 From Pastor John
Ah yes! It's January, 2018. It's time for resolutions!
In his book
A Journey to Bethlehem
, Jason Soroski offers the following definitions of a resolution:
"Resolution. Webster defines the word as being "marked by firm determination." The word dominates every New Year's Eve."
"To the musician, a "resolution" is a harmony line moving from a dissonant tone (one that does not fit the melody) to a consonant tone (one that fits). Harmonies can dance and amaze us with varied complexities for a while, but they must eventually resolve."
"To the writer, a resolution is the end of a story, the final element of a twisting plot wrought with conflict, finally resolved to an ending where all is well."
"To the chemist, it is the separation of a chemical compound back into its constituents, or simplest parts."
"To the statesman, it is an expression of the determined will of an elected body."
"To the graphic artist, it is the sharpness of the pixel count on a screen, and the quality of the image produced."
"By any definition, a Resolution is characterized by a return to simplicity (Emphasis added), a focus on sharp definition and determination, broken down to its simplest, most harmonious parts. Without resolution, art, science, government, and life in general all fall into chaos. Without resolution, there is no foundation on which to stand." (Emphasis added)
We have just gone through a December season of great noise and complexity. I'm sure the past year also has had its struggles with things "unresolved."
Resolve to return. In this coming year, return to the foundations of worship, Bible reading, devotions, and prayer. Return to the simple message of God's love and forgiveness as the foundation of your life in 2018.
With these simple foundations, God will work in, with, and under all your plans and resolutions for his kingdom and your joy.
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LCEF
Did You Know?
It's not too late for a New Years Resolution if you do not already have a proper will, trust or estate plan for your family. Well, the Lutheran Church Extension Fund can help not only through investments but through a life plan or legacy that includes Christian giving.
Two options to get started are:
a. Contact Robin Paris, our Florida-Georgia District Gift Planning Counselor at 407-333-0797 Ext. 1103 or at "
[email protected]."
b. Go to "
gifting.lcef.org." Select "Gifting Later." Under "Planned Giving", select "Create Your Legacy" or select "Wills Guide" to get a free guide.
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MIRIAM CIRCLE
Miriam Circle will meet on Tuesday, January 9th, from 10:00 to noon, in the church library. Our study, "Knowing Jesus Gives My Life Balance," is from the Winter Quarterly, which at this writing has not yet arrived. Our study will be printed for everyone at the meeting if the Quarterlies still haven't arrived by our meeting day. Just come and bring your Bible. We have a cup of coffee and fellowship before we begin the study. When we arrived for our December meeting we found a lovely surprise. Our tree was already up and decorated, complete with our historic Christmons. (Thank you, Sheila!) We added our offerings for December, wrapped as ornaments, a long time Miriam Circle tradition. We have four mission projects, for which we take an offering each month, then at Christmas and in May, we divide our gifts four ways for Bethesda Lutheran Homes, LCMS World Missions and Human Care, Lutherans in Jewish Evangelism, and Lutheran Indian Ministries. Come and get "balanced" with us.
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Stamp Ministry
We're still collecting stamps for the stamp ministry. Please deposit your used and trimmed stamps in the small basket on the table in the church office. The children will thank you.
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Winter Jam
Winter Jam is a Christian Concert Jam packed with concerts by Christian artists and speakers. This year we will have the opportunity to see Skillet, NewSong, John Crist, Jordan Feliz, and many others. The concert will be held on Friday, January 12 at 7:00pm at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. We will meet at First Lutheran Church at 4:00pm that Friday and return around 1:30am on Saturday, January 13. Tickets are $15 a person. If you are interested in attending, please contact Stephanie Karolus - [email protected]
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Parent Bible Study
Our bimonthly parent Bible Study will meet on January 10 and 31 from
6:45 -7:30pm. All parents are invited to attend. We are currently going through the Bible Study "Parenting: Loving our Children with God's Love". If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Karolus.
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Open Arms Volunteers
Volunteers are needed at Open Arms!! If you can read out loud or say "Good Morning!", then you can help us out!! Volunteers are needed to read to Open Arms students, you can volunteer once a week, once a month, or whatever fits into your schedule. You can read from the book selection in the Open Arms Library or borrow some books that Stephanie Karolus has tucked away in her office. Volunteers are also needed to greet parents and students in the morning as they come in. All you need to be able to do is smile, wave, and say "Good Morning!" By volunteering at Open Arms in these two ways, you are sure to bring a smile to both parents and children! If you are interested in reading or greeting please contact Stephanie Karolus (352-376-2062) or Angie Burr (352-373-5856).
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Winter Minute to Win It Olympics
Stephanie Karolus is looking for volunteers to help me plan to a Food and Family Night in Mid-February centered around the Winter Olympics. If you are interested in helping, please contact Stephanie Karolus (352-376-2062).
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Florida/Georgia High School Youth Gathering
Calling all High School Students! You are invited to attend the 2018 High School Youth Gathering at the Marriott Sawgrass Resort in Ponte Verda Beach! You will have the opportunity to hear Bill Younker speak and go to a concert by Bread of Stone! The Gathering is February 2-4, 2018 and the cost to attend is $90 (plus money for food there and back). If you are interested in attending, please get a registration form from Stephanie Karolus. Registration and payment is due to Stephanie by January 7.
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2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering Interest Meeting
All students who will have completed their Freshman through Senior Year of High School the summer of 2019 are eligible to attend the 2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering. We will be having an interest meeting on February 11 following worship in the Youth Room. If you have a student who is interested in attending the National Youth Gathering in 2019, but is unable to attend the meeting in February, please contact Stephanie Karolus - [email protected]
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Family Faith Night
It's Family Faith Night with the Orlando Magic on March 2, 2018! The whole family is invited to come cheer on the Orlando Magic against the Detroit Pistons. Prior to the game starting, there will be a pre-game photo opportunity! After the game there will also be a concert, the artist is still to be determined. Tickets cost $22.66 a piece. To order tickets for you and your family, please click HERE. If you have any questions, please contact Vicar James [email protected]
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