Category Archives: Announcements and Stuff

Mission Project
We have been challenged by our conference to support “Readers To Leaders”, a conference-wide mission project for 2023. This mission program will support young people in Nigeria as they complete their upper-class education and assist them as they enter seminary. We have already raised $100.00 through offerings and plan to raise the balance by having a Pancake Luncheon following worship on Sunday, February 26^, with an offering to be made for the luncheon. Plan to be with us and bring a guest or two for a good meal and fellowship!

Lake Michigan Camp and Retreat
Should you like to camp or have family and friends visiting and they would like to camp, our Lake Michigan United Methodist Camp in Pentwater is open from mid-May to mid-October for everyone. See our information table in Fellowship Hall for more details or visit info@lakemichigancamp.org

Scripture For the Moment
1 John 4:16, 17, 19, 21 God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. We love because he first loved us. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.

UMW News
March 16, the first UMW meeting of the year will soon be here.  That means Spring cannot be far behind! Ladies, young or young-at-heart, come join together to celebrate and plan a new year of service and giving.  We will meet at the church at 1:00 p.m.

Edie

Help Wanted

Be a part of keeping our church fresh, beautiful, and decorated.

We are looking for someone to work with Cinda Moulds to be a part of keeping the centerpieces on our tables in Fellowship Hall and other decorations in the church in step with the calendar year.  The tasks will require creative thinking in décor and once in a while assisting in acquiring new or replacement items to keep our church areas fresh and beautiful. Should you want to be a part of this, please talk with Cinda or Pastor Gary.

Thank You!

Suzanne, Reba, and I, thank you for your love offering we received this Christmas. Your support, in so many ways, continues to bless us, and we know that we are loved so very much by the Claybanks United Methodist Church Family. We pray that God continues to bless the Claybanks Church, its families and our community.

Pastor Gary

Christmas Crafting & Cookies
Sunday, December 18^th will be a special Sunday. Starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall, we will assemble to make a simple Christmas Decoration (all needed items will be provided along with direction) as we share coffee, Danish and fellowship. Follow worship we will have our coffee time with snacks while we assemble cookie tins (to be delivered to our shut-ins) and participate in a cookie exchange for all. We ask that you bake some cookies for our shut-ins and additional cookies that we can exchange with each other.

Christmas Eve Service
Christmas Eve we will come together at Claybanks UMC for our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6:00 p.m. Our service will consist of Scripture readings, carols, meditation, and communion. Please plan to attend. Bring your extended family and let your friends and neighbors know that they are always welcome to worship with us.

Christmas Morning Service
Christmas Morning (December 25^th) we will assemble for worship at 10:30 a.m. During worship we will devote additional time in singing of Christmas Carols. If you have a favorite carol, please let Suzanne know and we will try to sing several of the suggested carols.

UMW
The final UMW meeting on November 25th for this year, as always, is the much-anticipated pizza party and the decorating of the church for advent and Christmas.  It is such a fun time, and we include anyone who can come, even the church men!  We need the star put high over the alter and that is definitely delegated by the women to a man and a ladder!

A short meeting was held after pizza to appoint two individuals to keep track of the closet inventory.  Mitzi and Ruby volunteered to do that, and Konnie volunteered to do the purchasing.  Edie and Cinda will sort through the storage room.  It is recommended that an inventory list be compiled to help keep track of the pantry/closet supplies.

The church sanctuary and fellowship hall look amazing!  Reba came up with a new decorating idea and we “ran” with it!  There has been some positive response to our “tree forest” with the clear white lights.

The UMW will meet again in March but until then, we will see you all in church.

Immigrant Connection
Immigrant Connection is now open at Hart Wesleyan Church, 3757 W Polk Rd, Hart. The church is now accredited by the Department of Justice as a recognized site to offer low-cost Immigration Legal Services to Oceana County and surrounding areas. For additional information or to request a consultation, contact Hart Wesleyan Church at 231-873-0832 Tuesday – Friday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Step-up
The Step-Up Program continues to celebrate those who transition from the Step-Up program into independent living. During the past few years, we as a church have help support the Muskegon Step Up program by our gifts and interactional activities with the young people transitioning from Foster Care to Step Up and then to living on their own. Recently the program has expanded one of their homes and has added a new Maternity Home. Step up is always looking to provide cultural experiences for their young people through concerts, plays, and outing such as Claybanks provided at Stoney Lake Stables. Should you know of possible experiences or being of assistance please contact John Bradfield (Director) by phone (231-794-2316) or email (www.stepupmuskegon.org).

UMW News

CLAYBANKS  UMW  MEETING
October 20, 2022

MINUTES
President Edie Bogart opened the meeting with prayer.  Eight members were present.

