November 1st Worship Service

Posted on October 31, 2026 | Leave a comment

Claybanks United Methodist Church
Sunday, November 1, 2026
 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m            
* Indicates to stand as you are able
All Saints Sunday

Welcome and Announcements

Worship and Praise

Prelude

*Processional Song – see inside back cover of hymnal

*Opening Prayer – In Unison
God of all glory, we gather here today with the saints of every time and place to honor and praise your name.  As you have revealed your mercy and might to your faithful people in every way, so let us glimpse – even through our tears- the mystery of your life-giving grace and the love that even death cannot destroy, through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray.  Amen

*Gloria Patri………………………………..UMH 70

*Hymn of Preparation
”Here, O My Lord I See Thee” (ver. 1-3)…………..UMH 623

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns
Petitions
Sing: …..“Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”……TFWS 2193
Prayers for Healing     
The Lord’s Prayer

The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves
*Doxology……………………………..…UMH 95
*Prayer of Dedication

Sharing of the Word

*Hymn of Praise
”Rejoice in God’s Saints”……….UMH 708

Prayer of Illumination: In Unison
Almighty God, your word is life and your promise is trustworthy and true.  By the power of your Holy Spirit, write your word upon our hearts so that we may be your new creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Message by Pastor Terri Cummins
 “The Visit”

We Honor the Saints
Special Music
Role Call
Prayer

Holy Communion…………..…..….UMH 15-16

*Closing Hymn
”I Sing a Song of the Saints”….….UMH 712

Benediction
Postlude – Please be seated

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard
Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News

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Pastor’s Ponderings

Posted on October 31, 2026 | Leave a comment

Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. – Proverbs 11:14 “

It had been a long day of filling out Charge Conference forms.  This is not my favorite Pastoral chore.  I needed a break and my dog, Gracie, needed to go out.  It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny but with a crisp breeze.  A good day for walking.  As we walked along, I began praying and asking for God’s guidance in completing the forms and in making plans for our church’s coming year.  I asked Him to bless us and especially to bless our 2027 Leadership. Most of our Leaders have been serving in some form of leadership capacity for many, m,any many years.  Some have expressed their desire for rest, but they also understand that we don’t have many options in leaders.  Our volunteer pool is way too small for the work that needs doing.  So, they tiredly say yes…. again.  

As I was walking and praying about this, my mind was drawn to the crunch of dried leaves under my feet.  Then, another sound burst through the air. 

Above me, a bunch of geese flew overhead.  There were about 20 of them flying in their V formation, just honk, honk, honking away.  It made me smile.  I remembered a story I had heard about geese.  And I think in that moment, God gave me His answer about my worries over leadership.

Most of us know that geese fly in a V formation.  Science has discovered why they fly that way.  It is actually a form of ‘team work’.  As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. Therefore, by flying in “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. This formation, while providing crucial aerodynamic benefits to the flock, is tough on the lead bird who works the hardest, breaking the wind. 

However, and this is what makes me smile, to maintain their V-formation, the geese do a lot of honking. They honk their location, but they also honk their encouragement!  They encourage and motivate that lead bird to keep going.  They encourage it, and their voices also encourage and motivate each other.  Finally, when the lead goose becomes too tired to lead, he honks his information and drops back while another goose flies forward and takes his place.  Then, they all start honking their encouragement to the new lead. 

Geese flying in formation, share a common direction and have a sense of community and are able to travel more quickly and with a little less effort,  because they are traveling on the thrust of each other.  That couldn’t happen if they didn’t cooperate with and encourage each other.  As we look forward to the coming year, and our 2027 Leadership, I hope you will take your cues from the geese.  I hope you will take your turn whenever you can, our little church can do some wonderful things if we all pitch in.  I hope you will encourage your leaders; many are tired and are flying ONLY because of their dedication to our church and the encouragement you give them.  I also hope that you will fly along with us and be a part of the Claybanks flock as we get to wherever it is that God sends us.   Come on!  It’s time to get going! Honk Honk!!!!

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Shout Outs from Pastor Terri

Posted on October 31, 2026 | Leave a comment

Charge Conference
Our Annual Church Conference is scheduled for Sunday, November 8th at 2:30.  It will be held in North Muskegon at Community UMC,  1614 Ruddiman Dr, North Muskegon, MI 49445. Booklets will be available for you to pick up and look over on November 1st. Hope to see you all there!

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
Our Adult Bible Study has been going well.  We meet every Sunday at 9:30. We are studying a book by Adam Hamilton titled: Simon Peter, the Flawed but Faithful Disciple. 

