Volume 53 Date May 17, 2011 Issue 20

www.clintonfcc.com

A ministry of

Please join us on

Sunday, May 22nd

at 8:15 & 11:00 am as

The Gospel According to Greg Greg Taylor

greg@clintonfcc.com

I have a confession to make: I absolutely love preaching

(and church-based teaching). And what I mean is this – I love to prepare sermons for Sundays (or other days). I love to

present sermons and lessons. I love to listen to good preaching (my iPod is full of Andy Stanley, Timothy Keller,

Craig Groeschel and Bob Russell sermons, just to name a few). And I even love to sit down with a cup of coffee and talk

preaching, especially with fellow preachers.

I think this may be why I am absolutely LOVING this Holy Spirit sermon series we are currently 60% finished with. I

love getting together on Tuesday mornings and studying with Scott, Lloyd, Mark and Steve. I love being challenged in ways

not typical to my routine. I’m overjoyed knowing fellow Christ followers in Moweaqua, Decatur, Tuscola and Mt. Pulaski are

spending at least five weeks studying exactly what we have been (or they will be very soon). We may even see a pulpit

exchange develop out of this group at some point.

I want to say a special word of thanks to my fellow ministers and church staff members, who have risen to the occasion

during this time – filling the gap when needed. We will take a one week break from this series this Sunday, as we are

blessed by Melanie Cheatham and the CLASS Act Kids presentation of “Music Camp 2 – Holy Hoedown.” I’m excited

to be a part of this musical, and I know you will NOT want to miss it. See you at either 8:15 or 11:00 on Sunday!

Don’t forget our one service Sunday on May 29 at 9:30 a.m.

Kent will be reading the names of Loved Ones Lost during the past year, and the Signs and Songs choir, led by Barbara

Pastore, will be bringing a special. Please spread the word about just one service on the 29th and make it a priority to

warmly welcome any guests joining us for worship on Memorial Day Sunday.

The Gospel According to Greg (cont’d)

Sunday during the sermon I referenced Noah Riner, former

student body President of Ivy League school, Dartmouth College. As we consider ways to be BOLD for Christ through

the power of the Holy Spirit, listen one more time to the words of this secular college student:

“Jesus is a good example of character, but He's also

much more than that. He is the solution to flawed

people like corrupt Dartmouth alums, looters, and

me. It's so easy to focus on the defects of others

and ignore my own. But I need saving as much as

they do. Jesus' message of redemption is simple.

People are imperfect, and there are consequences

for our actions. He gave His life for our sin so that

we wouldn't have to bear the penalty of the law; so

we could see love. The problem is me; the solution

is God's love: Jesus on the cross, for us.”

Riner was blasted by most on this very liberal campus for

daring to invoke the name of Jesus. And this home-schooled son of a Baptist preacher was unapologetic, unashamed and

undeterred. That, my friends, is boldness for Christ. May you look for ways this very week to be BOLD through the

power of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul put it like this: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the POWER of God for salvation of

everyone who believes. . .” Amen and Amen!

“Thank you to everyone who has sent me cards and letters so

far. They’re an encouragement to me. I love all of you, my

Christian family, so very much. No matter where the Lord’s

will sends me, I’ll always consider FCC my home and I look

forward to being reunited with you.”

In Christian Love, John Thorp

May 15, 2011 - Facts & Figures

Sunday, May 22, 2011

8:15 am 11:00 am

Distributing Bulletins Vickie Moore Joe Alexander Jean Perring Nancy Kuntz Edna May Sprague Tanya Donelson

Information Center Attendant Paula Hopper Cindy Taylor Audrey Sessions

Greeters Dan & Mary Holland Steve & Nancy Bridges Allen & Barbara Trago

Door Assistant Wes Anderson Ty Osterbur Danny Bundy

Serving Outside Communion Shut-Ins: Abner Griffin

Hospital: Tim Hoyt Hawthorne Inn: Dana Korneman

Cookie Callers for the Week of May 22nd

Louise Moore Audrey Sessions

Our Witness Through Giving

General Fund Giving this Week $13,975.53 2011 M.A.P. Weekly Need $19,150.67 Shortage $ 5,175.14 Our Witness Through Attendance

Worship: 300+345=645 (‘11 Ave. 682)

Bible School: 313 (‘11 Ave. 289)

Decisions for Christ & His Church

This Week Yearly Totals

Baptisms: 0 4 Transfers: 0 7 Rededications: 0 2 Christian Service: 0 0 Total 13

Information About the Church

Greg Taylor Minister of Preaching & Teaching greg@clintonfcc.com J. Kent Hickerson Minister of Pastoral Care Ernie Harvey, Jr. Minister of Children & Jr. High ernie@clintonfcc.com Adam Brucker Minister of High School, College Age & Technology adam@clintonfcc.com Jim Coonce Minister of Worship jim@clintonfcc.com Peggy Jones Ministerial Admin. Assistant peggy@clintonfcc.com Karen Rice Office Admin. Assistant karen@clintonfcc.com Lisa Wrone Financial Admin. Assistant lisa@clintonfcc.com Office Phone (217) 935-3139 Office Fax (217) 935-3130 Office E-mail karen@clintonfcc.com or office@clintonfcc.com Office Hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday

