Monthly Archives: August 2024

September 1st Worship Service

*Praise Song
Morning Has Broken”……………….UMH 145

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 given us this day for praise!
All: Praise be to God for this most generous gift!
Leader: God has given his Son to us that we might learn ways for peace and mercy.
All: Let the words of God’s own Son, Jesus, enter our hearts and transform our lives!
Leader: Come, let us worship this great God of abundant, mercy and love!
All: Let our songs, our words, and our thoughts reflect God’s healing and restoring love. AMEN.

*Gloria Patri……………………………………UMH  70

*Opening Prayer

Recognizing Labor Day

*Hymn
Trust and Obey”………………………UMH 467

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology…………………………………….…UMH 95

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn

The Gift of Love”……………………UMH 408

Sharing of the Word

Old Testament Reading
Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9…….…….………………………….……….Page 449
*Gospel Reading
Mark 7:1-8………………………………………………………………Page 818

Message by Pastor Gary Peterson
“Traditions”

Communion

Prayer

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

Benediction

Postlude – Please be seated

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard

Liturgist – Konnie Grant

Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News

Pastor’s Ponderings

Calendars

For most of us we post a new calendar that begins on January 1st of each year. We celebrate the beginning of a new year; we make resolutions and if we are really diligent, we look at the coming year’s calendar and determine unique events that we would like to participate in. Maybe it is planning an extended vacation to some place you have never been before. Maybe it is a special birthday, anniversary or maybe even a wedding in the family that is coming up during the calendar year.

The formal church has a calendar also and it begins with the first Sunday of Advent which traditionally is the last Sunday in November. All other special and holy days dates are set by the beginning of Advent and counting days’ weeks, months, and full moons. Easter is determined by the number of full moons from the birth of our Lord and usually parallels the Jewish holiday of Passover. Following Easter, we look towards Pentecost and following Pentecost the church calendar is called Normal Times and continues from that point until the beginning of Advent with only a few special church worship days.

The local church calendar for many churches begins the Sunday following Labor Day weekend. For many churches, that Sunday is a Reunion Celebration Sunday because many people return from summer, and I know that some churches have celebrations around a church picnic or special activity of the church so that everyone can greet each other in a large social setting. On that Sunday or maybe the following Sunday most Sunday School classes begin. Sunday School and other program leaders are commissioned and prayed for. The fall, winter, spring, and summer calendars are usually based around the fall acknowledgement of being back together as a church family.

For us at Claybanks it may not be quite a large celebration; we do look forward to being together after a summer that may have been too short, too hot, and for some, maybe even too long. Being a rural church we see the harvest happening all around us in late summer and coming to its fullness in the fall. It may be fruit that has been harvested, vegetables from the garden, the grain, corn, and soybeans in the field are ready for harvest and to be brought in and stored for the winter ahead. The fall brings back a more regular routine for many of us here at Claybanks. Fall is the beginning of Sunday school. We decorate our church with many things that represent the changing of fall season around us. The leaves blow and gather at our back door, the heat to warm our building is turned back on. All these things are indicative of what lies ahead for the Claybanks United Methodist Church. For a few months beginning in the fall, we have our once-a-month movie and potluck, the first Sunday in October is World Communion Sunday. In October we usually conduct our Annual Church Charge Conference. On the evening of December 24th, we will celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior with a Candlelight Service. And in January we usually have a new mission project that quite often is selected around the change to the winter season. Hats, mittens and gloves, scarves and occasionally winter coats are collected to be shared with those in our community. In the dead of winter Lent begins and for seven weeks our worship, devotions, and many of the messages that I prepare for you focus on a time of reflection and discernment. Easter and our visit to an empty tomb with a church breakfast gives us a time when we can gather as a church family and celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Spring is a time when we get to celebrate Mother’s Day and Pentecost, Father’s Day any number of secular holidays.

We have just recently come off a remarkably busy August with our Strawberry Social, our Old Time Worship Service and picnic. We take a deep breath as summer ends and our local church calendar resets itself for a new year. With this cycle our calendar repeats itself with the Ragnar Relay, small celebrations, and additions to our church life such as mission projects, and other social events.

At this time, as we read this pondering together, I would like you to not only reflect on the year that has gone by but look to the year ahead with anticipation of good things to come. Maybe it is a new program or a new happening at Claybanks Church. Maybe it is you stepping forward to fill a position on one of our committees, our administrative council or volunteering in a mission project that you have never done before. I would like us each to look at what we can do to bring joy to our church family and to ourselves by committing to be just a little bit more involved in the happenings of Claybanks United Methodist Church. So let us commit ourselves to do something or experience something new this year as individuals and as a church family.

Announcements and Stuff

Ragnar Race is Coming Soon!

The end of September will be the eighth year the Claybanks UMC has volunteered to be involved with the Ragnar Michigan Road Relay. While the task seems daunting at times, we can’t ask for a better way to help others as well as put a little money into our funds for more mission work. This year the relay will be run in the opposite direction as in the past. The running teams will start in Traverse City and will be coming by CUMC on Saturday, September 21st approximately 5:45 am on their way to Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon. Yes, that’s right. They will be here before the roosters crow so set your alarms, three if you need them, and come out and join in the fun. We need people to “man” the chute, cheer the runners on, control traffic flow and parking, bake cookies, and maintain the snack table. Please give prayerful consideration to joining us on this major one-day-mission for which we not only receive a generous monetary donation to the church, but we are also able to give back to others in a small but helpful way. A sign-up sheet is in the fellowship hall.

Any questions, contact Konnie Grant

Women of Faith

Our ladies group has had a very busy August,  as is usual. 

On August 2nd, we were honored to help with a memorial service and luncheon for our dear Betty Graham. 

On August 9th, we hosted our church’s 81st annual Strawberry Social.  Thank you to our entire church family for being a part of this. We could not have this event successfully without you. During a very busy 2 hours we served around 165 people and made a profit of just over $1,400. And yes, we’ve already begun talking about next year’s event.

Cinda

Mission – Urgent Need

We have an opportunity to help with an URGENT NEED request by the Muskegon Pregnancy service.

They have requested:

BABY WIPES

ALL SIZES OF PULL-UPS

DIAPERS IN SIZES: 4,5,6 AND 7

There will be a table set up for the month of September (1st-29th), and we will plan to make two deliveries to the Muskegon office, the first delivery after the 8th and again after the 29th.

Thank you for your generosity to help those in need!

Kelly

Christian Nationalism

Join us for an early morning discussion on Sunday, September 8th, on Christan Nationalism (Prior to the beginning of Adult Sunday School which will begin on Sunday, September 22nd ). We will gather from 9:30 – 10:15 am with coffee and donuts to learn about Christan Nationalism as it has become a pointed part of our religious discussion recently.

Adult Sunday School

We will begin our Fall Adult Sunday School on Sunday, September 22nd at 9:30 am. We need your feedback. Would you want a Bible Study or a study on Spiritual Practices? Please express your desire to Pastor Gary.

Grinnin’ & Grillin’ Love in The Name Of Christ

Again, this year the Claybanks UMC will have a table at Love INC Annual Dinner on September 23rd beginning at 6:00 pm with a social time and dinner at 6:30 pm. Bruce Bradford-Royle will entertain us with his humor. We will have the great grilled Chicken Dinner as in previous years. Please talk with Pastor Gary to be included for the evening.

Guest Music Providers

Suzanne Bellrichard will be off from Sunday September 8th through October 6th for shoulder surgery. We will be blessed during her absence with music provided by Cheryl Lohman, Julie Ash, Sandi Kersten and Shar Boerema. Please pray for a successful surgery for Suzanne and a speedy recovery.

Nominations Committee Looking For Great People

The nominations Committee is currently working to fill and extend committee and Administrative Council positions for 2025 to be confirmed at our Annual Conference on Sunday, October 20th. When contacted please prayerfully consider their request. If there is a committee or position that you would like to be considered for, please contact one of the persons on the Nominations Committee (Dave Grossman, Konnie Grant, Edie Bogart, or Pastor Gary).

Guest Worship Leader

SK Osborn, a Lay Speaker, will be our worship leader on Sunday, September 15th. Sk is a Certified Lay Speaker from the Ludington UMC. She has graciously stepped forward to lead our worship service while Gary and Reba are away for the weekend.

Important Dates Coming Up

Sunday, October 6th World Communion Sunday  – Dave Kersten- Guest Pastor with Sandi Kersten as our Music provider. We will also have a Church Mission Meal following worship.

