Monthly Archives: July 2024

July 28th Worship Service

Posted on July 26, 2024 | Leave a comment

Claybanks United Methodist Church
Sunday, July 28, 2024
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

Welcome and Announcements

*Praise Song
“How Great Thou Art”………………UMH  77

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
Leader: Let your hearts be open to the Lord today.
All: Let our spirits be ready to feel God’s power and love.
Leader: Let go of all the things that bind you in pain and are holding you back.
All: Help us to place our trust in God.
Leader: Come, let us praise the God of love.
All: Let us bring our hearts to God. AMEN.

*Gloria Patri……………………………UMH  70

*Opening Prayer

*Hymn
”How Can We Name a Love”……………….UMH 111

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

Shalom

The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology………………….………………………………UMH 95

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn
”Dear Lord and Father of Mankind”……….UMH 358

Sharing of the Word

Old Testament Reading
Ephesians 3:14-21……………………………………….….Page 950
*Gospel Reading
John 6:1-21……..………………………………………………………Page 867

Message by Pastor Gary Peterson
“That Nothing May be Lost”

Prayer

*Hymn
“My Hope Is Built”…………………..UMH 368

*Benediction

Postlude – Please be seated

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard

Liturgist  – Kelly White

Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News

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Posted in Weekly Service

Pastor’s Ponderings

Posted on July 26, 2024 | Leave a comment

Volunteering

I do not believe the quote “Money makes the world go round.” It is our willingness to volunteer and the many hours of service that are given each year by volunteers that makes the world go around. By volunteering we show that we do have compassion and want to serve our community and the world.

Volunteering is an act of an individual or group freely giving time and labor, often for community service. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work in, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Other services are on an assisted basis, such as in response to natural disasters. Churches have depended on volunteers to assist the church in a number of their needs from the beginning of the institution.

We volunteer in many different areas, some volunteer military service, others for local government. Some for-church committee or boards. We have found for hundreds of years churches have depended on volunteers even for the basic needs such as cleaning the church or bringing meals to those in need. Others serve on local government boards. I am proud that the YMCA is recognized as one of the first institutions that realized the wealth of sharing that can come from volunteers. Back in 1851 during the Great Awaking the YMCA was established to serve the disadvantaged others through volunteers.

Even today, as history has shown us over the years, many institutions could not have survived without volunteers and the uncountable hours given to them on behalf of other’s needs. Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus answered a question put to him “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” From this directive of Jesus, we are able to fill part of Jesus’ commandment by serving others in volunteerism.

When we say “Yes” and volunteer, we fill a need a community or individual has. You many use the incredibly unique gifts the God has given you or you may share your general abilities and time. All are needed. We volunteer in our schools, for emergency services, community service, social needs, sporting events, medical care, and yes for the needs of our churches.

In the next few weeks, the Claybanks Nominations Committee will be contacting members of the Claybanks Family requesting them to serve in distinct roles and positions on our church committees and council. We ask you to responsibly consider with prayer how you can love you neighbor as Jesus commanded. Volunteers are needed everywhere, and I cannot state enough the positive goodness that comes from volunteering not only for those who are served but by those who serve!

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Posted in Pastor's Ponderings

Announcements and Stuff

Posted on July 26, 2024 | Leave a comment

Landscaping Front of Church
The Trustees are looking for someone to assist David Naghtin to spearhead the renewing of the landscape in front of our church. These people are to lead the project coordinating with local nursery/landscape and get suggestions and then complete the project. Interested people should contact Dave Grossman (Chair of Trustees) or David Naghtin for additional details.

Memorial Service for Betty Graham
A Memorial Service will be held for Betty Graham on Friday, August 2nd at 11:00 am. Following the service Claybanks Women of Faith will be serving a luncheon for family and friends attending Betty’s Celebration of Life Service.

Old Time Worship and Church Picnic Sunday August 18th
We will once again (weather permitting) be outdoors for our Old Time Worship Service and Picnic. Attendees are encouraged to dress in old time clothes, hats and if available drive their vintage autos. We will worship in a style common to the early 1900’s and sing some of the old hymns. Following our worship we will gather for a picnic with food (hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, watermelon, plus) with a church photo and social time. Plan to be there and it is a fantastic time to invite family, friends, and neighbors.

Guest Worship Leader and Special Music Sunday, August 25th
Pastor Terri Cumming will be with us to lead us in worship and Megan Schihl will bring special music to us. Megan will be married to Danial Leinke later in the day at Claybanks UMC. Pastor Terri and Pastor Gary will be officiating. Also, on this Sunday we will have a special Bible presentation.

Suzanne Bellrichard Shoulder Surgery
Suzanne will be off for about six weeks for surgery on her second shoulder. We are praying for successful surgery and a speedy recovery. We have been able to replace Suzanne for a few Sundays with the music portion of our worship service. We are looking to fill three Sundays at present. If you know of someone who could help us with music, please contact Pastor Gary or our Worship Design Team.

Laity Sunday
October 20th is Laity Sunday, and we are asking through the power of the Holy Spirit to bring one or more of our church family to lead us in worship. When the Holy Spirit moves you, please contact Pastor Gary or a member of our Worship Design Team.

