Mid-July weekly update

Failure. No one wants to endure it but most of, if not all of us, will taste it from time to time. When we do find failure in life, how do we respond? A very human reaction is to blame others. Sometimes we want to make excuses. Our pride is wounded. Our joy can be stolen. Bottom line - failure stinks - it's not fun - nobody enjoys it.

But - how we respond to failure and what we learn from failure can go a long way in keeping us from tasting it over and over again. I have been very moved and frankly impressed over the past 24 hours to watch from a distance as former St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny handled the greatest failure a major league manager can endure - a mid-season dismissal from the job of a lifetime. Full disclosure - I am a rapid Chicago Cubs fan and typically have not been sad when the Cardinals struggled. That said, I have always appreciated the man of faith Mike Matheny is and the manner in which he led his team.

Here is a sampling of the very first public words from Matheny following his firing:

“I saw how good this organization has been to me, regardless of that last game or anything between that and the first day. This was very special to me and something live-changing. I’m an unabashed Christ follower and I do believe in things happening for a reason. Not about me being let go, but me getting the opportunity in the first place.”

Even in the midst of failure, Matheny is living his life as a Follower of Jesus. Thanks Mike Matheny for teaching all of a lesson of how to handle failure! And blessings to you in life!

Much is happening at Clinton FCC! Yesterday was another very memorable morning as Samuel Green put together an active response during both of our services to the message on the POWER of CONFESSION. I say it all the time - and I mean every word of it - we are so blessed w/ our staff at Clinton FCC! Yesterday brought another baptism, as well as video of the BigStuf trip from last week to Florida, where two of our students were baptized! And this coming Sunday during 10:45am service, two more baptisms are scheduled! God is good!

* The Men's mission trip to Casas Por Cristo is less than three weeks away and there is still room for YOU! Talk to Gage Lyons or Ryan Sosaman if you can go August 4-11.

* Discover FCC is Sunday July 29 at 9:30am in the Family Life Center Alcove - all are welcome to learn about our History, Theology and Ministry opportunities at FCC.

* Family Movie Night - this Wednesday July 18 at dusk at Rotary Park!

* Rooted will launch again this fall - there is absolutely room for you!

* Little Galilee fundraiser Bike ride - myself and several others are riding almost 200 miles over three days at the end of August to raise money for the 2020 Vision Dining Hall project. You will move than like receive a letter inviting you to partner w/ us in our effort to raise $100,000.00 for Little Galilee. Spread the word. Let me know if you have questions. I'm personally SO thankful for Little Galilee and cannot wait to see what God does with this effort!

Ministry needs . . .

** Blood Pressure Checks - Katy Koritz is looking for more medical professionals who can join this important ministry team.

** Outside/Shut-in Communion - we continue to need more and younger team members for this most impacting weekly ministry. See Tim Hoyt or Cody Monkman if you are interested in learning more.

Save the date . . .

** Sunday August 19 - Little Galilee Family Connections event - 4-7pm - zipline, pool and fellowship. Bring a picnic supper (if you want to eat).

** Sunday September 9 - 4th annual FCC Block Party from 5-7pm

** Sunday November 18 - Coming Home Sunday 

Have a great week,

GT