Notes from the Pastor's Desk

Summertime Construction

July 15, 2026

Summertime roadway construction in Manhattan often stands out like a sore thumb. But how nice it will be when it is complete! Conversely, the constructive planning happening in the background at FLC is hardly noticeable, but it will also be sweet when it is complete.

Many folks have been involved in planning for a new youth director. From multiple group conversations with parents, to an electronic survey, to careful research and conversation done with the hiring team for a new youth director hiring, please know that much constructive work has occurred to define the role for and seek the best candidate to fill the important and challenging shoes (or sandals) any youth director wears. Stay tuned for more soon!

Much constructive planning also goes into conducting Sunday school. The newly formed “Children’s Ministry Team” will meet soon to decide together on curriculum, scheduling, supplies, and the many facets of Christian education during the school year. Kudos to the truly amazing teachers and volunteers that provide such quality ministry!

Confirmation planning for our 7th-8th graders also occurs at this time every year. Curriculum is reviewed. Schedules are prepared. Games are planned. Quizzes are created. Prayers are offered.

In addition, you may have noticed a change in the worship bulletin format. Publisher, the Microsoft program FLC has used for years to create bulletins, will soon no longer be supported. So, we started from scratch with a completely new software platform, Canva, and constructed a new bulletin. By the way, the same thing happened with our website a short time ago.

That was also completely recreated with totally new software.

Also, this year’s coming stewardship campaign has begun undergoing construction with creation of themes, scheduling, and

conversation in the stewardship committee. This critical work helps ensure healthy finances. Speaking of finances, you may have hardly noticed that the new remote bookkeeper position is working great. Much work went into making this possible! We are also working on creating a new “file clerk” position which is currently operating in a test stage.

And then there are property repairs. An aging church building needs continuous tender loving care. We have a fantastic group of volunteer property people who make this possible week in and week out.

These highlights don’t give the whole picture, but you get the point: summertime has its downtime as it should, but much constructive work continues to make FLC a thriving place of ministry. Thank you to all of you who make this possible! And thanks be to God.

In Christ,

Pastor Stephen