January 2007
From the Pastor:
As we begin this new year I would like to give you some words to ponder. You are gifted! You have God's DNA running through you. Did you know that? You have been given the tools to be able to make a difference. By virtue of your baptism you have been given a gift and a calling. The gift is the community of faith and the calling is to minister within that church. And it is in this community of faith that the gifts you have been given by your Creator ought to be celebrated and used.
Many of us go through life asking ourselves whether we truly have any gifts that can make a difference. The Bible is here to tell you that you posses gifts indeed. And if you use them well, they will not just benefit you, but they will impact those around.
God has called each and every one of us to discover the gifts that have been given to us in order to build the body of Christ. The question is whether you are willing to discover and use those gifts for God's reign.
Throughout my ministry I have met three kinds of Christians. The first are Christians who know they are called to something greater than themselves and respond. The second are Christians who know they have gifts but don't use them for God's glory. They use them for their own benefit. The third group is Christians who haven't a clue what their gifts are and too afraid to find out.
Think about which of these three groups you would fall under. The reality is many of us have been part of each of these at one time or another in our Christian walk. The reality is that church is filled with people who are at different places in their walk of faith. The question is whether the church challenges us to grow in our faith while discovering what it is we bring to the community of believers.
The fact is God has called us to be part of a community of believers that tries to make the great commission come alive in different ways. But in order for this to happen every person has to come to the understanding that the ministry cannot function without their gifts.
Believers who fall under the first category of the type of Christian I have observed over the years not only heed the calling of God to use their gifts for the ministry, but they radiate love, compassion, and joy when they serve. Their sole purpose in serving through their gift is to glorify God and to edify the body of Christ. Their service gives them the energy to be creative in their endeavors.
In the second category of Christians, committees or task groups ask for help, but the call is not heeded. This category of Christians believe that they are too busy to serve on any committee. And they would rather spend their time doing things that bring them recognition and standing. The problem with this category is that God never receives the glory.
The last category of Christians are folks who don't have a clue what their gifts are, but are too afraid to explore what those might be. They are the type of person who says, "I don't have any type of talent. Besides what if I try and I fail?" The problem with this type of Christian is that they never grow spiritually. They become Sunday Christians whose only desire is to come to worship and be left alone because they are too afraid of what might be asked of them and fail.
As stated before, in any Christian community we have these categories of Christians. The question is why? My theory is that churches can be great resources of empowerment or of exclusion. Churches who don't provide training for the various types of ministry usually attract people who don't have the correct gifts for the committee they are serving. They also become stagnant, and people who serve have a tendency to serve in the same ministry setting forever. These churches also discourage the third type of Christian from discovering their true gifts and their calling. Committees that are exclusive and power seeking only attract the second type of Christian. But churches that encourage people to explore their gifts, and are thankful for the souls that serve on their committees or boards, are churches that grow spiritually.
As we begin this new year please allow us to help you in finding your gifts. Allow us to thank you for the time you have given each ministry group. And please say yes to the opportunity to serve when called upon. If you respond in the affirmative, I am sure we will grow together in grace.
Until next time.
Peace and grace,
Pastor Mara
Worship for the Month of January
January 7, 2007
Baptism of our Lord
9:00 a.m. Worship with Communion by Intinction in the Sanctuary
Readings: Isaiah 43:1-7 and Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Sermon Theme: What’s in a name? There is only one name that can mark our meaning, identity and destiny. In today's New Testament text that name is revealed. It means "salvation and beloved." Do you know what name I am talking about? If you don't, come and find out.
______________________________________
January 14, 2007
3rd Sunday After Christmas
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Isaiah 62:1-5 and 1Corinthians 12:1-11
Sermon Theme: Our spiritual gifts are given to make obvious the connection between what is spoken in the pulpit and what happens in and from our church. Each of us plays an important part for those connections to take place. What gifts do you bring in order to make the connection?
_______________________________________
January 21, 2007
4th Sunday After Christmas
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Psalm 19 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Sermon Theme: Our body parts are all interconnected, and so are all believers interconnected. The gifts we bring are part of God's DNA. This DNA connects us in ways that make the church function. What body part are you?
_________________________________________
January 28, 2007
4th Sunday After Christmas
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings:
Sermon Theme: What can J.K. Rowling’s boy wizard Harry Potter teach us about leadership and love? Well, before there was Harry there was Paul. And Paul teaches us that in the end all the gifts we posses are nothing with out the "agape" love.
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
During the months of January and February, the Christian Education Committee will sponsor a class entitled, "Parenting Your Teenager." Parenting teenagers can be a difficult task. However, with insights provided by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrot, we can look at how parenting a teenager isn't a job, but rather a call to love. For six weeks we will explore topics like the "identity of your teenager, Tools for good parenting, Turmoil and dealing with emotional issues, Rebellion and discipline, The legacy of the Christian Faith, and How to discipline your teenager."
