Monthly Archives: February 2022

Recently, I have felt the Lord working in my life. He keeps bringing me back to a passage from 1 Corinthians, chapter 13 in a number of diverse ways. On Sunday, February 27^th, I used 1 Corinthians 13 for our New Testament scripture which I brought into a message to you during our Sunday worship. I could not include all that I wanted to say in that message time. I am taking the opportunity I get to elaborate on that message here in our March Good News Letter.

So, if you would please take out your Bible, turn to 1 Corinthians 13: 1 – 13 and read the entire passage. Now, go to verses 4 through 8a and read it and every time you see the word “love” and “it” substitute the name Jesus in your reading.

It would read like this (From The Common English Bible): Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind, Jesus is not jealous, Jesus does not brag, Jesus is not arrogant, Jesus is not rude, Jesus does not seek his own advantage, Jesus is not irritable, Jesus does not keep a record of complaints, Jesus is not happy with injustice, but Jesus is happy with truth. Jesus puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. Jesus never fails.

When we read scripture this way, which is one of the ways that Disciple Bible Study uses in a few of its lesson’s exercises, we begin to see what Scripture is asking of us differently and it is my deeply felt prayer. When we substitute Jesus’ name in the scripture, we see how Jesus wants us to live our lives. When we look at scripture this way, we see that is how Jesus really lived His life. When we do this, each of us can be reminded of the type of love that God shows to the world. It is agape love that God wants for you and for me to share with those that we meet, whether it be family, friends, acquaintances we have in our community or even extending way beyond in the world around us.

Now let us take this exercise one step further and substitute our name for “love” and “it.” It would read like this (The Living Bible) _____ is very patient and kind, _____ is never jealous or envious, _____ is never boastful or proud, ____ is never haughty or selfish or rude. ____ does not demand their own way. _____ Is not irritable or touchy. ______ does not hold grudges and will hardly ever notice when others do _____ wrong. _____ is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever truth wins out. When _____ cares for someone _____ will be loyal to them no matter what the cost. _____ will always believe in them, always expect the best for them and always stand ground in defense of them.

We are human and God know our heart and that we are on a journey toward a better perfection in our lives. So, we cannot always substitute our name for Jesus and for love. In verse 8a “Love (Jesus) never fails”. But we are still a work in progress and when the day comes and we are sitting at the feet of Jesus, He will see us in perfection and bring us into His glory!

Live In Peace,

Pastor Gary

Claybanks United Methodist Church
Sunday, February 20, 2022
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
 Seventh Sunday After the Epiphany
*Indicates to stand as you are able

Welcome and Announcements

*Praise Song
”Woke Up This Morning”……………..TFWS  2082

Prelude: Open the Eyes of My Heart

*Processional

In this place, among these people
God is worshipped, God is praised
We have seen the signs and wonders;
The lost are found, 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
Leader: Come and learn the ways of life.
All: We have come to follow Jesus.
Leader: Love your enemies, and do good to those who hate you.
All: We come to follow Jesus.
Leader: Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who persecute you.
All: We have come to follow Jesus.
Leader: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
All: We have come to follow Jesus.
Leader: Come and learn the ways of life.

*Gloria Patri……………………..……….UMH   70

*Affirmation of Faith from Romans……….….…Page 887

*Hymn
”What a Friend We Have in Jesus”……………UMH 526

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

Children’s Time – After prayers, sing the children out to “Jesus Loves Me.”  Children under five are welcome to remain in worshipor go to the nursery.

Special Music: Heart of Worship

The Offering of Our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology………………….….….UMH 95

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn
”How Great Thou Art”…………………UMH  77

Sharing of the Word

Old Testament Reading
Genesis 45:3-11, 15……….Page 37
*Gospel Reading
Luke 6:27-38…………….…Page 838

Message by Pastor Gary Peterson
”Forgiveness and Love”

Prayer

Special Music: Awesome God

*Hymn
”Here I Am, Lord”.………………UMH  593

Benediction

Postlude – Please be seated

Nursery – Carol Royalty

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard

Liturgist  – Edie Bogart

Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News

Sunday, February 6, 2022
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany
*Indicates to stand as you are able

Welcome and Announcements

*Praise Song
”I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”………TFWS  2129

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, 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
Leader: Great is the grace and glory of God.
All: We give thanks with hearts of joy.
Leader: Great is the strength and mercy of our Creator.
All: We give thanks with hearts of hope.
Leader: Great is the courage and hope of our Lord.
All: We give thanks with hearts of faith.
Leader: Great is the mercy and compassion of the Holy One.
All: We give thanks with hearts of love.

*Gloria Patri……………………..……….UMH   70

* Opening Prayer

*Hymn
”Open My Eyes, That I May See”………………MH 454

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

Children’s Time – After prayers, sing the children out to “Jesus Loves Me.”  Children under five are welcome to remain in worship or go to the nursery.

The Offering of Our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology…………………….….….UMH 95

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn
”The Summons”…………………..TFWS 2130

Sharing of the Word

Old Testament Reading
Isaiah 6:1-13….……..Page 553
*Gospel Reading
Luke 5:1-11……………..…Page 836

Message by Pastor Gary Peterson
“Answering The Call of God”

Words of Assurance

The Great Thanksgiving

Prayer

*Hymn
”Jesus Calls Us”………….……UMH  398

Benediction

Postlude – Please be seated

Nursery – Lisa Butler

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard

Liturgist  – Doris Graham

Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News