Last Sunday, August 17th, 2025, our church community gathered for a special occasion that touched all our hearts – a surprise farewell celebration for one of our beloved members, Clayton Collins, as he prepares for his college journey.
A Celebration Filled with Love
The congregation went all out with decorations featuring blue and gold balloons and Michigan gear, perfectly capturing the spirit of Clayton’s next chapter at the University of Michigan. Youth Director Coach Mike and Pastor Martin Lee shared heartfelt messages about Clayton’s contributions to our church family over the years, while a moving slideshow chronicled his journey from childhood to the accomplished young man he is today.
In a moment that perfectly captured Clayton’s character, he remained focused on ensuring the service sound was impeccable even as everyone joined in singing the Michigan fight song! The celebration continued in the fellowship hall with cake and refreshments, where Clayton expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.
A Journey of Faith and Growth
Clayton’s story with our church begins nearly 20 years ago with his baptism by Pastor Mees. Throughout his life, he has been an active member of our community – from Jesus and Me Classes to Vacation Bible School, Sunday School with Nick Hellmuth, and Confirmation with Kendall Wilkens and Sebastian Soja during COVID. More recently, he’s participated in Youth Group activities with Coach Mike and Ryan Peterson.
Talents Beyond the Church Walls
While attending Calvary Christian School and later Viewpoint, Clayton developed his passion for theater and technical production. He started as a spotlight operator at Theater Palisades and grew to become a master electrician and mainstage lighting designer, even receiving a nomination for a Broadway World LA Award for his work on “Tick. Tick. Boom.”
His impressive talents extend to music as well, having been active in jazz band, pep band, wind ensemble, and CAIS Honor Band. Clayton’s dedication earned him acceptance to prestigious programs like the UCLA Lighting and Sound Innovation Summer Program and Open Jar Institute on Broadway. Last summer, he interned with Kinetic Lighting, supporting projects for Disney, the Olympics, and Idina Menzel.
The Next Chapter Begins
This fall, Clayton begins his freshman year at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor’s School of Music Theater and Dance. He’s already been invited to join Musket, the school’s 100-year-old volunteer theater troupe, ensuring he’ll hit the ground running in his new academic home.
While we’ll miss seeing Clayton’s smiling face and technical expertise around our church, we’re thrilled for this new chapter in his life. As he embarks on this exciting journey, he carries with him not only his impressive talents but also the love and support of his church family.
Please join us in keeping Clayton in your prayers as he begins this new adventure. Thank you for your friendship, encouragement, and prayers! Go Blue!
