The weekly email from First Congregational United Church of Christ of Mankato.
IN THE PASTOR'S OWN WORDS
I love that passage in Psalm 30, “You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” When we are grief stricken for a long time, it’s nice when that happier day finally arrives and we can change clothes and feel better. Few of us live our lives in constant joy. The psalmist writes as one who knows these ups and downs.
Sometimes we just can’t sing for joy. Fortunately, others sing for us. This palmist sings the praise of God who has raised up life and restored hope. The psalmist knows the hard realities of weeping in the night and also the marvelous promise that joy brings in the morning. We are invited to give praise and thanksgiving even in the face of fear. No matter what grieves us, God intends to turn the tide. Keep those dancing shoes polished and ready to slip on! Mourning turns into morning. Praise be to God! Blessings, Pastor Gary
SPECIAL ALL-CHURCH MEETING to select our Pastoral Search Committee
Sunday, Feb. 12, right after worship
We will vote on the Search Committee recommended by the Church Council.
Come and show your support!! Please plan on attending this special meeting and blessing the vital ministry of the Pastoral Search Committee. We need enough members to have a quorum.
Taste of Sermon:
Medical people tell us that the simple act of touching makes a huge difference in people’s recovery from illness. In our Markan passage this coming Sunday, Jesus continues his touchy, feely ways as he moves across the landscape. He is love with skin on it. What will he touch in your life today?
FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE COORDINATOR:
1.) OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday, 8am to 3:30pm. The office is closed over the noon hour.
2.) Diane Bartelt will be out of the office February 7-9th and February 13 & 14th. Donna Sandon will be in the office on February 7th. February 8 – 9th several other people will be answering the phones. Donna will be back in the office February 13 & 14.
3.) If you have an emergency or need to contact a pastor call
Pastor Gary at 507-298-1159 or 387-9947
St. Joseph’s Indian School - This coming weekend we have several members of our church driving out to St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD. Blessings on their travel.
Dinner Out Group – Saturday, February 11th, 5:30 pm at Applebee’s Restaurant Let Rick/Sandy Anderson 243-4488 know if you plan to dine out. 13 have signed up so far.
Guatemala Mission Trip Meeting, Sunday, February 12 after coffee hour. Potluck for all those who are planning to go. We will meet with a Common Hope representative. If you can’t attend but plan to go on the trip, please contact Kathy Taylor at 351-2437.
“Coming Out for Marriage Equality”
If you are interested in learning more about this initiative, please contact Rochelle Major. There is a local group called South Central MN United for All Families that is a contact for support. This Saturday, Feb. 11, there is a training session for those wanting to be active in this cause. From 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. is the Basic Training for New Champions, followed by a 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Planning Session/Training with Volunteer Leaders about the Regional Model of Organizing. See Rochelle for details.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
PLEASE NOTE: Because of privacy issues and the internet, from now on we will only list the names of individuals for prayer when specifically requested by that person or an immediate family member.
1.) Healing prayers for Margaret Mett
2.) Prayers for family of Scott Tower’s cousin, Mike Downey who passed away at 54 years.
3.) Prayers for Scott Tower’s friend Wes Schuck who has stage 4 colon cancer.
4.) Prayers for “Abe” Abram on the loss of her son
5.) Healing prayers for Dottie Rikkers
6.) Continued prayers for Marcia Robertson
7.) Healing prayers for Wendell Jahnke
8.) Healing prayers for Becky Sandon, Donna Sandon’s Mother
9.) Healing prayers for Eddice Barber
10.) Continued prayers for the family of Gale Dutcher
11.) Healing prayers for Al Obernolte
12.) Continued prayers for Carol Hesse’s niece who is recovering from a critical illness
13.) For all anticipating surgery, those who have undergone surgery recently and for those undergoing medical procedures, tests and treatments.
14.) For all our servicemen and women serving our country and for their families.
15.) For all caregivers
Wanted: ALL 4th - 6th Graders
When: Wednesday, February 8th, at 7:20pm
What: To discuss and sign up to participate in Youth Sunday (April 29, 2012)
Where: The Education Wing
Bring: All of your questions and enthusiasm
If you want to be involved, but are not able to make this first meeting, please call or email me and I will make sure to save a part for you in the program. See you then.
Marcia Robertson
FIRST CHURCH WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
Wednesday February 8
9:00 – 11:30 am – Greater MN Family Services
6:00 pm – Synergy Youth Group, Education Hall
6:00 pm – THUGS Youth Group, Fellowship Hall
7:15 pm – Synergy Youth Helper meeting
7:00 pm – Trustees meeting, Library
7:00 pm – Choir rehearsal, Sanctuary
7:20 pm – ALL 4th – 6th Graders, Education Hall
Thursday February 9
11:30 am – MAMA,
12:00 pm – Kiwanis Diversity Group, Fellowship Hall
5:30 pm – Deacons, Library
5:30 pm – Safe Church committee,
6:00 pm – Deep Valley Quilters, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm – Transition Team meeting,
7:30 pm – Narcotics Anonymous, Ed Hall
Saturday February 11
8:00 am – Men’s Group, Wagon Wheel
5:30 pm – Dinner Out Group at Applebee’s
Sunday February 12
9:00 am – Choir Sings
9:30 am – Worship
10:30 am – SPECIAL CONGREGATION MEETING to ELECT SEARCH COMMITTEE
10:30 am – Fellowship Time
11:00 am – Choir rehearsal
11:15 am – Guatemala Mission Team meeting, Fellowship Hall
Monday February 13
2:00 pm – Life Long Learners, Fellowship Hall
5:00 pm – PEO, Fellowship Hall
COMING EVENTS:
Check out details of events on the church website page: It's Hot Off The Press
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