Daily Archives: April 1, 2022

April 3rd Service

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Claybanks United Methodist Church
Sunday, April 3, 2022
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Fifth Sunday in Lent
*Indicates to stand as you are able

Welcome and Announcements

*Praise Song
”For the Beauty of the Earth”…………. UMH 92

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: Spring is about to break forth!
All: In all the land, new life is happening!
Leader: Feel the wonder and power of God’s creative energy.
All: Feel the awe and joy of God’s love for us.
Leader: Let us worship God with a full sense of joy and expectation.
All: Let us open our hearts, our spirits, our souls, to God’s lavish love.
AMEN.

*Gloria Patri…………………..……….UMH 70

*Opening Prayer

*Hymn
”Great Is Thy Faithfulness”…….……….UMH 140

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns
(The Lord’s Prayer to be prayed during Communion Liturgy)

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.

The Offering of Our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology……………………………..…UMH 95

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn…………”Breathe on Me, Breath of God”………….UMH 420

Sharing of the Word

Old Testament Reading
Isaiah 43:16-21…………..Page 586
*Gospel Reading
John 12:1-8 …………………Page 874

Message by Pastor Gary Peterson
”Filled with the Fragrance”

Words of Assurance

The Great Thanksgiving

Prayer

*Hymn
”Jesus Calls Us”.………….………UMH 398

Benediction

Postlude – Please be seated

Nursery – David Grossman

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard

Liturgist – Lisa Butler

Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News

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Pastor’s Ponderings

Posted on April 1, 2022 | Leave a comment

As we continue our Lenten journey into April, culminating on Easter Sunday, we have joined with millions of other Christians throughout the world from multiple denominations participating in many of the Lenten practices. On an individual basis, we have done Lenten devotionals, increased our prayer time, read our Bible more frequently, fasted, and meditated on those spiritual things that will help guide us in repentance and in changing our life, as we continue to allow Jesus to move more closely to us as we walk together with Him. On a corporate basis, we have had additional opportunities in which to gather in Sunday School, worship, and glorifying God. We have also taken the opportunity to give thanks to God for giving us Jesus, our Blessed Savior, and bringing the Holy Spirit into our everyday lives as the Spirit guides us in living our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

As we approach the last part of the Forty Days of Lent, there will be many additional opportunities for us to continue our journey with Jesus. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, April 10^th, and the Claybanks United Methodist Church will honor Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem as we process with palm branches and focus our worship service on shouting “Hosanna in the highest,” as Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem. Holy Week continues with our participation as we recognize Christ in the Last Supper on Holy Thursday (April 14^th). This year I want to encourage the Claybanks Family to join together for a meal at the White Lake Praise Center (the former Whitehall United Methodist Church building) for a meal at 6:00 PM as we participate in the weekly Thursday night “Gathering Meal” provided for the White Lake area community. At 7:00 PM we will move to the sanctuary for a Holy Thursday Worship Service. Following our Holy Thursday remembrance, we will have the opportunity to gather at the Claybanks United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM for our Good Friday Service (April 15^th). On Easter Sunday (April 17^th) we will gather at the Claybanks United Methodist Church at 9:30 AM for a short outdoor (weather permitting) visit to the Empty Tomb. At 9:45 AM the Claybanks United Methodist Women will be serving a light breakfast for our church family and guests. Then, at 10:30 AM we will enter together into the sanctuary as we bring the Christ Candle into our worship and celebrate Christ’s resurrection.

The Lenten season officially ends on Easter Sunday, yet we will continue our journey as disciples with a celebration of joy and humor in our worship service on Sunday, April 24^th which is the Sunday following Easter. On Sunday, May 8^th, Mother’s Day, Edie Bogart, and I will be presenting a message together during our worship service highlighting influential women in scripture and leaders in developing our Christian faith. On Sunday, May 15^th, Tim Foley, Director of Love In The Name Of Christ, will be with us bringing a message of sharing and mission during our worship service. On Sunday, May 29^th, we will honor Christ’s Ascension followed by Pentecost Sunday on June the 5^th.

It is the prayer and hope of your Claybanks Worship Design Team, the Claybanks Administrative Council, its committees and myself as your pastor, that the Lenten journey we have been on and the many other worship opportunities that we will have following Lent in the coming months will become the strengthening guideposts we will use as we walk hand in hand with Jesus in our Christian Journey, living a life with God’s grace, and being guided by the flame of the Holy Spirit.

Paster Gary

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Posted in Pastor's Ponderings

Announcements and Stuff

Posted on April 1, 2022 | Leave a comment

UMW Meets Again in March

Our March meeting on St. Patrick’s Day started with a wee bit of fun! Everyone was given a St. Paddy’s Day pin to wear and riddles in honor of the day were read. They were, of course, corny and there were happy groans at the answers. They were fun and appealed to the child in us!

Then, after a more serious yet light hearted devotional and prayer, we got down to the business of electing the officers for the new year. Not surprising, nothing has changed, and the same people agreed to serve. After the meeting was called to order by the new/old chair, the secretary and treasurer gave reports. We currently have $1,926.51 in our treasury.

The brunch between the Easter Sunrise Service and the 10:30 service was planned, and all the ladies are supplying what is needed. The only item we need help with is the fresh cut up fruit. There will be a signup sheet for volunteers to help with this.

It is wonderful to meet together once more, and our hope is that more women can join us. We serve our Lord with great joy (and a wee bit of fun!).

Adult Sunday School

The Adult Sunday School Class will return after Easter with a Biblical Study from the Old Testament, starting with the book of Nehemiah and adding our related Book(s) as time allows. Our spring classes will begin on Sunday, April 24^th, and continue through June 5^th.

Church Clean Up

The Trustees have set the date of Tuesday, April 19^th, (Alternate Tuesday, April 26^th if inclement weather) for our annual Church Clean-up. Please bring rakes and other outdoor work equipment to make our work productive. We are scheduled to start at 4:00 pm with a hot dog roast around a campfire following our work project. If you would prefer to work indoors, we do have some small projects for you. See you then for a great time of making our church beautiful and sharing great fellowship.

Holy Humor and Joy Sunday, April 24th

We encourage you to dress in unusual clothing that will bring smiles to other’s faces. Maybe wear a funny hat. If you have some humor that you can share, please speak with pastor Gary. We plan to share joy, laughter, smiles, and humor with all that attend our worship service.