DWIGHT WRITES:
The prayer shawl covers my shoulders.
The prayer shawl covers my shoulders
with its soft, gentle embrace.
The prayer shawl covers my shoulders.
With its soft, gentle embraceI’m held close to the Holy.
The prayer shawl covers my shoulders
with its soft, gentle embrace.I’m held close to the Holy
and surrounded with enveloping grace.
The prayer shawl covers my shoulders.
With its soft, gentle embrace
I’m held close to the Holy
and surrounded. With enveloping grace
continually caressing me, I slowly, quietly begin to pray.
The prayer shawl has become an important part of my morning journaling and prayer. The prayer shawl, of any size, reminds me of God’s love and presence always surrounding, holding me close. For the traveling prayer shawl, I like to use a shawl 8 stitches wide, which reminds me of the phrase: “the 8th day of creation” which has been called the day of resurrection – the day of new beginnings.
On numerous occasions I have worn one of my ‘traveling prayer shawls’ in worship on Sunday morning. I like the fact that these shawl’s are portable, easy to take with you in many different settings. I often have one with me, or at least close at hand.
It was just a few weeks ago when we began, what seems to have become an important emerging ministry here in the church - concerning a ‘traveling prayer shawl’. There are several who are now making these shawls ~ some crocheting, some knitting and others using a loom. I have asked that they be made 8 stitches wide. Already a few of these have been shared with others. A card with 2 nesting poems is being developed to share as well. I would like everyone to be able to have a gift of a ‘traveling prayer shawl’ and a card - in the coming days and weeks. Please let me know if you would like to make and/or receive a traveling prayer shawl. These items might serve as tools for and reminders of prayer. I’m hoping that all will be reminded of God’s loving presence surrounding and holding us close. Might these prayer shawls strengthen your walk with God.
Blessings and Peace, Pastor Dwight
Sunday, January 27th Pastor Dwight will be on vacation and we will have special music that day. A women’s quartet “Witness” will be preforming and will do our worship service that day. So plan on attending they were highly recommended
Cookie plate/box report: There were 27 plates delivered and 24 military & 3 college. We had a great group of helpers as usual. Thanks goes out to all who provided cookies or candy, those wrapping and packaging plates and boxes and those who delivered them. –the cookie committee
The mitten tree was taken down December 7 and packed up for Bidwell Riverside. This year we decorated the tree with 32 mitten or gloves, 33 stocking hats, 5 mittens & hats sets, 4 headbands, 4 scarfs, 4 cars, 14 stuffed animals and 8 assorted dolls. Thank for making the tree another beautiful tree this year. Jan Brown was kind enough to take the stuff to Des Moines before Christmas.
When you are in town and the church is open, stop by and check out fellowship hall, we have been able to finish off the fellowship hall project. The round table and chairs are in. They look nice and we can sit and visit with everyone at the table when we use them.
The old tables and chairs are for sale—, 6 & 8 foot, older tables -$5.00 each and the metal folding chairs -$5.00 each.
Lent Devotional are needed for the Lent book. If you could come up with a devotion before the week of January 28th that would be fantastic. We will be putting the books together Monday, February 4th at 10:00 am
Thanks to all of you who signed up to be on the prayer chain, or a liturgist on Sunday morning or to make the coffee and cookies for the after Sunday school /before worship coffee time. The coffee time schedule still needs filled for all of February and March 3.
January Scripture readings
6. Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12
13. Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
20. Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11
27. Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Luke 4:14-21
Responsibility List for January
Greeters 6. Derek Byers & Karly
13. Greg & Janet Reed
20. Gerald & Joan Houser
27. Amy Carlisle & kids
Ushers
6. Rip & Carolyn Lukehart,
Stanley & Marilyn Krisinger
13. Marty & Amy Wyman & Family
20. Jerry &Shiona Putnam &
Larry & Vicki Jones
27. Duane & Karen Woodward &
JC & Liz Wyman
Liturgist
6. Lisa Buchanan
13. Cheryl Grosvenor
20. Billie Wilson
27. Joe Rush
Candle Lighters
6. Claire & Riley Smith
13. Regan & Cynthia Whitehill
20. Clay Amos & Naudia Jackson
27. Bryanna Carlisle & Sydney McLaren
Communion
6. Gary & Kathy Bergstrom
Coffee Time
6. Peggy Casey
13. Robin Drake
20. Doris Houser
27. Kay Byers
