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Christian Education News

After several Sundays of Christmas Program practice and other fun activities, the Sunday School classes are back to their regular lessons. The lessons the rest of the winter quarter will focus on seeing God’s love at work. The Sunday School Children will be singing in church on Sunday, March 4, at the beginning of the late service to share with the congregation some of the songs they have been working on during opening. Offerings for the months of January and February from Sunday School and Adult Bible class will be sent to LCMS World Relief to help those affected by the hurricane in Houston. We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Sunday School as we study God’s word together. If you would be interested in teaching a Sunday School class or would like to be on our substitute list, please contact Denise G.

Sacrificial Love

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

This year we have the interesting development of Valentine’s Day falling on Ash Wednesday. Lent begins on a day when we would normally not be thinking somber Lenten thoughts. Valentine’s Day is usually thought of as a happy time where we think about those we love and what they mean to us. This is a different kind of feeling than the one typically evoked by Ash Wednesday where we go to church to have the pastor put ashes on our head in a sign of sorrow and contrition as he says, “Dust you are and to dust you will return.”

Yet, at the same time love is a broad thing. In English, we have just the one word. In Greek, the language of the New Testament, there are at least 3 words for love (some people add in a 4th). You feel a different kind of love in different kinds of relationships. You love your kids and your spouse and your friends and your Lord with slightly different forms of love. Keeping this in mind, are Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday completely opposite when it comes to the feelings they invoke? Not necessarily. There is a type of love that is sacrificial. Ash Wednesday opens Lent which prepares us to observe our Savior’s death. Why did He die? Because He loved us. “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us.” It is this kind of love that all Christians are asked show to their neighbor. When Paul tells us to “Walk in Love” it is this kind of love that he has in mind.

Perhaps that is a thing we can consider this coming Lenten season. Christ’s call to love our neighbor includes not only the cheery more positive aspects of love that we are most inclined to think about, but also the somber notes that are struck when we think about giving something up for someone else. For we ourselves are recipients of this kind of love in the grandest of ways. When we think of love in the next couple of months it would be appropriate to remember that some love has a price. The best love has a price. For “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us.” And through His love you are now God’s beloved child. How do you walk in this love?

~ Pastor Mehl

Announcements — February 4, 2018

† IN OUR PRAYERS  Earl K., recovering from shoulder surgery; Lydia N., recovering from surgery; Jack H. at home recovering; Marcella M., recovering from a fall;  Earl G., suffering various serious health issues; Lee Ann C. at home but continuing to undergo physical therapy; Jody G., on hospice; Kathy P., suffering health issues; Sara P., undergoing treatment for cancer; Stephen Ministry and their care receivers.

† SHEPHERD’S OWN will resume rehearsals this Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 6:30 pm.  All who enjoy singing men’s four-part harmony are welcome to join the fun!

† OFFERING STATEMENTS  The 2017 offering statements are on the round table in the narthex.  If you need your statement mailed, please contact the church office, 358-1325.

† LENT starts Wednesday, February 14, with our Ash Wednesday services.  We will once again have weekday services each Wednesday at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm throughout Lent. Be sure and utilize these services as part of your Lenten observance.

† “SOUPER” BOWL SUNDAY  Through the month of January we’ve been collecting canned soup, dried beans and rice to help fill the shelves at Crosslines of Carthage.  Thanks to everyone who brought items to help with this community project!  Everyone wins when we team up to help!

† BAKE SALE  There will be a bake sale next Sunday, February 11, in the narthex after both services.  This is sponsored by LWML and the proceeds will help offset costs for the delegates attending the June District Convention.  Come prepared that Sunday to donate to a good cause and enjoy some delicious goodies!

† SINGING SAINTS  GSLC will be hosting the Singing Saints from Saint Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, Missouri, on Palm Sunday, March 25.  The choir of about 50 students will perform at 7:00 pm that evening.  As the host church, we will need to provide housing for the students and chaperones for that night.  If you would be able to provide a place for two or more of the members of the choir please contact the church office, 358-1325, so we can start a housing list.

† SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFERING  The offering from both Adult Bible Class and Sunday School for the months of January and February will be going to LCMS World Relief to help those affected by the Hurricane in Houston.

† FLOWER CHART, 2018  If you would like to place flowers at the altar for a special occasion or in memory of someone, please sign the flower chart hanging on the wall next to the water fountain in the hallway.  Simply write your name, phone number, and occasion with the pen provided.  Diana E. does lovely arrangements and only charges $25.00 for altar flowers.

† NURSERY/CRY ROOM  Should your child become distressed or distract others during the service, a furnished nursery/cry room is located in the narthex for your use.  Please ask one of the ushers if you need directions.

† BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS are available in the nurse’s office after the service.  You will be given a small form that can be carried in your wallet which will include medical information and a log of your blood pressure readings.

† PRAYER BEARS are in the sanctuary pews and available to be signed out (notebook in narthex by nursery) and given to anyone that needs God’s love,  comfort, and peace.