February 2024

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. ⁴ And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.” Romans 5:3-4

Dear Friends,

Last Sunday, the Detroit Lions fans took a hard loss. It was just too close to the Detroit Lions making it to their first Super Bowl. My heart goes out to all of us who are brokenhearted.

The words written by Aiden Hutchinson, may give us hope for the next football season:

“As hard as today’s loss was, it is not a definition of the Detroit Lions culture. It is a testament to how far we have come and how far we can go… A city born of steel, diesel, and blood will not let a moment like this hold them back. In a city like this, in a culture like this, you learn that failure is just an opportunity to improve… Greatness is a journey—not a light switch, and it may take a few more days in the dark to see the light, but the Lions will get there. Together, we will “Restore the Roar.” (Facebook, 02/28/24)

His words are inspiring to the Lion’s fans, but his words may inspire us as well. He understands that failure is part of life. John Maxwell says, “You will not succeed unless you are willing to fail.” In Maxwell’s book, Success 101, he lists seven things failure is NOT.

1.    People think failure is avoidable…it is not.

2.    People think failure is an event…it is NOT.

3.    People think failure is objective…it is NOT.

4.    People think failure is the enemy…it is NOT.

5.    People think failure is irreversible…it is NOT.

6.    People think that failure is a stigma…it is NOT.

7.    People think failure is final…it is NOT!

Even here in church, we try things and sometimes they are successful and sometimes they fail, but that does not mean that we do not stop trying new things. And in the same token, if we have success after success, we should always expect failure could be right around the corner.

I like the image of “Restore the Roar,” because it reminds me that we should not be timid about what we are doing or want to do in the name of Jesus Christ. Instead, we should jump in with both feet and see what happens. That is what a professor of mine used to say, “If you are going to sin, sin BOLDLY.” Remember there is always next year for the Detroit Lions and 2024 is our opportunity to serve God in BOLD ways. So, cheer up and give thanks for a great season. And may the Holy Spirit continue to inspire, encourage, strengthen, and challenge us in the things we do and say in the name of Jesus this year!

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

We are beginning to take bookings for 2024 Graduation Parties, Wedding Showers, Baby Showers and Birthday Parties. Please make sure if you are a member of our congregation that you call for any dates or events you’ve been contemplating…………..we want you to use the FLC, as it is the best deal in town for our church members ($150/event). Community members pay $250 and consider it a great deal! Call Sara at the church office 465-0461 or Judi Armstrong at 557-3203 and reserve a date. 

DUE TOMORROW!!! Attention all bakers, chefs and casual cooks: The Impact youth group is in need of your help! We are in the process of making a new church cookbook that we plan to sell this Spring to help raise funds for Work Camp 2024. We want this cookbook to be legendary. To do that, we need your best recipes. The ones everyone talks about and asks for at gatherings. You can submit your recipes in two ways. The first would be to go to www.typensave.com. The username is FPCMtClemens and the password is apple093. You can type in your recipe, it’s VERY quick and easy. . We need your recipes turned in by TOMORROW February 3rd to make sure we have time to make all the finishing touches. Thanks in advance for your help with this community project!

Angels in Training need donations

Angels in Training would like to request donations of travel sized toiletries for a service project between now and February 7th. Donations can be taken in the office or there will be a basket in the parlor. 

2024 Directory coming soon! Please click the link below to make sure your contact information is correct. Or you can see a hard copy with the Deacons in person on Sundays. Please send any corrections to Sara in the office by Wednesday February 26th, so they can be printed and distributed by next month.

Per capita fee in the Presbyterian Church USA and its subgroups like our church this year is $35.90 per member. You will find a special envelope in your offering box marked for this per capita donation. For more information about the Presbyterian Church USA Per Capita visit this website: PC(USA) OGA (pcusa.org)

Did you know you can give online?

Through Realm, we are set-up for online giving. You can also set-up for automatic withdrawal of your pledge. If you already do this, thanks and don't forget to renew your authorization. If you are interested in setting this up, contact Kim in the office and she can help you.

Our Free Little Pantry is always in need of restocking! You can help by donating food, toiletries, even socks are needed. For food donations please bring items that do not need extra ingredients and are easy to open. Many of those who are blessed by this food do not have access to can openers and extra ingredients.

Our Free Pantry was built and decorated by our wonderful youth and kids. There is a box located by the north door where you can drop off your donations