Join us and Pastor Mara in this exciting class. The class will meet in the back of Fellowship Hall, at 10:20 a.m.
The class starts January 7th through February 18th. There will be no class on the 21st of January because of the congregational meeting.
LAMPLIGHT LIBRARY
"Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."Psalms119:105
A thank you to Dawn LaCroix for the donation of so many books. Because of the generous gifts of books, we have reorganized some of the shelves. Book of the Month: ”Coincidence or Godincidence” by local authors Steve and Kathi Rose, found under biography and autobiography. A fascinating book which has stories of miracles, mysteries and hope by and about local people whose names you may recognize. (Actual names and many Fox Cities locations are mentioned.)
Do you believe there is a difference between a Coincidence and Godincidence? Whether you answer "yes" or "no," you need to read these 50 stories!. Does God care and intervene in the everyday lives of people? Read these "tales from the Godside" that just may make you believe that God is still in the miracle business today. Steve Rose was a radio personality in the area and now is a minister in Neenah.
Happy January Birthdays!
1st - Rosemary Shade
4th - Ross Allen
7th - Lane Hollenberger
8th - Ronald Waters
9th - Debra Armstrong
9th - Martin Buser
11th - Lois Oostra
12th - Marilyn Blase
12th - William Hook
12th - Andy Klauer
18th - Rhona Marquardt
19th - Helen Hinz
22nd - Lindy Ludwig
24th - Annabelle Gosz
Youth Fellowship 1-7-07
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Worship Attendants
January 7th
Ushers: John and Sandy Buser
Communion Servers: Kelly Angell, Rich Balfanz, Dave Norton, Ron Farrell
Lay Reader: Dave Weidemann
Greeters: Karen Angell
January 14th
Ushers: Rhonda Schneider and Boys
Lay Reader: Dave Weidemann
Greeters: Gail Klaeser
January 21st
Ushers: Patricia Christianson
Lay Reader: Kelly Angell
Greeters: Sandy and Bob Lindsey
January 28th
Ushers: Karen Angell and Ronda Marquardt
Lay Reader: Kelly Angell
Greeters: Gail Klaeser
Nursery Attendants
January 7: Karen Angell and Kaitlyn Mickelson
January 14: Lindy Ludwig and Shannon Grinnell
January 21: Teresa and Leah Christianson
January 28: Judy and Sawyer Grinnell
As we begin this new year I would like to give you some words to ponder. You are gifted! You have God's DNA running through you. Did you know that? You have been given the tools to be able to make a difference. By virtue of your baptism you have been given a gift and a calling. The gift is the community of faith and the calling is to minister within that church. And it is in this community of faith that the gifts you have been given by your Creator ought to be celebrated and used.
Many of us go through life asking ourselves whether we truly have any gifts that can make a difference. The Bible is here to tell you that you posses gifts indeed. And if you use them well, they will not just benefit you, but they will impact those around.
God has called each and every one of us to discover the gifts that have been given to us in order to build the body of Christ. The question is whether you are willing to discover and use those gifts for God's reign.
Throughout my ministry I have met three kinds of Christians. The first are Christians who know they are called to something greater than themselves and respond. The second are Christians who know they have gifts but don't use them for God's glory. They use them for their own benefit. The third group is Christians who haven't a clue what their gifts are and too afraid to find out.
Think about which of these three groups you would fall under. The reality is many of us have been part of each of these at one time or another in our Christian walk. The reality is that church is filled with people who are at different places in their walk of faith. The question is whether the church challenges us to grow in our faith while discovering what it is we bring to the community of believers.
The fact is God has called us to be part of a community of believers that tries to make the great commission come alive in different ways. But in order for this to happen every person has to come to the understanding that the ministry cannot function without their gifts.
Believers who fall under the first category of the type of Christian I have observed over the years not only heed the calling of God to use their gifts for the ministry, but they radiate love, compassion, and joy when they serve. Their sole purpose in serving through their gift is to glorify God and to edify the body of Christ. Their service gives them the energy to be creative in their endeavors.
In the second category of Christians, committees or task groups ask for help, but the call is not heeded. This category of Christians believe that they are too busy to serve on any committee. And they would rather spend their time doing things that bring them recognition and standing. The problem with this category is that God never receives the glory.
The last category of Christians are folks who don't have a clue what their gifts are, but are too afraid to explore what those might be. They are the type of person who says, "I don't have any type of talent. Besides what if I try and I fail?" The problem with this type of Christian is that they never grow spiritually. They become Sunday Christians whose only desire is to come to worship and be left alone because they are too afraid of what might be asked of them and fail.