Thursday, October 17th –  SPRC and District Superintendent meeting

Sunday October 20th –  Church Annual Conference at White Lake UMC

Upcoming Worship Schedule

SEPTEMBER
 SCRIPTURE AND MESSAGE

Sunday, September 1
Labor Day
Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9
Mark 7:1-8
Traditions

Sunday, September 8
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Mark 7:24-37
Share The News Of Jesus’ Power
Music – Cheryl Lohman

Sunday, September 15
Guest Worship Leader – SK Osborn
1 Corinthians 3:10-17
Music – Cheryl Lohman

Sunday, September 22
Psalm 1
Mark 9:30-37
First In Line
Music – Shar Boerema

Sunday, September 29
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22
Mark 9:38-50
Short Term vs Long Term
Music – Julie Ash

August 25th Worship Service

*Praise Song
Amazing Grace”…………………UMH 378

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: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!
All: To you our hearts and souls sing for joy, O Lord.
Leader: Happy are those who live in your house, O lord of hosts.
All: Happy are those whose strength is in you, O God.
Leader: It is better to be a doorkeeper in your house than to live in the tents of Wickedness.
All: O Lord of hosts, happy are those who trust in you.

*Gloria Patri……………………………………UMH  70

*Opening Prayer

*Hymn
Precious Lord, Take My Hand”………………UMH 474

Bible Presentation

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

Shalom Offering

Special Music – Megan Schihl

The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology………………….……………………….…UMH 95

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn

Change My Heart, O God”……………TFWS 2152

Sharing of the Word

Old Testament Reading
Exodus 26:31-33………….…………………………….……….Page  64
*Gospel Reading
Matthew 27:51………………………………………………………….Page 811

Message by Pastor Terri Cummins
“The Veil”

Prayer

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

Benediction

Postlude – Please be seated

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard

Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News

August 18th Worship Service

Prelude

A Call to Holy Silence

*Call to Worship and Praise
Minister: O come, let us sing unto the Lord……For with Him is the fountain of life, and in Him shall we see light.
Leader: O Lord, open Thou our lips. 
All: And our mouth shall show forth Thy praise.
Leader: Praise ye the Lord.
All: The Lord’s name be praised.

*Call to Prayer

*Hymn
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”(ver. 1-4)……UMH 57

Invocation

Prayer of Confession

Words of Assurance and Promises of Pardon

Affirmation of Faith

The Minister: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is the one true church, Apostolic and Universal, whose Holy Faith let us now reverently and sincerely declare:

The Minister and People: We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, power and love, whose mercy is overall. His works, and whose will is ever directed to His children’s good.

We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man, the gift of the Father’s unfailing grace, the ground of our hope and the promise of our deliverance from sin and death.

We believe in the Holy Spirit as the Divine Presence in our lives, whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance of the truth of Christ and find strength and help in time of need.

We believe that this faith should manifest itself in the service of love as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord, to the end that the Kingdom of God may come upon the earth. Amen.

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

Collection

The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves

Doxology

Offertory Sentences

*Hymn

Are Ye Able”…………..……… UMH 530

The Lesson From Holy Scripture

Old Testament Reading
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14………………………….………….Page 265
Epistle Reading
Romans 11:5-6……..…………………………………………………..Page 921

Message by Pastor Gary Peterson
“Grace at Work in Our Lives”

Prayer

*Hymn
All Things Bright and Beautiful”……….UMH 147

Meal Grace

Benediction

Postlude – Please be seated

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard

Liturgist  – Ellen Zimmerman

Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News

August 11th Worship Service

*Praise Song
Wonderful Words of Life”……………UMH 600

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: We are hungering and thirsting for hope and peace.
All: Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Leader: Our hearts long for the nourishing presence of God.
All: Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Leader: Give to us the living bread of your peace that we may hunger no more.
All: Open our hearts to joyfully receive your life-sustaining love. AMEN.

*Gloria Patri……………………………………UMH  70

*Opening Prayer

*Hymn
Take Time to Be Holy”………………….UMH 395

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology…………………………………………UMH 95

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn

O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee”……….UMH 430

Sharing of the Word

Old Testament Reading
Psalm 130………………………….………………..…….….Page 500
Epistle Reading
Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2……..…………………………………………Page 951

Message by Pastor Gary Peterson
“Forgive As God Forgives”

Prayer

*Hymn
Be Still, My Soul”………..……..UMH 534

Benediction

Postlude – Please be seated

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard

Liturgist  – David Grossman

Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News