Today's Sunday Morning Update
Our morning began at 8:30 with the latest gathering of our weekly Adult Zoom Sunday School Class.
During our 9:45 Worship Service, we explored how being a disciple of Jesus Christ requires a profound shift in our social and private lives. We learned how "liking" and "loving" God will lead us down two fundamentally different paths. We also recognized the service of our former church secretary, Michelle Lake, as she pursues another opportunity. If you missed the service, a recording can be found (plus other recent services) anytime on our website and our Facebook page (find links to both below).
At 11am, our CORE & JAM Youth Groups gathered together in the Middle High Room for their second meeting of January. Remember CORE & JAM Youth Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays at 11am, and our Sunday School classes (for all ages) meet at 11am on the 2nd & 4th Sundays each month.
*Please note: There will be no 11am gathering on the 5th Sunday of the month, January 31.
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Devotions
(from this week's "Taking Faith Home")
Human efforts are important for lots of things in this world, but in the Bible, it is God’s efforts that make all the difference. It is not first that we as humans call on God to make God a saving presence in our lives. It is God that reaches out to us. We see this in the story of Jesus calling disciples (John 1:43-51). Jesus takes the initiative with Philip, Nathanael, and with us. We see that same pattern when God calls Samuel. God repeatedly reaches out to a boy who does not know God yet. This is also the theme of Psalm 139:1: “O LORD, you have searched me and known me.” According to the psalmist, that is unbelievably awesome news. That news is worthy of our full attention, like the boy Samuel saying to the LORD, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10).
With a God who comes to us, knows us, and calls us to do Gods’ work in the world, it is worth taking the voice of Samuel and making it our own: “Speak, Lord, for I am listening.” The church, body of Christ, wants to acknowledge that we are listening to Jesus; the faithfulness of each disciple of Jesus says, “Lord, I am listening to you.” How do you listen to God? Is it through prayer, reading the Bible, public worship, or listening to the voice of God through others around you?
Prayer
Dear God, just as you pursued Samuel and the disciples Philip and Nathanael, we thank you for pursuing us with your love and grace today through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Our “Taking Faith Home” publication is a great resource for exploring your faith all through the week. It provides daily readings, prayers, devotions, and service opportunities following the weekly Lectionary readings. Click here for this week's complete new edition.
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Church Pictures
Did you receive your free 8"x10" photo after sitting for our church directory pictures last year? If you ordered additional copies, your free 8"x10" was already included with that mailing. If you didn't order anything, then please feel free to pick up your free photo in the mailbox outside the church office.
As announced earlier, Lifetouch Church Photography has informed us that they are closing their operation permanently. However, they will still be completing our photo directory and will be sending copies to us in the near future. We'll keep you posted.
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Pastors in the Family Life Center on Thursday!
We have lots of room to spread out safely and catch up with one another. Join Co-Pastors Luke and Meggan on Thursday from 10-11am in the Family Life Center. As always, if you need one-on-one attention, feel free to call or email one of the pastors or the church secretary to set up a time to meet.
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Mark Your Calendars!
The annual Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive is coming next month, and our church will again provide boxes for your donations. We're also planning a tasty special event to help raise funds. On Sunday, February 14 at 11am, our Agape volunteer team will offer a drive-thru Valentines Day "Sweets for Your Sweetheart" Dessert Sale to help support this important local campaign. Watch for more details soon.
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> Session Meeting (Zoom) - Monday (1/18) 6:30pm
> Zoom Check In - Wednesday (1/20) 7pm
> Pastors in the Family Life Center - Thursday (1/21) 10am
> Paper Crafting Gathering (rooms 12/13) - Saturday (1/23) 10am
> Adult Sunday School (Zoom) - next Sunday (1/24) 8:30am
> Sunday Worship - next Sunday (1/24) 9:45am (in person at church, live stream on our Facebook page, or view a recording after the service on our website)
> Sunday School Classes for all ages (various rooms) - Sunday (1/24) 11am
> Youth Zoom Bible Study - Sunday (1/24) 6pm
> P.W. 4th Tuesday Readers Group (Family Life Center) - Tuesday (1/26) 1pm
> Parent Zoom Fellowship - Tuesday (1/26) 8pm
> Woe-Be-Gone Gathering (Family Life Center) - Thursday (1/28) 10am
*To schedule a meeting at the church, contact Michelle in the church office. To schedule an online Zoom meeting, contact Pastor Meggan.
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