One of the last gifts that I gave my daughter, before she started her own story in the world, remains at my house today. It walks around, when it wants to, in the shell of a 25-pound French Bulldog named Cooper. In fact, he is a very demanding and critical master who is always looking for something that he wants me to provide (or at least help him procure). He has learned exactly which buttons to push and at what level of intensity and frequency to get his way. I know that I have a choice at any time not to respond and so does he. That understanding is why he wins without force, anger, or guilt on his part. I guess that statement explains a large part of my calling to service.

No, I am not in any way comparing this dog to God: only using the dog to understand and improve my relationship to my Lord. To me that relationship is the difference between fire insurance for the future (based on what was freely given to me) and the training, cooperation and support of my daily walk and commitment to new challenges. That doesn’t always mean seeking a crown but sometimes recognizing that I can apply spit and polish to the original one. For me, Paul expressed this in his writing to the Ephesians: “So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise, making the best use of your time because the times are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5: 15-17). I am so glad that God gave me options (free will) rather than “1 way or the highway”.

At FCC we have lots of ways to serve both our congregation and our community (as big as you want to make it). At the risk of missing some (apologies in advance), let me list a few and a key person to contact to get involved:
CWF (Barb Fosco) -sponsored events: “Sew and Share” - Linda Belford, Funeral and Bereavement Meals – Mary Gates, Congregations Feeds – Judy Ferguson, Jenny Tate, et al., Bizarre and Fundraising – Kathy Curfman, Quilts and Prayer Shawls – Joyce Lemons, Flowers and Stuff – Sonya Bishop.
CMF (Zack Boren) sponsored – Outdoor Zone – Zack Boren/ Ed Picone, Mississippi Valley – Rod Gordley, Church Grounds and Buildings – Bob Clark.
Weekly Worship Volunteers (Rebecca driven) – Communion Prep, 1 st -Sunday Cookies – Katie McDevitt and Carole Elledge, Safety and Security – N.D. Harrison, bulletin folding and Newsletter stuffing – Edith Gant, et al., Prayer Cards – Carole Swartz.
Youth Ministries (Niki Dixon) – Food prep - Renna Walters, College and Student Ministries – Alicia Tate, and Key ministry leaders – Wayne Chamberlain, John Hall, Caleb Dixon, Justin Poor, Michelle Hart, Bethany Dunham, and many others.

We ask that you consider sharing your gifts. That pressure to serve may indeed be YOUR CALL.

Respectfully submitted,
David Bishop, Elder