February 3rd Service

Posted on January 31, 2019 | Leave a comment

February 3rd, 2019 10:30am
*Indicates to stand as you are able

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Welcome and Announcements

*Praise Song “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” UMH #349

Prelude

*Processional
In this place, among these people,
God is worshipped, God is praised.
We have seen the signs and wonders;
the lost are found here, the dead are raised.
We are living the Gospel story;
lives are changed, and mountains moved.
Won’t you come and work among us?
You are welcomed, you are loved.

*Call to Worship
One: People of God, come hear the good news.
All: But we hear the voice of God calling us to places we do not want to go.
One: People of God, take courage in the loving, sustaining presence of God.
All: We are here to find strength and courage, to find faith and hope, to lean on the everlasting arms of God.

*Gloria Patri UMH #70

Opening Prayer

*Hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” UMH #384

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

Children’s Time– After prayers, sing the Children out – “Jesus Loves Me.” Children 5 and under are welcome to remain in worship or go to the nursery at this time.

The Offering of Our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology UMH #95

Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn “Take My Life And Let it Be” UMH #399

SHARING THE WORD

Old Testament Reading Jeremiah 1:4-10 Page#613
New Testament Reading 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Page #934

Response to the Word see insert

Message “Love is a Gift” Pastor Gary

Words of Assurance

The Great Thanksgiving

Prayer

*Hymn “Victory in Jesus” UMH #370

Benediction

Calendar and Announcements
Sunday, February 3, 2019
9:30 a.m. – Adult Sunday School 9:45 a.m.Youth Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship

Sunday, February 10, 2019
9:30 am – Adult Sunday School 9:45 a.m.Youth Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship

Sunday, February 17, 2019
9:30 am – Adult Sunday School 9:45 a.m.Youth Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship Dr. Kamp

Email: glpeterson32@frontier.com
Office Telephone 231-923-0573
Office email ClaybanksUMC@gmail.com
Website http://www.claybanksunitedmethodist.com

Pianist
Liturgist Tom Jackson
Nursery Liz Grossman
Ministers All People As We Live the Good News

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Pastor’s Ponderings

Posted on January 31, 2019 | Leave a comment

Which Is The Best Bible
One of the questions I get asked as a pastor is which Bible should I use? Now this is not an easy question to answer because depending on how you use your Bible will influence which Bible is best for you. As a pastor, I have favorite’s translations, but I have learned the value of using a number of different Bibles translations depending on a number of different criteria for what I am doing.

Many of us think of the King James Version when we think and speak about the Bible. The King James Version is very beautiful to read yet it is difficult for us to decipher for it was written in 1611, and our English language today has substantially changed from four centuries ago making it somewhat difficult to understand. Since the time of the creation of the King James Bible, we have had many different translations of Scripture from the original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic text. Bibles are usually written at a reading level between the 3rd grade and 12th grade reading level. Shorter sentences, smaller word pool and avoiding uncommon words bring us the most basic translations that most of us can begin to understand.

There are more than 60 accepted English language versions of the Bible available to us today. They fall into three broad types: word for word, meaning to meaning (which is also called thought for thought) and paraphrase. Word for word versions most accurately follow the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek text. The King James Bible is the most popular version of word for word translations. Meaning for meaning versions can be valuable in putting the Scripture into more understandable wording and are based on the original textual writings. Examples of meaning for meaning Bibles are the New International Version (NIV), Revised English Bible (REB) and the New Revise Standard Version (NRSV) which was first published in 1989 and has become the preferred Bible to be use by the United Methodist Church. Paraphrase Bibles, such as the Living Bible or the Message can also be very useful in our understanding of scripture. Their goal is to make the Bible even easier to read in modern language. Paraphrase versions can be read to better grasp the story flow but at times possibly broaden the meaning of a particular text.  I find it very helpful to use a parallel Bible which contains two or more versions side-by-side on the same pages to be helpful. Indeed, when studying Scripture it is beneficial in looking at a multitude of versions of Scripture, but one will most likely be your primary version which best fits you personally.

Regardless of the Bible version you choose, the most important factor is that you actually use it. The Bible should be considered an investment in which a little more expense up front will pay off in the long run. Things to take in consideration when purchasing a Bible are you going to use it for study or will it primarily be used to take to church to read along with others. Wider margins will allow you to add notes from your personal study over the years. Leather bound Bibles will last longer than hardbound or paperback volumes. Reference Bibles are very good at helping you look at other Scripture texts related to the text you’re reading. Study Bibles have notes contained usually on the lower section that are commentaries on the Scripture. Some Bibles highlight the actual words of Jesus and usually are in red type. Other Bibles contain a large section of maps and extensive introduction to the different books of the Bible so that you get a flavor for who each book was written to and why.

