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. to call our community to worship .
We extend our sympathy and Christian love to the family and friends of Ruth Sell and Marilyn Kohl, who passed into the arms of Jesus recently. Others on our prayer list include Amber and Patrick Dittmer and baby daughter, Eddie Sell, Heather Hollinger, Mason McNeely, Shirley Cardwell, Barbara Sales, Millie Redding, Eddie Roth and family, Rev. Jackson and Sondra Short, Patty Dump, 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: We were excited to come together this morning in worship and praise. We canceled last Sunday because of the weather and were ready this morning for company. We sang Happy Birthday to Sue Lesmeister today and wishing her many more. Sue thanked her church family for birthday wishes on her birthday and calls checking on her during the cold weather. Special music today was “Thank you, for giving to the Lord,” by our Ms. Verna. We are always pleased to have her sing. It was a joy to have Jeremy’s father Rev. Jerry Reed join us for worship this morning. Tom Colwell commented on how beautiful winter sun rises and sunsets are and encouraged making time to enjoy them. He also commented on numerous eagle sightings this week, as eagles are nesting this time of year. Rev. Short’s scripture lesson was Genesis Chapter 1. We have no concept how our world was created; the story in the Bible was written within the understanding at the time. The big bang theory is the scientific explanation of the story in more modern terms. What is our task in this life? We are to love one another, have respect for all living things, be conservative in what we use and help replenish what we take from the earth. Being aware of our environment is a large part of our task. Being aware of the opportunities and taking the time to care for each other. A card, a visit, a call or text, will make a special difference in everyone’s life. Amen.
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 non-denominational Church. We will be blessed by your presence.
Drakes Chapel UMC
Brrrr! Cold weather with sunny skies and warm hearts. Everyone was glad to be back and worship together. Drake’s is so happy to be able to bring our worship service to our church family and friends on Facebook live. It is so important to bring the word of God to all are unable to attend in person.
This past week saw blessings of birthdays and sorrows of loss. Prayers were lifted to our Lord, but he knew the need before our prayers were ever spoken. Drake’s Chapel UMC prides ourselves in being present in prayer. Some times we don’t ever know the outcomes but we know that God always wants us to lift our voices to Him.
Pastor Margie’s message was from Mark 1: 14-20. “No Time to Lose”. Mark is the second book in the Gospel however it was written before Matthew. Mark’s Gospel is one of urgency. Jesus wants us to be in the present. He needs us to spend our personal time of worship with Him today. We all pray that when it is our time we will be face to face with our Lord, but he wants us to be his Disciples while we are here in this life. Doing what we can to bring others to know the love He has for them. Though our conversations with Jesus are in prayer, He hears us. And he wants to hear from us now and to be a blessing to others.
It seems as though old man winter has a firm grip on our corner of the world, but Easter is just around the corner. Pastor Margie announced that she has found several bible studies that would be very good for the Lenten season. She also announced that she is willing to do an afternoon and evening study if enough interest is shown. Details to follow.
Drake’s Chapel is always ready to open our door and hearts to you. We hope if you are searching for a place to worship, you will consider to take a drive and see if we are what you are looking for. We are located 5 miles east of Clinton off Hwy 52. Just look for the sign on the highway. If you can’t be with us in person, look for us on Facebook live. Worship begins at 9. The Lord will know you are with Him where ever you are.
First Baptist
To illustrate the Christian life as a journey, Pastor Pat Findley referred to the book ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ by John Bunyun. This incredibly popular story describes the many things Christians face in their journey with God, including doubt, difficulty and shame. In Isaiah 40, a turning point of judgment, God reassures His restoration, giving a hope that is impossible to destroy. In the final message of his series, “Here Is Your God”, Pastor Pat offered 3 reminders for when your confidence is shaken in his sermon titled, ‘Those Who Hope In The Lord’.
1. When we despair, God cares. He is closer than we realize. Don’t believe the lies, for there is hope in God! He knows all things, so when you pray, be honest and give Him all your thoughts and feelings.
2. God is always available because He is eternal. Our God is an everlasting God who is and was and always will be. He helps us by being with us always. His power is made perfect in weakness.
3. Hope in the Lord strengthens us. Biblical hope, rather than wishful thinking, is absolute confidence that God will renew all things. Hope in the Lord’s promise can sustain us through anything! Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
So, how do we get a hold of God’s strength? Fix your eyes on what is unseen, which is eternal. Grow in your relationship with Jesus and depend on Him. With God in you, you have the key – God’s promise!
Celebrate Recovery is on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 pm at the Vansant location for anyone with hurts, habits, or hangups. GriefShare is offered every Thursday, beginning February 1st at 6 pm, for help and encouragement after the death of a loved one. 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. 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
A new year offers the perfect opportunity to open ourselves up to serve our mighty God. He frees us from our fears and doubts and replaces them with the assurance that we are loved and that he is with us. By serving and caring for others around us we truly serve God. Look around you and see where God is at work then join Him.
We were blessed to have Dr. David Maggi with us on Sunday morning delivering a message titled The Meaning of Life. 1 Kings 17: 17 – 24 was his text. Our handchimes choir played our anthem the beautiful old hymn “Fairest Lord Jesus” arranged by Charles Maggs.
We are once again collecting donations for The Samaritan Center. They are in need of pudding and gelatin mixes and we will gather these throughout the months of January and February. The Presbyterian Women will also be busy cutting strips and braiding tee shirts into jump ropes for our yearly donation to the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoe Boxes for children around the world. A total of 112 ropes were donated last year. Join them on Tuesday, January 23 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.