Young at Heart

David Buck, Coordinator

Life can be difficult. There are no guarantees that you‟ll never have a

problem, even if you stay in faith. Still, God can provide peace even in

the midst of a challenge. Even during those times when you should be

losing sleep, He can calm your nerves and lift your burden. In hard

times, know that God is still on the throne. Know He is working things

out for the good. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and

to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

The 1st of June we‟ll have one of our best programs with Marcia Wise

giving us a long awaited concert. We‟re truly looking forward to her

talents shining in the presence of Jesus. On the 15th of June we‟ll be

having an old friend back playing and singing some of Rick Roy‟s

favorites by his friend Kathy Brake. It also will be a remarkable

program. Faith is seeing a rainbow in each tear.

June our trip will be to Sullivan‟s Little Theater for the production of

“Cats” on the 11th. Beef House is our Broadway musical for the year on

July11th. Then we‟ll travel to Myer‟s Dinner Theater on August the

13th. September the 9th we‟ll travel to Limmswick, MO, for a day of

River Boat Sailing. This October we‟ll have a Mystery Trip on the 1st.

Our Branson Trip will be in November and we‟re looking forward to

that getaway. Yes, we‟ll be going to Christmas in the Chapel in

December. “Happiness seems made to be shared.” Jean Racine

Walking in peace with others is often challenging. If possible, the devil

will try to undermine every one of your relationships with strife. You

can‟t always avoid strife. Sometimes you must confront it, get it out in

the open, and try to come to some terms of peace. “….but God has

called us to peace.” 1 Corinthians 7:15

Our church is helping to provide cereal for Little Galilee again this year. Here’s a list of what we still need (and these are all BIG boxes): Golden

Grahams, Rice Krispies, & Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Please bring your cereal to the office. Thank you for your help!

Decatur Memorial Agnes Sheeley

St. Joseph‟s

Mary Shofner Adda Sue McFeeters

Bromenn

Debbie Bateson Cheryl VanValey

St. John‟s

Marcia Burns (18th)

Out of Area Sadie Bell (TN)

Gary Lanning (IN)

Connie Hantla

Connor Walker

Fred Hoke

Merle Cox

Judy Wolfe

Bob Swearingen

Jim Peters

Elias Clark

...Richard Butram, Clinton, IL - father of Linda Killough, grandfather of Debbie (Mark) Haas ...Margaret Veteto, Clinton, IL - mother of Bradley Veteto & Mary Kinchen ...Lyle Gill, Clinton, IL - husband of Marie Gill

Bettie Anderson Gary Angel Virgil Brady Brad Campbell Edna Carter Hillary Cherry Landon Clark Mike Connelly Allen Cooper Bill Coughlin Merle Cox Brett Creager Jim Defebaugh Lois DeJaynes Patty Douglas Carolyn Drummond

Carol Duncan Vickie Dunham* Candi Evans Debra Focht Betty Fortune Sandy Gambrel Judy Hedrick Ed Martin Dick McConnell Ruth Meade Olive Moberly Jimmy Moore Tammy Moore Robert Peters Kyle Reynolds Jesse Reising

Randy Roy Pat Ryan Sara Ryan Gary Simmons James L. Smith Sharon Stephenson Lori Stone Doris Sugg Kris Sulzberger Bob Trummel Wayne Tyler Sherry Volk Ron „Yogi‟ Weiscope Gene Wickenhauser Vernadine Witt

Hospital Prayer List

Special Prayer Requests * New Names

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Our Christian Sympathy to the Family and Loved Ones of...

Released...

This „N That

Our monthly volunteer day at the Lincoln Christian

Village is Thursday, May 19th. Please meet at the

church to ride to Lincoln with other volunteers. For

more information, please call Goldie Hedrick, 935-3400,

or Audrey Sessions, 935-2562.

May Happenings at FCC

May 21st - 7:30 am Elders meeting May 22nd - Class Act Kids musical during both services May 29th - Remembrance Sunday - one service at 9:30 am

The Good Twins will be performing at Kenney

Christian Church on Monday, May 23rd, at 7 pm.

The Good Twins, Dwight and Dwayne, started singing

at age 3 - more than 45 years ago. And they haven’t

stopped since, doing concerts & recording Christian music.

Family Camp at Little Galilee is May 27 - May 30. You can register online, or we have registration forms at the information desk or in the church office. Call 935-3809 for more information.

