From the Bishop

Paul Manz and Jaroslav Vadja have given us a gem of a Christmas carol in
‘Peace Came to Earth’
Peace came to earth at last that chosen night
when angels clove the sky with song and light
and God embodied love and sheathed his might--
Who could but gasp: Immanuel!
Who could but sing: Immanuel!

By the time you read these words the cultural and commercial Christmas season will be over and the trees and decorations long gone. But as we enter the new year of 2010 and face the many challenges and issues before us, I pray the Christmas Gospel will continue bringing peace and hope to our lives. That God is with us, at work among us, is a sure and certain promise.

And who could be the same for having held
the infant in their arms and later felt
the wounded hands and side, all doubts dispelled--
Who could but sigh: Immanuel!
Who could but shout: Immanuel!

As we enter the new year I know we face significant challenges within the synod and in many of our congregations. Our life together has been tested by decisions at the 2009 churchwide. The economic downturn continues to impact mission support. And for many there are simply the daily personal struggles related to health or calling. The Gospel proclaims we are not left to ourselves, God is with us.

You show the Father none has ever seen
in flesh and blood you bore our griefs and pain.
In bread and wine you visit us again--
Who could but see: Immanuel!
Who could but thrill: Immanuel!

So we enter the new year encouraged in hope, renewed in love, and ready to work at those things God would have us to be about. Because of Immanuel: we can put away cynical attitudes and take on more Christ like outlooks. We tackle budgets and make critical choices, seeking to be shaped by the life giving power of the presence of   Christ. And our hearts can sing and rejoice, and our hands extend in help and peace to one another.

How else could I have known you, O my God!
How else could I have loved you, O my God!
How else could I embrace you, O my God!
Who could but pray: Immanuel!
Who could but praise: Immanuel!

Rev. Dr. Gerald Mansholt                            
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN —December 2009/January 2010

PRIVILEGES FOR FEBRUARY

Greeters

2/7    John & Carol Watson
2/14  Bill Darr & Ernie Franke
2/21  Joye Conklin & Valerie Trigger
2/28  Bill & Linda Darr

Ushers

2/7    Dennis Schnell &
2/14  Tom & June Eagan
2/21  Darrell & Jo Rose
2/28  Dennis Schnell & Joye Conklin

Lectors

2/7    David Salmon
2/14  Jo Rose
2/21  Sharon Carneal
2/28  Ken Van Sickle

Cantors

2/7    Alice Lindahl
2/14  Merl Teigen
2/21  Alice Lindahl
2/28  Merl Teigen

Acolytes

2/7    Doug Adolphson
2/14  Jacob Black
2/21  Megan Oshel
2/28  Houston Orr

Altar Guild

         Connie Teigen

Offering Counters

Anni Bargen, Becky, Jackie Brown, Family and Friends of Dee Carnes, Marion Circle, Scott Childs, Family and Friends of Paul Cunard, Luke Davidson, Molly Gould, Pr. Garry Grunzke, Dick Gustafson, Dale Hausmann, Bill Hoppen, Marilyn Ketterling, Fred Miller, Jean Miller, Bob Morris, Dale Morton, John Murphy, Family & Friends of Clara Newman, Carol Patterson, Quinton Ramirez, Mary Smith, Annabelle Tebbe, Jean Troutman, Lorna Ulmer, Marlene Wheatley,  William Wille, Yaccou Yisraeli, Other Congregations in Central States Synod

Military Personnel:  Michael Best, Bryan Collver, Geoffry Collver, Mike Flowers, Bill Hibner, Mae Hibner, Richie Keller, Melvin Leonard, Seth Mackey, Derek McDonald, Will Oliva, Nick Sanford, Vernon Van Dyne

        2/1    Gale Hankins
         2/6    Gabe Newman
         2/8    Jan Sears
         2/11  Marge Knowles
         2/12  Jared Sartain
         2/17  Julie Adolphson
         2/20  Chris Ballew
                  Haley Dussetschleger
         2/22  Madilyn Brooks
         2/24  Karen Franke
         2/25  Blake Eagan
         2/26  Ruth Van Sickle
         2/27  Harriet Conklin
                  Bill Hoppen
         2/28  Stuart Mills

If you have been omitted from the birthday list, please contact the Church office at 331-5465 so we can correct our records. JCR