Canton United Methodist Church

Scripture: Acts 1:6-11 Series: Emerge Anew On Ascension Sunday, Jesus gave the disciples a challenge to dare new heights and to embrace new adventures. We know that they did. Yet we acknowledge sometimes we are stuck in our ruts and think some of the things Jesus calls us to do are beyond our abilities. But what happens when we are brave and dare new heights like the disciples did? To what new heights are you being called? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Pastor Clay and Eric met up for one final episode of the Cut for Time Podcast before Pastor Clay moves to Grand Forks to serve Zion UMC. Together they discuss how this Emerge sermon series has taken on a bigger meaning and how Sunday's sermon in particular spoke to our transitional moments. Thank you for listening over the past four years! Both Pastor Clay and Eric have had so much fun recording together and having you join us for the conversations. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20 Series: Emerge Anew The metamorphosis that Simon underwent in his life is the perfect example of the difference that Jesus can make in someone's life. He was hesitant but faithful and claimed every new opportunity Jesus had for him. Even if others did not see his potential, even if he did not see his own potential, Jesus did. The same is true for you and for me. Who do you sense Jesus leading you to become? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: John 11:17-25; 38-44 Series: Emerge Anew Today Pastor Clay talked about longshots and not giving up hope. Our chrysalises do not look like much right now; they look like little brown pods that could easily be mistaken as dead. Yet they are teeming with life. Lazarus' story reminds us the power of not giving up hope for new life, even if things seem finished. What do you still hope is possible in your life of faith? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Luke 24:28-35 Series: Emerge Anew Despite the darkness of their grief, two disciples walking along the road to Emmaus see the light of the resurrection when Jesus enters their conversations, reveals a bit of light, and then obliterates their darkness in the breaking of bread. As we go through life and experience our own darkness, Jesus also meets us and challenges us to shed light on others. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Eric and Pastor Clay sat down to discuss Sunday's message from our Emerge series. They talked about the timing of this message coinciding with Graduate Recognition Sunday and also some of the history of the Canton UMC and its ability to find God in what comes next. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3 Series: Emerge Anew Last week, we talked about embracing dark spaces to learn lessons God can only teach in the stillness and quiet of the dark. But we cannot simply remain in the dark because we are called to be light. As we live this delicate tension, may we put our faith in God to remain with us when we emerge forth. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Eric and Pastor Clay are back after a long break to check in about Lent, some developments in the life of the Canton UMC, and to discuss our new message series. Eric also asks about the details of the resurrection stories, and we all learn that there is no way to plot out and logic our way through the differences among the gospels. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: John 20:1-18 Series: Emerge Anew When we find ourselves in the midst of dark and tight spaces, our natural inclination may be to get ourselves free as soon as possible. But perhaps there is something God wants us to learn or see while we are in the dark. As we emerge forth from the season of Lent into a new season of life, what might God be up to while we are in the dark? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10 As Lent gives way to Easter, so too do Jesus' final words give way to his first words of new life. On that first Easter Sunday, Jesus greets the Marys who had gone to the tomb with two invitations: to rejoice and to tell. As we live in the light of Jesus' resurrection, may we take these invitations upon ourselves.  Connect with the Canton UMC!

On Easter Sunday morning, one of our 8th graders named Grayson V. preached an excellent message about the difference that the resurrection makes for us. We hope you are as encouraged by his words as we were!

Scripture: Luke 23:44-48 & John 19:30 Series: Seven Statements from the Cross In the final message from this series, Pastor Clay helps us explore the last two statements Jesus makes from the cross. With a resolute trust in God, Jesus surrenders his life for us. As we go through the dark valleys of life, we can trust God as Jesus did and put our own spirits in God's hands. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: John 19:28-29 Series: Seven Statements from the Cross As the horrors of the crucifixion wore on Jesus' physical body, he cried out that he was thirsty. It is easy to assume why he would be thirsty, but could that the thirst he was experiencing was more about his spirit longing for God's presence? As we feel our spirits feeling parched during this Lenten season, may we drink deep from the Living Water Jesus provides. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Matthew 27:45-54 Series: Seven Statements from the Cross So far, we have seen Jesus care so much for so many people. But today, as we find him nearing the end of his life, he cannot ignore his own suffering for much longer. Something changes, and he cannot feel the sense of God's presence that was familiar to him. He feels cut off, alone, and forsaken. The truth is that we know how Jesus feels. When those times come in our own lives, we can cry out to him and trust that he knows what we are going through. Connect with the Canton UMC!

While Eric is on a work trip, Pastor Clay met up with Rev. Stephanie Schneider to discuss last week's podcast, Sunday's message, and how the Church operates best when it is a family. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: John 19:25-27 Series: Seven Statements from the Cross Jesus' concern could rightly be on the predicament he is in while on the cross. But when he sees his mother and beloved disciple at the foot of the cross, his concern turns to taking care of these two important people. He makes them into a family. By his grace, this work of "family-making" goes on for us today. How has the Church been like a family to you? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Pastor Clay and Eric sat down together to discuss Sunday's message and our progress in this series so far. Last week started with Jesus asking God to forgive "them" because they did not know what they were doing, and this week shows us what that forgiveness looks like in action. A penitent thief on the cross cries to Jesus to be remembered, and Jesus answers, "Surely you will be with me." How does this help us understand the nature of salvation and God's "unfair" love? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Luke 23:39-43 Series: Seven Statements from the Cross It does seem like there are things we get too old to do, but this scripture does help us "never say never." The penitent thief on the cross probably thought it was too late to confess his sins and experience the forgiveness of Christ, yet Jesus extended grace and forgiveness to him. What do you think it is "too late"  to do? This week, Pastor Clay helps us explore the second of Jesus' seven statements from the cross.  Connect with the Canton UMC!

Eric and Pastor Clay met up to talk about the beginning of the Lenten season and the first message in our series about Jesus' Seven Statements from the Cross. The first statement, "Father, forgive them" gave them much to discuss. What do you love about the season of Lent? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-22 & Luke 23:32-34 Series: Seven Statements from the Cross During the season of Lent, we are exploring Jesus' final words, words that reveal Jesus' heart for all humanity. In his first statement from the cross, Jesus prays for forgiveness on behalf of the soldiers, the religious leaders, the crowds, and us. What do we learn from Jesus' forgiveness? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 Title: Life is Hard. The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians about all the hardships he has endured but also glories in the fact that there is an "and yet" that he finds in Jesus. As we go through hard things, and as Ash Wednesday itself can be hard, let us remember the "and yet" that will sustain us through Lent and beyond. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Numbers 27:1-8, 11b Rev. Nicole Anderson from Lake Poinsett Camp & Living Waters Retreat Center joined us for worship on Camp Sunday and introduced us to the summer 2025 Camp Curriculum "Another Way." Campers this summer are going to learn about the daughters of Zelophehad. After their father died, the women faced the reality that they were going to lose everything because inheritances went to sons or men in the family. But the people of Israel realized the law needed to be changed, and it was. According to this scripture, if we bring a justice issue forward, another way is possible.  Learn more about camp! Connect with the Canton UMC!  

Eric and Pastor Clay sat down to discuss the Loving Large series and how we celebrate love in our relationships. They both agree that Valentine's Day is a bit overrated but showing love in all relationships is important. Pastor Clay also shared an alternate opening to his sermon from Sunday making the point that we are not supposed to be a "one-hit-wonder" when it comes to showing God's love. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-40 Series: Loving Large As we bring this series to a close, Pastor Clay draws our attention to Jesus' teaching on the impact that putting love into action can have. The difference between the sheep and the goats that Jesus discusses in Matthew 25 is the difference between who showed love and kindness and who did not. How is it that we desire to live? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24 Series: Loving Large We all like our stuff, and that's not a bad thing. But when our stuff - and our pursuit of more and better stuff - gets in the way of our call to love God and love neighbor, we run into issues regarding our faithfulness. Our pursuit for "more" can cost us more than its worth, but what is the alternative? It may be "less," but the real solution is generosity, using what we already have - time, talent, and treasure - to serve those around us. How can you give up "more" so that you can love God and others fully? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Song of Solomon 8:6-7 Series: Loving Large It's not too often that we read from the Song of Solomon during worship, but it's message about love is too important for us to miss. The author of the Song of Solomon wants us to know that this type of love is possible, and the reason why we know it's possible is because God loves us like this. God's love lifts us up to see ourselves and our world in a different way. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Eric and Pastor Clay met up to discuss last week's message about putting our love into action and also dove one more time into United Methodist history. How did we get here and how does it help us know where to go from here? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-12 Series: The 5 Marks of a United Methodist As we reach the end of this message series, we circle back almost to the start. Jesus said that the two greatest commands were to love God and love others. We explored our love of God, and out of that love grows our love for others. Showing God's love is the best way to tell others about who God is.  Connect with the Canton UMC!

Pastor Clay and Eric are back after sick kids and weird work schedules to dig into our sermon series on the Five Marks of United Methodism. During their conversation, they cover prayer - which was the topic of last week's sermon - as well as the rationale behind this series. They also discuss some of the distinctives of the United Methodist church. What do you love about your church denomination? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Series: The 5 Marks of a United Methodist When we hear the call to "pray without ceasing," we can end up confused or so sure that such a task is impossible that we simply lay it aside. But we can't afford to do that. Prayer matters simply too much. Drawing on the teaching of John Wesley, Pastor Clay helps us think about what it means to have our hearts lifted to God and why it matters for us today. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Philippians 4:12-20 Message Series: The 5 Marks of United Methodism Hearing a message about giving thanks to God does not feel all that challenging... until you remember that the Apostle Paul challenged the Philippians to give thanks in every circumstance. Some times in life are harder than others, but what Paul learned and shared is that these times are manageable because Christ is with us just as Christ was with him.   Connect with the Canton UMC!

Welcome back to a more normal-ish episode of the Cut for Time Podcast! As we begin a new message series at the church, Pastor Clay walks through some of the reasoning and rationale for why this series is up first in 2025 and then lays a foundation in the history of John Wesley, the Methodist Movement, and the United Methodist Church. How does this foundation help us build our faith today? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Series: The 5 Marks of a United Methodist We continue our look at our identifying factors as we look at the joy of the Lord. God's people heard a reading of God's word and were moved to tears. Nehemiah and Ezra invited the people feast and celebrate God's goodness. When we gather for worship or spend time with God, do we experience this type of whole-hearted joy? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40 Series: The 5 Marks of a United Methodist As we embrace this new year as God's gift to us, it is important for us to have clarity about who we are as United Methodists. All the way back at the start of the Methodist movement, our founder John Wesley claimed that there are five distinguishing marks of a Methodist. The first one is that we love God. While that may seem very basic, it is important for us to build a strong foundation on this truth before we move to any further aspects of who we are. How can you grow in your capacity to love God this week? Connect with the Canton UMC!

The panel is back one more time to think back on Christmas Eve and the importance of the Incarnation. God took on flesh and dwelt among us in Jesus. Why is this so important to our faith during Christmas and even beyond? Guests on the Podcast: Rev. Stephanie Schneider: Village Baptist & First Baptist, Glens Falls & Ft. Edward, NY Rev. Peggy Hanson: Madison UMC, Madison SD Rev. Teresa Whetsel: Flame of Faith UMC, West Fargo, ND Beata Ferris: Discipleship Coordinator at Pierre First UMC, Pierre, SD Eric Stearns: Lay Leader at Canton UMC, Canton, SD Connect with the Canton UMC!

Pastor Clay and his friends are back for the 4th Week of Advent to discuss what some of the touchstones of the holidays are for them. This goes with our week on touch and feeling, so what are some of the touchstones and traditions that make it feel like Christmas? Guests on the Podcast: Rev. Stephanie Schneider: Village Baptist & First Baptist, Glens Falls & Ft. Edward, NY Rev. Peggy Hanson: Madison UMC, Madison SD Rev. Teresa Whetsel: Flame of Faith UMC, West Fargo, ND Beata Ferris: Discipleship Coordinator at Pierre First UMC, Pierre, SD Eric Stearns: Lay Leader at Canton UMC, Canton, SD Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 Series: Experiencing Christmas Christ is born! Let us celebrate. In the fullness of God's time, God let us all in on a surprise that was centuries in the making. With all of our senses, we now know what God was up to this entire time. The birth of Christ is good news that we get to share with everyone around us! Merry Christmas! Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Luke 2:25-35 Series: Experiencing Christmas Whether it is the itchy Christmas program costumes or a special decoration, our sense of touch is just as activated during the season as the rest of our senses. Jesus was touched during his life and touched many people, even people that the world would not touch. As we finish out the Advent season, may we think of the times that Jesus touched us and be inspired to reach out to touch others. Connect with the Canton UMC!

The panel is back to discuss another one of our senses as it relates to Advent and Christmas. One of the most amazing parts of this season is the special meals and treats we get to enjoy along with the special people around us. We hope you enjoy all these stories. What treat lets you know that the season is truly here? Guests on the Podcast: Rev. Stephanie Schneider: Village Baptist & First Baptist, Glens Falls & Ft. Edward, NY Rev. Peggy Hanson: Madison UMC, Madison SD Rev. Teresa Whetsel: Flame of Faith UMC, West Fargo, ND Beata Ferris: Discipleship Coordinator at Pierre First UMC, Pierre, SD Eric Stearns: Lay Leader at Canton UMC, Canton, SD Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Psalm 34:1-10 Series: Experiencing Christmas Thus far in our journey through the senses, we have noted how the sights and the sounds of the season point us to Jesus. But this is also a season that features special meals and treats that convey deep memories for us. How can the things we eat and enjoy this season help us to "taste and see that God is good?" Connect with the Canton UMC!

