Friends-
I never expected this. I thought we were just doing the usual Christmas readings for Christmas eve- the Luke 2 passage. Classic. Everyone knows it. We could probably recite it by heart.
But I sensed God saying to me, "Keep going". And so I did and will continue. Jesus dedicated at the temple. Jesus in the temple as a kid. John the Baptist. The baptism of Jesus. The temptation of Jesus. We are in Luke 4 now and God keeps saying, "Keep going" And so I will. And this question keeps coming up for us to consider, "Who is this?" Who is this person that changed the course of history forever?
I think maybe what God wants is for us to know Jesus better. Wants us to know him well. Wants us to know his story. Ultimately, wants us to know him personally. If I could give each of you a gift, that would be it: a rousing, joyful, transforming, loving relationship with the One who knows you best and loves you most. That's what I want for you and for myself.
I pray to that end, and ask you to join me in that prayer. What if the Valentine's gift we give each other is the love of the One who IS love? How might that change our world?
Love you all!
Gary
Calendar
Sundays - Every Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. in person and via Zoom.
2/1 - Communion Sunday
- Installation of Church Board Members
- Baptism of Scott Decker
2/8 - Chili Cook-Off and Dessert Bake-Off following worship.
Mondays - 2/9 - Every Monday except 2/2 - New! Seeking Refuge Bible Study - 6 p.m. - Details below.
Wednesdays - Every Wednesday Bible Study - 7 p.m. via Zoom
- 2/18 - Ash Wednesday - Lent begins
Thursdays - 2/5 - Church Board Meeting - 7 p.m. via Zoom
2/26 - Coffee and Connections - 11:30 a.m. - Ocellos Restaurant
Saturdays - 2/21 - Men's Breakfast - 8 a.m. - Church basement
Other News -
Zoom - Contact Gary at [email protected] for Zoom links,
Board Installation - 2/1 - This years Church Board members will be installed during the worship service on February 1. Please pray for them and Pastor Gary as they work together to guide, lead and care for our church. Feel free to contact them if you questions, concerns , or ideas.
Board Members - The 2026 Church Board consist of Traci Montoya as clerk, Dave Walker as treasurer, and Nathalie Lyford as financial secretary. The Deacons are Brittni Zick, Kyle Zick, and Judy Murphy. They are charged with the spiritual side of the church. The Trustees are Bob Lyford, Tim Murphy, and Curt Moore. They oversee the physical building and budget. The communion preparers are Hannah Foley and Angela Green. The member-at-large is Diane Upton. That position helps to fill positions for the next year. Thanks to Rita Gillette for her service as the clerk in recent years. We appreciate your work Rita!
Baptism - 2/1 - We will celebrate the baptism of Scott Decker on Sunday February 1.
Chili Cook-Off and Dessert Bake-Off - 2/8 - This event is coming up soon! We are still looking for some competitors! Even if you have won in the past maybe you want to defend your title? We are always looking for new entries as well. Check out the sign up sheet in the fellowship room. There might be a few other random things we still need. You do not have to bring anything to come, just be sure to come! It is always a good time. Come hungry and with discerning taste buds to cast your vote!
Seeking Refuge Bible Study - 2/9 - A new study, Seeking Refuge, will be held on 8 Monday nights starting Monday February 9. This will take us through Lent and end on the Monday of Holy Week. It will meet in the church basement at 6 p.m. The topics will be Seeking God, The Fools, The Wise, The Evil Doers, The Temple, The Broken Hearted, Refinement, and Refuge. Very casual, just looking at the Bible on these topics and discussing them. Talk to Brittni Zick or Gary if you have questions. If you are going crazy from being in the house this winter, this is the perfect reason to get out!
Men's Breakfast - 2/21 - All guys in the church are invited for breakfast on Saturday 2/21 at 8 a.m. We will meet in the church basement. Sounds like Swedish pancakes will be on the menu and other delicious food as well. Please let Gary know if you are coming by Thursday 2/19. Looking for a few people to help cook as well.
Coffee and Connections - Thursday - 2/26 - 11:30 a.m. - Women are invited to meet for lunch at Ocellos in Poplar Grove. It is located in 13555IL -76. Sunday mornings never seem to allow enough time to really to get to know each other. So join us for a time of good food and conversations. RSVP to Leslie at 815-985-6533.
A little help? Here's an idea that might make a difference. Gary is looking for 7 people who will pray once a week for our church. You can pray for anything else you're led to as well, but specifically that. Pray for our church. Why 7? I'd like somebody praying each day of the week. Not just one week. I want someone to pray once a week, all year long. No set time or length of time. That's between you and God. Please pray about this, and if you want to give it a try, let me know. No one else will know. Men. Women. Young. Old. Who's in? Let me know... Thanks!
Looking Ahead -
Carpenter's Place - We hope to be making sack lunches to send to Carpenter's Place and also collecting items they may need. Watch for details.
3/7 - Daylight Savings Time Starts - Turn your clocks ahead one hour tonight before you go to bed. Spring ahead!
3/15 - Possible St. Patrick's Day Potluck - We did this last year and it was great fun. Is there interest to do again?
