It's Over! And it's all good!

I shared on this blog site back on the last day of April that our family was entering into an almost six week journey that would bring a college graduation, a HS graduation, a HS state track and field meet and my daughter's wedding. Six weeks later and it has all taken place! And it has all been a blessing! And just as I anticipated, my cup - and my family's cup - overflows!

This past Friday and Saturday was such a blessing - such a joy - to watch Jordan marry the man of her dreams and I'm so thankful for all who made this weekend possible. Jordan and Jacob will return from their honeymoon later this week and leave almost immediately for Rhode Island, where Jacob serves as Student Minister with the Bridge Pointe Christian Church in East Providence, RI. Bridge Pointe CC is a Restoration House Ministries church plant that celebrated their 5th birthday in March and is ministering to 100's of New Englanders each week!

Jordan will begin 100 days of student teaching later this summer through Gordon College, doing 50 days in a grade school classroom and then 50 days with an ESL (English as a Second Language) educator, finishing sometime in early to mid-February. Jordan is committed to being the salt of the earth and the light of the world in the classroom and she is going to do great! I'm super proud of Jordan and cannot wait to see how the Lord uses her in New England!

I have to say a word this morning about my wife Marla - she is so incredible and did such a great job managing all of our family happenings the past six weeks. We would be lost without her! Thanks Marla - you are our rock! And thank you's go out to so many who stepped up and helped make Jordan and Jacob's weekend so special and unfold so smoothly - thanks!

Please note the following:

** Thank you to Lynn Laughlin and Lazarus Fish for being a part of worship services yesterday at FCC in my absence. Lynn is as  good as it gets - I was so blessed to serve with him at LCC (now LCU) for seven years and he has remained a mentor and trusted friend! Lazarus continues to do a great work in southeast Asia and we are always excited to hear updates from our monthly mission partners! Thanks Lynn and Lazarus!

** Rooted wrapped up week 10 yesterday and the Rooted Celebration will take place on Friday evening. I cannot wait to see and hear ALL that has happened the past two and a half months! Great job Samuel Green leading this all-church effort - and don't forget, another Rooted launch will happen in September and there is room for YOU!

** VBS  begins in about 90 minutes - I love this week at our church! Pray right now for Cassandra and her team - we are going to have the opportunity to impact 100's of lives this week in the name of Jesus!

** Tour de Witt bicycle ride is Saturday June 30 - I'm in, are you? Four different routes are available: 9, 22, 40 and 62 miles - each route begins and concludes at the Methodist church in Clinton. Just $25 - you can't beat it!

** Little Galilee Camp is off and running - are your kids and/or grandkids signed up yet? Once again in 2018, FCC will pay half-tuition for one camp session! 

** Congregational Meeting - June 24 - the following was read yesterday by Elder Mark Behrends:

Two weeks from this morning on June 24th we will have our bi-annual congregational meeting at the end of both services.  As is typical each June, we will ask you to vote YES or NO on candidates for Elder – this year five men will be on the ballot:  Dick Koritz, Gage Lyons, Ryan Sosamon, Jim Taylor and Jim Weikel.  Ryan Sosamon has never served as Elder before so he is on the ballot for a one year initial term.  The other four have served as Elder at FCC previously and are on the ballot for a three year term.  We are asking you to consider each candidate individually and vote either YES or NO.
 
Also on the ballot will be a vote for Cassandra Benton and Allison Hitchings, both currently serving on the ministry staff.  Both Cassandra and Allison were hired three years ago this month to part time ministry positions and have since become full-time, serving primarily in Children’s Ministry but also impacting and serving in multiple other areas of ministry at our church.  We are extremely blessed to have both serving on staff at FCC, and our children’s ministry is very healthy and making a great impact on the next generation.  In order to be true to our by-laws, since both are NOW full time, we are asking you to affirm this past decision of the Elders to elevate Cassandra and Allison to full-time ministry staff positions. 
 
In order to help you be as prepared as possible, we have included a sample ballot in your bulletin and you are invited to take a copy of a questionnaire where each of the five candidates for Elder answer a variety of questions about their desire to serve as Elder and their perspective about our church.  You may find this questionnaire at the welcome center, in the church office, or online at Greg’s blog site. 
 
Absentee voting will begin, for those members who will not be able to attend the June 24th congregational meeting, tomorrow Monday June 11th and will run during regular office hours through Friday June 22.  To vote absentee you must come to the office and vote as no official ballots will be mailed or accepted by mail.
 
Please see any current Elder if you have any questions about the congregational meeting on June 24th.  

Have a great week - see you Sunday!

GT