First Baptist
On Sunday, Pastor Pat Findley delivered the second message, “Infinitely Incomparable” of the sermon series, “Here is Your God” from Isaiah 40. Pastor opened the message by presenting the question, “When was the last time you were completely amazed by someone or something? It could have been when you looked up at the stars, or when you stood beside the Grand Canyon, or possibly when you held a newborn baby. There are many ways that we experience the feeling of being in awe. Ultimately, each of these experiences are a gift from the Lord to remind us of His awesomeness.
Pastor Pat then shared seven attributes of God to remember when your awe of Him is less than awesome:
1. Transcendent (Isaiah 40:12)
2. Omniscient (Isaiah 40:13-14)
3. Supreme (Isaiah 40:15-17)
4. Incomparable (Isaiah 40:18-20)
5. Sovereign (Isaiah 40:21-24)
The Bible proclaims God’s sovereignty not to confuse us, but to encourage us. It is because God is sovereign that we can trust Him to keep all of His promises. Digging deeper into God’s sovereignty, Pastor Pat gave three points to the question that is presented by many, “Why is there suffering and evil if God is sovereign”?
1. Every world view asks this same question regarding the evil in this world.
2. The Bible describes evil as something God has allowed, but we know that He is not evil. He has not approved evil and He has not caused it. He has given us free will to choose whether or not we will worship Him.
3. Throughout Scripture we see God resisting evil. We know that God is good and that He is working all things together (Romans 8:28) and the days of pain and suffering are soon coming to an end.
6. Holy (Isaiah 40:25)
7. Omnipotent (Isaiah 40:26)
In closing, Pastor Pat encouraged us to be speechless for a moment in the awe of our Lord that keeps His promises. Because God knows all things, He has the wisdom for whatever decisions you’re facing. Because God has all power, He can help hold you together and carry you through what you’re going through. Because God is sovereign we can remember that He is in complete control and set aside our anxiety.
Celebrate Recovery is on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 pm at the Vansant location for anyone with hurts, habits and hangups. Worship service times are 9:30 am and 11:00 am with Sunday School offered at 8:15 am and 9:30 am. 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
We met together in praise and prayer to our merciful God. Because of his love he provides different gifts that fit together in the church body. We recognized and celebrated these gifts as we ordained and installed deacons and elders for service to our Lord and the First Presbyterian Church body of believers.
The Congregational Code was the title of Rev. Nancy Gillard’s message taken from 1 Peter 5: 1 – 11. Ann McCoy was our organist as we sang hymns of praise and service.
The Samaritan Center is in need of pudding and gelatin mixes and we will be collecting these donations throughout the months of January and February. The Presbyterian Women will also be busy cutting strips and braiding tee shirts into jump ropes. The ropes are donated yearly for insertion in the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoe Boxes for children around the world. Last year the ladies donated a total of 112 ropes. Join them on Thursday, January 18 at 1:30 pm in Fellowship Hall if you would like to be a part of this mission work.
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 on Mondays at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall. Do something nice for yourself in the new year. Tai Chi will help strengthen your core and improve your balance.
Frigid temperatures outside can’t cool the spirit of love and kindness found within the doors of First Presbyterian Church. You will be welcomed by a warm, friendly 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.
Valley Center United
We are an open and affirming church and welcome all to come worship with us next Sunday morning!
We send our prayers of love and healing to several in our church as they face health issues and the loss of a family member. We pray for those who continue to know the tragedy and great suffering of war in their lives. We pray for peace and understanding everywhere.
On Sunday, January 28th, we will have our church’s annual meeting. We will have an election of our important Elders and Deacons of our church. We will also have a celebration and reception of our new members! There will be a carry-in lunch to follow.
The beautiful words of the 139th Psalm may be the best description of Jesus’ relationship with us. It gives us the image that God is always with us, no matter what we say or do.
Clearly, he is present in all dimensions; from the beginning, now, and in the future. Where there is joy, he is there. During our highs or lows, happiness or frustrations, he is there. God understands our intentions and knows everything about us. Even in the darkness, it is not dark, we are not to have fear.
God wants us to be earnest in our faith. strip away any pretense of our own relationship with God and know that He is a living God. He loves us, cares for us, and never leaves us. We can find peace, hope, glory and our salvation in the presence of God in our lives.
God is always and forever in our lives, what else do we need to know?
In His Holy name, Amen.