As stated before, in any Christian community we have these categories of Christians. The question is why? My theory is that churches can be great resources of empowerment or of exclusion. Churches who don't provide training for the various types of ministry usually attract people who don't have the correct gifts for the committee they are serving. They also become stagnant, and people who serve have a tendency to serve in the same ministry setting forever. These churches also discourage the third type of Christian from discovering their true gifts and their calling. Committees that are exclusive and power seeking only attract the second type of Christian. But churches that encourage people to explore their gifts, and are thankful for the souls that serve on their committees or boards, are churches that grow spiritually.
As we begin this new year please allow us to help you in finding your gifts. Allow us to thank you for the time you have given each ministry group. And please say yes to the opportunity to serve when called upon. If you respond in the affirmative, I am sure we will grow together in grace.
Until next time.
Peace and grace,
Pastor Mara
Worship for the Month of January
January 7, 2007
Baptism of our Lord
9:00 a.m. Worship with Communion by Intinction in the Sanctuary
Readings: Isaiah 43:1-7 and Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Sermon Theme: What’s in a name? There is only one name that can mark our meaning, identity and destiny. In today's New Testament text that name is revealed. It means "salvation and beloved." Do you know what name I am talking about? If you don't, come and find out.
______________________________________
January 14, 2007
3rd Sunday After Christmas
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Isaiah 62:1-5 and 1Corinthians 12:1-11
Sermon Theme: Our spiritual gifts are given to make obvious the connection between what is spoken in the pulpit and what happens in and from our church. Each of us plays an important part for those connections to take place. What gifts do you bring in order to make the connection?
_______________________________________
January 21, 2007
4th Sunday After Christmas
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Psalm 19 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Sermon Theme: Our body parts are all interconnected, and so are all believers interconnected. The gifts we bring are part of God's DNA. This DNA connects us in ways that make the church function. What body part are you?
_________________________________________
January 28, 2007
4th Sunday After Christmas
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings:
Sermon Theme: What can J.K. Rowling’s boy wizard Harry Potter teach us about leadership and love? Well, before there was Harry there was Paul. And Paul teaches us that in the end all the gifts we posses are nothing with out the "agape" love.
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
During the months of January and February, the Christian Education Committee will sponsor a class entitled, "Parenting Your Teenager." Parenting teenagers can be a difficult task. However, with insights provided by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrot, we can look at how parenting a teenager isn't a job, but rather a call to love. For six weeks we will explore topics like the "identity of your teenager, Tools for good parenting, Turmoil and dealing with emotional issues, Rebellion and discipline, The legacy of the Christian Faith, and How to discipline your teenager."
Join us and Pastor Mara in this exciting class. The class will meet in the back of Fellowship Hall, at 10:20 a.m.
The class starts January 7th through February 18th. There will be no class on the 21st of January because of the congregational meeting.
LAMPLIGHT LIBRARY
"Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."Psalms119:105
A thank you to Dawn LaCroix for the donation of so many books. Because of the generous gifts of books, we have reorganized some of the shelves. Book of the Month: ”Coincidence or Godincidence” by local authors Steve and Kathi Rose, found under biography and autobiography. A fascinating book which has stories of miracles, mysteries and hope by and about local people whose names you may recognize. (Actual names and many Fox Cities locations are mentioned.)
Do you believe there is a difference between a Coincidence and Godincidence? Whether you answer "yes" or "no," you need to read these 50 stories!. Does God care and intervene in the everyday lives of people? Read these "tales from the Godside" that just may make you believe that God is still in the miracle business today. Steve Rose was a radio personality in the area and now is a minister in Neenah.
Happy January Birthdays!
1st - Rosemary Shade
4th - Ross Allen
7th - Lane Hollenberger
8th - Ronald Waters
9th - Debra Armstrong
9th - Martin Buser
11th - Lois Oostra
12th - Marilyn Blase
12th - William Hook
12th - Andy Klauer
18th - Rhona Marquardt
19th - Helen Hinz
22nd - Lindy Ludwig
24th - Annabelle Gosz
Youth Fellowship 1-7-07
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Worship Attendants
January 7th
Ushers: John and Sandy Buser
Communion Servers: Kelly Angell, Rich Balfanz, Dave Norton, Ron Farrell
Lay Reader: Dave Weidemann
Greeters: Karen Angell
January 14th
Ushers: Rhonda Schneider and Boys
Lay Reader: Dave Weidemann
Greeters: Gail Klaeser
January 21st
Ushers: Patricia Christianson
Lay Reader: Kelly Angell
Greeters: Sandy and Bob Lindsey
January 28th
Ushers: Karen Angell and Ronda Marquardt
Lay Reader: Kelly Angell
Greeters: Gail Klaeser
Nursery Attendants
January 7: Karen Angell and Kaitlyn Mickelson
January 14: Lindy Ludwig and Shannon Grinnell
January 21: Teresa and Leah Christianson
January 28: Judy and Sawyer Grinnell
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