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, rang the bell.
We extend our sympathy and Christian love to the family and friends of Beverly (Bev.) Igo, who passed into the arms of Jesus this week. Others on our prayer list include Amber and Patrick Dittmer and baby daughter, Heather Hollinger, Carol Lane, Barbara Sales, 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. It is such a joy to have children in our church and they are so willing to do whatever is asked of them. Tucker is our usher and is ready to pass the offering plate without prompting when the time comes. The children are Shirley Cardwell’s great grandchildren. We sang Happy Birthday to Barbara Colwell this morning and wishing her many more. Special music today was “How long has it been,” by our Ms. Verna. We are always pleased to have her sing. We were pleased to have Jeremy Reid join us for worship this morning. Rev. Jackson Short had the misfortune to have a flat tire on the way to church this morning. So Shelby Bicknell stepped-up-to-the-plate and gave us a wonderful impromptu lesson. We live in a generation where folk depend on themselves instead of depending on God when situations arise. Our world is a rude place to live. We need to be extra courteous to folk we encounter, showing our upbringing by being extra courteous and meeting them face on with a smile reflecting an example; not a reflection of their rudeness. Always using the example “What would Jesus say or do” when uncomfortable situations arise. Shelby said he came to Calhoun as a last resort, a broken spirit. He and his mother came to church because he had heard Calhoun UMC was looking for a guitar player. Shelby reflected; most of you don’t understand ‘’This is God’s house and is a life changing place”. He said, ‘’The first time I stepped in the building I could feel God’s presence here.” Something as simple as welcome we’re glad you’re here; a simple statement that changed my life forever. We all struggle with good days and bad. “Knowing God is with us,” can change a heart and a life. Now I know God was with me all my life; I just wasn’t aware of it. I’m a changed person and you folk have shown me the way. We are pleased for the kind words, give God the glory, and thank Shelby for the lesson.
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.
Drakes Chapel UMC
On this first Sunday of the New Year, we at Drake’s Chapel celebrated Epiphany, the holy time when the wisemen reached the Christ child. The warm spirit of our church family filled the sanctuary amid the cold January weather.
During our Joys and Concerns Pastor Margie shared the good news of the generosity of Drake’s giving through outreach ministry. The past year besides our apportionments (our part of our global ministry) We gave $6,436.30 to local mission projects in our own community. Margie also shared that on a recent doctors visit she received the good news that she was 100% cancer free! God is so good!
Pastor Margie’s message captured our attention. “I Can See Clearly Now”, the song written and recorded by Johnny Nash in 1972 inspired Margie’s message. Can we see clearly now? Can we envision God’s plans for us? Are we near-sighted and unable to see people and situations that need attention.
God gave us all vision. It is different for each of us, but it is our obligation as His children to reach out to others no matter where we may find them. Jesus meets us where we are. As His followers we must do the same, look for ways to minister to others. Near or far.
Following worship, we enjoyed a holiday brunch. We celebrated the Christmas past and the New Year with all the exciting plans to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community.
There was a brief meeting following brunch. There was also discussion of planning Bible studies in the near future. Our vision is very clear. We are going to be the church that ministers to all. To find ways to show God’s love and grace in our community.
Looking for a place to worship? We welcome you to visit our beautiful chapel in the woods. It is our hope you will find what you’ve been looking for. If you can’t be with us in person, please join us on Facebook live, just look for Margie Briggs. Worship begins at 9:00. You will find us 5 miles east of Clinton off 52 hwy. Just look for the sign. We hope you find your New Year to be full of blessings and good health. And may you always find a way to be a blessing to others
First Baptist
On Sunday, Pastor Pat Findley began a three-week series titled ‘Here Is Your God’. Considering the new year, members and guests were offered four renewing reminders about who God really is.
1. He comforts His people. Isaiah 40:1-2
2. He reveals His glory. Isaiah 40:3-5
3. He speaks eternal words. Isaiah 40:6-8
4. He announces good news. Isaiah 40:9-11
Speaking from Isaiah 40, Pastor Pat described the hope and peace of God’s comfort, even in dark, uncomfortable times. While our suffering is not always of God, His discipline is purposeful in restoring us to who He has called us to be. When our connection with God weakens, His comfort comes quickly to those who return to Him. Sometimes, even as believers, we fall out of sync with God. However, the more we grow closer to Him, the more His glory is revealed. In order to grow closer to Him, we must spend time with Him. Have a conversation with God through His Word. The goal of reading the Bible should be to spend time with God. The good news of God is to be shared. That’s His plan! The good news of Jesus is only good if it is received in time. Let us get excited about who God is! Do not be afraid! Live boldly for the Lord! Our God is King!
