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. We ring the church bell at 9:45 a.m. Tucker McNeely, who usually rings the bell, and family arrived just in time for church this morning so Tucker rang it again, just because we can.
We extend our sympathy and Christian love to the family and friends of John Trolinger who passed into the arms of Jesus on Christmas day. Others on our prayer list include Amber and Patrick Dittmer and baby daughter, Carol Lane, Shelby Bicknell, Millie Redding, Charles Green, Johnny and Mary Antwiler, Eddie Roth and family, Rev. Jackson and Sondra Short, Patty Dump, Jean Dittmer, 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 to grow, here on the southeast corner of the Calhoun square.
Joys to celebrate: Savannah and Tucker McNeely lit the altar candles this morning. Debbie Joy commented on what a wonderful Christmas Eve service we had last Sunday. It is such a joy to have children in our church and they are so willing to do whatever is asking of them. The children don’t go down stairs for Sunday school until after the offering is taken. Tucker is our usher and is ready to pass the offering plate without prompting when the time comes. Sue Lesmeister was pleased to have her sister-in- law Corrine Lesmeister as her guest this morning. The Colwells expressed their joy to be home after spending time with the sons, grandsons, and their families and friends at the farm at Round Top, Texas. It’s always great to go and equally pleasant to be home with our church family. Rev. Jackson’s message this morning was about remembering, ‘’The Reason for the Season.” It is important as Christians we don’t let the events of the Christmas Celebration (decorations, trees, songs, gifts, etc.) out shine the event of Christ’s birth. The most important celebration is in the hearts of God’s people.
A group joined Rev. Jackson at the Rock Island Cafe in Leeton for lunch after church and the fried chicken dinner was delicious. An impromptu group met in the church fellowship hall, played skip-bow and worked on our repurposed glass projects New Years Eve. At midnight Tom went upstairs and rang the church bell to proclaim our presence on the square here in Calhoun. God is good all the time and blesses those who believe.
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. We will be blessed by your presence.
First Baptist
On Sunday, guest Pastor Frasier Armstrong delivered a special message to remind us that we are running out of time. Beginning with 2 Peter 1, which encourages us to grow in our faith, Pastor Frasier reminded members and guests that His Word is sufficient, providing all we need. He offered 3 reminders regarding His Word:
1. The Gospels are eye-witness accounts of the ministry of Jesus.
2. Every Old Testament prophesy is fulfilled in the person of Jesus.
3. The primary ministry of the Word and Spirit of God is to remind us of the teachings of Jesus.
Our predisposition is to forget these things, so God leaves us with the Bible as reminder. The authors spoke through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is the Word of God, spoken through the Spirit of God. We are all running out of time, so we should all get into the habit of reading scripture, modeling this habit for those around us. Don’t run out of time to choose Jesus!
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
Christmas is God’s plan for our salvation. God brings divine good will to all humankind. Because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our hope is complete. Rejoice and praise God for his amazing grace.
Romans 8: 18 – 25 was the scripture text used by Rev. Nancy Gillard in the message Forever and Four – ever. This was the last sermon in the series “Looking Up for Christmas”. Our anthem on the last Sunday in 2023 was brought to us by our hand chimes choir. They played two hymns “O Christmas Tree” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful”. We are blessed to have musical talent in our congregation.
This was the last Sunday for the gorgeous red poinsettias in our sanctuary. Thank you to everyone who donated these beautiful flowers in memory or honor of loved ones.
A congregational meeting was held after the worship service. Our new Elders and Deacons will be installed on Sunday, January 14, 2024 followed by the monthly fellowship.
Mark and Gay Smith will lead a community choir that is being formed. Practices will be held at First Presbyterian Church beginning February 1, 2024. If interested please visit website clintoncommunitychoir@gmail.com. All in the community are invited to participate.
There are no Tai Chi classes again this week but classes will resume Monday, January 8. Strengthen your core and improve your balance with Tai Chi. Start the new year off doing something nice for yourself.
The temperature outside may be cold but at First Presbyterian Church you will find a warm, friendly, welcoming congregation. Come join us. If you are unable to attend in person, the worship services are available online at our website: fpcclintonmo.net. You will also find a monthly newsletter and calendar of happenings. Be sure to check them out.
