The Weekly Bulletin!
Everyone is Welcome to Celebrate
The Epiphany
Sion Lutheran Church
Sunday, January 5th, 2025
Pastor Andy Graves
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus
Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Most merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gathering Song All My Heart Again Rejoices (ELW 273)
Greeting
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you
KYRIE (ELW p. 184) & CANTICLE OF PRAISE (ELW p. 187)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
O God our redeemer, you created light that we might live, and you illumine our world with your beloved Son. By your Spirit comfort us in all darkness, and turn us toward the light of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
WORD
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14
Thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel.” See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together;
a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come,
and with consolations I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.” For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again. Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy,
I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. I will give the priests their fill of fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty,
Psalm: Psalm 147:12-20
Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion,
who has strengthened the bars of your gates and has blessed your children within you.
God has established peace on your borders and satisfies you with the finest wheat.
God sends out a command to the earth, a word that runs very swiftly.
God gives snow like wool, scattering frost like ashes.
God scatters hail like bread crumbs. Who can stand against God’s cold?
The Lord sends forth the word and melts them; the wind blows, and the waters flow.
God declares the word to Jacob, statutes and judgments to Israel.
The Lord has not done so to any other nation; they do not know God’s judgments. Hallelujah!
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (ELW p. 188)
Gospel: John 1:[1-9] 10-18
The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ ”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON
Hymn of the Day We Three Kings of Orient Are
1 We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.
Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.
2 Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
over us all to reign. [Refrain]
3 Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
worshiping God on high. [Refrain]
4 Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb. [Refrain]
5 Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
sounds through the earth and skies. [Refrain]
CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen
Prayers of Intercession
Filled with good news of great joy, let us offer our prayers for the church, the earth, and all people.
O God, you reveal yourself in this assembly. In water, wine, and bread, show us again and again your grace upon grace, that your church boldly testifies to your love. God of grace, receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself in creation. In seedlings and planets, microorganisms and galaxies, awaken us to the cry of the earth. As you nourish your people like a watered garden, empower us to nourish our creaturely companions. God of grace, receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself in every land and in the farthest parts of the earth. Deliver peoples who suffer under oppressive regimes. Thwart the foolish plans of unjust leaders. Give wisdom to our elected officials. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself in every human being. Help us recognize your image in our siblings in Christ who are in the strong grip of addiction, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, or other illness. Grant us compassion in our care for your people. God of grace, receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself anew every day. In this new year, renew this congregation and its ministries in our witness to the good news of the incarnation. Transform the way we have always done things into your new future for us. God of grace, receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself in the lives of your holy ones. We give you thanks for those who set their hope on you, trusting the inheritance we receive in you. God of grace, receive our prayer.
We commend these prayers to you, O God, trusting your grace made known to all, through the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
EXCHANGE OF PEACE AND OFFERING
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING – DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. In the wonder and mystery of the Word made flesh
you have opened the eyes of faith to a new and radiant vision of your glory,
that, beholding the God made visible, we may be drawn to love the God whom we cannot see. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (ELW p. 190)
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to the banquet, for all is now ready.
COMMUNION SONG (ELW p. 191)
Song after Communion Go Tell It on the Mountain (ELW 290)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace. May your Word take flesh in us, that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
BLESSING
Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.
Sending Song Love Has Come (ELW 292)
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRAYER LIST
Continue to remember all who are experiencing health problems in our prayers: Mark Glad, Scott Klein, Ron Pearson, Eric Hanson, John and Carley Stenquist, Perry Pearson, Sandy Alper, Dennis Van Dale, Connie Goldstrand, Thomas Lenhart, Michael Lindeman, Hoyt Gatheridge, Chad Anderson, Debbie Groves, & Sahriah (Lois Wilson's granddaughter)
Please pray for the families of: Tyler Carr; Hilary Kliniske, Helen Pearson, Dennis Diamond and all families who have recently lost loved ones.
We continue to pray for those serving in our Armed Forces, our Law Enforcement, our Fire Departments, our Highway Road Crews and our First Responder Units.
Here’s the address to send cards of encouragement to Debbie Groves:
Deb Groves
1355 Ibarra Ave NE
St. Michael, Minnesota
55367
Coffee Servers and Readers:
01/05—Coffee served by “K thru N” Heidi will read
01/12 – Coffee served by “O,Q,R” Young at Heart – no
Reader needed
01/19 – Coffee served by “P” Ken will read
01/26—Coffee served by “S thru Z” Shirley will read
02/02—Coffee served by “A thru E” Geri will read
Dates to remember:
Tomorrow (Monday, January 6th) Quilting begins! Come and join the group for fellowship, laughs, quilting and lunch! Every Monday and Tuesday, starting at 9 am. Don’t quilt? Don’t worry – we’ll find a task you can do!!
January 15th - Coffee at Senior Housing at 10 am. Come out to visit and enjoy treats
January 26th is the date scheduled for the annual meeting and the election of the Board (Minnesota weather permitting!! We do have alternate dates)
Wednesday, March 5th is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. Easter is later this year – April 20th. (Interestingly enough, this is one of the latest dates Easter can be. The latest date Easter can fall on is April 25th, which it will not do until the year 2038)
March 9th is the start of Daylight Savings Time again.
Has everyone read the January Newsletter Pastor Andy sent
out this past week? If not, you ought to.
I’ve re-printed his “The Pastor’s Corner” column with some of his thoughts on Body of Christ resolutions for 2025.
Jesus is the reason for the season
Two beautiful stained glass windows depicting the nativity.
