Worship and the Word from Clinton UMC

Sunday, October 1, 2023 Worship Service

"It Is Enough..." - The Scripture Lesson: I Kings 19: 1-18

"Your Joy Might Be Full" - The Scripture Lesson: John 15:1-11

"Do Not Forget" - The Scripture Lesson: Deuteronomy 4:9

Sunday, September 3, 2023 Worship Service

"No Lie" - The Scripture Lesson: Galatians 1:11-24

"Mr. God..." - The Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 10:33-11:3

Sunday, August 6, 2023 Worship Service

"Mr. God ..." - The Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 10:33-11:3

Sunday, July 23, 2023 Worship Service

"What's the Good of That...?" - The Scripture Lesson: John 6: 1-15

Now! ... No, Not Now - The Scripture Lesson: Acts: 1:6-11

"Bread of the World"

"Starting All Over Again" - The Scripture Lesson: I Peter 3:18-22

A Flawed Father, Flawed Sons - Scripture Lesson: Luke 15:11-32

Sunday, June 11, 2023 Worship Service

Sunday, June 4, 2023 Worship Service

"The Healing of the Nations" - The Scripture Lesson: Revelation 22:2

"I, the Woman" - The Scripture Lesson: I Samuel 1:26-28.

An Avenue to God through Holy Communion.

"Do No Harm" - The Scripture Lesson: Matthew 10:16

"Down the Toilet" - The Scripture Lesson: Mark 7:18-23

Sunday, April 16, 2023 Worship Service

"Jesus Met Them" - The Scripture: Matthew 28:9

"While it was Still Dark" - The Scripture: John 20:1

Maundy Thursday, April 6, 2023

Palm Sunday

"Let's Go, too" - The Scripture Lesson: John 11:16

"How It Is with Us..." - The Scripture Lesson: Romans 12:5

"Neither" - The Scripture Lesson: Joshua 5:14

Sunday, March 5, 2023 Worship Service

"Jesus Calling" - Sermon by Sheila Stasak

"What is Knowledge" - The Scripture Lesson: Matthew 24:36. Guest Speaker Todd Morgan

"Walk to Emmaus" - Service performed by CUMC Emmaus Walkers

"I CAN SEE" - John 1:5. Guest sermon by Rev. Bill Smith

"Who Can Tell" - The Scripture Lesson: Jonah 3:9 - Message delivered by Todd Morgan.

"Under a Juniper Tree" - The Scripture Lesson:  I Kings 19:4-8

"Nothing Left to Chance" - The Scripture Lesson:  Romans 8:28-31

"One Little Clue" - The Scripture Lesson:  Matthew 2:6

Sunday, January 1, 2023 Worship Service

Sunday, December 25, 2022 Christmas Day Service

Christmas Eve Service 7 PM, December 24, 2022

Christmas Eve Service 7 PM (1st Part of Service Missing), December 24, 2022

Christmas Eve Service 11 PM, December 24, 2022

Just Plain Ugly - The Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 53:2

"The Real Light" - The Scripture Lesson: John 1:9

Sunday Sermon

"Advanced Warning" The Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 42: 5-9

"How Sweet it is..."  The Scripture Lesson: Psalm 92:1-5

"The Lord Shall Give You Rest"  The Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 14:3

Sunday, November 6, 2022 Worship Service

"And Give Him No Rest" The Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 62:7

"A Matter of Bounty" - The Scripture Lesson: II Corinthians 9:5-15

Out of Tune with the World - The Scripture Lesson: Romans 12

"It Is So Hard" - The Scripture Lesson: Mark 10:19-23

Sunday, October 2, 2022 Worship Service

"A Spiritual House" The Scripture Lesson: I Peter 2:5-6

"My Friend: God..."  The Scripture Lesson: Proverbs 18: 24

"The Fist of Wickedness..."  The Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 58:4-5

"Up on the roof"

Determined to Go...  The Scripture Lesson: Ruth 1:16-18

"In Simplicity and Sincerity..."Corinthians 1:12

"Not What You Learned" The Scripture: Ephesians 4:20-32

The mess at the table.