Mt. Calvary Apostolic Pentecostal
“Is Church Important to God?”
Scriptures: 1Samuel 4:7, 1Kings 5:3-5, 1Kings 8:10-11, Jeremiah 5:1-11, Ezekiel 8:14-17, Luke 2:46-49, Matthew 20:6, Acts 2:47-48, Acts 20:28,30, Hebrews 10:25, Revelation 22:16, 1Timothy 3:15
For the longest time, God dwelled in a tent. However, he wanted a house.
1Ki 5:3-5.
David could not build God’s house because he had blood on his hands. God told Solomon, David’s son to build him a house.
1Ki 8:10-11.
God was pleased to have a house. The glory of God filled the house, it says in getse 11, that the priest could not stand to minister because of the cloud of God’s glory.
Therefore we should not say that a church is just a building.
Though it would happen later, the Medes would make Babylon pay for destroying God’s temple.
The Lord showed Ezekiel the abominations of the men behind closed doors in the temple. They said God would not see.
Ezk 8:12-13.
People always believe they aren’t seen behind closed doors but God sees everything. It tells us what God showed him in Ezekiel 8:16-17
Just as these men turned their backs away from God and were worshiping the sun.
People today do the same thing. They turn their back on God and worship other gods.
Like in the present day, we, like David question God about the wicked who seem to always prosper in their wickedness. If the devil can make us think that the wicked is continuously winning, he can persuade some to follow him.
David went to the temple, he did not fall for that deception. The result of the wicked is hell. For Christians, it will be heaven. We should keep our focus on God and the rewards he has for us.
The house of God is so important to him that his parents searched for him for three days when he was down here. They found him in the temple.
God added to the church daily: (Acts 2:47-48)and he purchased the church with his blood. (Acts 20:28 & 30).
1Ti 3:15.
We need to come together to strengthen one another because people are leaving the church. In chapter one of Revelation Jesus told John to write to the seven churches.
Rev 22:16.
The church is not just another building. The church is important to God.
Urich Baptist
It was a cold New Year’s Eve Sunday as we worshiped 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 Lonny and Tracy Bramell on their wedding anniversary. Randy Vogt and Clint Keeney collected the offering.
We were blessed to have Joshua Sowell to bring the sermon. The scripture passage was from Psalm 24. In this passage David describes the Lord’s sovereignty because He created the heavens and the earth and everything in them. Our faith in the Lord should shape our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors in all that we do. Have a healthful and faithful New Year!
Valley Center United
Happy New Year to all!! We open our doors wide open for all to come here, to our church at the brow of the hill, to worship!
Our Christmas Eve service was full of love and the celebration of the birth of Jesus! Our sanctuary was full as the familiar carols were sung and the Christmas story was read and watched the Nativity scene unfold! It is always a joyous and happy evening together!
Next Sunday we will observe Holy Communion. Our annual church meeting and the celebration of new members will be on January 28th, with a basket lunch to follow.
We send our prayers for those who are in need of his loving hands. We pray for peace everywhere. We remember all those who are facing such war atrocities. We pray for all the children and families in the world who are without homes and nowhere to go.
Our candle-lighters this morning were Raelynn Stinnett and Grace and Alexis Maggi. The congregation sang, “Joy to the World” to begin worship services.
The lyrics in the song, “The little drummer Boy,” tells us that he was summoned by the Magi to the Nativity of Jesus. Because he was poor, he came without bringing a gift. But, just as the Magi who had offered their best gifts for the baby Jesus, the young boy offered his best gift of talent with his music with drums.
Today, we humbly stand before Jesus and ask what do we have to give in return for his wonderful grace and forgiveness. Just as in the story, we each have our own special gifts to give. But, will we give just a little or will we give a little more?
We are reminded that we are the ones to step up and share these gifts and talents with others and to make that difference. We can’t leave it for others to do, because we are the “others”! We need to let go of the things that weigh us down and no longer serve us. Don’t let our interaction and caring for others just be in a text or an online message.
We are to be a force of love, hope and healing instead of opinions and judgement.
Almighty God, you are the light and hope to all nations and all people.
