We join our hearts in worship on the 4th Sunday after Epiphany by coming here and participating in the recorded service.
As we gather for our Annual Meeting on Sunday at 11 am via Zoom (email link sent on Friday), it is very important that we participate in worship together in Spirit first, if possible. I hope you will be able to worship first and then join the meeting. This sets our priorities well and reminds us of our calling and purpose as a church.
God’s Word reminds us this Sunday that God is compassionate and that we are to live as God’s compassionate people. Putting ourselves in the place of others’ perspective and seeking out ways to understand where others are coming from, is the calling and example we have in the scriptures today. Looking for ways to help others be at peace with God, themselves, others and all creation is how we follow Jesus. Jesus’ first sign he performs in Mark is healing a man with “an unclean spirit”, or – as we understand it today – someone who struggles with mental illness/substance abuse. May this guide our church’s work in calling our community to provide better help for the many people we see and know who struggle in the same ways.
Our gathering for worship each Sunday in our homes, or wherever we can, is very essential to strengthen us to meet the world’s challenges. These days, especially, we cling to the messages of our faith that call us to new beginnings and living a new life. We seek to live God’s epiphany in Christ, as we join with the Magi of old and offer our lives and gifts to God through our church.
Previous weeks worship services are recorded as well. Please find attached, the bulletin cover artwork, scripture readings & prayers in the Celebrate.
Thank you for your continued faithfulness in your financial giving back to God through our church. Please remember to either give your offering through the mail, through our website donation option, signing up for monthly electronic giving, OR if you just want to get out of the house, then come by the church and drop it off in the mailbox in a secure slot called “Incoming mail”! Office hours are M-Th 8:30-2:30. If you come during those times, you may also want to step into the sanctuary for some prayer and quiet time with God. We would love to see you. Our library is also open to you with quite a variety to choose from.
Thank you to those of you who have been sending us notes and messages of encouragement and support. They help keep us hopeful and joyful! We always love to hear how things are going. We would like to share your experiences in the Newsletter each month. So, give some thought to what’s been happening in your life – we all miss each other, and would be thrilled to hear what’s up!
Other notes:
- If any of you would like to participate, we are open to a few people Reading Scripture and offering the Prayers of Intercession from the Celebrate page. Or if you would just like to come to worship – Fridays (new day) 11:00 am. Call Leslie at 476-4700 to schedule your spot .
- Habitat for Humanity Lunches. We will be providing Lunches (sandwiches, chips, fruit & cookies) for 10 volunteers. Reply to this email or call office if you would like to help out. Our next date is Tuesday, February 23.
- A few copies of “White Fragility” are available to borrow. Call the office to inquire.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jim
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