"My Jesus"

I Thessalonians 4:9-12

Exodus 13:17-22

The Scripture Lesson: Colossians 3:12-17

Sunday, July 3, 2022 Worship Service - Welcome Mike!

Sunday, June 26, 2022 Worship Service

Sunday, June 19, 2022 Worship Service

Sunday, June 12, 2022 Worship Service

Sunday, May 29, 2022 Worship Service

Sunday, May 15, 2022 Worship Service

Sunday, May 8, 2022 Worship Service

Sunday, May 1, 2022 Worship Service

April 24, 2022 In-Person Worship Service

April 17, 2022 Easter Sunday In-Person Regular/Traditional Worship Service

April 17, 2022 Easter Sunday In-Person Early/Contemporary Worship Service

April 14, 2022 Maundy Thursday In-Person Worship Service

April 10, 2022 Palm Sunday In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

April 3, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

March 27, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

March 20, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

March 13, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

March 6, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

February 27, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

February 13, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

February 13, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

February 6, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

January 30, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

January 23, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

January 16, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

January 9, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

January 2, 2022 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

December 26, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

December 24, 2020 Christmas Eve In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

December 19, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

Sunday, December 12, 2021 In-Person and Drive-In Worship Service

December 5, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

November 28, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

November 21, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

November 14, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

November 7, 2021 All Saints Day In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

October 31, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

October 24, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

October 17, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

October 10, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

October 3, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

September 26, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

September 19, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

September 12, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

September 5, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

August 29, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

August 15, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

August 8, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

August 1, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

July 25, 2021 Outdoor & Drive-In Worship Service

July 18, 2021 Outdoor & Drive-In Worship Service

July 11, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

July 4, 2021 Outdoor & Drive-In Worship Service

June 27, 2021 Outdoor & Drive-In Worship Service

June 20, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

June 13, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

June 6, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

May 30, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

May 23, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

May 16, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

May 9, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

May 2, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

April 25, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

April 18, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

April 11, 2021 In-Person & Drive-In Worship Service

April 4, 2021 Easter Sunday Worship Service

April 2, 2021 Good Friday Worship Service

March 28, 2021 Palm Sunday Worship Service

March 21, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

March 14, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

March 7, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

February 28, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

February 21, 2021 Virtual Worship Service

February 14, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

February 7, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

January 31, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

January 24, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

January 17, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

January 10, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

January 3, 2021 Drive-In Worship Service

December 27, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

December 24, 2020 Christmas Eve Worship Service

December 20, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

December 13, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

December 6, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

November 29, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

November 22, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

November 15, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

November 8, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

November 1, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service - All Saints Sunday

October 25, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

October 18, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

October 11, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

October 4, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

September 27, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

September 20, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

September 13, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

September 6, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

August 30, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

August 23, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

August 16, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

August 9, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

August 2, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service (Partial Recording)

July 26, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

July 19, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

July 12, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

July 5, 2020 Drive-In Worship Service

June 28, 2020 - The Art of Neighboring, Loving Your Neighbor

June 21, 2020 Embrace God, & All that that Entails - Todd Morgan

Sheila Stasak delivers a wonderful sermon relating to the times we are currently living in and that "You'll Get Through This".

Todd Morgan talks about our relationship with God.

Pastor Robert celebrates Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21), and marks his final sermon at Clinton UMC, with a message about the miracles that the Holy Spirit …

We close our look at the letter of 1 Peter (chapters 4-5) by thinking about what it means to live with Christ-like intentions in the middle of a pandemic

As we hear the instructions from 1 Peter (3: 1-22) we ask how Christianity answers the question: what motivates a person to do what is right?

As we move further into 1 Peter (2:11-25) we see how being loyal to Christ makes us foreigners to the rest of the world.

as we continue looking at 1 Peter (2:1-10) we track down Peter's sources to better understand how we are like living stones (and children and priests).