September minutes were read & approved.  Treasurer reported a balance of $3,010.40

Our donations to missions were discussed at length.  Each donation was discussed & voted upon.  The ones approved are:

Current ones: 
Muskegon Rescue Mission
White Lake Giving Tree 
CURE (former International Aid)
Oceana County Medical Center (for Christmas gifts)
Every Woman’s Place
MOKA

Additions:        
Crystal Valley Care Fund
Oceana County Council of Aging
The Ladder

Annual:            
Grand Rapids UMW Missions

Approved amount for each is $200 for a total of $2,000.00

The rest of the meeting was spent discussing the November 25th pizza party & the decorating of the church.  Cinda will talk with Mitzi, who was absent, as to picking up the pizzas.

Doris Graham, Secretary

Adult Sunday School

We will begin our study for Advent on Sunday, November 20^th and continue through Sunday, December 11^th. This year we will use the study created by Susan Robb entitle “The Angels Of Christmas.” Our study will consist of readings, video presentations and discussions each week. Plan to be engaged with your church family during this Advent Season by participating in our Adult Sunday School Lessons.

Laity Sunday

Many thanks to all our church family for the leadership and participation in “Laity Sunday.” David Naghtin brought us a moving witness to “The Higher Power,” Kelly White brought us together in the power of prayer, Kathy Ohman kept us informed as a church family, Janice Anderson and Richard Lindell blessed us with special music, and it was great to have Jim Tanis as our Liturgist. Well done Claybanks Family!

Missions

Our food drive for the Trinity Food Bank will continue through Sunday, November 13^th at which time our gifts will be taken to the Food Bank for sharing during the Holiday Season. Our Clothing Drive for Montague Elementary Students will be ongoing during the winter months with many of the items already collected being given out recently through Kathy        Ohman’s leadership in sharing with the young people in our community during school time. Several blankets have arrived on our donation table for the Muskegon Rescue Mission, and we anticipate delivering all that have been collected in the beginning of December.

Advent Readings and Candle Lighting

It has always been a blessing when individuals and families have participated in our worship during Advent with Advent readings and Candle Lighting. Please let Pastor Gary know if you, your friends, or family would like to take one of our four Sunday or the Christmas Eve Advent times during worship.

Movie and Potluck Night

Please note a date change. We have moved the dinner and showing of “The Shack” to Monday, October 10^th to accommodate several members and pastor to attend the Love INC Annual Meeting and dinner, “Grinnin & Grillin.” Our movie night will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a potluck meal and the showing of the movie “The Shack.” Please come and enjoy a great meal, fellowship, and movie. Bring whatever you wish, we will enjoy it. Invite family members, friends, or neighbors!

Mission Committee

The mission committee has been hard at work this past year and is excited for the plans for 2023. We have met our commitment for the “Gathering” of serving meals on the first Saturday of each month for a year. Starting in January, we will move to serving meals at the Love INC ReNew program that we were a part of prior to Covid-19. This fall in October, we will be collecting food for the Trinity Food Bank in preparation for Thanksgiving. A table has been set up to receive your donations in the Fellowship Hall. A request has been made of us to provide the following items for the winter for the young children at the Montague Elementary School. They need: waterproof mittens for the very young students, waterproof gloves for the older students, leggings, and sweatpants for all youth along with socks and underwear. We will begin receiving your donated items in October and will continue through the winter. For the winter, we will also be collecting slightly used blankets for the Muskegon Rescue Mission that are given to those who need shelter and to take with them when they move from the shelter. Look for an announcement in mid-winter for a special mission project to take place at Claybanks in the spring.

A Special Sunday

Sunday, October 30^th, not only will we remember the Saints for “All Saints Day,” we will have a Baptism of Dan Vickers, a church potluck meal and then our Annual Church Charge Conference to be conducted by our new pastor friend, Timothy Dibble from the White Lake United Methodist Church. Please give to Pastor Gary, the  names for “Honoring All Saints ” as we recognize the sacrament of Baptism with Dan, fellowship in a church community meal and then taking care of our church business at our Church Charge Conference.

UMW
It is hard to believe but our UMW year is rapidly coming to a close!  At our October meeting, we will discuss our giving commitments which we will select and decide on some new endeavors.  We have $3,012.40 in our treasury, so we hope to do lots of good and only keep “seed money” to start with next year.  We hope to present some new ideas to the Mission Committee so we can do more than just on our own. 

Our annual Pizza party and church decorating for Advent will take place the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 25^th, which is just ahead of Advent that next Sunday.  With the trees still green, temperatures pleasantly warm, sun shining, it is hard to believe Fall will soon descend upon us!  Grab your coat and get your hat, early Fall is on your doorstep.  Just direct your feet to the Claybanks Methodist Church!

