SHARE:  

Worship Sundays at 9:15am in person or online!

Online | Calendar | Ministries | Giving

WELCOME TO OUR

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Vol. 52 December 25, 2024

View Newsletter as Webpage

FROM PASTOR ANN

A Way In A Manger...


Yes, that's right...a "way" in a manger.

What is the "manger" where we find this "way," this hope, this promise? It's a food trough that's in the barn, past that dirty, muddy barnyard with cattle, sheep, and other animals wandering through the mud, making ruts filled with dirty water and manure. This manger, this food trough, offers hope of nourishment for the animals that come searching for food. They look for what has been promised to them.


What might the muck look like for us?

Family challenges...

Strained relationships...

Job insecurity...

Unemployment...

School issues...

Health crises...

Discrimination...

Homelessness...

Financial messes...


Sometimes we need to be reminded that we need to get through the mud and the muck and focus on the promise... It's there..for us...maybe not how we planned or expected, but it's there...that little baby...waiting for us...offering a promise of comfort, of hope, of nourishment for our souls.

Emmanuel: God with us!

A Way In A Manger

Blessings,

Pastor Ann

email or call me 763-447-7664

WORSHIP RESOURCES

Click to see the Order of Worship for:

Dec 29

This past Sunday's service: YouTube

SERVICES

EVENTS & INFOS

For those who we are unable to hand deliver, we will mail out your stewardship letter. Pledge cards are included and we need them back by January 12. Thanks for your diligence in this!

Hey Kids! Young and old! Join us for some jumping fun at Gravity Factory Dec 27th at 2pm! We are paying for the kids entrance, socks, and a drink with snack! This is an activity made possible because of Noisy Offerings! It is important everyone is there by 2pm that wants to jump so we can pay for you.

Please mark your calendar and join us for a

New Year's Eve Party in the Parish Hall!

Bring a dish for a snack bar, your favorite drink, and a game to share

Please bring anyone with you that might enjoy some company!

We will gather from 6pm until the midnight toast!

Join us for part of the party or until the midnight toast; it's up to you!


  • January 1st is when people will be able to register through the link on their website.


  • Rate will be $150/person and there is a minimum of 20 participants

OUTREACH

Sock Drive: We collected 507 total men's, women's, and children's socks. Church donated 266! Thrivent donated 241 socks! The socks were delivered to Promise Ridge and The City of Refuge which delivers to the men's and women's shelter, The Haven and Ruth House. Thank you to everyone who donated!!!

Writing a Google review for a church helps support its community and guide others. Share what stood out, like the welcoming atmosphere, quality sermons, and community programs. Mention any memorable events to give a genuine reflection of your experience, aiding those seeking a spiritual home or connection.

FELLOWSHIP SIGN-UPS

Thank you to those who have signed up! You made this easy!


SETUP/CLEANUP

  • There are plates and bowls in the kitchen cupboard by fridge
  • Cups and silverware are in the furthest left cupboard of the coffee bar
  • Make coffee and set out the food, usually done after communion.
  • Leftovers of any kind are not to be left in the refrigerator.
  • The counters and serving areas need to be sanitized
  • Nothing should be left in the draining rack.
  • If you brought it, take it home or send it with someone.

 

BRINGING FOOD

Food can be a delightful expression of individuality and

creativity! Whether you choose to bring a simple dish that warms the heart or

an extravagant culinary creation, the important thing is that you feel inspired

to share. There are no strict rules about what must be served; instead, you

have the freedom to decide what resonates with you. The only rule is we can't

save leftovers once they hit the counter.

Your contribution, no matter how big or small, is appreciated!


Sunday

Setup/Cleanup

Bring Food

12-29 Lessons & Carols

Dick & Mary Johnson

Brent Swanson

1-5

Vicki K

Julie Tullis

1-12

Dianne Yonk

Dianne Yonk

1-19



1-26 Annual Meeting



MONTHLY ACTIVITIES

There are several important days in December, including: 

  • International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month.
  • Learn a Foreign Language Month.
  • National Car Donation Month.
  • National Pear Month.
  • Bingo's Birthday Month.
  • National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month.
  • National Human Rights Month.
  • National Tie Month.

