Category Archives: Pastor’s Ponderings

Why United Methodist?

Every year we get an opportunity to navigate our way through the Michigan Annual Conference as United Methodists. And at times at Annual Conference I wonder why I am a United Methodist. I did not inherit this faith. I did have an opportunity to grow up in “the church” but not as a “United Methodist”. So, for me, being United Methodist was and is a choice. There are some specific reasons I embraced the United Methodist Way of being Christian. My intent is to write the first of three Pastor’s Ponderings to you in this month’s newsletter. In this, the first addressing, I want to give you a few reasons why I am United Methodist. My second writing for July will be a continuation of why I chose the United Methodist Church. And for August my intent is to write about some of those things that, from our 2018 Annual Conference, continue to engage me as a United Methodist. As I share some of these reasons to be a United Methodist I encourage you to engage me in a conversation as to why you have chosen to be a United Methodist. I will be presenting these reasons why I am United Methodist in no particular order.

Religion should be a matter of head and heart. Since the beginning, people called Methodists have used the best of the resources available from Scripture, reason, tradition and personal experience in the practice of their faith. I will unpack some elements by starting with, as Methodist, we take a serious approach to the witness of Scripture rather than a literal approach. We consider what this message of the Bible said to the people who originally heard it and we discern how it still speaks today to the people living in very different circumstances than those who first heard the Word. As we do that, however, we seek to remain open to all of Scripture which speaks to us and commands that we witness to Scripture.

We, as United Methodists, are not required or allowed to check our brain at the door. We use our God-given abilities, including powers of reason, to discern what is necessary, right and good. We believe that God wants thinking Christians, not sheep who are disengaged.

People called Methodists also value being part of “that great cloud of witnesses,” which is the most vital part of the tradition of the Christian church. We believe the faithful examples and practices of our forerunners in the faith have much to teach us about how we might become better disciples. In lifting up tradition we make an important distinction between tradition and traditionalism. Traditionalism is a form of idolatry that perseveres the practices of the past at the expense, or perhaps even exclusion, of the church’s mission in the present age. Tradition is practicing the essentials of our faith in a way that engages us today with the vital message of the gospel. In all we do we strive to be on the living edge of Christian faith.

We believe God still speaks to people today. The Methodist movement began with an experience of one individual, John Wesley our founder, who had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ that left his heart on fire for God. For years now, one of the questions asked of Methodist pastors are: where did they and how are they currently experiencing Christ as their Lord and Savior? When Methodist gather in small groups or engage one another we are to inquire, “How is it with your soul?” This should be done as a way of inviting each person to share their personal experience with God. We believe that such experiences make all the difference. From generation to generation the people called Methodists have believed that an individual encounter with God in Jesus Christ has the power to transform a person’s life. The experience opens them to new understandings of the Bible, offering new ideas about their place in God’s creation and prompts them to consider new ways of practicing their faith in the world.

Next month I plan to write about what United Methodists believe about salvation, which makes a huge difference in how we experience and share, “Being in Christ,” which can influence us to engage the world. Many of the best gifts of our Bible witness, the reasons guiding our light, and living as Christians in a tradition and a personal experience of God saving grace direct our journey and satisfy our soul.

Pastor Gary

(Thoughts take from “Wesleyan Beliefs by Ted Campbell”)

How is Claybanks United Methodist Church doing?

I get this question asked of me quite frequently when I attend some type of activity in our local area, and also when I go to a district or conference activity and I am with lay and or clergy. For the most part, many of them know where Claybanks United Methodist Church is located. I for one, knew of Claybanks United Methodist Church many years ago, prior to my appointment here. You see in September of every year Reba and I would come to Pentwater to pick up my mother who had been staying at the family condo for a good part of the summer. We would ride down the lakeshore leaving Pentwater and driving to Muskegon and then Grand Rapids as part of our last contact with the beauty of the summer. In doing so we would, of course, drive by Claybanks Methodist Church as we followed the Circle Trail along Lake Michigan.

It has been two years now since I first met a number of the Claybanks United Methodist Church representatives when I came with our district superintendent to Claybanks to be interviewed as a possible pastor for Claybanks United Methodist Church. During these past two years I have very quickly come to appreciate a number of special gifts and graces that Claybanks United Methodist Church has been given by God. With limited space in this newsletter I can only dwell on a couple. I’ve learned to answer the question, “How is Claybanks United Methodist Church doing?” By responding not with the general response of, “Claybanks United Methodist Church is doing very well”. I take pride in being able to respond with, “Claybanks United Methodist Church is indeed a church that loves one another and so very truly seeks to be in the presence of each other.”

