Worship and the Word from Clinton UMC

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 Bible when it disagrees with itself or we disagree with it.

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 during the sermon due to problems with our sound system that required a portion of the sermon to be re-recorded. 

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 practice radical love and forgiveness in order to make our communities the places they ought to be.

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 the ruler of rulers by looking at the lives of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Niemöller.

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 of the world.

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 movement.

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 society. (Colossians 1: 1-14)

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 sometimes leave God waiting on us?

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 17:20-26)