Mt. Calvary Apostolic Pentecostal
“Outpouring of God’s Spirit”
Additional Scripture: Acts 10:4, 16:18, 1Corinthians 14:21, Acts 2:13, Isaiah 9:6,
Joel 2:28-29.
God’s spirit is for everybody. Some people don’t under the Holy Spirit, they believe the evidence of speaking in tongues was for those who experienced it in the Book of Acts. It is still relevant today.
Isa 28:9.
To whom, he said shall he teach knowledge to make them understand? People reject speaking in tongues.
Isa 28:11.
(Isaiah 28:12,16)
Eph 2:19-22.
A habitation is a place in which to live. We are built for God to dwell in. People don’t understand who; God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are.
Jesus taught Nicodemus what the requirement was regarding heaven when he questioned Jesus.
John 3:4-6, 8.
Jesus taught about the New Testament to individuals with Old Testament knowledge. Jesus explained we have to have water (baptism in water) and spirit (baptism in the Holy Spirit) to enter heaven.
John 14:16-18.
Jesus was saying he would not be walking around down here, but he would send a comforter (Holy Spirit). Jesus is the comforter.
Jesus said if he did not go away, the comforter would not come. (John 16:7)
John 16:13, 16, 23-24.
Jesus said he spoke in proverbs but no more. (John 16:25)
John 16:26-28.
Jesus was here in the flesh but when he went back to heaven he would be on the throne.
John 14:8-9.
Because we cannot see God who is spirit and lives, Jesus wanted Phillip to know that when he saw Jesus, he saw the Father. God had to come down here himself to be that pure sacrifice on earth.
He came as Jesus, a babe born from Mary but he did not have Mary’s blood running through his veins. To have human blood in his body would have contaminated him. He was born without an umbilical cord.
John 1:13.
The blood that flowed through him was pure. He is the only one who could come and be that pure sacrifice for humankind.
Act 1:3.
Jesus taught his disciples things about the kingdom for those 40 days after he was resurrected. The Apostles said what Jesus taught them. They are the foundation built on the cornerstone, Jesus.
They needed to know what to tell the people. It says in Acts 2:38
As stated in Joel, Jesus is no longer walking the earth, but the comforter came. God is spirit, and holy.
1Co 13:8.
These are not in the church because people will not operate in the spirit.
There are various gifts but they are of the same spirit, God.
(1Corinthians 12:4-10)
1Co 12:7.
The Outpouring of God’s spirit is still relevant today. God Bless.
Trinity Lutheran
These days, the Christian church has something of a bad reputation, especially on social media. Many people post memes which indicate attending church on Sundays is optional at best, and completely irrelevant and unnecessary, at worst.
The truth is, your local church is a very good place, indeed. People there aren’t perfect, but almost all are very nice. They aren’t hypocrites who are just pretending to be believers to impress their neighbors or co-workers. Most of them never attend church, anyway and aren’t impressed by those who do. Those who attend church regularly are there because they have faith in Jesus Christ and want to worship God in spirit and truth.
In fact, a Christian Church… where the gospel is preached truthfully and the sacraments are administered rightly…is one place you can be certain that the Holy Spirit is present to work and strengthen faith in all who are present. Now, your next-door neighbor pontificating on his personal opinions about the Bible, faith and salvation on a weeknight in his living room, not so much.
Go to church. Regularly. It’s the one place you can be certain to find God there, waiting for you. You will be glad you did.
Divine Service 1 pm; Sunday School, Noon. Church ph: 660-885-4728.
Urich Baptist
1/14/24 Service
The bitter cold didn’t keep the faithful away. Clint Keeney rang the church bell. Mrs. Julia Klinefelter led in the congregational singing with Mrs. Dixie Collins playing piano. We rejoiced for Fern Kelsay at Jefferson Gardens Nursing Home on her 104th birthday. Randy Vogt and Clint Keeney collected the offering.
We were blessed to have Joshua Sowell bring the sermon. The scripture passage from his sermon was from John 21:1-14. In this passage Jesus had appeared to the disciples for the last time. He told them He would be near them, care and provide for them after He ascended to Heaven. He will do the same for us. If we read and get guidance from the Bible and keep His words, thoughts and actions in our heart, He will be near us and care for us. Have a blessed week.
Valley Center United
We come to you on this day with honest and open hearts.
We are an open and affirming church and welcome all to come and worship with us next Sunday morning at 9 am.
Next Sunday is a wonderful time in our church’s life as we have a celebration and reception of new members! We will also have our important annual church meeting, with elections for our Elders and Deacons. There will be a carry-in dinner to follow.
We send our prayers of love and healing to our dear church members who are facing some serious health issues. We send our support and hope for peace to all those who face war and unbelievable hardships every day in their lives.
Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, give up your own way and take up your cross and follow me”. It was the Greatest Invitation ever! The timing was perfect. Jesus recognized their desire to change. They dropped everything and followed him.
Each one of us receives that same invitation. It is an invitation to go out in the masses of people and invite them to come, serve with us, pray with us and to connect with others as they share their own stories. It is an invitation to follow him.
As a church or as individuals, we are looking for those perfect moments to reach out and ask all to come join us and know that the living God is here who offers you his love, hope, grace and salvation.
Maybe like the first disciples, you also hear Christ calling and are ready to change your life. You are ready to follow Jesus and truly love and serve others. Even when there are times when we think that our pasts have been empty, full of despair, and we are unsure of what lies ahead, he gives us the invitation to join him and allow the Holy Spirit to come into our lives.
Be the church, take the steps, reach out and ask all to come, serve with us, pray with us, and follow him!