4given - featuring Steve McLean, Bill

Stone, Marcia Wise, Travis Quinn, Tim Holl

and Bob Rice, with Tad Wolfe on sound, will

be performing at 2 pm, May 22nd on the square. If it

rains, an indoor location will be available.

College Graduation information received:

Debi Stone graduated from the University of Illinois with her Masters Degree.

Michelle Gibbons graduated from Richland Community College.

Baccalaureate Service is this

Sunday, May 22nd at 4:00 pm in the

High School Auditorium.

More This „N That

“Lest We Forget Those We Love” Memorials were given

in memory of: Maxine Robinson

LIFE LINE SCREENING

will be coming to First Christian Church on

Wednesday, June 8, 2011. 5 screenings will be offered. Appointments are required. We have a sign-up sheet in the church office. This sign-up

sheet will allow our members to get a priority appointment plus, when you call the church office, 935-3139, you will

receive a discount of $10 off the package price. Or you can also call, 1-877-792-8480, to make an appointment.

There is no greater gift you can give your pastor

and the spiritual leaders of your church than to

pray for them. Pray that our pastors will cultivate

strong character and uncompromising integrity.

Pray that their testimony will be genuine, & that

they will never do anything they would need to hide

from others. “The goal of this command is love,

which comes from a pure heart and a good

conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5

See also 1 Timothy 3:7 & Ephesians 6:10-12

NEW LIFE PREGNANCY CENTER’S

CHANGE FOR LIFE - BABY BOTTLE CAMPAIGN

It’s not too late! If you still have a baby bottle (with or

without anything in it), please bring it to the church office.

It is not too late to turn it in! Thank you for your cooperation!

Excerpts from . . . Ernie Harvey Jr.

VBS CORNER - What fun the kids are going to have when

Shake-It-Up Café starts on June 13th. There have been several

meetings of the teachers and leaders so we have seen a preview of

the crafts that the different departments are making. Some of them

will be making chef‟s hat that the young people will love to

personalize. Another one will include a photo of the child

taken at VBS.

So be sure to get your registration papers turned in as soon as

possible. We want to be certain that we have enough supplies on

hand for all the kids. Spread the news that VBS is coming and all

children are welcome from 3 years old through Junior High.

VBS Countdown is on.

only 33 days

June 13-17.

Basic Training

Who: Those who are entering 1st-9th grade

What: This is a great time to get together with friends,

have fun and learn about the book of Colossians.

When: Every Tuesday starting June 21, 10-11:30 am

Where: First Christian Church, meet in the Family Life

Center

Why: It will be fun and you get a cool shirt.

Registration will begin soon.

If you are interested in helping or if you have questions,

call Ernie.

No Junior Church

this week. Please

watch the Class Act

Kids performance,

8:15 & 11 am.

Adventures with... Adam Brucker

Attention Seniors

Baccalaureate is this Sunday,

May 22nd at 4:00pm

in the High School Auditorium.

Meet at 3:45 in the Hallway!

Enjoy worship , and a short message

with your classmates

Parents and Grandparents are welcome!

Christ In Youth Conference July 25-30, 2011

Incoming 9th Grade - Graduating Senior

Registration has begun for CIY. The cost is $275. Put your

non-refundable $50 deposit in a brown youth payment envelope and turn

it in to the office or to Adam’s office. Price goes up to $299 on June 19th .

College Students

Summer Small Groups are starting up!

We will have an info meeting May 25th in the

Cable Building at 7:00PM

Worship 101

Jim Coonce

What seems to be invading your living space these days? It could be your kids at home, after school or on the weekends . It could be that an out of town family has come to visit and has taken over your “space.” What seems to be invading your private, personal, spiritual space these days? Is it unpaid bills?…I know I have a pile waiting to be paid even as I write this. (They’ll get paid later today!) Perhaps, it’s stress from work or from family. Is it an un-confessed sin that seems to be taking over your life? Or is it guilt from a past sin of which you need to let go?….Relationships, finances, sin, guilt…the cares of this life, all, at some point or other, invade our space and keep us from staying centered on what is really important…our relationship with God. My space was radically invaded this past January with the news of my Mom being diagnosed with terminal cancer. My space continued to be invaded as we watched her rapidly succumb to the aggressive brain tumor that first took away her speech, then her memory and finally her life. Amazing how being faced with the reality of eminent death helps us realize that Christ needs to be at the center of our lives. I love the words to the song “Center”:

You’re the center of the universe Everything was made in You, Jesus Breath of every living thing Everyone was made for You You hold everything together You hold everything together O Christ be the center of our lives Be the place we fix our eyes Be the center of our lives

Read Colossians 1 to learn more about the “Center of the Universe.”

Put Christ at the center of your life and I promise everything else will

come into focus, as well. He holds it all together!

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