We plan to wrap this study up on November 8th.Then, we’ll take a one-week break and will begin a new Advent study on November 22nd.  Watch for news about what we’ll be studying.

NEW!!!!   Upcoming Event!
Soon you’ll be digging out your Christmas stuff!  Keep an eye out for your Ugliest Christmas sweater/shirt because on Sunday, December 13th everyone will be invited to wear them to church.  Then, after our service, we’ll all get to vote on who has the most  hideous one!  Don’t have one? MAKE one!  Get out the glue and tinsel and creativity!  Let’s have fun with this! There WILL be a prize for the Ugliest one!

Women of Faith News
Our Women of Faith met on October 15th.

Our October meeting is typically when we decide how much money we can donate to outside organizations and which organizations those should be.

This year we’ve chosen the following places to send a one-time check, of $100 each.
Oceana County Council on Aging
Oceana Medical Center
The Ladder
Crystal Valley Care Fund
Muskegon Rescue Mission
Every Woman’s Place
M.O.K.A.
C.U.R.E. International
White Lake Giving Tree
W.O.F. district treasurer

In November we will gather on the 27th, at 12 noon, for our annual pizza lunch. Following our lunch, we will decorate the sanctuary and fellowship hall for the Advent season. Everyone,  men and women, are invited to join us that day, for lunch and decorating.

Our WOMEN OF FAITH group is for every woman at our church.  Please join us at any meeting for a bit of business and a bit of social time.

Warmth for You
As we’re entering the colder months of the year we want everyone to be comfortable during our worship services.

In the little pew at the back of the sanctuary, you’ll see a few lap sized quilts and afghans.

They are available for your use during our services if you want an extra layer of warmth.

Please use them.

Cinda

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Posted in Pastor's Ponderings

Upcoming Worship Schedule

Posted on October 31, 2026 | Leave a comment

NOVEMBER
SCRIPTURE & MESSAGE

Sunday, November 1 
All Saints Sunday
Assorted Scripture
The Visit

Sunday, November 8
Proverbs 3:5-6,1 John 3:15, Matthew 28:19-20
Feed Me Seymore

Sunday, November 15
Proverbs 3:5-6, Jeremiah 29:13, Colossians 3:2, John 14:6
The Voice

Sunday, November 22
Christ the King/Thanksgiving Sunday
Isaiah 9:6-7, Acts 2:36, Luke 4:18-21
What Were You Expecting?

Sunday, November 29
1st Sunday of Advent
Psalm 139:13-14, Romans 6:23, Matthew 1:18-22
Who Am I?

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October 25th Worship Service

Posted on October 22, 2026 | Leave a comment

Claybanks United Methodist Church
Sunday, October 25, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
* Indicates to stand as you are able

Welcome and Announcements

Worship and Praise

Prelude

*Processional Song – see inside back cover of hymnal

*Call to Worship
One: Jesus looked at his disciples and saw what they needed in their fear.
All: They needed each other.
One: They needed their connections to restore their assurance.
ALL: We all need to know that we are not alone.
One: Friends care.  Friends abide.  Friends love. 
All: We are called to love each other as friends….
One: As neighbors
All: As neighbors.
One: Not ‘others’
All: Not ‘others’.

*Gloria Patri……………………………………..UMH 70

*Opening Prayer – In Unison
Father, Forgive us when we let our fear sideline us, taking us out of the action that is love.  Help us to defy the urge to belittle in order to feel safer or better.  Even though it feels like a difficult thing to do, help us to restore – not tear down, help us to serve – not judge, help us to reach out – not pull back, help us to risk reciprocal relationship so that all are less alone and less afraid. Amen

*Hymn of Preparation
”Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service”….…..UMH 581

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns
Petitions
Sing: ……..“Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”….….TFWS 2193
Prayers for Healing     
The Lord’s Prayer

Shalom Offering
The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves
*Doxology…………………………………………..…UMH 95
*Prayer of Dedication

Sharing of the Word

*Hymn of Praise
”Jesus Is All the World to Me”…….UMH 469

Prayer of Illumination: In Unison
God of love and justice, we are grateful for inheriting the tradition of the Scriptures.  By your Holy Spirit, speak to us through your Word, that we may know the love and grace of Jesus Christ, your living Word made flesh among us.

