July thoughts and musings

As I sit in my office early this Monday morning on the 1st day of July - my last month at Clinton FCC - several thoughts are rolling through my mind . . .

** I'm thinking David Upchurch from Lincoln Christian University was such a blessing yesterday at FCC. His message on attitude was so appropriate and his Q/A during the 9:30am hour was just about perfect. I'm so thankful for my Alma Mater and the many great servants like David that pour into local churches like FCC. If you missed his message or the Q/A, check out our website. You will be blessed.

** I'm thinking FCC is such a special place and we are so blessed w/ our leadership - so many striving to lead our church in a positive and uplifting way! I'm especially thankful for the leadership of Mark Behrends, chairman of the Eldership. We have been so blessed by his leadership the past year and I'm thankful for his willingness to serve!

** I'm thinking FCC and the Eldership will really miss Mark Witzke and Dana Korneman as they move toward their sabbatical year off, but I'm thankful both men can rest and refresh, and I know they will continue to shepherd and love other in the name of Jesus.

** I'm thinking with Independence Day happening this Thursday, it's an appropriate time to remember how blessed we are to live in the greatest country in the history of the world and the blessings that freedom bring us. I'm thankful for all that have paid an incredible price so we can live in the land of the free.

** I'm thinking Little Galilee made a great hire in new Executive Director Rob Shoaff! I was blessed last week to spend time w/ Rob during our week of camp at LGCC and I'm really impressed with his leadership. I want you to meet Rob, so on Sunday morning July 14, Rob will be introduced during both morning worship services, and then at 9:30am, the LGCC staff will be "interviewed" by me in the Family Life center - you will learn all about Rob and his journey up to this point, and you will also hear from Bob Phillips, Kevin Peterson and Max Aper about the summer this far and updates on the 2020 Vision project.

** Speaking of Camp, we had a great week of Junior Main 2! Our own Allison Hitchings did a great job as Dean and so many from our church, including Ben Pertl and Cassandra Benton, served as faculty for 103 campers. It was once again a blessing to share the preaching with my great friend Mike Mallick from Jeff St CC in Lincoln. Best news of all? 37 students stepped forward to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and 24 were baptized Friday afternoon at the LGCC pool - many more baptisms happened yesterday in churches throughout Illinois. God is good! All the time!

** I'm thinking July 28 - my final Sunday at FCC - is going to be here before we know it. Just a reminder, July 28 will be a ONE SERVICE Sunday at 9:30am - no services at 8:15 or 10:45 on July 28. Marla and I have been so blessed by so many during our ministry here and I have much I want to say on July 28!

** Finally this morning, I'm thinking it is easy to get distracted in this life by things that really don't matter. I look forward to bringing a message this Sunday entitled "The Main Thing" from Mark 12:28-34 - I hope you can join us!

Quick reminders:

** Cassandra shared yesterday about the Summer Family Challenge starting today and going through July 31 - get more info at the FCC website or from the office.

** Men's Mission Trip to Mexico info meeting - this Sunday July 7 at 9:30am in the Alcove - see Gage Lyons or Ryan Sosaman for more information.

** Area Men's Fellowship goes to Monticello on Tuesday July 9 at 6:30pm and Clinton FCC is hosting Area Men's on Tuesday August 6 at 6:30pm.

** Don't forget, FCC will pay a half tuition scholarship for your kids or grandkids to attend LGCC this summer!

Have a great week!

GT