Birthdays

12-2 Carol Christensen

12-8 Vicki Krogstrand

12-10 Dick Wagner

12-11 Brigitte Nelson

12-15 Tilly Backstrom

12-18 Irene Clute

12-27 Tom Brockway

12-27 Arnie Erickson

12-27 Paulette Kirsch

12-27 Marianne Walck

Anniversaries

12-19 Les & Lorraine Backstrom

Monthly on the 1st Sunday we collect a noisy offering. This change is used for activities for the kids.

Monthly on the 2nd Saturday join us as we serve at the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen. Contact Guy Backstrom for questions you might have.

The 2nd Sunday of the month. It's a short 30 minute service in Rexburg at the Templeview Transitional Care Center. Carpool at 2pm from church, service is at 3pm

RCCM & COMMUNITY NEWS

Christmas Devotion

“Are you serious? Who doesn’t like Christmas?” asked my son.

My brain was already in overdrive, thinking about everything I needed to accomplish over the holidays. “I never said I didn’t like Christmas,” I replied. “It just isn't my favorite time of year; there's too much pressure involved and it’s just so busy.”

Like most all other celebrations, my anticipation is far more exciting than the reality. I play out scenarios of the event in my mind, imagining the best possible outcome, and get myself completely “psyched” up.

Then, when the event takes place, I’m usually disappointed because instead of finding joy at the moment, I critique and compare it to the preconceived notion I had in my head, and rarely do they match up. Christmastime only exacerbates the situation, bringing out the worst in me.

Last year I asked the Lord to help me find true enjoyment in the Christmas season. I vowed to soak in this magical time with my girls, to relish friends and family with whom we celebrate and to thank God for giving us the greatest gift ever, His only Son, Jesus.

As I read the familiar passages of Scripture telling of Jesus’ birth, I let my mind linger on the verses of Matthew 2:5-6: “They said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For from you will come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.”’”

The Son of God was born in a stable, probably surrounded by livestock, to parents who had no distinct social standing. No wonder the Jews found it difficult to believe He was the Messiah, the One sent to save them. They had suffered much and looked for a powerful and mighty leader who would deliver them from Roman oppression.

Born in a stable, a carpenter’s son, a friend of fishermen, tax collectors and prostitutes — He seemed in no way royal. Jewish leaders rejected Him and demanded He be crucified as the ultimate imposter, “the King of the Jews.”

Jesus did not rule from a throne in a royal palace surrounded by servants, guards and opulence. On the contrary, Christ came to serve, seek and save, but for reasons and in a manner far beyond anything many Jews ever imagined or understood. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and only Jesus, the Lamb of God, can deliver humanity by paying our sin debt through the shedding of His blood.

The Jewish people missed out on the greatest gift ever because they expected a particular king but were given another.

But, wait, isn’t that what I do every time the holidays don’t go the way I planned? Don’t I fall apart when the gift I meticulously selected is not well received? Don’t I allow a relative’s remarks to steal my Christmas cheer? Don’t I focus more on the “what” of Christmas than the Who?

Don’t miss celebrating the real meaning of Christmas because you’re blinded by the bright lights of the holidays or, like me, so wrapped up in the worldly demands of the season that you ignore the heavenly miracle of Christ’s birth.

My sincere hope is that you find joy, hope and peace this holiday season in God's redemption plan — that gift which lay in a manger in a stable in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. Reread the Christmas story, and let the significance of that seemingly insignificant event penetrate your heart and fill your spirit with the joy that lasts for all eternity.1

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your precious Son and giving us the gift of eternal life. Guide us in our thoughts. May we spend our time and energy focusing on the real meaning of Christmas. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


What is THE walk in the cold? An awareness event for the hungry, homeless and hopeless

This frosty footsteps 5K is more than just a walk in the cold—it is a dedicated event designed to highlight the challenges experienced by our local homeless population.


Our mission is to raise support and awareness for individuals facing homelessness in the community.


Date: Saturday March 15, 2025

Location: WaterFront at Snake River Landing

Address: 1220 Event Center Dr.