They were both photographed by K. Mitch Hodge. The first one is in St. Malachy’s church in Northern Ireland and the
Second one is in St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The Epiphany
Sion Lutheran Church
Sunday, January 5th, 2025
Pastor Andy Graves
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus
Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Most merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gathering Song All My Heart Again Rejoices (ELW 273)
Greeting
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you
KYRIE (ELW p. 184) & CANTICLE OF PRAISE (ELW p. 187)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
O God our redeemer, you created light that we might live, and you illumine our world with your beloved Son. By your Spirit comfort us in all darkness, and turn us toward the light of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
WORD
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14
Thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel.” See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together;
a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come,
and with consolations I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.” For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again. Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy,
I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. I will give the priests their fill of fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty,
Psalm: Psalm 147:12-20
Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion,
who has strengthened the bars of your gates and has blessed your children within you.
God has established peace on your borders and satisfies you with the finest wheat.
God sends out a command to the earth, a word that runs very swiftly.
God gives snow like wool, scattering frost like ashes.
God scatters hail like bread crumbs. Who can stand against God’s cold?
The Lord sends forth the word and melts them; the wind blows, and the waters flow.
God declares the word to Jacob, statutes and judgments to Israel.
The Lord has not done so to any other nation; they do not know God’s judgments. Hallelujah!
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (ELW p. 188)
Gospel: John 1:[1-9] 10-18
The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ ”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON
Hymn of the Day We Three Kings of Orient Are
1 We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.
Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.
2 Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
over us all to reign. [Refrain]
3 Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
worshiping God on high. [Refrain]
4 Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb. [Refrain]
5 Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
sounds through the earth and skies. [Refrain]
CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen
Prayers of Intercession
Filled with good news of great joy, let us offer our prayers for the church, the earth, and all people.
O God, you reveal yourself in this assembly. In water, wine, and bread, show us again and again your grace upon grace, that your church boldly testifies to your love. God of grace, receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself in creation. In seedlings and planets, microorganisms and galaxies, awaken us to the cry of the earth. As you nourish your people like a watered garden, empower us to nourish our creaturely companions. God of grace, receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself in every land and in the farthest parts of the earth. Deliver peoples who suffer under oppressive regimes. Thwart the foolish plans of unjust leaders. Give wisdom to our elected officials. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself in every human being. Help us recognize your image in our siblings in Christ who are in the strong grip of addiction, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, or other illness. Grant us compassion in our care for your people. God of grace, receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself anew every day. In this new year, renew this congregation and its ministries in our witness to the good news of the incarnation. Transform the way we have always done things into your new future for us. God of grace, receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself in the lives of your holy ones. We give you thanks for those who set their hope on you, trusting the inheritance we receive in you. God of grace, receive our prayer.
We commend these prayers to you, O God, trusting your grace made known to all, through the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
EXCHANGE OF PEACE AND OFFERING
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING – DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. In the wonder and mystery of the Word made flesh
you have opened the eyes of faith to a new and radiant vision of your glory,
that, beholding the God made visible, we may be drawn to love the God whom we cannot see. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (ELW p. 190)
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to the banquet, for all is now ready.
COMMUNION SONG (ELW p. 191)
Song after Communion Go Tell It on the Mountain (ELW 290)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace. May your Word take flesh in us, that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
BLESSING
Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.
Sending Song Love Has Come (ELW 292)
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRAYER LIST
Continue to remember all who are experiencing health problems in our prayers: Mark Glad, Scott Klein, Ron Pearson, Eric Hanson, John and Carley Stenquist, Perry Pearson, Sandy Alper, Dennis Van Dale, Connie Goldstrand, Thomas Lenhart, Michael Lindeman, Hoyt Gatheridge, Chad Anderson, Debbie Groves, & Sahriah (Lois Wilson's granddaughter)
Please pray for the families of: Tyler Carr; Hilary Kliniske, Helen Pearson, Dennis Diamond and all families who have recently lost loved ones.
We continue to pray for those serving in our Armed Forces, our Law Enforcement, our Fire Departments, our Highway Road Crews and our First Responder Units.
Here’s the address to send cards of encouragement to Debbie Groves:
Deb Groves
1355 Ibarra Ave NE
St. Michael, Minnesota
55367
Coffee Servers and Readers:
01/05—Coffee served by “K thru N” Heidi will read
01/12 – Coffee served by “O,Q,R” Young at Heart – no
Reader needed
01/19 – Coffee served by “P” Ken will read
01/26—Coffee served by “S thru Z” Shirley will read
02/02—Coffee served by “A thru E” Geri will read
Dates to remember:
Tomorrow (Monday, January 6th) Quilting begins! Come and join the group for fellowship, laughs, quilting and lunch! Every Monday and Tuesday, starting at 9 am. Don’t quilt? Don’t worry – we’ll find a task you can do!!
January 15th - Coffee at Senior Housing at 10 am. Come out to visit and enjoy treats
January 26th is the date scheduled for the annual meeting and the election of the Board (Minnesota weather permitting!! We do have alternate dates)
Wednesday, March 5th is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. Easter is later this year – April 20th. (Interestingly enough, this is one of the latest dates Easter can be. The latest date Easter can fall on is April 25th, which it will not do until the year 2038)
March 9th is the start of Daylight Savings Time again.
Has everyone read the January Newsletter Pastor Andy sent
out this past week? If not, you ought to.
I’ve re-printed his “The Pastor’s Corner” column with some of his thoughts on Body of Christ resolutions for 2025.
Jesus is the reason for the season
Two beautiful stained glass windows depicting the nativity.
They were both photographed by K. Mitch Hodge. The first one is in St. Malachy’s church in Northern Ireland and the
Second one is in St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland.