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January at Caledonia Congregational Church

1/2/2015

Dear friends-
How did this happen?

I have lived in the same house for over thirty one years! When we moved here, we were kids, puppies. I figured we'd be in Rockford for around 5 years and then move on. But God had other plans. And his plans are always best (Jeremiah 29:11)!

The longer we live in our house, the more stuff we try to get rid of. For one thing, we want our lives to be simple. And for another, if and when we do move, we want it to be as easy as possible. I have often said that when we sell our house, all I want to walk away with is the check. Everything else- furniture, mementos, cats, dogs, kids, food- stays. I know that's not likely, but it's what I'd like.

For sure, I wouldn't want to move a lot of junk that I neither want nor need. Just makes sense. And yet, every year, most of us carry a lot of junk with us into the new year, which we would be much better off just getting rid of. Stuff like: anger, resentment, bitterness, criticisms, judgments, worries, fears. Junk. Why in the world would we carry all that garbage to our very nice new year?

It would be a good exercise for all of us as the year ends and a new one begins, to take some time to rummage through our minds, hearts, and spirits to see if there is any junk from the past still hanging around. Ask God to help- he'll be happy to point it out.

And then ask him to help you get rid of it as well. He's the only one big enough to root it out and carry it off, and get rid of it for good. It may take a while, but it will be well worth the effort. It will allow us to live the "abundant life" that Jesus says he came to give us: "The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy. But I have come to give you life; life in all it's fullness." (John 10:10)

Make this a really NEW year... get rid of the junk!
Gary

CALENDAR
Saturday January 3 - Men's Book Study - 8:30 am - Dandy Donuts on Riverside. Meets every Saturday.
Sunday January 4 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
    - Worship Service with Communion - 10:30 am - Hill family providing the worship music.
    - Youth Group - 5-7 PM - Church Basement - 6th-12th grade are invited.
Wednesday January 7 - Adult Bible Study and Potluck - 6 PM - Barrick's home - Meets every Wednesday evening. Thursday January 8 - Church Board Meeting - 7 PM - Church Fellowship Room.
Friday January 9 - Movie Night - 6 PM - Church Basement - Invite friends and family for pizza and Dolphin Tale 2.
Sunday January 11 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
    - Worship Service - 10:30 am
    - All Church Potluck and Annual Meeting - immediately following worship in the church basement.
Thursday January 15 - Serving Community Dinner at Poplar Grove Methodist - Talk to Sandy Free if interested in helping or eating!
Sunday January 18 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
    - Worship Service - 10:30 am.
    - Youth Group - 5-7 PM - Church Basement.
Thursday January 22 - New Book Study Beginning for Women - 2 PM - Judy Murphy's home.  Talk to Jennifer if interested.
Sunday January 25 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
    - Worship Service - 10:30 am - Installation of Church Board.
    - Hiking after fellowship for any interested

STUDY/GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
Sundays - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement - Talk to Janet Fraker if interested.
    - Youth Group - 5-7 PM - Church Basement - First and Third Sundays of the month. 6th - 12th grade are invited.
    Pizza, games, and a video lesson are all part of the evening. Questions? Talk to Steve Barrick.
Wednesdays - Potluck and Bible Study - 6 PM - Barrick's Home - Finishing up Acts - Talk to Gary if interested.
Thursdays - New Book Study for Women - 2 PM - Judy Murphy's Home
    - Studying One Thousand Reasons by Ann Voskamp.
Saturdays - Men's Book Study - 8:30 am - Dandy Donuts on Riverside. Talk to Cam Staman if interested.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Greeters and Refreshments - Both of these are important parts of our Sunday morning! Sign up in the fellowship room.
Blue Barrel - People are still hungry after the holidays, so please consider a donation to our blue barrel.
Pregnancy Care Center - Looking for donations of baby items, such as diapers, clothing, toiletries, baby equipment.
Pizza and Movie Night - Please talk to Nikki Fowler about helping on this fun evening. Last time the basement was packed!
Community Dinner - Talk to Sandy Free about serving this once a month dinner at the Poplar Grove Methodist Church.

OTHER NEWS
Thanks - Thank you to everyone who provided cookies for our Christmas Eve service! It was a great way to close out a beautiful evening.

Annual Meeting and Potluck - Please bring a dish or two to share at the potluck and then stay for the annual meeting. This is an important meeting for our church and your input is needed and valued! Sunday January 11 immediately following worship.

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Annual Meeting Postponed

January at Caledonia Congregational Church

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