We are blessed today because many versions of the Bible are now available as part of software packages either purchased as programs or for viewing on the Internet. I am finding an additional blessing and beginning to use it more and more when I pull out my smart phone and open up my Bible app at any time and any place as the Holy Spirit works in me. I know why they call it a “Smart Phone”.

I will be very glad to assist you and give direction to determine Bibles for you as we continue to journey in exploring God’s Word in Holy Scripture. The best Bible is the Bible that you read and Use!

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Announcements and Stuff

Posted on January 31, 2019 | Leave a comment

Lent Begins in March

Wednesday March 6th is Ash Wednesday which begins the season of Lent for us. We will have an Ask Wednesday Service on March 6th. Our Lenten study will start on Sunday March 10th with an Adult Study “The Rock, The Road and The Rabbi”. We are planning a Scripture and Message Series for Worship that will parallel our Lenten Study. Holy Thursday we will be worshiping at and joining the Trinity Lutheran Church for “Whisperings Of The Passion”. Good Friday we will meet in our Sanctuary for Good Friday Services. Easter Morning we will begin our “Celebration of the Risen Christ” with a Sunrise Welcome, Pancake Breakfast followed by Easter Celebration Worship.

Step-up Program with Dr. Dick Kamps

We will be welcoming Dr. Dick Kamps, the president of the Step Up program in Muskegon, on February 17, 2019, to tell us about the wonderful things God is doing to help young people achieve a brighter future. The program provides housing for young adults that have aged out of the foster care system by empowering them through Christ centered mentoring. It is an opportunity to offer our much needed support to this organization that offers housing and educational guidance to women and men in Muskegon County. We will be having a chili/soup luncheon after the worship service, all are welcome, and we will be taking a free will offering to donate to this worthy cause. If you would like to inquire about this organization the email is: info@stepupmuskegon.org. Thank you for your generous support and prayers for this endeavor.

Nursery Schedule
2/3  – Liz Grossman
2/10  – Kathy Ohman
2/17  – Joyce Twiss
2/24 -Doris Graham

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Upcoming Worship Schedule

Posted on January 31, 2019 | Leave a comment

2/3  – Jeremiah 1:4-10 / 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 – “Love Is A Gift”

2/10  – Isaiah 6:1-8 / Luke 5:1-11 – “What Are You Willing To Give Up?”

2/17  – Step Up Program – Dr. Dick Kamps Guest Speaker / Chili Luncheon Fundraiser

2/24  – Genesis 45:3-11, 15 – Psalm 37:1-11. 39-40 / Luke 6:27-38 Guest Speaker

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December 30th Service

Posted on December 27, 2018 | Leave a comment

December 30, 2018 10:30am
*Indicates to stand as you are able

First Sunday After Christmas
Welcome and Announcements

*Praise Song “Go Tell it on the Mountain” UMH #251

Prelude

*Processional
In this place, among these people,
God is worshipped, God is praised.
We have seen the signs and wonders;
the lost are found here, the dead are raised.
We are living the Gospel story;
lives are changed, and mountains moved.
Won’t you come and work among us?
You are welcomed, you are loved.

*Call to Worship
One: We who have knelt in the stable,
All: Let us come and kneel in the temple!
One: Let our hearts give thanks and our hands rejoice!
All: Let our spirits sing and our bodies dance!
One: O children, enter the house of the Lord!
All: Enter God’s presence and be reborn!

*Gloria Patri UMH #70

Opening Prayer

*Hymn “Love Came Down at Christmas” UMH #242

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

Children’s Time/Shalom Offering – After prayers, sing the Children out – “Jesus Loves Me.” Children 5 and under are welcome to remain in worship or go to the nursery at this time.

