God is our rock
"Well, we gotta go! We need to get our tent and gear packed up for the weekend camping trip to Vogel, " said Dick. Jack Gardner shared this statement from his conversation with Dick, his fellow Palmetto Launch Group member with such joy and enthusiasm. Jack exclaimed, "I sure hope I have as much life and energy in me when I am their age!"
Dick and Clare Strickland are an important part of the fabric of Grace Church. They have been attending for 25 years and their fingerprints cover a variety of ministries and gatherings of Grace. Having weathered many changes during these 25 years, some exciting and some challenging, their presence provides a sense of stability and steadiness for so many people. When asked to share a bit of their story, Dick and Clare stated, "God's faithfulness is a blessing beyond our expectations. We have grown spiritually at Grace through the teaching of God's word, attending Sunday School, being a part of a 242 (Acts 2:42) group and the JOY group (just older youth) as well as serving in a ministry called the Fellowship of Christian Airline Personnel." For many years, you could find Clare in the nursery and Dick working on the facilities. They both hold an attitude of being willing to serve wherever they are needed. These days you can chat with Dick and Clare as they welcome you to church or you can find Clare serving in the Cafe! They are also a part of the Palmetto Launch Group and are users of the new Grace Church App!
Dick and Clare Strickland are an important part of the fabric of Grace Church. They have been attending for 25 years and their fingerprints cover a variety of ministries and gatherings of Grace. Having weathered many changes during these 25 years, some exciting and some challenging, their presence provides a sense of stability and steadiness for so many people. When asked to share a bit of their story, Dick and Clare stated, "God's faithfulness is a blessing beyond our expectations. We have grown spiritually at Grace through the teaching of God's word, attending Sunday School, being a part of a 242 (Acts 2:42) group and the JOY group (just older youth) as well as serving in a ministry called the Fellowship of Christian Airline Personnel." For many years, you could find Clare in the nursery and Dick working on the facilities. They both hold an attitude of being willing to serve wherever they are needed. These days you can chat with Dick and Clare as they welcome you to church or you can find Clare serving in the Cafe! They are also a part of the Palmetto Launch Group and are users of the new Grace Church App!
Dick + Clare inside an airplane Dick piloted.
Proud airline couple!
Enjoying a family + friend gathering.
While Grace remains a vital part of their lives, they also enjoy being on the move! Over dinner at Vogel 2023, Dick and Clare shared about their upcoming fall travels! These two love to explore! They have plans to visit the mountains, cruise the ocean and enjoy sticking their toes in the Florida sand! Having been retired from the airline industry since 1998, the Stricklands have been blessed to serve the Lord by using their knowledge of the airline industry to show the love and hospitality of Jesus for airline pilots through an organization called, "Fellowship of Christian Airline Personnel." It was this ministry that brought them to Fayette County. For many years, they orchestrated their home and lives around serving the Lord in this way. "In our 80 plus years of living and 60 plus years of marriage, God has been our shepherd, guiding us in both the good and hard times." When the time came for them to retire from serving in FCAP, they chose to downsize their home from the grand to the small. "I like small, " said Clare. These days, keeping their schedules simple seems to work just fine for them! At Vogel 2023, you could find them in their small tent, enjoying their delicious yet simple lunch while delighting in watching the young children of Grace play so well together in the forest.
When asked to remark on their StoryWorthy nomination, their response was filled with gratitude simply saying, "Thank you Jesus!" Thank you, Dick and Clare, for being the vibrant, loving and servant minded people that you are. We appreciate all that you bring to Grace and to your communities.
