Worship and the Word from Clinton UMC

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 sermon. We will be uploading those moments as special episodes separate from our weekly sermons. In this first episode of Christian Education, Rev. Blanchard discusses the notion of h...

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 new birth...and to help others through the process.

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 comfort zones. (Matthew 14: 22-33)

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 personal statement by Rev. Blanchard regarding the events of General Conference which took place in St. Louis last week, as well as a reading of a pastoral letter from Bishop Bard of the M...

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 or get a warning from Christ.

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 called, "Peace to Those God Favors." 

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.