It's Summer but Fall is Coming

The days are getting shorter and in the next two weeks all of our area schools will be back in session, so it is time to turn our thinking toward fall.  Many plans are already in place for this fall.  Plans that will help you connect with others in our church, opportunities to serve, and ways to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus.  So let’s get geared up and get ready to plug in.
 
The fall session of Rooted will launch on September 4th (Wednesday evenings) and September 8th (Sunday mornings).  Registration information can be found at the Information Center or on-line at clintonfcc.com.  Contact Samuel Green with questions.  We are especially praying to fill a Rooted men’s group in this session.  This men’s group would be for any man regardless of relationship status and would be a great opportunity to get to know other men in the church.  A Rooted men’s group will provide unique opportunities especially with service and strongholds and will be very impactful for those participating.  Make sure to mark if you are wanting a co-ed, all men’s, or all women’s group as all should be available in this session. 
 
This coming Sunday, August 18th at Little Galilee will be our annual end of summer connection event.  Come out and connect with others from our church while flying down the zip line or getting cooled off in the pool.  Bring a picnic lunch or have some cash to purchase something from the food trucks.  12:30 until 4:00, you won’t want to miss this, it is always a great time!
 
Wednesday September 4th will be the start of fall activities.  Wednesday night Rooted, First Kids youth groups, Underground Student Ministries for Jr. High, and Adult Choir will all launch.  All are welcome and should seek out how to serve, worship and get plugged in!
 
Finally, it has been a week since Dr. Jody Owens was with us and I was bless by him again this week when he sent a following prayer.
 
 My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this
you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
​  Thomas Merton
 
I resonate deeply with the line "But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you." In the midst of change and uncertainty at FCC, I encourage you to keep the first thing the first thing. Love God, seek to please Him and he will lead you by the right road.
 
Thank you Dr. Owens and let’s in fact “keep the first thing the first thing” keep focused on Jesus and have a great week!
 
Reminders…….
 
** Elevator Work – There were delays in necessary materials arriving to start the upgrade this past week and work is now scheduled to begin August 21st.  Until the work begins the elevator continues in service and is available for use.  Once work begins the main elevator will be out of service for approximately four weeks.  Unfortunately during this time the basement level will not be handicapped accessible.  The upper level may be accessed with the lift located next to the main office.  Please contact the office if you have questions or concerns.  We apologize for an inconvenience this causes. 
 
** Saturday August 17 – Eastern IL Mobile Food Pantry at 10am at the American Legion.
 
** Sunday August 18 – Discipleship: Living as an Apprentice of Jesus – Elective Sunday School class continues led by Samuel Green.
 
** Sunday August 18 – Little Galilee Connections Event – enjoy the pool, the zip line, and the Gage and Ryan food truck. Fun for everyone from 12:30 till 4:00.  Everyone is welcome and invited – Bring your friends and neighbors and introduce them to our community of believers.
 
** August 23-24 – Spiritual Disciplines Retreat at the Chiara Center near Springfield.  Reach out to Becky Glenn, Rachel Emery or Susan Klein for more information. 
 
Mark Behrends
Chairman of the Elders