Church News

Posted

Calhoun Community Church
Welcome to the Good News from Calhoun Community Church. Our church family gathers at 9:30 a.m. for pre-church food and fellowship. We use this special time for visiting one with another, welcoming
guests as they arrive for Worship, and signing cards of encouragement for our card ministry. Tucker
McNeely rang the church bell to call our church families to worship.
We extend our sympathy and Christian love to the family and friends of Alberta L. Crawford, Larry
Fosnow and Doug Ballinger, who passed into the arms of Jesus this week; others on our prayer list
include Debbie and Clint Land, Diane Mills, Shelby Bicknell, and a host of others that have been listed
before. We continue to pray for our military men and women and their families, as well as others in
service jobs that we depend upon daily. Everyone in our once great country should be praying for a
return to normalcy. We pray for guidance as we continue to grow, here on the southeast corner of the Calhoun square. Lord we are thankful for this beautiful weather at the end of winter.
Joys to celebrate: All were pleased for the cookies shared by Carol Lane with pre-church fellowship this morning. It was a joy to help Shirley Cardwell celebrate another Birthday and wishing her many more. We were again provided with gorgeous morning to gather and worship the Lord. Calhoun received
nearly an inch of much needed moisture Thursday and Friday last week. Special music: “He Looked
beyond My Faults,” by Jerry Reed; our thanks to Jerry for sharing. Steve Siercks expressed his joy in
being able to spend “quality time” with his mom, Verna Walters, shopping at Hobby Lobby and eating out. We are pleased to have Jeremy Reed in charge of our sound system. He is tee. sawy and able to
keep that part of our service under control. Jerry Reed expressed the joy he received from helping with Harvesters last Friday. We are pleased that Jerry and Jeremy Reed, Steve Siercks, Sue Lesmeister, Linda Hawkins and Tom Colwell are willing and able to help with this worthwhile endeavor each month from Calhoun Community Church. We were pleased to have Nancy Mountain, Pat Burgess, Judy and Dave
Reynolds join us for worship today. We are an impromptu and diverse group here at Calhoun Community; we try very hard to encourage each other, have a little fun, and glorify the Lord at the same time.
Thought for the week: Cheerfulness will open a door when other keys fail.
Should you be looking for a place to feel the love of God, come by for a visit, dress as you are comfortable, bring the youngsters and be prepared to receive a blessing for the effort? We are a Concerned and Praying non-denominational Church. We will be blessed by your presence.

Church of Jesus Christ (of Latter Day Saints)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints invites you to worship with us each Sunday from 10-12 am.
Sacrament is held each Sunday, 10-11 am.
Sunday school is held from 11-12 am the 1st and 3rd Sundays.
The Priesthood and Relief Society is held from 11-12 am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays.
We welcome two young Missionaries into the Clinton area from other states.
Three local Elders from the Clinton Ward are serving as Missionaries in south America, Utah and Arizona .
The Family search Center for genealogy research, is open to Church members and the public is welcome.
Thursday’s from 7:30-9 pm The Elders are available for questions or assistance. Also open on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 -8 pm.
The Primary Class for 4 years through 11 years meets each Sunday.
The Nursery for 1 year through 3 years is open each Sunday.
Clinton Ward Elders Quorum President Brother Jerry Anspaugh is always available for information about Church activities. 660-351-3393

Drakes Chapel UMC
On this the 4th Sunday of Lent we gathered together praising God for the beautiful weather. Our Lord is showing off with the glorious sunrises and sunsets He has given us lately. The flowers are starting to bloom and His spirit is alive and thriving at Drake’s Chapel UMC.
Pastor Margie’s message came from Ephesians 2:1-10. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he asked them to forget about what they had done in the past and to embrace the love and the mercy that God had given them. Her sermon “What’s in Your Future” had the congregation thinking. We all know that our future can change in the wink of an eye. Life happens. But what we can count on is knowing that we can have a life everlasting with Jesus Christ. As believers and followers of Christ we know our future.
Our bible study “The Third Day” by Tom Berlin takes to the Road to Emmaus this week. We are learning so much about the characters that surrounded Jesus in those final days. We are grateful to Pearl Combs for hosting the study each Wednesday at 6:00.
We invite you to join us at Drake’s Chapel and experience worship in the beautiful countryside. We welcome you any Sunday whether in person or on Facebook live. We gather at 9:00. You will find us 5 miles east of Clinton off Hwy 52. Just look for the sign. Blessings to all as we journey to the cross and celebrate our Risen Savior.