We continue looking at 1 Peter (1:13-25) to see how the new birth calls us to a life of discipleship.

This week we begin our exploration of 1 Peter (1: 1-12) by looking at the bedrock of Peter's argument about how we are to live in the world as Christians.

This morning we look at the original ending of Mark (16: 1-8) to see how this version of the Easter story speaks into our lives today.

On this Palm Sunday we look at what it meant for Jesus to enter Jerusalem on the back of a donkey (Matthew 21: 1-11), and what it continues to mean for us.

This morning we look at the resurrection of Lazarus (John 11: 1-45) to ask where should we slow down in reading this story and where should we shout …

This morning we think about how Jesus' healing a blind man (John 9) is a challenge to systems of oppression.

This week we consider some lived examples of what it means to be sustained on the living water of Jesus (John 4: 4-42)

We go back to our Methodist roots to hear a modernized version of John Wesley's "The New Birth" in order to understand what Jesus tells Nicodemus in the Gospel of John. (John 3:1-21)

This week we see how Jesus deals with temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4: 1-11) in order to learn how we can handle temptation.

This week the gospel of Matthew (17: 1-9) presents us with a story of transformation that resists meaning and asks us to dwell in mystery.

The Deuteronomist (30: 15-20) reminds us that following God requires us to make choices to do good.

God speaks through the prophet Isaiah (58: 1-12) to bring a complaint against the people of Judah who have made a mockery out of holiness.

We look at the three simple (but difficult rules) that the book of Micah (6:1-8) tells us are good and required of us.

Isaiah (9:1-7) gives us an oracle that guides us in our thinking about what it means to have godly authority.

Through Isaiah God proclaims a light to the nations (49: 1-7), so we consider how we can shine our lights. 

Lay Servant Todd Morgan explores John the Baptist's feelings of inadequacy when asked to baptize Jesus in order to explore the times in our own lives …

Clinton Administrative Board chair, Sheila Stasak, speaks about the meaning of the twelve days of Christmas and the gifts brought by the wise-men on Epiphany.

This week we reflect on the flight into Egypt and the slaughter of the Holy Innocents to see how these darker parts of the Christmas story reveal the …

Rev. Blanchard wades through the genealogy of Jesus and the history of Judah to ask what it means for us to call Jesus the "God who is with us"

For the final Sunday of Advent we look at how Joseph responds to the news that his wife is pregnant with someone else's child.

This week Rev. Blanchard explores another story about John the Baptist (Matthew 11: 2-15) to see what God has to say to us in our moments of doubt.

This week John the Baptist tells us about the coming Kingdom of God. (Matthew 3: 1-12) Rev. Blanchard unpacks the invitation that John gives us to change our hearts and lives.

For the first Sunday in Advent, Rev. Blanchard explores the message from Jesus (Matthew 24: 36-44) that we must be vigilant as we wait for the reign of God. Also included after the sermon are some brief thoughts upon …

For Christ the King Sunday we look to the ancient hopes of Jeremiah (23: 1-6) to remind us that no matter how much bad news is in the world we still have hope.

We hear God's promise from Isaiah that a new heaven and new earth are being created (Isaiah 65: 17-25), and talk about what that invitation means for us.

We look at the prophets of the past to hear their words for our future this morning. (Haggai 2:1-9)

Our spiritual gifts series comes to a close with a reflection for All Saints' Day about what it means for us to use our gifts together as the Church. (James 2: 14-22)

In our last round-up of spiritual gifts we talk about those people who help the church to have a united witness and vision. (Ephesians 4: 7, 11-16)

As we continue our series on spiritual gifts we take a look at some of the gifts that move our hearts and minds. (1 Corinthians 12: 1-11)

Our series on spiritual gifts continues with a look at some of the gifts that let us carry Jesus into the lives of those around us: service, encouragement, leadership, compassion, and generous giving. (Romans 12: 4-8)

This week we begin a 5 week sermon series on spiritual gifts by thinking about what it means for us to be united as one Body in Jesus Christ.

