MESSAGE FROM RICKY

Dear Friends,

We have hit the ground running with our fall activities. I want to encourage everyone to participate at the level of your comfort. Feel free to wear masks, socially distance, or participate online if you need to. Also, please do stay home if you’re not feeling well! I won’t count the absence against you!

We’ve also got some great friends joining the staff team this fall. Lauren Beckmann is joining the staff as Associate Director of Kids Ministry, serving with Nikki Parsons our director. Lauren grew up here and her family has recently moved to Clinton. We are looking forward to the impact our Kids Ministry staff and volunteers are going to make on our children and their families!

In September, we are welcoming the Rev. Erin Hicks as our new college minister. Erin is an elder in the Mississippi Conference who is also a new chaplain at Baptist Hospital. She’ll be with us part time, focusing on connecting with our college and college age students. 

Also, Dianne Alford has moved into the position of Office Manager and I’m grateful for her willingness to take on this role. We don’t yet have a new receptionist, so in the meantime when you call the church office you might get Dianne, a volunteer, or even me answering the phone! (but be patient because I haven’t yet figured out how to transfer calls!)

We are still in the search process for a new Youth Pastor. Our search committee is working diligently and prayerfully to find just the right person for this pivotal position. However, our youth program is moving forward full steam. Katie Giedd, our Pastor of Discipleship and Missions, is taking the lead for the time being, assisted by a dedicated group of parents and volunteers. We had a great start to United Night this past Sunday and are looking forward to a great semester. 

I’m grateful for all our staff who have gone above and beyond this year (and longer!). While we’re still not done with COVID, we are looking ahead and moving forward. 

Stay Well and Stay Hopeful!

Grace and Peace,
Ricky