This Sunday:

"Come and See!"

John 1:29-42

In-person and Live Stream to Facebook and YouTube at 10:30 AM

Hello Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are into January, and we begin a busy season in the life of our church. Please allow me to touch on a few details with you.

• Sunday School and Frolic meet this Sunday. If you have not attended in a while, no need to worry. We would love to see you return and there will be no questions or judgment – only joy that you are here.
• New Members is meeting this Sunday. It will meet at the church from 3-6 pm with childcare available and finishing with a light supper. I look forward to meeting with you about our next steps. It is exciting to see that you are interested in forming a more significant bond with us as a church. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
• As I mentioned in an article about a month or two ago, Security has become a regular item on the Board’s agenda this past 6 months. Because we are a Church and School, we have some specific concerns and responsibilities. After much discussion, the Board has authorized a multi-tiered plan for Security enhancement on the campus. They will speak to this on the next two Sundays in worship.
• I have been the Pastor at New Covenant for a long time! That means that I qualify for what academia calls a sabbatical. I proposed a “clergy renewal plan” of 10 weeks to take place in the summer of 2024, 1 ½ years from now. It would be from May 20 – July 28, 2024. The board has generously approved this plan for me and for my beloved, Patti, to participate with me. We are in the process of applying for a grant to cover the costs. I would also like to indicate your support for this and so I would request your presence at the annual meeting to affirm the plan for my “Clergy Renewal!” Next week, I’ll tell you a bit more about the plan.
• That brings me to a reminder that we would really love to have you at the Annual Meeting. It will be Sunday, January 29 at Noon, right after our worship service. I hope that you will attend.

Remember this Sunday we are reading about John the Baptist and how he was revealing “the Hidden Messiah!” (John 1:29-42) So, how do you find a hidden Messiah? Come and See!

I hope that you will come so that I can see you soon!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Steve

• Prayers for Keith and his family as they navigate some hardships.
• Prayers for pain relief and improvement for John Dahlgren as he is experiencing severe back pain.
• Prayers for healing for Hazel, and comfort for her parents Bill and Kelly.
• Prayers for Theresa Nguyen following a cancer diagnosis.
• Prayers for Miss Brooke's daughter and their family as they navigate her health and treatment.
• Kayla, Aurien Preiss' half sister in Nebraska had back surgery recently, and is still in severe pain. Prayers for pain relief and a fast recovery.
• Aurien Preiss' sister, Penny, has a severe upper respiratory infection. Prayers for quick healing.
• Prayers for continued improvement for Carol McNulty, Aurien Preiss' mom, as she continues with physical and occupational therapy.
• Prayers for comfort and peace for Marjorie Reese as she is entering her final stages of life.
• Prayers for healing for Jennifer, niece of Kathleen Reese.
• Prayers for health and peace for Dana Engstrom's father.
• Prayers for Bonnie Straley’s brothers, Len and Larry and also his wife, Ann, for healing; and also Daphne and Cassidy for God’s guidance.
• Prayers for continued healing for Jennifer Coughenour's mom, Lavita Costley, following a hospitalization.
• Prayers for comfort and healing for Sharon Dalbke, niece of Ron and Phyllis Ostrand, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
• Kent, a friend of Jeff Clarke and Debbie Campouris, is in need of continued prayers as he navigates his diagnosis.
• Dana Engstrom, the preschool director, is battling long COVID. Prayers for complete healing for her.