500 Years? Wow!

Tomorrow - October 31 - marks the 500 year anniversary of an event that changed Christianity forever. And most American Christian really have no idea at all what I'm talking about. 500 years ago tomorrow, in Wittenberg, Germany, a young Priest named Martin Luther decided enough was enough - and he nailed to the door of the church 95 problems he had with the way the faith was being lived out - the so-called "95 Theses." This was the start of what is known as the Protestant Reformation - 500 years ago tomorrow.

This Sunday at Clinton FCC, I'm sharing a "Martin Luther message" - the sermon will explore why Luther felt so compelled to draw this proverbial line in the sand, some of the most important beliefs of Luther that we should still embrace today (Scripture only, Grace only, Faith only, Christ Alone), and also the reality that Luther was a flawed human being - just like you and me. I really hope you will join us this first Sunday in November - here are several reminders about this week:

* Time change Sunday is November 5 - set your clocks back on hour when you go to bed on Saturday night and enjoy an extra hour of sleep!

* Dr. T Lunkim and his daughter Kimcha will be with us in both services and will share, along with Tom Seggelke, at 9:30am in the Family Life Center.

* The Chimes Choir is scheduled to perform both services this week.

* Blood Pressure checks will take place this Sunday following both services.

* Reveal for Jr High and Sr High will take place on Sunday evening as regularly scheduled - get your teens to Reveal - they will love it!

Bottom line? This Sunday will be a great day at Clinton FCC - I really hope you can join us!

Here are several other happenings during the month of November:

THIS Friday November 5:

7:15am - Breakfast club for Jr High and Sr High

10am - Mom and Tots Play Day

10:30am - November Young at Heart in the Family LIfe Center

Sunday November 12 - Discover FCC at 9:30am in the Family Life Center Alcove

November 16-19: ICOM in Peoria (International Conference on Missions) - the FCC van will provide transportation on Friday November 17 and Saturday November 18.

Saturday November 18 - FCC is in charge of the Mobile Food Pantry at the American Legion building - can you help?

Sunday November 19 - CAMA Thanksgiving service at 6pm at the Methodist Church

Thanksgiving Offering 2017 - we have designated the local Angel Tree program that provides Christmas gifts for families in need in our area as the recipient of our Thanksgiving Offering this year. Let's give generously!

Finally this week, Saturday was a bittersweet day at FCC, as we honored the life and ministry of long-time organist Dixie Montgomery. For over 60 years, Dixie served the Lord and made such an impact! Great job by everyone who paid tribute - Kent Hickerson and Scott Marsh led the service, Ruth Davidson played the organ with excellence in tribute to Dixie, and Clarene Arnold and crew provided a wonderful funeral dinner as a chance to fellowship and reflect. Thank you Dixie for serving the Lord for over six decades!

Blessings to each of you!

GT