Worship and the Word from Clinton UMC: Recent Episodes
Clinton UMC
Each week the drive-in worship service from Clinton UMC is shared with those who are joining us for worship in spirit.
"Left Without" - The Scripture Lesson: Ruth 1:5 - First couple minutes of service not recorded.
"The Spirit of Holiness" - The Scripture Lesson: Romans 1:4
Note: Beginning of Sermon is missing due to a technical issue with the recording device.
"Dance to the Music" - The Scripture Lesson: Luke 37:31-35. Message from Pastor Mike, delivered by Diane Gieske.
"Endurance" - The Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 40: 1-6; 28-31.
Message by Rev. LuAnn Rourke - District Superintendent
"And Taught Them Saying..." - The Scripture Lesson: Matthew 5:1-16
Message from Todd Morgan.
Sheila Stasak delivers a wonderful sermon relating to the times we are currently living in and that "You'll Get Through This".
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 can work through the beloved community we call the church.
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 out loud.
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 when we feel inadequate and should turn to God.
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 message of the gospel. (Matthew 2: 13-23)
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 communion.
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 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)
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 having an American flag in the sanctuary and the teachings of the church on military service.
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 Michigan Episcopal Area.
Message from Bishop Bard 4:38
Scripture and sermon 7:53
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 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.
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 in Christian theology.
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 writings of Dr. Georgia Harkness and the Rev. Ernest Fremont Tittle to support his thoughts. Time Stamps: Gospel reading 0:05; Epistle Reading 2:35; Prayer for the Sermon 7:05; Sermon 7:27
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 Communion Sunday and Hebrews 1: 1-4 and 2:10-18.
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 of God we have not yet reached perfection in God’s love. So we must die to our old selves continually. With every night we should hope to die to the self that seeks fulfillment outside of God’s grace. With every morning we should celebrate the chance to be born again into a new more, holy life.