Let's take a closer look at our Bible verse this week. John 13:34 - 35 says the following. "And so I am giving a new commandment to you now - love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

There is a lot packed into these two verses.

This isn't a suggestion, an idea, a proverb. It is a commandment. Jesus is using strong language here. He commands us to love each other.

To what degree do we love? "as much as I love you." Since it is generally agreed that there is no greater love than that of Jesus for us since he died for us, to love someone as he loves us is great indeed.

What does this love say about us? It proves we are Jesus' disciples.

I watched with horror some of the events happening last week. Later in the week, my devotion book called me to read 1 Corinthians 13. I realized that despite some of the talk and symbols of Christianity I saw on tv, many involved in these demonstrations were missing the main ingredient of being a Christ follower. They were missing the love.

Jesus says love is what proves we are his disciples. (John 13:35)

Paul says without love we are a noisy gong or a clanging symbols.(1 Corinthians 13:1)

Love is patient, love is kind...it does not dishonor others. (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5)

Paul notes that while many things are important... the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

As an old song goes, "They will know we are Christians by our Love."

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Faith Together at Home for this week. (Click here for this week's family lesson.)

What is the Greatest Commandment? - A look at the Bible verse of this week and a short explanation.

Love Round - Can you sing along with this round?

We sure had fun making snow flakes last week! Did you make any more? If so, bring them and show them to us on Thursday.

This week we will find out what happens when there is a REALLY BIG SNOW as we read Katy and the Big Snow. Come ready to sing and we'll do some of your favorites.

Carol Boyce is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting AT 9:00 am on THURSDAY, January 21.

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TIME: Wednesday, January 20, at 7:00 pm.

FOR: Kindergartners - Third Graders (or anyone that just likes a good story).

WHAT: Well, the first meeting didn't go so well between Jane and Jeffrey. Tonight we'll peek in on the MOOPS meeting and see what the girls intend to do to apologize.

ENJOY: Enjoy talking to and keeping up with your church friends. We look forward to seeing you!

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Deacons in our church are putting together special Valentine bags for our seniors and they would love to have children make valentines to add to the bags.

Many of our seniors have been in their homes for many months without much contact from friends, family, or church. Help us show them you care. Would you make a valentine or two for them? We need about 45 but can use many more as that just means we'll have more love to go around.

Email Mrs. Boyce at cboyce@boxp.net if you can help and I'll arrange with you how to get your valentines.

You will make some seniors very happy!

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