Now most churches, when we talk about their members and how they gather as church members, will usually like each other. But I see Claybanks UMC taking many additional steps further than the average church. I respond by telling that person or persons who asked the question of me that Claybanks loves to be in each other’s company and I see it, yes on Sunday mornings when so many gather so early, long before the worship service begins and they mingle with each other, greeting each other so sincerely. Not only before church but after church, as many churches have coffee time and a social time, yet Claybanks United Methodist Church is unique in the fact that being a small church everyone is excited and delights in sharing time together after worship. And the amount of time far exceeds what is normal following worship. Now I go on to explain to those who asked that question that in the Claybanks area there is no Main Street or real gathering place except the Claybanks church itself. So, as we gather on Sunday mornings and at other times throughout the week as a church community, we take time to just be with each other. It is an opportunity to gather as so many might do in other communities at a local restaurant, beauty salon, school activity or hardware store. And I truly believe this happens not just because of so many years gathering together as friends and neighbors, but I see people who truly care about and for each other.

During these past two years I have also come to appreciate how well you care for your church. You take care of your church building, your fellow church members and the community. Your annual budget is well-funded and provides for all the needs and requirements that a healthy church should care for. Your ability and desire to respond to special financial requests have set my heart on fire. To support special giving needs such as UMCOR and it’s special giving requests, missionary support, local outreach, Shalom giving, support of camping and our young people, and currently our Nigerian Well Project tells me that the power of the Holy Spirit is alive and active within the Claybanks United Methodist Church and its members truly care about others. This caring is not limited to just our church, but to our community and the world around us close and far away.

I believe that God has blessed Claybanks United Methodist Church with many gifts and graces because of your willingness to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to put that Gospel into action. May God continue to bless Claybanks United Methodist Church, its member and friends.

While pastoring on the Keryx Weekend back in February at Carson City Correctional Facility, one of the inmates working on the weekend shared “Father’s Love Letter: An Intimate Message from God to You.” I and so many others have been moved as to how it makes an impact on our spirits. There are many ways that Scripture can be drawn together to be used to show God’s love for us. Scripture tells us that Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Resurrection Easter Sunday all show us how much God the Father loves each of us. May this reading bless you during Holy Week and for all times.

Pastor Gary

F A T H E R ’ S L O V E L E T T E R
An intimate message from God to you.
My Ch i l d ,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your
mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3: 1 Simply because you
are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11​One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4 And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23​For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7 I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is… Will you be my child? John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Pastor Ponderings
By Pastor Gary Peterson

It has not been my practice to talk about giving at Claybanks United Methodist Church, because as a church, you have supported and blessed the church so that we have been able to support Claybanks United Methodist Church with all the resources it has needed. The Claybanks United Methodist Church has also supported special needs giving in many different ways such as providing food for our local food pantry, supporting those who have gone on missionary trips, sending children to camp and currently supporting the efforts of the Nigerian Well Project.

UMCOR Sunday for many years was known as “One Great Hour of Sharing”. In 2016 our General Conference of the United Methodist Church approved a name change from One Great Hour of Sharing to UMCOR Sunday. UMCOR Sunday is one of six church wide special Sunday offerings of the United Methodist Church. UMCOR Sunday calls United Methodists to share the goodness of life with those who are hurting.

UMCOR is the humanitarian arm of the United Methodist Church. The work of UMCOR reaches people in more than 80 countries, including the United States. THE work of UMCOR provides humanitarian relief when war, conflict or natural disaster disrupts life to such an extent that the communities have difficulty recovering on their own. Traditionally UMCOR Sunday is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. One of the four disciplines of Lent is that of assisting others showing God’s love and grace to a world in need.

Let me answer a question that I get asked many times over. With so many types of solicitations that are requested of us, will what I give get to the people when disasters happen or life is interrupted? When asked to give to assist in humanitarian efforts, many people want to know “how much of what I give is received directly by those in need,”. When there are disasters that affect lives, such as the hurricanes we had last fall that hit a number of islands and the United States, we took up special offerings. One hundred percent of our offerings went directly to assist those in need. This happens because once a year on UMCOR Sunday we asked for special gifts to underwrite the administrative costs of UMCOR so that when disasters strike all that we give is used to assist those in need.

Your gifts to UMCOR Sunday lays the foundation for the United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR) to share God’s love with communities everywhere. These special offerings underwrite UMCOR’s “cost of doing business.” This helps UMCOR to keep the promise that 100% of any gift given to a special project request will go toward that project and not administrative cost.