The Offering of Our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology UMH #95

Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn Carol Suggestion from the Congregation

SHARING THE WORD
Old Testament Reading Psalm 148 Page #508
*Gospel Reading Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 Page #784

Message Pastor Gary
“Jesus and His Family Became Refugees”

Prayer

*Hymn Carol Suggestion from the Congregation

Benediction

Calendar and Stuff
Sunday, December 30, 2018
9:45 am – Youth Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship

Sunday, January 6, 2018
9:45 am – Youth Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship

Email: glpeterson32@frontier.com
Office Telephone 231-923-0573
Office email ClaybanksUMC@gmail.com
Website http://www.claybanksunitedmethodist.com

Pianist Alisa Ross
Liturgist Charlie Pease
Nursery Kathy Ohman
Ministers All People As We Live the Good News

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December 23rd Service

Posted on December 21, 2018 | Leave a comment

December 23, 2018 10:30 am
*Indicates to stand as you are able

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Welcome and Announcements

*Praise Song “Emmanuel, Emmanuel” (2 x) UMH #204

Prelude

*Processional
In this place, among these people,
God is worshipped, God is praised.
We have seen the signs and wonders;
the lost are found here, the dead are raised.
We are living the Gospel story;
lives are changed, and mountains moved.
Won’t you come and work among us?
You are welcomed, you are loved.

*Call to Worship
One: God has done great things for us!
All: God’s love is heralded in the promise of Christ.
One: Holy is God’s name!
All: God’s promises are fulfilled in the coming of Christ.
One: God’s mercy extends from generation to generation.
All: God’s salvation is offered in the gift of Christ.

*Gloria Patri UMH #70

Opening Prayer

*Hymn “Angels We Have Heard on High” UMH #238

Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle – Love

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

Children’s Time – After prayers, sing the Children out –
“Jesus Loves Me.” Children 5 and under are welcome to remain in worship or go to the nursery at this time.

The Offering of Our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology UMH #95

Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful” UMH #234

SHARING THE WORD
Old Testament Reading Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 Page #555
New Testament Readings Galatians 4:1-7 Page #947
Philippians 2:1-11 Page #954

Message Pastor Gary
“Ways We Know Him: Son of God and Lord”

Prayer

*Hymn “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” UMH #218

Benediction

Calendar and Stuff
Sunday, December 23, 2018
9:45 am – Youth Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship

Monday, December 24, 2018
6:00 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Sunday, December 30, 2018
9:45 am – Youth Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship

Office Telephone 231-923-0573
Office email ClaybanksUMC@gmail.com
Website http://www.claybanksunitedmethodist.com

Pianist Alisa Ross
Liturgist Mark Gaultney
Nursery Liz Grossman
Ministers All People As We Live the Good News

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December 9th Service

Posted on December 8, 2018 | Leave a comment

December 9, 2018 10:30am
*Indicates to stand as you are able

Second Sunday in Advent
Welcome and Announcements

*Praise Song “O Little Town of Bethlehem” UMH #230

Prelude

*Processional
In this place, among these people,
God is worshipped, God is praised.
We have seen the signs and wonders;
the lost are found here, the dead are raised.
We are living the Gospel story;
lives are changed, and mountains moved.
Won’t you come and work among us?
You are welcomed, you are loved.

*Call to Worship
One: Look to the east.
All: Light is dawning this day.
One: Look to the west.
All: Prepare for the journey ahead.
One: Look to the north.
All: God is guiding our steps.
One: Look to the south.
All: God is shining the warmth of love in our lives.
One: Look to the heavens.
All: Christ is coming soon.

*Gloria Patri UMH #70

Opening Prayer

*Hymn “What Child is This” UMH #219

Lighting of Second Advent Candle – Peace

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

Children’s Time – After prayers, sing the Children out –
“Jesus Loves Me.” Children 5 and under are welcome to remain in worship or go to the nursery at this time.

The Offering of Our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology UMH #95

Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn “Angels We Have Heard on High” UMH #238

SHARING THE WORD
Old Testament Reading Daniel 6:13-14 Page #723
*Gospel Reading Matthew 16:13-28 Page #798

Message Pastor Gary
“Ways We Know Him: Son of Man and Lord”

Prayer

*Hymn “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” UMH #385

Benediction

Calendar and Stuff
Sunday, December 9, 2018
9:30 am – Advent Study
9:45 am – Youth Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship
2:30 pm – Caroling at Nursing Home

Sunday, December 16, 2018
9:45 am – Youth Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship – Children’s Christmas Program

Email: glpeterson32@frontier.com
Office Telephone 231-923-0573
Office email ClaybanksUMC@gmail.com
Website http://www.claybanksunitedmethodist.com

Pianist Alisa Ross
Liturgist Art Grumm
Nursery Edith Bogart
Ministers All People As We Live the Good News

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Posted in Weekly Service