Another year! Almost a half-century

Yesterday my mom Dorothy came to church and took Marla and me out to lunch for my 49th birthday, which is today. I was really hoping to fly pretty low under the radar, and that plan failed - fast and furiously - as our waitress at Ted's Garage noticed the Happy Birthday card and promptly brought a Sombrero, a chocolate Sundae and before long, the entire packed diner was singing Happy Birthday to me! Not exactly low key! And then it hit me - next year, If I make it, is the big 50! How can that be possible? Thanks by the way to kind folks at Ted's for their thoughtfulness!

Life really blows by at a crazy, fast pace! It seems like just the other day we were beginning ministry here at Clinton FCC - October 1st of this year will begin year #13 - how is that possible? Marla and I truly love serving our church and I'm thankful for an active partner in ministry - Marla does much to serve the Lord and the Kingdom at FCC! There is a lot of change coming - and actually much has already occurred: graduations, a wedding, another new college student and very soon, an empty nest. And yet one thing remains constant and consistent: Jesus Christ - the same yesterday, today and forever!

The next 12 days are important as our Men's mission trip readies for their adventure in Mexico - building two houses in less than a week. Ten men are signed up to go and we could still take a couple more - so if you have a passport and are able to be involved in an active build, let Gage Lyons or Ryan Sosaman know. Another impacting way you can help is to give financially to the cost of the build - we have had two local businesses step up and agree to match dollar for dollar up to $3,000.00 for the cost of the build. If you are interested in giving to this worthy cause, check out Gage Lyons Facebook page for multiple ways you can give or call the church office at 935-3139 and we will get your connected. The most pressing need of this team is PRAYER - and this is something all of us can do!

This Sunday July 29 is the next edition of Discover FCC - we will meet at 9:30am in the Family Life Center Alcove - ALL are welcome to attend. I would love to have you join me and learn about the History, Theology and Ministries of our church! We are planning on having refreshments so if you can RSVP, that would be great! Just let the church office know you are coming - 935-3139 - or email Lindsey Moody at lindsey@clintonfcc.com.

Several other dates to keep me in mind:

** August 18 - FCC in charge of the Mobile food pantry at the American Legion - we need help from 9am - noon.

** 3rd annual Clinton YMCA Triathlon is Saturday August 18!

** LGCC all-church Connections Event - Sunday August 19 from 4-7pm.

** LGCC fundraiser bike ride - August 30 - September 1 - will you help me attempt to raise $100,000.00 for one of God's very special places?

** Rooted rolls out again at FCC on Sunday September 9 - are you in? Hoping and praying for 100!

** Family Camp at Little Galilee - Labor Day weekend!

** Area Men's Fellowship hosted by our church - Tuesday September 4 at 6:30pm

** 4th annual FCC Block Party - Sunday September 9 from 5-7pm

** ONE service Sunday - September 30 at 9:30am

** Coming Home Sunday - Sunday November 18

Have a great day! See you Sunday as we conclude our POWER series!

GT