October has arrived weekly update

If Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers is correct (and who would doubt him), the 50th Apple and Pork Festival was the biggest yet! And I think he might just be correct. I spent my Saturday afternoon on the grill for the Y cooking Pork Cutlets and much of my Sunday helping prepare Rotary Pulled Pork and both groups sold out early - the product was in great demand. As I was making a garbage run about 4pm on Sunday, I heard many a frustrated festival goers complaining that all the good food was gone! That's what happens when over 100,000 folks descend on DeWitt County on an almost perfect weather weekend.

A highlight for me this weekend was the great job the students of FCC did! Ben Pertl had a constant crew of students (and some adults) serving at the Rotary tent and they did great! I had the chance to grill on Saturday w/ a couple of our junior high students - I told their parents to put them to work on the home front! And Ben and others managed the FCC parking lot (we don't own it - simply run the lot and are paid for our efforts) once again in 2018. I'm really happy with the direction of our student ministry and loved seeing our students serving this weekend!

THIS SUNDAY October 7 is the Neighborhood Care Center FOOD DRIVE! We are asking for donations this Sunday October 7 of the following: Peanut Butter (creamy or crunchy), Spaghetti noodles and/or toilet paper. IF you park in the FCC parking lot, the County building parking lot or the Dewitt Savings bank parking lot, just leave the donations on the ground by your vehicle and a volunteer will collect. If you park on the street, bring your donations into the building. Thanks in advance for helping the NCC help others!

Several important happenings in October and November related to the life of our church:

Tell Me More! This Sunday we begin a four weekend sermon study w/ 18 area churches! I love so much when churches can work and serve together - I'm pretty sure God is pleased with these efforts as well!

Area Men's Fellowship! This month, the monthly gathering to support Little Galilee heads to Saybrook on Tuesday evening at 6:30pm! Each month, the AMF serves a great meal, gives an update on the camp, provides some spiritual encouragement via a speaker and takes up an offering for the camp! Good stuff!

Reload for Men! We meet at the Clinton Y at 6:15am on the 1st and 3rd Friday mornings of each month and are beginning a study of Gene Getz's book the Measure of a Man. Join us! All men are welcome!

Young at Heart! The first Friday of each month at 10:30am in the Family Life Center brings Young at Heart! We are so blessed to have Marcia Wise and Jan Dial leading this ministry - if you are over 55 years of age, this gathering is designed for YOU! See you THIS Friday at 10:30am!

Fan the Flame! CARROLLTON will be at FCC once again, along with WE ARE THE MONKS, at 6pm on Sunday evening October 21! So thankful for the ministry of Fan the Flame and the impact these concerts have on ministries in our area. As many of you know, due to the closing of Walmart, Salvation Army bell ringing will NOT happen in Clinton this year, a reality that means our community will have $3000-$4000 LESS to help those in need. Fan the Flame has agreed, through this concert, to help cut into this deficit! Get your tickets now!

Ladies Night Out! Thursday night October 25 at 6:30pm is our bi-annual Ladies Night Out! This gathering is for ALL women and is truly an encouraging time for all who attend! Women, see you at FCC in the Family Life Center on Thursday evening October 25 at 6:30pm!

Coming Home Sunday! Sunday November 18 - don't miss it! David Mabon and Brent Zastrow! A catered meal! (tickets will be available beginning this Sunday) Melanie Cheatham will be once again working her magic w/ students from yesterday! 9:30am ONE Service Sunday, 11:30am Catered Meal, 1pm Afternoon Gathering. Even Ernie Harvey will be making an appearance! You won't want to miss it!

have a great week - see you Sunday!

GT