Appleton City Trinity UMC
Trinity, Rockville, and Mt. Zion United Methodist Churches had messages that began the season of Advent this Sunday. As we look ahead to the Christmas season, we must never forget the time of Advent. The word Advent comes from the Latin Aventus or Greek Parousia, which mean “coming” or “approaching.” Often, we get so excited for the celebration of Christmas that we forget the church has for at least 1,700 years taught the importance of preparation for the coming of the Christ child at Christmas, but also the second coming of Christ – the return of King Jesus at the end of time. This is the mission of Advent. Such a time was observed through minor fasting and penance. We traditionally observe this time of preparation in the four weeks preceding Christmas. So, we are encouraged to observe this Advent season in the spirit of preparation, maybe taking one or two days of the week as a special time of fasting and scriptural study to discipline the mind and body before the great feast of Christmas. Allow yourself to grow in righteousness and the grace of God to swell in you this season. Train your eyes upon watching and waiting for Christ’s return. For as St. Mark’s gospel declares: “About the day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come . . . keep awake – for you do not know when the master of the house will come . . . what I say to you I say to all: keep awake!” (Mk 13:27-37). We hope that you will come and worship with us! See you soon!
Calhoun Community Church
Welcome to the Good News from Calhoun Community Church, our church family gathers at 9:30 a.m. for pre- church food and fellowship. We use this special time for visiting one with another, welcoming Guests as they arrive for Worship, and signing cards of encouragement for our card ministry. Steve Siercks rang the church bell this morning at 9:45 a.m.
We lift up family, neighbors, and friends in need of prayer, Amber and Patrick Dittmer and baby daughter, Johnny and Mary Antwiler, Ruth Sell, Carol Sell, Tammy George, Pam Fields, Joan Rasmussen, Eddie Roth and family, Rev. Jackson and Sondra Short, Patty Dump, Jean Dittmer, Millie Redding, Barbara Sales, and Dave Burson. 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 a Community Church on the square in Calhoun, Mo.
Joys to celebrate: We are pleased to have Rev. Jackson Short to serve our congregation; this morning we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent with the lighting of the first advent candle and singing the first verse of the Advent song. We were blessed with over two inches of rain this week, and it was another beautiful morning to gather and glorify the Lord. Special music today by Shelby Bicknell, an inspirational song he wrote “You Can’t Close God’s House Down.” Our church families were busy this week decorating the church for the Christmas season and preparing for the movie as our part on the Christmas Festivities on the Square. Sat. Dec. 9th at 1:30 we are having a Craft Day and will be making Christmas trees out of discarded glass dishes. Sunday Dec 11th will entertain a Birthday Dinner for those in the congregation with Dec. Birthdays.
The Colt Show committee’s Christmas on the Square on Saturday was somewhat dampened by the rain. Santa visited riding on the Calhoun Fire truck and they circled the community with sirens blaring before letting Santa off at the City Hall where about 40 families gathered with their children to see Santa. Pictures were taken and cookies served to add to the festivities. Calhoun Community Church presented Polar Express on the big screen at 2:30 p.m. Pop Corn and drinks were served. Sacks of peanuts, an orange, candy and cookies were passed out at the end of the show. The goodie bags outnumbered the movie goers so the rest will be passed out at the Calhoun School closer to Christmas. The five Nativity was a rainout but the animals didn’t mind and Jeremy the camel was very friendly and a hit with all who came by. Members of the Broke and Busted Saddle Club participated in a “Poker Run” with substantial cash prizes for first, second and third places. A raffle was held prior to the dinner hour with a number of great prizes. Many Thanks to sponsors of the raffle prizes. A Dinner was served in the evening consisting of Pot Roast and the trimmings or spaghetti and dessert to those who had braved the weather all day for a nominal fee of $5:00. All-in-all a grand time was had on the square this week end at Calhoun. We are looking forward to making this an even better event next year. Friday, Dec. 8th, will be Harvesters on the Calhoun Square at the usual time. This is a very worthwhile endeavor; volunteers are always needed to help. Members of Calhoun Community Church are willing workers with this project.
Should you be looking for a new place to grow your faith come by for a visit, dress as you are comfortable, bring the youngsters and be prepared to receive a blessing for your effort. We are a Concerned and Praying Nondenominational Church, should you find yourself in need of prayer we encourage you to join us any Sunday morning. We will be blessed by your presence.
Drakes Chapel UMC
Each Sunday morning before worship our church family and friends are always welcome to gather and have a cup of coffee and a bite of something
good to eat. That is a time when we can share a little bit of our week with each other. It is what family does at Drake’s Chapel.
Pastor Margie’s message was about how Mark was telling people to stand ready for the return of our Lord. When we are anticipating the birth of the Christ Child in this Advent season, it seemed really strange to talk of His return. But as Pastor Margie’s message evolved it all came to light. Advent means to get ready. To ready ourselves to meet Jesus. We need to always be ready to do what the Lord would ask of us. Be ready to tell our story of what brought us to Jesus. To stand ready to be that bright light in someone’s
darkness.
Our church family is anticipating a fun time on Saturday. We will decorate our chapel for Christmas, have some snacks and then our cookie exchange. For some the cookie exchange is a new experience. They are assured it is a
tasty one and great way to take home a variety of cookies for the holidays.
It was decided to have our holiday dinner January 7th. It will be a time to take a breath after all the family gatherings. We can embrace the New Year with our church family and thank God for our blessings of the past and prepare us to find a way to stand ready to be a blessing to others.
We hope you will join us for worship this Sunday whether in person or on Facebook live, just look for Margie Briggs. Our worship begins at 9:00. We are located 5 miles east of Clinton off highway 52 just look for the sign. As we prepare for this Advent season, we stand ready to greet you with the love Jesus has for us all.