First Baptist
On Sunday, Pastor Pat Findley referred to John 21:1-19 in his message titled, “Simon Peter Was There”. He emphasized that no life is outside of God’s grace. No matter how far you’ve gotten from Him, you can still be redeemed through Christ. In John 21, Simon Peter, having previously denied Jesus, witnessed one of many of Christ’s miracles. While Simon Peter was there, we are here. Pastor Pat’s message answered the question – how does God feel about one of His followers that have failed? First, we need to get real about our sinfulness. The first step to becoming a Christian is to admit we’re sinners. Even as Christ followers, we are prone to sin. Wherever we are in our walk with Christ, we must continually repent and turn back to Him, allowing Him to cleanse us. Second, love Jesus above all else. Evaluate what you may be valuing above Him. Ask God to bring you back to where you value Him above all. Lastly, we must keep following Jesus. Even Simon Peter had to be reminded to follow Him. He saved us so that we may have salvation. Simon Peter’s failure in the gospel was shared to encourage us. We are still God’s works of art, even when we fall short, but we must continually turn and follow Him. He trades His judgement for our forgiveness. He loves you and He is inviting you to get back on track. God wants to meet you right where you are, regardless of your sin!
On March 30th, beginning at noon, local churches are coming together on the Clinton Square for the Rise & Shine Easter Celebration. Celebrate Recovery is on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 pm at the Vansant location for anyone with hurts, habits, or hangups. GriefShare is offered every Thursday at 6 pm, for help and encouragement after the death of a loved one. Worship service times are 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and Sunday School is offered at 8:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. For more information and upcoming events, please visit www.firstbaptistclinton.church or find us on Facebook at ‘First Baptist Church – Clinton, MO’.
We invite those without a church home to join us in worship of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. First Baptist Church exists to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) by loving people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

First Presbyterian
The much needed rain we received this week was a welcome blessing. God pours out his blessings on us too. Let God’s love and mercy wash over you just as the spring rains wash over the earth bringing promise of new life and hope. You can be confident of His love.
The ladies of the church are currently working on an annual mission project that involves the sewing of hygiene products for young ladies in Africa. If you would like to help with this work, needed materials are available in the foyer. Questions can be answered by a PW member. Another project just beginning will benefit families of young children and babies in Henry County. We will be collecting diapers in sizes 3, 4 and 5 for the Samaritan Center. Let’s fill up the shelves in the foyer. Donations will be accepted through Sunday, April 25.
The Community Choir practice continues each Thursday evening from 6:30 – 8:00 pm here in Fellowship Hall. Mark and Gay Smith are leading this choir. A concert will be held April 18. Make plans to attend and enjoy the beautiful music created by this group of talented singers.
A community Rise and Shine Easter Celebration will be held on the Square March 30 from 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm. This event is sponsored by the community churches. Several activities for youngsters will be included. If you would like to help with this event please contact Rev. Nancy or Ray Hartner.
Tai Chi is the right exercise for you if you are looking to improve your strength and balance. An advanced class has been added to Mondays at 11:00 am. You will also find a group participating in Fellowship Hall on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 am. Do something nice for yourself and join this refreshing group.
The spirit of our living Lord can be found within the doors of First Presbyterian Church. Friendly, loving people will welcome you and make you feel at home. Sunday School begins at 9:30 am followed by worship at 10:30 am. A monthly newsletter and calendar of happenings is available on our website fpcclintonmo.net.

