Honor to whom honor is due!

At the end of both services on Sunday, I shared some important information about a transition that is taking place, the effects of which will be felt for quite some time. Ruth Davidson was a staple at Clinton FCC when I arrived almost 13 years ago, leading our adult choir, our chimes choir, playing piano (and eventually organ) for many of our services, and in 2007, taking over the planning of the 8:15am service. She has served the Lord faithfully for decades at our church. What a blessing! I read a letter from Ruth about an important decision she has reached:

Dear FCC,
 
I have made the decision to step down from my responsibilities as pianist/organist and choir/handbell director.  It has been my honor and privilege to provide music and serve as choir and handbell director at FCC. Your support for the 1st Service music program has been wonderful and greatly appreciated by all involved and I pray for it to continue in the future. Greg has encouraged me to allow him to plan an appreciation day honoring my service but I have adamantly declined his gracious and heartfelt offer.  It’s just not me. The sole reason for this decision is that I feel God is leading me in a new and different direction.  I step down with a love in my heart for FCC and all its’ people.
 
God Bless,
 
Ruth Davidson

To say we will miss Ruth would be the understatement of the decade! But if anyone has earned the right to step aside and hand off this ministry to another, it is Ruth. And at the end of the day, when God is calling you in another direction, the only correct response is obedience.

Thank you Ruth for ALL you have done for our church! We are so blessed! We will also honor Ruth's desire to not have a reception or appreciation gathering. I would, however, encourage you to personally thank her via card, letter or email should you choose. Please call the FCC office at 217-935-3139 for her address or email. More information about what is next in terms of leadership in these areas of ministry will be shared in the weeks and months ahead and please feel free to reach out to any elder or myself if you have any questions. Thank you Ruth!

** Yesterday brought graduate recognition Sunday - thanks to Ben Pertl for leading the recognition time and sharing an important prayer for our graduates. Let's make sure we are men and women full of encouragement for those young men and young women that are truly the future of our church!

** Congrats to all of our track and field athletes that excelled over the weekend at HS and Jr Hi state! We are blessed to have two state champions in our midst: Junior in HS Payne Turney won the 800 and 7th grader Nick Feather won the discus. And many others from our church and community excelled on the highest of athletic platforms.

** Of course these athletes would never achieve this level of success without INCREDIBLE coaches - women and men that are passionate about track and field, skilled in the area of teaching and frankly, sold out followers of Jesus! So thankful for women and men like Leann Sosaman, Rachel Lyons, Katy Koritz, Darren Moser, Randy Anderson, Alia Burton, Leslie Creager, Ken Lovett and so many more!

** This Sunday is a ONE SERVICE SUNDAY at 9:30am - no programs at 8:15 or 10:45 - see you Sunday!

** VBS at Clinton FCC is June 10-14 - make sure your children and grandchildren experience this week!

** Little Galilee Camp is back! And once again, Clinton FCC will pay 50% tuition for one session this year - take advantage of one of God's special places. Many of our staff will be serving at LGCC June 23-28 - Allison Hitchings is dean and we would love to have your soon-to-be 5th and 6th graders join us!

** Congregational meetings at the end of each service on June 23 to affirm those nominated to serve as Elder.

Have a great day and see you Sunday for our one service Sunday at 9:30am!

GT