I never expected this. I thought we were just doing the usual Christmas readings for Christmas eve- the Luke 2 passage. Classic. Everyone knows it. We could probably recite it by heart.
But I sensed God saying to me, "Keep going". And so I did and will continue. Jesus dedicated at the temple. Jesus in the temple as a kid. John the Baptist. The baptism of Jesus. The temptation of Jesus. We are in Luke 4 now and God keeps saying, "Keep going" And so I will. And this question keeps coming up for us to consider, "Who is this?" Who is this person that changed the course of history forever?
I think maybe what God wants is for us to know Jesus better. Wants us to know him well. Wants us to know his story. Ultimately, wants us to know him personally. If I could give each of you a gift, that would be it: a rousing, joyful, transforming, loving relationship with the One who knows you best and loves you most. That's what I want for you and for myself.
I pray to that end, and ask you to join me in that prayer. What if the Valentine's gift we give each other is the love of the One who IS love? How might that change our world?
Love you all!
Gary
Calendar
Sundays - Every Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. in person and via Zoom.
2/1 - Communion Sunday
- Installation of Church Board Members
- Baptism of Scott Decker
2/8 - Chili Cook-Off and Dessert Bake-Off following worship.
Mondays - 2/9 - Every Monday except 2/2 - New! Seeking Refuge Bible Study - 6 p.m. - Details below.
Wednesdays - Every Wednesday Bible Study - 7 p.m. via Zoom
- 2/18 - Ash Wednesday - Lent begins
Thursdays - 2/5 - Church Board Meeting - 7 p.m. via Zoom
2/26 - Coffee and Connections - 11:30 a.m. - Ocellos Restaurant
Saturdays - 2/21 - Men's Breakfast - 8 a.m. - Church basement
Other News -
Zoom - Contact Gary at [email protected] for Zoom links,
Board Installation - 2/1 - This years Church Board members will be installed during the worship service on February 1. Please pray for them and Pastor Gary as they work together to guide, lead and care for our church. Feel free to contact them if you questions, concerns , or ideas.
Board Members - The 2026 Church Board consist of Traci Montoya as clerk, Dave Walker as treasurer, and Nathalie Lyford as financial secretary. The Deacons are Brittni Zick, Kyle Zick, and Judy Murphy. They are charged with the spiritual side of the church. The Trustees are Bob Lyford, Tim Murphy, and Curt Moore. They oversee the physical building and budget. The communion preparers are Hannah Foley and Angela Green. The member-at-large is Diane Upton. That position helps to fill positions for the next year. Thanks to Rita Gillette for her service as the clerk in recent years. We appreciate your work Rita!
Baptism - 2/1 - We will celebrate the baptism of Scott Decker on Sunday February 1.
Chili Cook-Off and Dessert Bake-Off - 2/8 - This event is coming up soon! We are still looking for some competitors! Even if you have won in the past maybe you want to defend your title? We are always looking for new entries as well. Check out the sign up sheet in the fellowship room. There might be a few other random things we still need. You do not have to bring anything to come, just be sure to come! It is always a good time. Come hungry and with discerning taste buds to cast your vote!
Seeking Refuge Bible Study - 2/9 - A new study, Seeking Refuge, will be held on 8 Monday nights starting Monday February 9. This will take us through Lent and end on the Monday of Holy Week. It will meet in the church basement at 6 p.m. The topics will be Seeking God, The Fools, The Wise, The Evil Doers, The Temple, The Broken Hearted, Refinement, and Refuge. Very casual, just looking at the Bible on these topics and discussing them. Talk to Brittni Zick or Gary if you have questions. If you are going crazy from being in the house this winter, this is the perfect reason to get out!
Men's Breakfast - 2/21 - All guys in the church are invited for breakfast on Saturday 2/21 at 8 a.m. We will meet in the church basement. Sounds like Swedish pancakes will be on the menu and other delicious food as well. Please let Gary know if you are coming by Thursday 2/19. Looking for a few people to help cook as well.
Coffee and Connections - Thursday - 2/26 - 11:30 a.m. - Women are invited to meet for lunch at Ocellos in Poplar Grove. It is located in 13555IL -76. Sunday mornings never seem to allow enough time to really to get to know each other. So join us for a time of good food and conversations. RSVP to Leslie at 815-985-6533.
A little help? Here's an idea that might make a difference. Gary is looking for 7 people who will pray once a week for our church. You can pray for anything else you're led to as well, but specifically that. Pray for our church. Why 7? I'd like somebody praying each day of the week. Not just one week. I want someone to pray once a week, all year long. No set time or length of time. That's between you and God. Please pray about this, and if you want to give it a try, let me know. No one else will know. Men. Women. Young. Old. Who's in? Let me know... Thanks!
Looking Ahead -
Carpenter's Place - We hope to be making sack lunches to send to Carpenter's Place and also collecting items they may need. Watch for details.
3/7 - Daylight Savings Time Starts - Turn your clocks ahead one hour tonight before you go to bed. Spring ahead!
3/15 - Possible St. Patrick's Day Potluck - We did this last year and it was great fun. Is there interest to do again?
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