Another Month of Shelter in Place

Today, May 1, 2020 starts a new round of Shelter in Place in the State of Illinois.  While some restrictions have been eased, others have been added and the social distancing requirements remain.  Unfortunately, gathering together to worship will not happen for the foreseeable future.  FCC will continue to provide inspiration, teaching and leading of your personal worship though our FaceBook page, our care tree remains in place, and prayer requests may be found on the FCC website.  We are all looking forward to the day when we can celebrate our RISEN Savior again together as one body of believers.
 
With the church building locked tight you may be wondering what is happening with the business of the church.  It is not a surprise that year to date giving at the end of April was 22% behind this time last year.  Obviously, with all of our ministries operating on a limited basis our expenses are less, but we would still ask for your faithful giving during this unprecedented time. Gifts may be made on-line, through the mail, or dropped off at the office.  Offerings received in the office will be counted and deposited on the last Monday of the month through the end of the Shelter in Place order.  The Easter offering which will help fund summer capital projects at our building will remain open and your giving to this special offering is appreciated. 
 
The worship team is making plans for how we will reopen our church under different scenarios.  We feel it is unrealistic that the State of Illinois will allow large group gatherings at the first wave of openings and don’t want to be left scrambling to make plans at the last minute.  We are committed to worship in community (whatever that may look like) as soon as possible. 
 
Our Ministry Team continues to be in transition and it saddens me to report that Student Minister Ben Pertl, and Connections & Community Coordinator Lindsey Moody are no longer serving as a part of the paid ministry team.  Both Ben and Lindsey will be staying in the community as will be active at FCC, but Ben is choosing to refocus his career toward teaching and coaching and Lindsey is refocusing her time and energy toward her family.  FCC will be looking for a Student Minister once a Lead Minister is in place.  Until then volunteers will continue to lead and direct our Jr High and High School youth.  Lindsey’s job responsibilities will be divided up among volunteers and the current ministry team.
 
The search for our next Lead Minister continues but is showing very positive and exciting progress.  The elders are in communication with two very well qualified candidates and anticipate holding extensive in person interviews in Clinton as soon as the Shelter in Place order is lifted.  As soon as a final selection is made the candidate and his family will be introduced, and once we are meeting again together, will preach and a congregational vote will happen.  The search committee is to be commended for all of their tireless work in this search.  We would ask that you continue to hold this search, your leadership and these two candidates in your prayers.  We truly believe in God’s timing for all of this and are striving to keep Him on the throne.  God’s got this and Praise the Lord!
 
So until we are able to meet together again, stay safe, stay home, wear your mask in public, and rest in the grace, peace and love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
 
Blessings to Each of You
 
Mark Behrends
Chairman of the Congregation