Looking back just a few years ago, when Hurricane Sandy hit the eastern coast of the United States, with the resources that we have and shared as United Methodists, UMCOR was there to help not only in cleanup but assist in the rebuilding of churches and community centers in the areas affected by the hurricane. Hurricane Sandy also hit Cuba and 100% of the donations given to relief for Hurricane Sandy also assisted in rebuilding of homes and 21 United Methodist Churches in Cuba.

Our contributions collected on UMCOR Sunday ensures that we as the United Methodist Church can respond in times of crisis. UMCOR is the extension of the hands and feet of the United Methodist Church that helps restore and rebuild lives here and abroad. It is my prayer, my heart and my duty as your pastor to ask you to support UMCOR Sunday on March 11th. On Sunday March 4th and on Sunday March 11th there will be envelopes in the pews to designate your offering to UMCOR.

Because of your generosity, we, as the United Methodist Church, are able to offer aid in Jesus’ name to those who suffer. “I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked, and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick, and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me (Matthew 25:35-36).

Pastor’s Ponderings
By Pastor Gary Peterson

On Sunday, January 28th, I preached a message on “Authority Versus Law” which was based on Mark 1:21-28. I have just a little different take on that message when it concerns rules which we live by. John Wesley, our founder, preached a number of sermons on how we are to live our life and how we determine what is right and what is wrong.

There is a very simple book written by Bishop Reuben Job called “Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living.” Let me list the three rules and then talk about how they should affect you and me as we live out our life in Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

Rule number one: do no harm. Rule number two: do good. And rule number three: stay in love with God. Some of us may know rule number three as John Wesley would have said it in the language of his time, “Attend to all the ordinances of God”. Three very simple rules or ideas that, when we look at them, each can help define how we are to live our lives as followers of Jesus Christ.

Rule number one, do no harm. In doing no harm we show others the evidence that we desire an eternal life through salvation given to us by Jesus Christ. By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced as John Wesley would preach, means don’t take God’s name in vain, or the Lord’s day by using spiritualist liquors in excess, by fighting, quarreling, bragging, returning evil for evil or buying and selling where we take advantage of someone else. These examples fall into three categories: first, do no harm to yourself. Secondly do no harm to others which would also include God’s creation and participating in activities or organizations that can cause harm to others. The third category of John Wesley’s examples is this: I will do no harm to God. John Wesley believed that we can do things that harm God. His examples included taking God’s name in vain and not honoring God with the day of Sabbath, our Sunday.

Rule number two, do good. Doing good shows we want to do things that help lift up others and ourselves. By feeding ourselves, clothing ourselves and our sisters and brothers we do good. We also do good when we participate in not only church activities but other community activities where we extend love to those around us. We do good when we are a productive person in our society and in our community, which means when we go to work or volunteer at an agency we give of ourselves so that others may benefit.

Rule number three, stay in love with God means we attend public worship at our churches and other times when we come together to lift up God’s name. When we read Scripture and share the Word with others, we share God. When we take communion, when we pray and when we discipline ourselves such as fasting or abstinence we recognize that the Holy Spirit is watching over our souls and we have a friendship with God.

These general rules that we accept as Wesleyans, make our lives better as Christians. They help us as we make decisions for our lives. It keeps us close to God when we base our decisions on what God wants and expects from us as we work to stay close to Him and involve Him in all aspects of our lives.

“Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
At all the times you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can”
John Wesley

Third Sunday After the Epiphany

Welcome and Announcements

Special Presentation: Nigeria Well Mission Project

Praise Song “Come, Now is the Time to Worship” Overhead

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
One: Jesus says, “Now is the time!”
All: ​Startle us, God, from our busyness and routines. Show us how very close your Kingdom is.
One: Jesus says, “God’s Kingdom is at hand!”
All: ​Deliver us, God, from faith in our own strength. Free us from the traps of violence, dishonesty, and greed.
One: Jesus says, “Receive the good news from God!”
All: ​Embolden us, God, to trust you anew. For we are as fragile as breath, and draw our strength from your mercy and compassion.

Gloria Patri UMH #70

Opening Prayer

*Hymn “Change My Heart, O God” Overhead

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

Children’s Time – “The Story of Jonah”
After prayers – Sing the Children out “Jesus Loves Me” Children 5 and under are welcome to remain in worship or go to the nursery at this time.

