Author: Clinton UMC

The Tower Views

February 11th, 2021

Next week the season of Lent will start in the church. It’s a time designed to help Christians focus on more fully on following Jesus in preparation for the Easter celebration to come. Jesus said, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily and follow me,” (Luke 9:23 CEB). Following Jesus doesn’t come naturally (“say no to themselves”), is challenging (“take up their cross”), and must be intentional (“daily”).
That’s where the season of Lent comes in. Between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, I invite you to remember your mortality and sinful nature. I invite to confess and turn from what leads you away from God. And I invite you to start a new spiritual practice that can help you stay centered on God.
You could pray the Lord’s Prayer and each day focus on a different word or phrase? Maybe you look to help someone each day in an intentional way? Or perhaps you use the lunch hour each day to work on memorizing favorite Scripture passages, instead of catching up on social media. Look elsewhere in this edition of “The Tower Views” for additional Ash Wednesday and Lent ideas.
So, please join us in-person or online for our Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 p.m. on February 17. We’ll begin our journey of Lent together with music, prayer, Scripture, Holy Communion and the Imposition of the Ashes (in a safe way). I look forward to gathering with you then and this Sunday as we conclude our “Tough Love” sermon series. Why does Jesus expect the impossible of us? He has his reasons.
Your partner on the journey,
Pastor Steve

Next Week’s
Scripture Readings:
Sunday: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Pray and believe in Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
Monday: Exodus 34:29-35
Pray for the brightness of God’s glory to shine into your heart and life.
Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Pray to be transformed by the glory of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday: Psalm 51:1-10
Pray, confess, and let God put a new and faithful spirit in you.
Thursday: Luke 6:17-26
Pray to be blessed by God and not your own actions.
Friday: Jeremiah 17:5-10
Pray to trust less in your own strength and trust more in God.
Saturday: Psalm 1:1-6
Pray for the wisdom and faith to be replanted in the life-giving Word of God.

Prayers are needed for:
Carrol McVeigh, Bob Wright, Melvin Dennis

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The Tower Views

February 11th, 2021

UMW Cancelled
UMW’s their first meeting was set for tomorrow, Friday February 12th but has been cancelled. Stay home and stay warm.
Ash Wednesday Next Week
The beginning of Lent is almost here. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, on Wednesday, February 17th. We will have a special Ash Wednesday Service in the sanctuary at 6:30 pm. This will also be on Facebook Live. This service will include both the Imposition of Ashes (in a safe way) and a celebration of Holy Communion. Everyone is invited! Lenten services will continue on Wednesdays at noon until Holy Week.
Inspired for Life Women’s Conference Next Week
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting this conference at church by livestream into our church. The Church of the Resurrection’s Women’s Ministry special event is for women near and far to connect and inspire one another in bold, confident faith.
We all need a little grace, don’t we? How about receiving grace, and then more grace served on top of grace? Then, in place of that, more grace! The good news is there is an abundance of grace available, and God delights in dishing it out in huge, heaping servings. Come, have a taste!
When: February 19 & 20th
Time: Friday 6:30-9:00 PM
Saturday 8:30-2:00 PM.
Lunch provided—please RSVP to church office or on the Connect Card at church
How much? Freewill offering to be taken
(church is covering the registration fee)
Check out the website for speaker schedule (7 different speakers!) www.ifl.cor.org (scroll down for more information)

Sunday, February 14th
8:15 Sunday Service in-person
8:15 Service also on KDKD and Facebook
9:15 Sunday School in-person
4:00 Middle School Meets
5:00 High School Meets
Monday, February 15th
President’s Day
Office Closed
6:00 Building Committee meeting (gym)
Wednesday, February 17th
6:30 Ash Wednesday Service (in-person and on Facebook Live)
Thursday, February 18th
7:15 Thursday Night Live with Steve on Facebook
Friday, February 19th
6:30-9:00 Women’s Conference in Sanctuary
Saturday, February 20th
8:30-2:00 Women’s Conference in Sanctuary

Sunday School for Everyone
We have now offering Sunday School class from 9:15-10:00 on Sunday mornings, in-person. This is for adults and children. Youth meet Sunday afternoons—Middle School at 4:00 and High School at 5:00. We look forward to seeing everyone once again!
Altar Flowers
The 2021 Flower Chart is up on the wall just past the sanctuary entrance. If you would be interested in supplying flowers for a Sunday, sign up on the chart or call the church office. Please let us know if you are dedicating the flowers in memory of or in honor or, or have another thought in mind.

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The Tower Views

February 11th, 2021

Additional Ideas for Ash Wednesday
and Lent
"Giving something up for Lent" is a common practice for many Christians. Often, we give up a favorite food or try to kick a bad habit during Lent. Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, is when this begins, but don't confine yourself to food or habits.
Can you abstain from gossip or complaining for Ash Wednesday? What about defensive attitudes, fear, or anxiety? You probably won't be perfect at this, but when these attitudes begin to take hold of your day, pause for prayer .
#1 Pray your day -Pray for the drivers of the vehicles. Pray as you pass the hospital, police station, and government offices. Lift up the trash collector and mail carrier. Offer sentence prayers throughout the day thanking God for your coworkers
#2. Some of us reflect and pray best when our hands are busy. Get back in the workshop and spend time cutting, sanding, and gluing. Sit at a piano and let the music flow. Take out the paints, glue, clay, and other supplies to create a work of art. As you create, give thanks to our Creator who longs to be in relationship with you.
#3. Be still—Others find meaning in stillness. Light a candle and pause before the presence of God. Find a holy yoga class on YouTube to do. Enjoy a cup of coffee in a cozy spot. Listen for the voice of God.
#4. Clean something—Ash Wednesday is a good day to get a jump on your spring cleaning. Spend an hour with the junk drawer, that cabinet at work, or organizing the files on your computer.
As you remove things you no longer need and reorder those you do, be mindful of the ways God "cleans" us. The Bible tells us "As far as east is from west—that's how far God has removed our sin from us" (Psalm 103:12, CEB). As we get things in order, we remember that Jesus gave his life so that we might be free from our sins and know new life.
Building Project Report
Soon to be windows into the new office spaces— can’t wait for the weather to break so the mason can begin fitting it all in!

Here’s how to get in contact with the church staff so we can help you! The church office will remain staffed and the door may be locked but please ring the doorbell and Kathy will come to the door to talk to you, pick up your offering or help you with something. Please wear a mask.
Office—Kathy Garnett—
at 602 S. 3rd Street, 660-885-5597
office@clintonumc.net

Building Project Report

UMC Connect

660-851-1341
Connect with us! On Sundays, radio listeners can text messages to this number and let us know they are listening, and opportunities to respond to Steve’s thoughts and questions via text messages will arise during the Sunday service. Also, send in prayer requests at any time to this number!

What’s Inside?

Advent/Christmas Activities
Building Report Update