Yesterday was quite a big day at church. Our annual church officer elections proved to be somewhat routine (thankfully). All nominees were elected unanimously. That’s what we expected, but you NEVER KNOW when something strange may happen at church. The elections were good news….Now for some “bitter-sweet” news…
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Our Youth Pastor Mike announced to the Youth on Sunday night that he was resigning. While it was quite a jolt to the kids, we know that God has a perfect plan for Mike AND our church. Mike and Rachel will be missed, but we rejoice to see them being used of God in other places as well. They have had several opportunities coming their way, and Mike will probably end up doing something in the area of evangelism. Be in prayer for Mike and Rachel as they move into the next phase of their life. And be in prayer for our Youth Group. They’re good, solid, kids…but they’re obviously saddened by the news. Youth Pastor/ Youth Group breakups are never fun. I remember my own days as a Youth Pastor and the tremendous pain of telling my kids I was resigning. I think it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Its tough for all involved…but the world keeps spinning, God’s still on His throne, and He will lead the way if we are willing to follow.
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This Sunday was my first Sunday back after being on vacation for the past 2 weeks. It was nice to be back in the pulpit (at least it was nice for me, maybe not the congregation). We began our new series on 1 John, and I was planning on preaching through the first four verses…but God had another plan and I spent the majority of the time on verse one and decided to save the rest for next week. Incidentally, last Wednesday night in Bible Study I didn’t get through all of the verses I had planned either---SO, since coming back from vacation I’ve prepared two sermon/ Bible Studies, and didn’t finish either one of them. Of course Wednesday night wasn’t completely my fault----we got immersed in an interesting discussion on “demon possession.” I won’t say who (Marilyn) got us off on that rabbit trail (Marilyn) but I’ll (Marilyn) give you a hint (Marilyn) her initials are M.M. (And her last name is Michels). But I wouldn’t want to reveal her identity.
Seriously, it was an interesting Bible Study and its always fun to see how the Holy Spirit will lead our discussion time. Of course on Sunday mornings I do all the talking, so I have no one to blame but myself…But I like to think the Holy Spirit leads the way on Sunday mornings too.
One more thing of note I’ll mention from Sunday. Debi U. announced that Toy Express would now be run by Emergy-stat (aka--the ambulance people). We will still be able to donate Bibles or tracts, so it’s a “win-win” situation. Thank you Debi for all your years of hard work and faithful service to the children of Linn County. You have a crown awaiting you on the other side…And we’ve got PLENTY of things for you to do around the church starting in January (like writing my paycheck). So don’t be surprised to see me going out of my way to be nice to Debi now.
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Well, there it is. A day in the life of FCC. A new slate of church officers look to begin serving in January. Mike looks to begin serving in a new area very soon…And I just continue to preach until Jesus comes back or the noon whistle blows, whichever comes first. See you next Sunday…
I am so SAD that Mike is leaving. I hope we continue to do contemporary praise & worship songs. I missed las Sun. & will this Sun. bc of Tyler's games, but who were the elected officers? If I am at Wed. night prayer meeting I will try not to get off on a rabbit trail so you can get your lesson done. Ha, ha! Who is the new secretary? Take care & have a good day.
Marilyn
Posted by: Marilyn Michels | October 16, 2006 at 10:17 AM
Shane - Your sermon yesterday was great as usual - we're so glad you, Erin and the kids are back. I hate to hear Mike is leaving, but know they'll seek God's will in their lives. thanks for the kind words per Toy Express - what a blessing it's been to me and I've had so much help. Talked to Sandy yesterday from Emergystat about the bibles, so got things rolling. The being nice to me part sounds like payday at Linn Co. News - everyone's so nice!
Posted by: Debi | October 16, 2006 at 01:17 PM