Register Now

BUSINESS UPDATES

Annual Meeting: January 26th, 2025 10:30am

Council

  • Sunday January 19 at 10:30am upstairs conference room.
  • All congregants are welcome to attend council meetings.
  • If you would like to request time to address the council please contact Merlene Brockway at (208) 317-3757 or email president@newdaylutheran.org


Thrivent Choice Dollars & Action Grants

  • Do you have Thrivent Choice Dollars that need to be allocated? This is your friendly reminder that New Day would appreciate your generosity if you choose us as your recipient.
  • Are you able to help New Day fund projects through an Action Grant? Pastor Ann can help you with ideas or assist you in applying. 


Health and Safety Committee

  • If you would like to be CPR/first aid/AED trained please contact us at church@newdaylutheran.org


Worship Committee

  • Pastor Ann, Linda Reuter, Nancy Duff, Mary Johnson, Dianne Yonk, Vicki Krogstrand, Paulette Kirsch
  • If you want to help with worship setup, tear down, reading, or communion contact one of the people above.


Small Groups

Women's Coffee

Mondays 10am Church Parish Hall

Bible Study

Mondays 6pm Church Columbarium Narthex

Beer Group

Tuesdays 3pm Idaho Brewery Idaho Brewing Company

Book Club

1st Wednesday each month 4pm Church Parish Hall

Men's Coffee

Thursdays 10am Greenhouse Coffee


Prayer Requests

Cherie Stevens handles our prayer requests. Click on her name to email her.

OUR VISION: Passion for God, Compassion for All means we strive to be a loving, Christian community who are excited and passionate about sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with everyone. Regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious background or health, you are welcome here!


OUR MISSION: Love Christ and others by accepting and welcoming all in worship, fellowship, Bible study, and community outreach while celebrating our gifts and talents. Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another…” John 13:34.

For us it’s simple – Jesus loved all people and so we want to love all people.


WELCOME, INCLUSION, CELEBRATION, AND ADVOCACY STATEMENT FOR NEW DAY LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA)

Because we are loved by God, New Day Lutheran Church is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation that welcomes all people. We invite you to join us in our commitment to support and advocate for:

People of every color, culture, and ethnic background

People of every gender identity and sexual orientation

People of all mental and physical abilities

People who are single, widowed, divorced, separated, partnered, blessed or married

People of all ages, political persuasions, levels of education

People of every economic circumstance or social status

People of any religious affiliation or none

People of all family configurations

People who speak languages other than English

People who have felt excluded or marginalized

We commit ourselves to embracing the work of anti-racism, social and economic justice, and environmental care.

We encourage all people to participate in the sacraments and all aspects of the life of our church

NWIMS

Twice a month the Northwest Intermountain Synod sends out a newsletter. If you would prefer to receive the newsletter directly you can sign up HERE.

Click the links below to see their newsletters as webpages.

December 16

December 2

ELCA

LUTHER HEIGHTS BIBLE CAMP

We are a congregational owner of Luther Heights Bible Camp - so it is important we are invested in the things they are up to! If you need more info on them, call 208-886-7657 or email them at info@lutherheights.org To subscribe to receive their newsletter directly go HERE. Fall Newsletter

We'd love to hear about your experience at Luther Heights Bible Camp. If you could take a few minutes to leave us a review on Google, we'd greatly appreciate it! To write your review, just click the link below and let us know your feedback! Thanks in advance for your review.


CLICK HERE!

GIVE NOW

RECONCILINGWORKS

Dear New Day Lutheran Church,

 

ReconcilingWorks is pleased to share with you our October 2024 Newsletter. Help us welcome and celebrate our new full time staff, Deacon David Behling our Program Coordinator, and Jennifer Trom our Operations Manager. You can also see a list of our newest Reconciling in Christ partners. As well as get an update from Conference of Bishops. 

 

If you would like to read our October - December 2024 Newsletter, please click HERE to find it on our webpage.

 

Thank you for all the ways you make this ministry possible!

 

Much joy 

Aubrey Thonvold

ST. LUKES


To see news from St. Luke's not listed here Click on the logo below then click on Thursday Tidings to see their announcements, or look at their calendar.

Contact Us
  • You can use the button below to give online!
  • You can also mail a check made out to New Day Lutheran to:

New Day Lutheran Church

2184 Channing Way #474

Idaho Falls, ID 83404


GIVE NOW
Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube  TikTok  Email  Web