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Friends-
I begin each year by asking God if he has a word for me for the year. This year, very clearly, the word was "love". So, no surprise that in this month that is sort of known for love, I would choose in this letter to say a bit about it. Valentines Day has come to mean chocolate, cards, going out to dinner, wine, and a host of other things that we might give or do to let someone know we love them. I think it's great that there is a day given to the promotion of love. Of course, love, as it is celebrated in the culture, can fall far short of the self-less, sacrificial love that God intends for us, the love that Saint Valentine was committed to sharing, up to and including his death as a Christian martyr in the 3rd century AD. The Bible is basically a love letter from God to us. It is to let us know who he is. and how much he loves us. In both the Old and New Testaments, we find the resounding theme of God's unconditional, never-ending, all-powerful love for the world and her people. And why the emphasis on love? Because. we are told, God IS love- it is not just an aspect of his character. So as you go about the business of sharing love this February 14, I encourage you to read some verses from the author of love. 1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 3 and 4, and Psalm 136 could be places to start. And let's thank God for loving us so much that he came and gave his life for us. Here's a challenge: Give someone in the church who you haven't seen or talked to in a while a call. Spread a little love! Who do you love? I know Who loves you! Have a wonderful month! Pour love on everyone! Gary February Calendar Tuesdays - 2/1 - Church Board Meeting via Zoom - 7 PM - Please note the new date for this month. Wednesdays - Every Wednesday Bible Study via Zoom - 7:30 PM - Sundays - Every Sunday - Worship Service - 10:30 am in person at the church and via Zoom. 1/6 - Communion Sunday - see information below. Contact Gary @ bridmin.com for Zoom links Other News: Communion Sunday - We are going back to each person providing their own communion on the first Sunday of the month. So if you attend in person or via Zoom, please have your own communion elements. It has become too complicated trying to do it otherwise. Church Board Members - The following people are serving on the church board for 2022. The Trustees are Dave Kohl, Bob Lyford, and Curt Moore. The Deacons are Nikki Maurice, Mike McGinnis, and Barb Kohl. The Clerk is Jill Gray. Financial Secretary is Nathalie Lyford and the Treasurer is Dave Walker. Please feel free to contact them if you have questions or ideas. Pray for them as they work to guide and lead the church. Thank you to each one of them for their willingness to serve the church. Thanks - A belated thank you to everyone who donated money, gifts, or time to the family that we helped in December. Thank you for your generosity. Special thanks to Nikki Maurice for all her work and also to Barb Kohl. Covid - Once again just simple reminders to help everyone stay safe and healthy! Follow safety protocols when possible. Join us on Zoom if you aren't feeling well or have been exposed to Covid. Thanks for being considerate of others. We have lots of hand sanitizer around the church to keep your hands clean! Refreshments - We have been enjoying coffee and simple refreshments on Sundays after the service. Our Christmas cookies are now officially gone! So if you want treats after church, please consider bringing something occasionally! Offering - If you come to church, the offering plate is at the back of the sanctuary. Otherwise, consider mailing it to Nathalie Lyford. Thanks so much for your faithful giving. Our next coin collection will be on April 24. |
AuthorGary Schwerin, pastor Archives
January 2023
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