Ragner Relay – Save The Date of September 21st 
Something new is happening with the Ragner Relay. They will be starting in Traverse City (instead of Muskegon) and running the course in reverse order which means our hosting an exchange stop will occur from early Saturday morning to early afternoon. Details and sign-up times to be posted and announced soon!

Strawberry Social
Friday, August 9th we will host the Claybanks’ 81st Annual Social from 5:00-7:00 pm. The Claybanks Women of Faith will need all hands-on  deck. Volunteers are needed everywhere and especially to serve and clean up. Please tell, call, invite and inform your friends and family. So many in our community look forward to this event and we do not want anyone to miss it!

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Posted in Announcements and Stuff

Upcoming Worship Schedule

Posted on July 26, 2024 | Leave a comment

AUGUST SCRIPTURE AND MESSAGE

Sunday, August 4
Psalm 51:1-12
Acts 3:1-9
Speaking Out For Compassion

Sunday, August 11
Psalm 130
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Forgive As God Forgives

Sunday, August 18
Old Time Worship and Church Picnic
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Romans 11:5-6
Grace At Work In Our Lives

Sunday, August 25
Terri Cummins – Guest Preacher
Exodus 26:31-33
Matthew 27:51
The Veil

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Posted in Upcoming Worship Schedule

July 21st Worship Service

Posted on July 19, 2024 | Leave a comment

Claybanks United Methodist Church
Sunday, July 21, 2024
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

Welcome and Announcements

*Praise Song
“Lord of the Dance”…………………UMH  261

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
Leader: God has called us to this place of peace and quiet.
All: We come, eager for rest and hope.
Leader: The Lord is always with us, offering us refreshment for our souls.
All: Let us partake of this wonderous gift.
Leader: It is the gift of the Lord’s love for us. Come and rest.
All: Praise God for the absolute compassion of God’s love. AMEN.

*Gloria Patri…………………………………UMH  70

*Affirmation of Faith………………..………UMH 887

*Hymn
”Near to the Heart of God”……………………UMH 472

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology………………….……………………………..…UMH 95

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn
”I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord”…………….UMH 540

Sharing of the Word

Old Testament Reading
2 Samuel 7:1-14a……………………..…….….Page 245
“Gospel Reading
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56……..………………………………..Page 818

Message by Pastor Gary Peterson
“Come and Rest”

Prayer

*Hymn
“Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name”…………UMH 663

*Benediction

Postlude – Please be seated

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard

Liturgist  – Konnie Grant

Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News

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Posted in Weekly Service

July 14th Worship Service

Posted on July 12, 2024 | Leave a comment

Claybanks United Methodist Church
Sunday, July 14, 2024
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

Welcome and Announcements

*Praise Song
“God of Grace and God of Glory”……….UMH  577

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
Leader: Come, give to the Lord your praises of thanksgiving.
All: We come this day, grateful for God’s wondrous gifts to us!
Leader: Sing with great enthusiasm of God’s mighty power and love.
All: We celebrate that love that frames our lives.
Leader: It is a wonderful thing to praise God!
All: May God’s praise always be in our hearts and in our lives. AMEN.

*Gloria Patri………………………………UMH  70

*Opening Prayer

*Hymn
”Blessed Assurance”………………………UMH 369

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology………………….………………………………..…UMH 95

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn
”Victory in Jesus”…………………….UMH 370

Sharing of the Word

Old Testament Reading
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12-19………………………………….….Page 244
Epistle Reading
Ephesians 1:3-14……..………………………………………………Page 949

Message by Pastor Gary Peterson
“Understanding Predestination”

Prayer

*Hymn
“Sent Forth by God’s Blessing”…………..UMH 664

*Benediction

Postlude – Please be seated

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard

Liturgist  – Reba Peterson

Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News

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Posted in Weekly Service

July 7th Worship Service

Posted on July 5, 2024 | Leave a comment

Claybanks United Methodist Church
Sunday, July 7, 2024
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

Welcome and Announcements

*Praise Song
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”………UMH  127

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
Leader: Let God’s praise be heard in the midst of the congregation.
All: Shout praise to the Lord of hosts!
Leader: Let God’s praise be whispered in the spirits of the people!
All: We give thanks for the many ways you have loved and guided us.
Leader: Let God’s praise be proclaimed wherever we are.
All: May we praise God in all that we do and speak. AMEN.

*Gloria Patri………………………………………………UMH  70

*Opening Prayer

*Hymn
”America the Beautiful”…………………….UMH 696

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology………………….……………………………UMH 95

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn
”Trust and Obey”…………………….UMH 467

Sharing of the Word

Old Testament Reading
Psalm 48…………..……………………………………….Page 450
*Gospel Reading
Mark 6:1-13…………..………………………………………………Page 817

Message by Pastor Gary Peterson
“How Brave Are You to Trust”

Communion

Prayer

*Hymn.……… “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”…………..UMH 462

*Benediction

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard

Liturgist  – Edie Bogart

Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News

Postlude – Please be seated

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Posted in Weekly Service