We close out the letter of 1 Timothy (6: 6-19) by looking at the political and social implications of becoming a member of Christ's body.

This week Rev. Blanchard looks at some of the more controversial elements of the letter of 1 Timothy (2:1-15) in order to ask how we should read the …

This week Rev. Blanchard draws on John Wesley's sermons on "The Law Established through Faith" in order to unpack 1 Timothy's (1:8-19) lessons about the legitimate use of the law.

This week we look at the letter to Philemon to think about what it means to love someone while also holding them accountable.

This week Rev. Blanchard thinks about how Jesus invites us to a life of humility through a lesson about table manners (Luke 14: 1, 7-14).

This week Jesus declares the he comes to bring division (Luke 12: 49-56) and Rev. Blanchard asks us to think about what it means to be set against the ones we love.

You will also notice a change in audio quality …

Rev. Blanchard considers some of Jesus' parables (Luke 12: 35-48) to ask how we are using our blessings for the sake of others.

In this final sermon on Paul's letter to the Colossians (3: 1-17), Rev. Blanchard invites us to think about the ordinary ways in which we can …

In this third sermon on the letter to the Colossians (2: 6-20), Rev. Blanchard continues exploring what Paul means when he tells us that Christ is …

This week we continue our look at the letter to the Colossians (1:15-28) as Rev. Blanchard considers how Christ's nature free us from the judgments …

Ever wondered where the idea for apportionments comes from? In this Christian Education moment, Rev. Blanchard speaks about some of the scriptural foundation for the practice as well as its centrality to the Methodist …

In the first of a series on Colossians, Rev. Blanchard ponders how Paul's greeting to the people of Colossae can speak to the polarization of our …

Rev. Blanchard uses Paul's letter to the Galatians (6:1-16) to invite us to consider how we prioritize our lives. Is God a priority for us are do we …

This week, Rev. Blanchard looks at the letter of the Galatians to contrast the fruits of the spirit with our selfish desires. (Galatians 5: 1, 13-26)

Due to recording problems we join ad. board chair, Sheila Stasak mid-thought as she asks how big our God really is if we don't have enough faith to step out of our comfort zones.

For Father's day our ad board chair, Sheila Stasak, reflects on Proverbs 4: 1-27 to consider what makes for a godly father.

On Pentecost, Rev. Blanchard focuses on how the Spirit continues to transform the church by bringing the gospel from everywhere to everywhere. (Acts 2:1-21)

Rev. Blanchard provides an update on what happened during Michigan's Annual Conference gathering of 2019.

While Rev. Blanchard was attending Annual Conference, Lay Leader Todd Morgan filled in to provide this sermon asking what it means for us to be in one in God just like Christ was one with God. (Acts 16: 16-34 and John …

This week the mission statement of the church is viewed in light of Paul's own mission to Macedonia (Acts 16: 6-15).

Occasionally in our worship service Rev. Blanchard provides a moment of Christian Education. This is a time for discussing the teachings of the church on a wide array of topics beyond the scriptural exposition of the …

In celebration of the end of another academic year, Rev. Blanchard offers his thoughts on how education is a gift from God and why we are responsible to keep learning every day. (1 Timothy 4: 6-16)

For Mother's Day, Rev. Blanchard looks at Hagar' story (Genesis 21: 8-21) to ask what we could learn from thinking of God as our Mother.

Rev. Blanchard reflects on the story of Paul's revelation, conviction, and repentance (Acts 9:1-20) to explore what it means for us to experience the …

This week our guest preacher is Sheila Stasak, Adminstrative Board Chairperson for Clinton UMC. She reflects on the story of Jesus calling Peter out of the boat in order to challenge us to "step out of the boats" of our …

In celebration of Easter, Rev. Blanchard, explains why death is nothing to be feared (Luke 23: 55-24: 12)

For Palm Sunday, Rev. Blanchard asks whether we would have actually followed Jesus as he entered into Jerusalem. (Luke 19: 28-40)

Rev. Blanchard reflects on John 12: 1-8 to ask and answer why young people are not interested in a church that would rather follow Judas than Mary.

