Although it still feels like summer outside, school is back in session and fall is just around the corner. Regular activities in the church are getting ready to start back as well. But, first we have our annual Ice Cream Social. This is one of my favorite highlights of the summer. Church members bring homemade (or store bought) ice cream, desserts and sandwiches to share as we celebrate the end of the summer and start of the new Christian education year. We also take the time to get to know all of our new members by honoring them and sharing some fun facts about each of them during the ice cream social. Why don't you join us this Sunday, August 22 at 5 pm in the church fellowship hall for some tasty treats and fellowship with the church family?

Don't forget youth groups for 6th - 12th grades resumes next Wednesday, August 25 after school. Youth at MCMS are picked up by the church bus and given a ride to church. Snacks, homework time, Bible lessons, games and supper are all part of the fun.

A new group is forming on Sunday evenings for Post-High young adults. (That means people in their late teens or in their 20's) The first gathering is Sunday, August 29 at 7 pm with a pizza party and discussion of our faith in real life situations. Please call the church office at (618) 262-7331 or e-mail us at fccmc@frontier.com to make sure we have enough pizza. Come with a friend.

Christian Children's Fellowship for K-5th grades starts back on Wednesday, September 8. We pick up children at South, North and St. Mary's Schools and take them to the church. Pick up by parents is at 5 pm. We have snacks, games, Bible lessons, music and lots of fun. Registration forms must be filled out and are available in the church office.

Its not too late to sign up for the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University starting on Sunday, September 12 from 5-7 pm. Whether you have no money in savings or money to invest, this is the class for you! Everyone can learn about being a better steward of their resources and growing in their faith at the same time. Call the church office, (618) 262-7331 to sign up.

Mid-Week Growth opportunities for adults start on Wednesday, September 22 from 7-8 pm. Watch this site for information about these interesting Christian growth events.

How can two lives end up so differently? The two had been raised in the same house with the same parents. Growing up they attended the same schools and church. When they were old enough to leave their parents house, they both took similar paths through college. One went out into the world and took care of himself. It was all about getting the right job and meeting the right people to climb the ladder of success. No one would get in the way of obtaining money and power. Near the end of his life, he was filled with bitterness, resentment and depression. Everything just seemed so meaningless. What was the point? Alone and hurting everything appeared bleak.
The other one also worked hard but always kept God and Jesus Christ at the center of his everyday life. For this one, it was all about building a life of meaning and purpose. There were successes and failures to be experienced along the way. Money and power were never the main objects only the means to an end. God was placed first in every area of life. Near the end of his life, he was filled with joy, purpose, love, peace and a generous spirit.
The big question is how will you live your life?