Welcome back to the Cut for Time Podcast at the Canton United Methodist Church. As we continue our sermon series focused on how our sensory experiences focus us on the birth of Christ, we turn to our sense of hearing. This week, you'll hear from Pastor Clay and his panel about their favorite Christmas songs. Guests on the Podcast: Rev. Stephanie Schneider: Village Baptist & First Baptist, Glens Falls & Ft. Edward, NY Rev. Peggy Hanson: Madison UMC, Madison SD Rev. Teresa Whetsel: Flame of Faith UMC, West Fargo, ND Beata Ferris: Discipleship Coordinator at Pierre First UMC, Pierre, SD Eric Stearns: Lay Leader at Canton UMC, Canton, SD Check out a playlist based on today's episode! Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-4, 9-10 Series: Experiencing Christmas It is impossible to separate the sounds from the season. There are just songs we must sing in order for it to truly be Advent/Christmas. But Isaiah is not trying to create the perfect holiday movie moment with familiar songs. Isaiah challenges the people to sing new songs because through a servant God would raise up, God is doing something new. As we enjoy the sounds of the season, may we embrace what God is up to. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Welcome to the Season of Advent at the Canton UMC! Advent is a season of the senses, and our sermon series is focused on how our sensory experiences focus us on the birth of Christ. This week you'll be introduced to several of Pastor Clay's friends and ministry colleagues who will all share an experience of Christmas sights that is impactful for them. Guests on the Podcast: Rev. Stephanie Schneider: Village Baptist & First Baptist, Glens Falls & Ft. Edward, NY; Rev. Peggy Hanson: Madison UMC, Madison SD; Rev. Teresa Whetsel: Flame of Faith UMC, West Fargo, ND; Beata Ferris: Discipleship Coordinator at Pierre First UMC, Pierre, SD; Eric Stearns: Lay Leader at Canton UMC, Canton, SD. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:12-18 Series: Experiencing Christmas Advent is a season of the senses where God is up to something different. As we explore Advent through how we experience it with our senses, we take a look at the way the sights of the season proclaim the truth of what Jesus' birth means.  Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Revelation 1:4-8 Today is Christ the King Sunday, a day for us to pause and remember all that Jesus' life and leadership means for us today. At the very start of Revelation, John re-introduces Jesus to his readers because the world that they were living in had much uncertainty. As we face uncertainty, Jesus becomes an anchor for us. How can we introduce and re-introduce Jesus to those around us so we can all experience his stability? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Pastor Clay and Eric are back together for an episode of the Cut for Time Podcast! In this episode, they talk about all the time we have spent talking about prayer this year, yet this sermon was so different as we focused on concept and not content. Prayer was a priority for the early church and should remain a priority for us. How can you prioritize prayer today? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 & Matthew 5:6-8 Series: Devoted As we explore the final element to which the early church devoted itself, we are reminded of how important and powerful prayer is. While prayer may just seem like something we might do before meals or something we do when we have no other idea what to do, the early church saw it as essential. It was the first thing they did, not a last resort. How can we devote ourselves to prayer?  Connect with the Canton UMC!

At the end of his message on Sunday, Pastor Clay told a story about a Koinonia Group that started at Sioux Falls Seminary and has endured for ten years. This meant that he got to sit down with a dear friend of his from seminary, Rev. Stephanie Schneider, to talk about the group, their seminary experiences, and the elements that make for true koinonia. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 & Hebrews 10:23-25 Series: Devoted There is a challenge of preaching about the importance of community to people who show up to church (or listen to a sermon podcast), but as we explore the Acts 2 church, it is impossible to ignore just how often and in how many places they were together. And it is impossible to ignore all that they were able to accomplish together. How could banding together in the name of Jesus shape our faith and world? Connect with the Canton UMC!  

Eric and Pastor Clay are back to discuss our Devoted series and the practice of Communion. Both of them will share a time when "Jesus happened" to them during communion and explore the history, theology, and background of our practice of communion. When has communion been meaningful for you? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 & 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Series: Devoted The church in Acts devoted itself to four practices that we are exploring together. One of them was communion. Why is this simple practice of eating bread and drinking grape juice (or wine if you're from a different denomination) so important? In it we remember all that Jesus did and taught, and as Paul said to the Corinthians, it is a proclamation of Jesus' death. What could change in our faith if we devoted ourselves to communion? Connect with the Canton UMC!