Friends-
Time for some start of the year thank yous...

If you missed the last worship of 2023, you missed a lot.  Thank you, Colleen, for being real, vulnerable, and honest, and for allowing God to use you in such a powerful way.  We were all moved by God, using you. Did I mention the treats that day?  Where else can you get homemade cinnamon rolls and tamales on the same day?

Then there are the deacons, the trustees, the officers, and each of you who do so much and contribute to making this congregation more of a community than a church.  And each of you who are ministering in ways most of us have no knowledge of... but God knows, and he is pleased.

Many of you have thanked me for this newsletter.  You all need to know that I don't create it... Jennifer does.  Probably no surprise, given all the myriad other things she does in and for the church.  But thank you Jennifer for keeping us informed. 

So as we start the year, let's begin with thanksgiving, and praise to God for all he has done.  And he is not done with us... not by a long shot.

Have a great month!
Gary


January Calendar
Wednesdays - Every Wednesday Bible Study via Zoom - 7 PM 

Thursdays - 1/4 - Church Board Meeting via Zoom - 7 PM
Zoom 

Sundays - Every Sunday - Worship Service - 10:30 am in person and via Zoom. 
                 1/7 - 9:15 am  - Holy Moments Book Study in the basement - pages 33-41
                         10:30 am - Worship Service and Communion Sunday
                         11:30 am - Put away the Christmas decorations

                 1/14 - 9:15 am - Holy Moments Book Study in the basement -  pages 42-53
                          10:30 am - Worship Service
                          11:30 am - Potluck followed by Annual Meeting

                 1/21 - 9:15 am - Holy Moments Book Study in the basement - pages 53-59
                           10:30 am - Worship Service

                 1/28 - 9:15 am - Holy Moments Book Study in the basement - pages 61-74
                           10:30 am - Worship Service

Contact Gary at [email protected] for Zoom links

Other News - 
Book Study on Holy Moments - This study will resume on Sunday, January 7 at 9:15 am in the basement of the church.  Come even if you weren't able to make it before.  Please note that the page numbers that will be discussed each week are listed above. 

Communion Sunday - 1/7 - Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, January 7.  If you attend via Zoom please have your elements ready if you want to participate. 

Coin Collection - 1/7 - Did you forget your coins on December 31? Bring them on January 7. 

Putting Away Christmas Decorations - 1/7 - Our church looks beautiful with all the Christmas decorations and it is hard to say goodbye to them.  We will be packing them up and putting them in storage after worship on Sunday, January 7.  Grab some coffee and a snack and then we will work together to take care of that. 

Annual Meeting and Potluck - 1/14 - Please plan on staying after worship on Sunday, January 14 for a potluck and then our annual meeting. Bring a dish or two to share for the potluck. Everyone's input is needed for the meeting. It is an important time to review the minutes concerning 2022, reflect on 2023, and look ahead to 2024. Look for your minutes from the 2023 meeting via email.  Be sure to read them ahead of time and print them if you want them at the meeting. We hope everyone can make it, even if you are relatively new to the church.

Upper Room - The January/February copies of the Upper Room Devotional are now available at the church. Be sure to get one.  Think about taking an extra one to a friend or neighbor. 

Thanks - December was a very full month and there is a lot to be thankful for. Too many names to list! Many thanks to the individuals who donated/provided the following things: porch decoration, centerpieces, poinsettias, wooden children's nativity set, bulletins for the 24th, gifts for the families at the Caledonia school, and special treats for the 24th and 31st.  Not to mention the time given by so many!

Looking Ahead - 
Chili Cook-Off and New... Dessert Bake-Off - We are hoping to bring back the Chili Cook-off on Sunday, February 13 after worship. We are adding a dessert Bake-Off this year.  It will be a time of good food and friendly competition.  Watch for a sign-up sheet for the chili and baking competition later in January.  If you don't want to compete, there will be plenty of other things you can sign up to bring.  Mostly bring your appetite!  February can be a long cold month, so what better way to enjoy the month?  Chili and Desserts!