives. Our responsibility lies in what we do.
A good question to ask ourselves is, if we judge others, are we questioning God and what his plans are for them? Are we looking so hard at other’s choices that we forget to follow our own path? Our loving Father gives each of us the opportunity to follow his plan that he has laid out for each of us and to become good stewards.
Prayer of invocation:
O great and gracious god, we give thanks for the opportunity to proclaim a bold and confident faith. Send your holy spirit to us that we might remove all doubt of thought and hesitation of act as we provide service to all who are in need and proclaim the good gospel to all corners of our world.
IN JESUS’ NAME WE PRAY, AMEN.