Trinity Lutheran
The schedule for Holy Week services at Trinity Lutheran is as follows:
Thursday, 4 pm. - Maundy Thursday service.
Friday, 4 pm. - Good Friday service
Sunday 7 am. - Easter Sunrise Service
Sunday 9 am. - Easter Festival Service
TLC Youth will serve Easter Breakfast between services.
The Bible teaches those who trust in God and have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, it is entirely because of God’s work, not their own. For those who don’t have faith in God or his son, Jesus Christ, it is entirely their own doing, not God’s doing.
Eph. 2: 1-3.
How is a person born again? Faith in Jesus is a gift of God, not our own decision or works. Faith comes through the work of the Holy Spirit through the preaching of God’s Word and the sacraments of Holy Baptism and The Lord’s Supper. Where are these “means of grace” most readily available to people? The Christian Church.
Eph. 2: 4-7.
Through the preaching of the Word and the sacraments, God the Holy Spirit creates and sustains faith in all who believe. Are you concerned about your faith and salvation? Good! That is the Holy Spirit working in your life, calling you to Him. Those who have no faith in God don’t concern themselves about such things.
Eph. 2: 8-10.
Come to church this Sunday. Your faith will be renewed and strengthened through the Gospel message and fellowship with other believers. Praise God!
Divine Service 1 pm. Sunday School 11:45 pm. Phone 660.885.4728.

Urich Baptist
The change in time didn’t keep the faithful from worship service. Clint Keeney rang the church bell.
Mrs. Julia Klinefelter led in the congregational singing with Mrs. Dixie Collins playing piano. Randy Vogt and Clint Keeney collected the offering.
The scripture passage from interim Pastor Steve Sowell’s sermon was from Romans 5: 12-21.
This passage shows us how one man can make a difference. That man, Adam, brought sin, suffering, and corruption to us. God’s wrath poured out on Adam because of his disobedience and brought death into the world. Our decisions make a difference. Do we follow God’s will with blessings or not follow and reap the consequences. Jesus chose to do His Father’s will and because of that, if we put our faith and trust in Him we can have life everlasting. Let us be the person that follows Christ and makes a difference in this world. Have a blessed week.

Valley Center United
As we came to church this morning, we were met with the sound of birds singing. There are beautiful new benches at the entry of the prairie that surrounds our church. They were designed and made by Jim Neuenschwander. With Andy Lasswell’s help, they are situated so that all visitors can have a place to sit and see the beauty of the prairie.
We are an open and affirming church and welcome all to come and worship with us on Sunday morning!!
When the cross was getting very close, Jesus spoke with more stern and a little harsher words for the people. He wanted them to really understand what was going to happen. He said that there will be many false messiahs that will appear, but when they call us, we are not to go.
Today, we hear from many different people telling us of their unquestionable knowledge and trying to convince us they are right in all they say. Some even use a message of fear as a tactic and pray on our weaknesses. It is easy to be swayed and influenced by those who are constantly pulling at us. How do we choose what is right or wrong when we keep hearing those voices over and over?
As we begin to think about what we believe and of Christ’s journey to the cross, our vision and understanding becomes clear. When we keep focused, it gets easier to push those negative influences away. It was Jesus who actually chose us when he was crucified and died, so that we would be saved.
Lent is a reminder that we have been chosen and his precious gifts of love, grace and forgiveness are the guiding light for us to follow.
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SCHEDULE FOR HOLY WEEK:
Palm Sunday: March 24 -- worship in person and on FB 9:00 AM
Preparatory Service: Wednesday, March 27, on FB 6:00 PM
Maundy Thursday: March 28, worship in person and on FB 7:00 PM
Good Friday: March 29 -- on FB 6:00 PM
Easter Sunday: March 31 -- community service 6:00 AM
Easter Service of Triumph in person & FB 9:30 AM