This Sunday's Theme:

10:30 AM Service

"Sign of Grace?"

John 2:1-11

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

Dear friends,

I hope you are well! The New Member Class has been rescheduled for this Sunday from 4-7pm. I am trying something new – we will gather to make a meal, using the meal preparation as an opportunity to teach about New Covenant’s visions, mission and values. I know that it sounds a bit weird, and it may not work, but we are going to give it a try. I’ll let you know how it goes.

So, if you are interested in making a meal, learning more about New Covenant, and eating the prepared meal together, join us this Sunday as we prepare some lasagna and salad, using the ingredients for a fine Italian meal. It will also give us the opportunity to build upon the special ingredients that make New Covenant who we are!

Attention: all members of New Covenant - Our Annual meeting will be after worship on Sunday, January 26. Mark your calendars and plan to attend!

Remember also that we will offer our next baptism class on Sunday February 2, at Noon. This class is a one-hour explanation of baptism as we practice it as a Lutheran Church, at New Covenant.

This Sunday we will dive into Jesus’ first miracle! John calls it a “Sign!” It’s about the wedding that Jesus and his disciples were at, when they ran out of wine. After hesitating, Jesus provides more than enough wine! Is this a lesson on “pestering mothers” or could this be a “Sign of Grace?” If you are reading ahead, look at John 2: 1-11 and come prepared to hear about a wedding feast!

Pastor Steve

Only halfway through month one of this new year, and I am in “crunch time” already! What is happening in 2025? It’s crazy! I feel like every day I am in a race to get more work done than the day before! Why could this be? This must be my own undoing. I am sure of it. So, I slow down and find space for God. It is the time that I set aside to be with Him each day that is my place of peace. Those are the moments that allow me to recenter myself and allow myself to press on.

Those moments with Jesus refuel my soul. They make me a better person, they give me faith power, they give me confidence in my ability to lead like Him, they give me humility, they give me passion, they give me grace, they give me calm, they give me understanding of the world around me, they give me love for my fellow man, they give me excitement for life, they give a reason to wake up, they give me literally everything I need to be a better me every day. So, although I feel like 2025 is hitting me like a ton of bricks on fire, I am completely covered in the armor of God and ready to fight the battle for Him. I vow to wake up and show up each day. I vow to do that for Him, for my children, for you all, for my team, and for everyone who depends on me. Bring it on, 2025! It’s going to be a great year! Busyness is our Business, and we are busy for all the right reasons in our business. I hope that your year is headed in the right direction and that you are taking time each day to center yourself and spend time with the Lord. He is waiting for you.

Ms. Dana

School Calendar

• We pray for healing for Brad, who broke his back, and now awaits the plan of care from his doctor on whether he will need surgery or not.
• Prayers for complete healing for Matt, brother of Tina, following his hospitalization after a seizure.
• We pray for Tiffani Scott, niece of Sheri Hanchar and granddaughter of Ann McDonell, during her ongoing breast cancer treatment and next phase of chemo.
• We pray for Miranda’s son who is hospitalized and facing surgery for a neck abscess. Miranda is Katie Mayer’s friend.
• We pray for strength and healing for Maury Bell who is suffering from stage 4 cancer.
• We pray for strength and healing for Christina, daughter of Kim, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, and now has recurrence in her liver and brain.
• We pray for a complete recovery for Chris Steley, daughter of Pat Andrews, following successful shoulder surgery.
• Prayers for Jeanne, for strength and healing, so that she would be able to travel home to New York.
• Prayers for Paul Collins and his family as he has entered hospice care due to the progression of his brain cancer. We pray for peace and comfort during this time.
• We pray for healing for Kevin Bunn, brother-in-law of Max Duarte. Kevin has been diagnosed with cancer of the liver and began chemo this week.
• That the Holy Spirit would come and fill us and our church with its Pentecost power, love and grace.
• Prayers for Sandee that she is able to experience healing for her depression as well as other health struggles. Prayers that she would find a renewed sense of purpose.
• Prayers for all young parents, for patience, peace, and overflowing love in their homes.
• Prayers for healing for Troy's brother in Colorado who suffers from Parkinson's.
• Prayers for Carol McNulty, Aurien Preiss' mom, as she continues with therapy.
• 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.