Rev. Blanchard unpacks the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15: 1-3; 11-32) in order to ask where we fit in the story.

Reflecting on some of Christ's nature teachings (Luke 13: 6-9; 18-19), Rev. Blanchard discusses the growth of the Kingdom and the work of discipleship. 

As we continue our Lenten journey Rev. Blanchard calls us to turn toward God inspired by Luke 13: 1-5, 31-35.

As we mark the first Sunday during the Lenten season, Rev. Blanchard invites us to consider what it means for us to make a sacrifice to God. (Deuteronomy 26: 1-11)

Rev. Blanchard dwells on the words of the prophets to deliver a message of repentance to begin Lent.

Through the lens of the cross and the transfiguration Rev. Blanchard names some of the ways that the United Methodist Church has pushed the Spirit out of its practice and calls for reform. Before the sermon is a …

This week Rev. Blanchard preaches about the second part of Jesus' sermon on the plain (Luke 6:27-38) to explain how love is central to the Christian message.

In this reflection on the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17-26), Rev. Blanchard challenges us to think about whether we would receive Christ's blessing …

Rev. Blanchard reflects on how we can find the wealth of the Kingdom when we find ways to serve rather than chasing after material success. Luke 5: 1-11.

Rev. Blanchard reflects on what it means to practice the kind of love set forth in 1 Corinthians 13.

Rev. Blanchard speaks about hope in this reflection on John 2: 1-11.

Rev. Blanchard invites you to stillness and silence this week in a reflection on Acts 8: 9-25.

Rev. Blanchard asks how we can follow the example of the magi in offering what we have to Christ. Matthew 2: 1-12

This week Rev. Blanchard asks how we can prepare for the new year with a Christmas mindset by looking at Colossians 3:12-17.

This week Rev. Blanchard delivered a brief homily on Sunday before the Children's Pageant titled, "Mary, The Beloved of God," inspired by Luke 1: 39-55. Then on Christmas Eve he gave a sermon inspired by Luke 2:14 …

Rev. Blanchard puts on his best John the Baptist imitation as he calls the church to repentance in a sermon inspired by Luke 3: 7-20.

As we move closer to Christmas, Rev. Blanchard contemplates the beginning of John the Baptist's message from Luke 3: 1-6 to explore the roadblocks in our spiritual lives.

As we enter into Advent, Rev. Blanchard looks at Luke 21: 25-36 to reflect on the anticipation of the season and the hope of the Kingdom.

For Christ the King Sunday, Rev. Blanchard reflects on what it means to truly call Jesus Lord through John 18: 33-37

Guest preacher, Ginny Krauss, reflects on Mark 13: 1-8 and honey bees in order to understand how God frees us from anxiety.

In this Armistice Day message, Rev. Blanchard explores just how far we have (or haven't) come since the end of the Great War a century ago through the lens of Isaiah 2: 1-4.

For All Saints day we remember those who have died in the last year. Then Rev. Blanchard considers the words of Isaiah to imagine the Kingdom of God.

In response to the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue, Rev. Blanchard takes a look at chapter 8 of Hebrews to challenge the Antisemitism lurking …

This week Rev. Blanchard looks at Hebrews 5:7-6:12 in order to think about what it means to strive toward Christian perfection.

This week Rev. Blanchard talks about what it means to live a faithful life by looking at Mark 10: 17-31 and Hebrews 3:7 - 4:13. He also draws on the …

We're back after a week away (so that Clinton UMC could participate in a community ecumenical service). This week Rev. Blanchard speaks about World …

As with any new endeavor we were bound to have learning curves. Unfortunately the audio for the last 1/3 of the sermon was lost.
To summarize the Good News from the lost audio: We know that although we walk in the grace …

A reflection on James 3 by Rev. Robert Blanchard