What a wonderful weekend!

This weekend is one my family will not soon forget - especially my wonderful wife Marla. This Wednesday brings a milestone birthday most of us are NOT excited about, so Jordan, Peyton and I decided to make it as blessed as possible - full of surprises and encouragement. The fun began Friday morning, when Marla woke up and found Jordan was home for the weekend from Rhode Island - her reaction was priceless! Peyton rolled into Chestnut Friday evening late - now the house is full once again - blessed words for empty nesters! Then on Saturday, following a mother/daughter/grand daughter lunch at La Te Da, dozens of family and friends surprised her with a birthday party in the family life center. Mandi Ries and Emilee Monkman - dear friends who have recently lauched Bright Light Design Co. - took care of the shopping, decorations and set up, and Allison Hitchings, Lindsey Moody, Andrea Graves, Karen Rice and others helped with the goodies and additional set up. And best of all? Marla had no idea - total surprise - what a great weekend! Thank you to everyone that has loved my wife and said kind words to her - I'm so thankful for you, Marla - I love you!

Yesterday brought week 2 of our WHY? series - looking at FIRST KIDS and UNDERGROUND Student Ministry - thanks to ABC - Allison, Ben and Cassandra - for sharing during much of the sermon. One point to highlight from the message yesterday - each of these men/women of faith desire to be a PARENTAL RESOURCE - please never hesitate to reach out to them and encourage them! A major part of becoming a Passionate Community of Disciple Makers involves having cutting edge Children's and Student Ministries - that is our goal for FIRST KIDS and USM!

Keep the following in mind:

** THIS SATURDAY March 16 is USM's All You Can Eat Pancake and Sausage Breakfast - get your tix and come on out and support our students! Tickets will be available at the door!

** THIS SUNDAY - March 17 - I am excited to announce Adam Brucker will be speaking during both services on why COMMUNITY is so important in the life of our church as part of our WHY? series. Don't miss the chance to catch up with Adam and be encouraged by his message!

** Baby Bottles are due - please return your filled baby bottles to the Welcome Center or the Church office. This fundraiser helps support the New Life Pregnancy Center in Decatur.

** Elder Recommendation forms will be accepted until March 31 - find these forms at the Welcome Center or in the Church office.

** CAMA Lent service this Wednesday at 6:30pm at the Nazarene Church. FCC will host on March 27.

** Rooted Celebration will be Friday night April 5 - all are welcome to attend.

** The 12th annual Intentional Church Conference will be on Saturday April 6 in Decatur - you can go for FREE!

Have a great week - see you Sunday!

​GT