Old Testament Reading
Isaiah 54:10………………….………Page 597
Epistle Reading
Romans 12:10………….…………..…Page  922
*Gospel Reading
John 15:12-17……….…….………….Page 878

Message by Pastor Terri Cummins
 “You Are My Friends”

*Closing Hymn
”Blest Be the Tie That Binds”….….UMH 557

Benediction
Postlude – Please be seated

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard
Liturgist – Janice Anderson & Richard Lindell
Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News

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Posted in Weekly Service

October 18th Worship Service

Posted on October 15, 2026 | Leave a comment

Claybanks United Methodist Church
Sunday, October 18, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
* Indicates to stand as you are able

Welcome and Announcements

Worship and Praise

Prelude
*Processional Song – see inside back cover of hymnal

*Call to Worship
One: We come to the table to share the abundance in our lives.
All: We are nurtured by God’s love, the Source of our joy.
One: Jesus shared his mercy and compassion like a never-ending stream.
ALL: He invites us to keep that flow alive.
One: The toxic boot-strapping individualism of our modern life needs pruning, 
All: so that we can build up our communities, together….
One: As neighbors
All: As neighbors.
One: Not ‘others’
All: Not ‘others.’

*Gloria Patri………………………………..UMH 70

*Opening Prayer – In Unison
Forgive us when we believe the false idea that there isn’t enough to go around.  Help us to embrace that the Vine provides all we need if we will only stay connected, stay green, stay alive with hope.  Even though it feels like a difficult thing to do, help us to share – not grip tightly, help us to serve – not judge, help us to reach out – not pull back, help us to risk reciprocal relationship so that our love produces a bounty of fruit that feeds all. Amen

*Hymn of Preparation
”They’ll Know We are Christians”..TFWS 2223

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns
Petitions
Sing: ……..“Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”….….TFWS 2193
Prayers for Healing     
The Lord’s Prayer

The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves

The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology………………………………….…UMH 95
*Prayer of Dedication

Sharing of the Word

*Hymn of Praise
”O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go”….UMH 480

Prayer of Illumination: In Unison
God of Wisdom, we eagerly seek your presence in our lives and in the world.  By your Spirit, speak your word to us, and give us your grace to recognize the abundant signs of your care for us, so that  we might be freed to act in the world with courage and abandon.  Amen

Old Testament Reading
Psalm 80:8-19……………….………Pages 470-471
Epistle Reading
1 Corinthians 3:9………………..…….…….Page 927
*Gospel Reading
John 15:1-5, 9b-11………………..……….Page 878

  Message by Pastor Terri Cummins
  “Abide in Love”

Closing Hymn
”More Love to Thee, O Christ”….….UMH 453
Benediction
Postlude – Please be seated

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard
Liturgist – Ellen Zimmerman
Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News

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October 11th Worship Service

Posted on October 9, 2026 | Leave a comment

Claybanks United Methodist Church
Sunday, October 11, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
* Indicates to stand as you are able

Welcome and Announcements
Worship and Praise
Prelude
*Processional Song – see inside back cover of hymnal

*Call to Worship
One: There is so much to fix about this world,
All: We wonder what we have to give that would make any difference.
One: Like Jesus’ disciples, sometimes we are not sure what to do.
ALL: It feels like a daunting task.
One: But Jesus reminds us that just sitting down to have a meal is one way to be God’s love.
All: We are called to give in the ways we can, treating each other….
One: As neighbors
All: As neighbors.
One: Not ‘others’
All: Not ‘others’.

*Gloria Patri………………………………UMH 70

*Opening Prayer – In Unison
Forgive us when we doubt our ability to give of ourselves for the sake of love.  Help us to embrace that Jesus has shown us all we need to know and God’s love is already in us as we are in God’s love.  Even though it feels like a difficult thing to do, help us to give – not hoard, help us to serve – not judge, help us to reach out – not pull back, help us to risk reciprocal relationship so all will know the gift of God’s presence.  Amen

*Hymn of Preparation
”O God Who Shaped Creation”……UMH 443

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns
Petitions
Sing: ……..“Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”….….TFWS 2193
Prayers for Healing     
The Lord’s Prayer

The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves
*Doxology……………………………………….…UMH 95
*Prayer of Dedication

Sharing of the Word

*Hymn of Praise
”Jesu, Jesu”….………..….UMH 432

Prayer of Illumination: In Unison
Lord, as we listen to your Holy Word, open our hearts to the power of your Spirit, call us out of darkness, and lead us into your marvelous light.  Amen

Old Testament Reading
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16……………………..Pages 439-440
Epistle Reading
Acts 7:55-60…………………………..………….Page 891
*Gospel Reading
John 14:8-14…………………………..…..……Page 877

Message by Pastor Terri Cummins
“Show Us”

Closing Hymn
”The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve”…TFWS 2241
Benediction
Postlude – Please be seated

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard
Liturgist – Janice Anderson & Richard Lindell
Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News

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Posted in Weekly Service