The Offering of Our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology UMH #95

Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn “Grace Greater than Our Sin” UMH #365

SHARING THE WORD

Old Testament ​Psalm 62:5-12 Page 458
Second Reading ​Jonah 1:1-17, 2:10-3:3a Page 752

Message “SECOND CHANCES” Pastor Gary

Prayer

*Hymn “In Christ Alone” Overhead

Benediction

Church Life
Sunday, January 21, 2018
​​ 9:45 am – Youth Sunday School
​​ 10:30 am – Worship

Monday, January 22, 2018 – Newsletter Deadline

Sunday, January 28, 2018 ​
​​9:45 am – Sunday School
​​10:30 am – Worship
​​​
Email: glpeterson32@frontier.com
Office Telephone 231-923-0573
Office email ClaybanksUMC@gmail.com
Website http://www.claybanksunitedmethodist.com

Pianist​​​​ Megan Schihl
Liturgist ​​ Charlie Pease
Nursery Liz Grossman
Ministers All People As We Live the Good News

How do we welcome younger children into our Sunday school, worship service and activities of the church? Claybanks United Methodist Church is a church not unlike many other churches who love to have children be a part of the church in its many activities, education and worship. We encourage parents, grandparents and community members to bring young people to our church. Yet at times we are concerned about how we can make this happen and be very inclusive with our children.

I, as your pastor, work very hard to be inclusive with all our young children when I deliver a children’s message each Sunday. Our Sunday school teachers and Megan, our Music Director, work hard to incorporate music and education in our Sunday morning programs for them. We do all that we can to include our young children in the many different activities of the church where they can add a blessing to our mission and life as a church.

Recently I received a communication from the Montague United Methodist Church entitled, “The Child In The Pew”. I am including parts of it where it is applicable in my message to you as it can pertain to Claybanks United Methodist Church.

When little children come to the church, adults sometimes wonder why. Actually, bringing children into the sanctuary is something like getting them to eat at a dinner table. Even though their manners are far from elegant, it is done in hopes that, given time, they all begin to feel like parts of the family.

Children giggle, they poke, and they swing their feet back and forth simply because they are children. But, they also sing, pray, and give with us. So, this page is written to suggest that we adults should accept, even value, the children’s restlessness during worship, trusting that they are also learning:
• That it is important to come to this place each Sunday.
• That they belong to this special company of people.
• That the sights and sounds are good, though not always understandable.
• That something is expected of them in this place, and that they may respond in song, prayer, and in offering.
• May they come to know that they are God’s Children and are loved by God and us.

Bringing children to church can be a real exercise for friends, parents and grandparents. But then again, so are many other facets of parenting and the rewards are well worth the effort. While we do not want our children to be disruptive or hamper churches worship, we must always remember that children are members of the church, too. Children should be among the worshiping people. They may not participate in just the same way as adults do, but they are growing in understanding and learning to take their place in the churches family and over time what a blessing it is to see the beautiful changes take place in our young people as they continue to grow.

Young children and worship may have challenging moments, but it is our birthright as Christians to worship. Our satisfaction comes in later years when we see them stand in the midst of the church with a faith of their own.

Pew Tips For Parents And Other Adults:
• Arrive in time to find a good place to sit so your children can see. A spot closer to the front helps in this.
• Let your children choose prior to entering the sanctuary from the many different items that are at our Welcome Table to give them some activities to do while experiencing the sights and sounds in the sanctuary.
• Practice the Lord’s Prayer at home, tell them what is coming next in the worship service and encourage them to come up for the Children’s Moment.
• A pre-arranged signal is good to let your children know when it’s time to settle down.
• Express joy at having children worship with you, especially those who are with other families. Send a smile in their direction every once in a while.
• Give prayers and thanks to God for a child’s presence.
• Invite parents to sit with you so that you may assist with bottles, dropped toys, and teaching children how to worship.
• Just be patient! Give parents some time to settle a crying baby. Give your crying baby some time to settle, too! Don’t rush out of the sanctuary at first sign of a cry. (I as a Pastor love to hear the cry of a new born baby in worship – It means God has blessed us with New Life!)
• Ask your children to tell you when they hear a predetermined word or phrase in a hymn or message.
• Open the Hymnal. Follow along with your finger to encourage children to read music and celebrate worship by singing.
• Prepare your children for worship by telling them before worship begins what is expected of them.
• Most of all, free yourself of anxieties and relax. We are a family of faith and we promise to love unconditionally!

It is when we bring our children to worship that we see the blessings that God has given not just parents and grandparents but to our church community as well. We welcome all the young people into our worship, Sunday school and church activities of the Claybanks United Methodist Church. Someday these children will be the leaders, workers and disciples for Jesus Christ and the transformation of the world. It is our responsibility to see that all our resources are available and given to them so that God’s Kingdom can be shared with the world around us.

Blessing for the new year of 2018!
Pastor,
Gary