Edie

UMW News

Our July meeting was very productive as we planned for the August 12th Strawberry Social and bake sale.  Because of the price increase for the berries, it was decided that we should increase the prices on our menu by fifty cents for each choice.  Each of the ladies have volunteered to contribute the ice cream or sugar, and biscuits ( Leona’s thank goodness).  

As other years, we will gather at 1 o’clock on Wednesday, August 10th, to set up for the bake sale and social, Thursday being reserved for baking!  We welcome any and all additional workers either Wednesday and/or Friday.  On Friday we gather at 3 o’clock. Also, any contributions for the bake sale or garden “goodies” will be greatly appreciated!

Come all for a delicious summer gathering.  Every year for many years, except one due to Covid, this day has gathered people from all over for fellowship and treats. May this tradition continue for many more years. 

Thoughts

Found this in a book (of many books) given to me by Dave Moore, a mentor and friend to me for many years – Pastor Gary

I asked the Lord for a bunch of flowers but instead He gave me an ugly cactus with many thorns.

I asked the Lord for some beautiful butterflies but instead He gave me many ugly and dreadful worms.

I was threatened.

I was disappointed.

I mourned.

But after many days, suddenly, I saw the cactus bloom with many flowers and the worms became beautiful butterflies flying in the wind.

God’s way is the best way.

(Author unknown)

Mindful Christianity

Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people.

A heart that forgives the worst.

A mind that forgets the bad.

And a soul that never loses faith in God.

Konnie’s Report from the Annual Conference
When Pastor Gary asked me to submit a short article for the newsletter regarding the Annual Conference I attended – “just point out a couple things you enjoyed about the conference,” – I thought sure, no problem. However, I’m finding it difficult to narrow my thoughts down to just a couple.

First let me say thank you for allowing me to represent CUMC as an equalization member. I not only was able to see firsthand how things are handled at the conference level, but also was able to be part of a few awesome worship services. The speakers were phenomenal, and the praise music was very uplifting. There’s something special about being a part of 1500+ people all worshiping and singing praises to our Lord all together. I’d have to say that was my favorite part of the whole weekend.

On one evening there was a service to ordain seventeen new people. That also was an emotional service. There were young and old, women and men. Some were ordained as deacons, some as elders, and some as local pastors. There were many of us there, as well as their families, to watch these men and women give their lives to God.

I must also add that there was a lot of legislature topics to be covered. Some of them we did from home before the conference via Zoom. I know these kinds of things need to be dealt with, but I can’t say I’m a fan of that part.

There were a LOT of opinions given on many different subjects and then a vote was taken on each of them. The one positive thing I can say about the legislation is that barring one incident, everyone spoke to others with respect, whether agreeing or disagreeing with the motion.

Of course, I can’t end this without saying I had some very fun, helpful roommates that made me feel welcome and showed me around. Thank you, Pastor Gary, Reba, and Edie, for such a great few days and welcoming me to the United Methodist Annual Conference!

UMW News
Strawberries, strawberries, strawberries!   Yes we have lots and lots of strawberries now frozen and stored for the August Strawberry Social.

Do you remember the old adage “Many hands make light the work”?  Well, we really had a large group working on the washing, hulling, chopping, and freezing of the berries.  Even with all the workers, it took two hours to process two flats.   But the joy of working, talking, and laughing made the time go by fast!  Next month we will devote to the final organization of the social and bake sale.

Shalom, Edie 

Fresh Flowers
Keep bringing the fresh flowers from around your house. They have been looking so nice the past few Sundays in our Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall!

Thought and Humor
Having just celebrated a birthday and being just a few years from my 80^th, I found this not only amusing but true and how I will attempt to live the last years of my life. So, I am sharing it with you. Pastor Gary.

Question: At your years what sort of changes are you feeling at 80?

Reply:

After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children, and my friends, I have now started loving myself.

I have realized that I am not “Atlas.” The world does not rest on my shoulders.

I have stopped bargaining with vegetables and fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me. But it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school needs.

I leave my server a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.

I stopped telling the elderly that they have already told that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane and revives their past.

I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.

I give compliments freely and generously. Compliments are the mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. And a small tip for the recipient of a complaint, never, never turn it down, just say “thank you.”

I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.

I have learned to live each day as if it is the last. After all it may be the last.

I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be!

I have decided to share this for all my friends. Why do we have to wait to be 60 or 70 or 80, why can’t we practice this at any age and stage of life.

Sometimes I laugh so hard tears run down my legs!