Daily Archives: October 31, 2026

Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. – Proverbs 11:14 “

It had been a long day of filling out Charge Conference forms.  This is not my favorite Pastoral chore.  I needed a break and my dog, Gracie, needed to go out.  It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny but with a crisp breeze.  A good day for walking.  As we walked along, I began praying and asking for God’s guidance in completing the forms and in making plans for our church’s coming year.  I asked Him to bless us and especially to bless our 2027 Leadership. Most of our Leaders have been serving in some form of leadership capacity for many, m,any many years.  Some have expressed their desire for rest, but they also understand that we don’t have many options in leaders.  Our volunteer pool is way too small for the work that needs doing.  So, they tiredly say yes…. again.  

As I was walking and praying about this, my mind was drawn to the crunch of dried leaves under my feet.  Then, another sound burst through the air. 

Above me, a bunch of geese flew overhead.  There were about 20 of them flying in their V formation, just honk, honk, honking away.  It made me smile.  I remembered a story I had heard about geese.  And I think in that moment, God gave me His answer about my worries over leadership.

Most of us know that geese fly in a V formation.  Science has discovered why they fly that way.  It is actually a form of ‘team work’.  As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. Therefore, by flying in “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. This formation, while providing crucial aerodynamic benefits to the flock, is tough on the lead bird who works the hardest, breaking the wind. 

However, and this is what makes me smile, to maintain their V-formation, the geese do a lot of honking. They honk their location, but they also honk their encouragement!  They encourage and motivate that lead bird to keep going.  They encourage it, and their voices also encourage and motivate each other.  Finally, when the lead goose becomes too tired to lead, he honks his information and drops back while another goose flies forward and takes his place.  Then, they all start honking their encouragement to the new lead. 

Geese flying in formation, share a common direction and have a sense of community and are able to travel more quickly and with a little less effort,  because they are traveling on the thrust of each other.  That couldn’t happen if they didn’t cooperate with and encourage each other.  As we look forward to the coming year, and our 2027 Leadership, I hope you will take your cues from the geese.  I hope you will take your turn whenever you can, our little church can do some wonderful things if we all pitch in.  I hope you will encourage your leaders; many are tired and are flying ONLY because of their dedication to our church and the encouragement you give them.  I also hope that you will fly along with us and be a part of the Claybanks flock as we get to wherever it is that God sends us.   Come on!  It’s time to get going! Honk Honk!!!!

Charge Conference
Our Annual Church Conference is scheduled for Sunday, November 8^th at 2:30.  It will be held in North Muskegon at Community UMC,  1614 Ruddiman Dr, North Muskegon, MI 49445. Booklets will be available for you to pick up and look over on November 1^st. Hope to see you all there!

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
Our Adult Bible Study has been going well.  We meet every Sunday at 9:30. We are studying a book by Adam Hamilton titled: Simon Peter, the Flawed but Faithful Disciple. 

We plan to wrap this study up on November 8^th.Then, we’ll take a one-week break and will begin a new Advent study on November 22^nd.  Watch for news about what we’ll be studying.

NEW!!!!   Upcoming Event!
Soon you’ll be digging out your Christmas stuff!  Keep an eye out for your Ugliest Christmas sweater/shirt because on Sunday, December 13^th everyone will be invited to wear them to church.  Then, after our service, we’ll all get to vote on who has the most  hideous one!  Don’t have one? MAKE one!  Get out the glue and tinsel and creativity!  Let’s have fun with this! There WILL be a prize for the Ugliest one!

Women of Faith News
Our Women of Faith met on October 15th.

Our October meeting is typically when we decide how much money we can donate to outside organizations and which organizations those should be.

This year we’ve chosen the following places to send a one-time check, of $100 each.
Oceana County Council on Aging
Oceana Medical Center
The Ladder
Crystal Valley Care Fund
Muskegon Rescue Mission
Every Woman’s Place
M.O.K.A.
C.U.R.E. International
White Lake Giving Tree
W.O.F. district treasurer

In November we will gather on the 27th, at 12 noon, for our annual pizza lunch. Following our lunch, we will decorate the sanctuary and fellowship hall for the Advent season. Everyone,  men and women, are invited to join us that day, for lunch and decorating.

Our WOMEN OF FAITH group is for every woman at our church.  Please join us at any meeting for a bit of business and a bit of social time.

Warmth for You
As we’re entering the colder months of the year we want everyone to be comfortable during our worship services.

In the little pew at the back of the sanctuary, you’ll see a few lap sized quilts and afghans.

They are available for your use during our services if you want an extra layer of warmth.

Please use them.

Cinda