Blessed are the flexible . . . weekly update

Marla and I had the opportunity to spend the weekend with Peyton in Carbondale - a rare weekend with zero responsibilities! And so it was less than ideal when my phone started going off shortly after 6am with messages from Tim Followell and Kelly Riggs - this combination of urgent communication at 6am on a Sunday is NEVER a good thing! Unfortunately, a water main had broken and there would be no water in the FCC building for the morning. And so, the difficult but obvious decision was made to cancel all morning services. Several thoughts:

** We NEVER enjoy having the cancel services but this decision was the unanimous recommendation of multiple leaders at both the city and church level. This should be a great reminder of how blessed with are in the USA and how much we truly take the little things - like running water - for granted!

** I am so thankful for a staff that helped get this word out literally as soon as possible. Mandi Ries was at the FCC building within minutes and began the process of getting up signs and updating social media. Kelly Riggs was also on site early to assist as needed. Multiple calls, texts and emails were made to let as many people as possible know what was happening.

** I am very sorry for those of you that did NOT get the word ahead of time - especially the many that live out of town and travel some distance to FCC. Please accept my apology!

** I am most disappointed for Samuel Green - he was planning to preaching on the prophetess Anna from Luke 2 - we will certainly make sure this sermon is shared in the weeks ahead!

** I found it interesting the number of ministry friends that were quick to invite Clinton FCCers to join them for worship at their church - maybe we can return the favor some day?

** I was amazed at the power of Social Media - not only were we able to get word of the cancellation out quickly and rapidly, I was also able to share a brief sermon via Facebook and last I checked over 700 folks had viewed the message! One word of caution however: don't get used to 8 minute sermons!

Marla and I were able to worship with Peyton in Carbondale at our sister church - Grand Avenue Christian Church - and had a wonderful morning! That said, it is always good to be home! Several quick reminders:

#1 - 8:15am THIS Sunday December 16 - the adult choir led by Ruth Davidson will be sharing a Christmas Cantata - don't miss this! Even if you are a 10:45am person, please consider attending both services this week - you will be blessed!

#2 - RELOAD for Men will meet one final time this calendar year - next Friday December 21 at 6:15am at the Clinton Y - join us men!

# 3 - Special morning service on December 23 - we will head the scriptures of Christmas, sing the hymns of Christmas and hear the message of Christmas in a most unique manner! Identical services at 8:15am and 10:45am on December 23!

#4 - Christmas Eve at FCC - 4pm and 6pm services on Monday December 24 - don't miss Christmas Eve at FCC!

#5 - ONE service Sunday at FCC on Sunday December 30 at 9;30am! Family Sunday! Allison and Cassandra will be speaking!

#6- Christmas Offering 2018 will go to the Neighborhood Care Center to purchase a generator for  the NCC to keep food in our cold and frozen food from spoiling during power outages.

#7 - INVITE, INVITE, INVITE - you have people in your world that are not currently connected to a local church and/or need the HOPE only Jesus offers - will you invite them to worship w/ you? Christmas Eve is the most likely time of the year for someone not connected with the Christian faith to attend a worship service. Let's do this!

Have a great week - see you Sunday!

​GT