The 2020 Annual Congregation Meeting is
Sunday, January 26, 2020 after worship
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Transformation and Participation
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The cross of Jesus Christ is/was/will be the catalyst for the death of the old and the rebirth of this new way of processing. The cross was no mere transaction of God gives X and we return Y but the revelation of the universal pattern of transformation woven into the very fabric of reality.
Life, death, resurrection is the pattern. It’s the pattern of your individual life, of nature all around you, of stars and faith and the seasons. This is Christ, and Christ is in all things, because God created it this way. “All things came into being through this Word, and without it not one thing came into being” (John 1:3).
As God “opens the eyes of our hearts” or “wakes us from sleep” or gives us “the mind of Christ,” we become more aware of this pattern called “Christ.” We recognize Christ in every thing and in every one. And more, we learn to let go and trust. Our old self “dies” and God “raises” a new creation in us. We change, and we help God in God’s great changing, reuniting of all creation.
PC
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Faith Question For The Week
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Jesus said to them, “Come and see.”
“Come and see” are Jesus’ first words in the Gospel of John. Two disciples of John the Baptist asked Jesus a question, trying to get a feel for where he was coming from. But Jesus declined to answer directly or explain himself. “Come and see” was all he said. Strange. Why doesn’t the “Word made flesh” say more?
Take notice of newly-built stores and restaurants. Their street-facing walls are nearly always glass: huge windows. People want to see what’s happening inside before they decide to come in. And yet, how often have the most important people or events in your life been complete surprises?
For those two disciples--Jesus’ first--John the Baptist was their great window onto Jesus. He painted the picture for them. John said what he saw in Jesus and told them who Jesus is. They were drawn to Jesus.
Rather than say any more, Jesus simply invited them to experience for themselves, maybe because it’s indescribable. Like what people mean when they say, “You had to be there.”
“Where are you staying?” they asked. “Come and see.” “Stay with me,” Jesus seemed to say. ”Be here with me and you’ll see.”
Who was your window onto Jesus? What did they say or do that attracted you? When you came closer, what did Jesus show you? Who have you told about what you saw? What if this is the reason God sent you--that Jesus might be revealed?
-PC
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Starting in January 2020 our winter bible study for the Women of ELCA will be
"All are Called"
All are welcomed to join this bible study.
Lydia Group will meet on January 11, 2020 at Jenny's Diner at 9:00 am
Bible Study will follow at 10:00 am at the church.
Lesson study is being led by Barb Larson
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This weeks events at
St. Paul
Sunday, January 19
Worship 9:15 am
Monday, January 20
Bingo 10:00 am
Church Office Closed
Tuesday, January 21
Worship 4:30 pm
Council Meeting 6:00 pm
Wednesday, January 22
CCC Choir 4:15 pm
Tintinnabulum 5:15 pm
Vocal Choir 5:15 pm
Confirmation at Zion 5:45 pm
Adult Bells 6:15 pm
Sunday, January 26
Worship 9:15 am
Annual Congregational Meeting after worship
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This Weeks Readings
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