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. 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
God’s love is always offered to us freely, joyfully and for all eternity. Forgiveness and healing are also available to us for the offering. We should feel blessed to know that we are loved and forgiven in Christ’s name. In this new year, open your heart to receive God’s words and ways. What a difference you will experience in your life.
Rev. Nancy Gillard spoke on the message New Year New Journey. Her chosen text was Matthew 2: 7 – 12 concerning the wise men and their journey to Bethlehem following the star. Our anthem “ We Three Kings” was beautifully played on the piano by Gay Smith.
The installation of our new Elders and Deacons will be Sunday, January 14, 2024 followed by the monthly fellowship. Make plans to attend.
A community choir is being formed by Mark and Gay Smith. 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.
Tai Chi classes will resume this Monday, January 8 in Fellowship Hall. Do something nice for yourself in the new year. Tai Chi will help strengthen your core and improve your balance.
Outside the temperature is cold but inside 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
“If Thou Knowest the Gift of God”
John 4:10.
When we look at living water there is more to it. How is that water going to be alive? What is Jesus talking about regarding living water?
Isaiah 12:3.
He is saying God is his salvation, out of the well of God.
Isaiah 44:3.
Isa 44:6.
God is speaking about us, we are the dry ground and he will pour water upon the seed. He will pour his spirit upon us.
In Jeremuah, he says his people have committed two evils, They have forsaken him, the living water, and they are broken cisterns. (Jeremiah 2:13) God is the fountain of living water.
Jesus told his disciples he needed to go to Samaria. There was a reason for him to be at the well alone. He knew the Samaritan woman would come to the well.
God has things planned out. He was opening the way of salvation to the Samaritans. (John 4:1-10)
God’s focus is salvation for us. He said, If thou knowest the gift of God. He focused on water because people understand the need for water.
He is telling us he is God, the living water. He can dwell within us.
Jol 2:28.
God who is a spirit and is Holy will dwell within you. He is the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. Anyone who thirsts, out of his belly shall flow living water.
(Acts 2:37-38 and Acts 8:5-25)
As we have the living water in us we should be able to share with others.
Revelation 7:16-17.
For all who have the Holy Ghost, we are the fountains of the living water. Many people do not believe that the Holy Ghost is for the present day. However, having the Holy Ghost dwell within us is for us today as it was in ancient days. God Bless.
Urich Baptist
Sunshine brightened our hearts 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. Randy Vogt and Clint Keeney collected the offering.
The scripture passage from interim Pastor Steve Sowell’s sermon was from John 20:1-18. In this passage Jesus had been crucified, buried, and now is describing His resurrection. Those close to Him saw His suffering, being mocked, and cruelly crucified and were feeling a great loss. Then Jesus appeared to the Disciples before He ascended to heaven. Now they understood what Jesus was telling them, Jesus is always there for us. He is with us in times of despair, loss, struggles, and doubts because of His love and grace. Spread the blessings.
Valley Center United
We are an open and affirming church and welcome all to come worship with us next Sunday morning at 9 am.
This week, several from Valley Center came together to build a ramp for a very special church member. On January 28th, our church’s annual meeting will be held. We will have a celebration of new members with a lunch following also on that day.
We observed Holy Communion on this First Sunday of Epiphany, with Consistory members Andy Lasswell and Christy Maggi as servers.
“Even the darkness will not be dark to you: the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
Jesus is the light of the World. The people in the temple knew immediately that it was Jesus. His light illuminated through them.
Today, we are the people that bring God’s light and glory into the world as it is revealed to us. We have good things to do. We need to be intentional and let the light of the Lord shine through us.
How much light do we bring into the world? Do we dig deep and seek out those who are afraid, alone and perhaps rejected? Or maybe we are too passive and connect only with some, but not others? God expects us to be his messengers and radiate his light in the darkness and show the glory of the Lord to all people.
“Hope is empowerment and bright light brings glory. Faith brings us the understanding that there is something beyond us with which we can connect with and believe in.” Praise the Lord!