First Baptist
On Sunday, Pastor Pat Findley delivered the first message of his Christmas sermon series, ‘SENT: The Greatest Gift of All’. Referring to Hebrews 1:1-3, Pastor Pat offered 8 reasons that Jesus is truly the greatest gift:
1. Jesus is the climax of God’s self-revelation. The one true God is a God who speaks. God spoke through the authors of the Bible, the written word of God. Jesus is the living word of God.
2. Jesus is the heir of all things. As children of God, we are co-heirs with Christ.
3. Jesus is the creator of the universe. Jesus was with God in the beginning. While God is one, He has revealed Himself in 3 persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Christmas celebrates Jesus becoming flesh, but Jesus is also God.
4. Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory visibly appearing. He is the outshining of who God is.
5. Jesus is the revealer of God the Father. The character of Jesus is the exact representation of who God is. Jesus is the exact imprint of the Father’s nature.
6. Jesus is the sustainer of all things. Jesus holds all things together. When we go through trials, and we feel as if we are falling apart, Jesus holds us together.
7. Jesus is the once-for-all purification for sins. Jesus came to bring us back together with God. By sacrificing Himself, He purified us.
8. Jesus is the resting priest and reigning King. He is the final great high priest.
Imagine witnessing Jesus as a baby, with a gift tag with your name on it. Jesus is God’s gift to you. God so loved you, He gave you the greatest gift ever! His door of mercy is open for you to receive eternal salvation! Jesus is good news and great joy for all!
Celebrate Recovery is on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 pm at the Vansant location for anyone with hurts, habits, or hangups. Worship service times are 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and Sunday School is offered at 8:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Youth and Children’s Ministries also align with these times. 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
This Sunday was the first in the advent season. We wait for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. He ignites our hearts with hope, which is a gift that can’t be earned. Place your hope in the Lord, the Giver of All Great Gifts.
Continuing in the “Love and Faith” series, Rev. Nancy Gillard brought the message Hope for a God Moment. Matthew 24: 26 – 44 was the scripture passage. Our choir sang “Bethlehem Wind” by Martin featuring Sarah Hall on the clarinet. We look forward to the Christmas Cantata which will be presented Sunday, December 17.
The collection of cake mixes to be given to the Samaritan Center in support of Christmas Cheer has ended with 72 mixes in a variety of flavors. The ladies of PW appreciate the generosity of the congregation.
Several people helped to beautifully decorate the church on Tuesday morning. Poinsettias are added in memory or honor of loved ones closer to Christmas. If you wish to donate monetarily toward the purchase of a poinsettia please contact the church office or a flower committee member.
A service of wholeness and healing with the theme of Blue Christmas will be held here on Tuesday, December 19 at 7:00 pm. We welcome all who would wish to attend.
On Christmas Eve Eve, December 23, we will host our annual Chili/Soup Supper at 5:30 pm followed by worship at 7:00 pm. A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board for food. We invite you to come and fellowship with us. Make plans now to attend.
The Advent Event Waiting Here for You by Louie Giglio continues on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm. This bible study will lead us through the season of Advent. Come and be a part of this study. Notify the church office if you want a book.
Tai Chi classes continue to meet here each Monday and Wednesday at 10:00 am. If you’re looking for something to help strengthen your core and improve balance then Tai Chi is the right fit.
Are you looking for a church home? We would like you to join our friendly congregation. If unable to attend in person, services are available online at our website: fpcclintonmo.net.
Mt. Calvary Apostolic Pentecostal
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-14; Matthew 5:43-44; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17; Isaiah 57:19; Romans 4:17; John 14:1,27; 2 Timothy 1; Hebrews 6; James 1:6-7
We need to have our armor on living in this world. If you don’t know the power of God’s Word, it will not do you any good.
When you speak God’s Word in faith it will accomplish what it needs to do.
When we come willingly to the Lord there are a lot of things we need to purge from our spirit. When you trust God he will provide for you. You cannot outgive God.
What God gives you in your heart hold onto these golden nuggets. God will sustain you and you can always rely on what he plants in your heart.
We are currently in a battle with wickedness and have to overcome it with the power of God. The voice of God is powerful. It changed Paul on the road to Damascus.
People are out there ruled by the power of darkness. The Enlightenment of God keeps us in his glory. Obedience is better than sacrifice according to God’s Word.
God is with us until the very end, but he wants us to be with him until the end too. We need to withstand the wiles of the devil.
We should pray for people. God wants to redeem them from that life they are living so we need to pray them through. We are not able to do this under our power.
The Holy Spirit is our power source. God sends him to help us. We should teach others according to God’s word to draw people to the Lord. We should not use it against them. When Holy Spirit comes into your life he will give you a whole new countenance.
We should be concerned for those who are out of the Arc of God and his safety.
What we speak is what is likely to occur. Be careful of what you say. Speak blessings upon your life. People often speak the opposite of what they need.
Live a lifestyle worthy of God and he will bless you. Be careful of who you follow.
Calling those things as they are. We live by God’s word, not by bread alone.
It is a peace that man does not understand. Trust and wait on God and his word and he will make a way.
God Bless.
Urich Baptist
Sunshine lifted our spirits as we gathered to worship the Lord. Clint Keeney rang the church bell. Mrs. Julia Klinefelter led in the congregational singing with Mrs. Dixie Collins playing piano. We rejoiced with Randy Vogt on his birthday. Randy Vogt and Clint Keeney collected the offering.
The title of interim Pastor Steve Sowell’s sermon was “Christ is our Hope.” The scripture passage was from Mark 13:24-37. This passage describes when Christ will return to earth. We must stay faithful and true to Christ who loves us and will reward us with eternal life. We should not put our hope in things or people because they can go away. Our hope is only in Christ who is eternal. Have a blessed week.
