Dear Church family,

This week I find myself anticipating and excited about 3 things!

First, I am really looking forward to the GLO jr. and sr. high retreat this weekend. I am looking forward to what God has for our students and also learning how we as adults can help our students understand all that God has for them. Pray for our students and leaders this weekend as they spend time focused on God this weekend! Pray that the Holy Spirit would be poured out on our sons and daughters (Acts 2:17, 18) and that we as a church would have wisdom as we lead these amazing students.

Secondly, this Sunday is a Celebration Service! Every time there is a 5th Sunday we take time to share the stories of what God is doing in our lives. And He is doing much! One of the ways we grow in our spiritual lives is to share the stories of what God is doing—to encourage, support and help one another realize that God is at work in a bigger way than we realize. Often we can’t see what God is doing but others can help us to see what we cannot. It will be so encouraging to be together and celebrate God’s healing and his presence in our lives!

Thirdly, I am excited about what God is doing in our church family. Over the last month we learned together that we may have to start thinking differently about how to measure spiritual growth. It is not always easy to know if we are growing and moving in the right direction. I encourage you to take the time to talk to those around you about what God is doing in your life! How are you growing? How are you experiencing God’s presence and his love in your life? This year God has great things for us—what are you expecting him to do?

Be blessed—stay warm!

Shelley

This Week

• Celebration Sunday during Community Worship, Sunday, 10:00 am
• Verse of the Month: “My dear brothers and sisters, pay attention to what I say. Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry.” James 1:19
• Virtue of the Month: Self-Control—Choosing to do what you should do, not what you want to do

Announcements

GLO Winter Retreat

GLO Student Ministries heads to Camp Griesheim for their winter retreat this weekend. Please pray that they would have an enriching time of community and learning more about God’s love and what it means to be a Christian in today’s world. Thanks so much!

Sacred Marriage

The Sacred Marriage study resumes this Saturday, January 28, 6-8 pm in the Library.

Celebration Sunday

This Sunday is Celebration Sunday! Join us as we celebrate through worship and several share what God has been doing in their lives. There will not be a lunch due to the GLO retreat—ask someone to go to lunch with you!

All Church Connecting Event

Plan to join us in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, February 18, 6-8 pm, for an All Church Connecting Event. We’ll have a potluck dinner (drinks and paper products provided), then enjoy an evening of fun with a scavenger hunt and games. Contact Michele Nelson () for more information.

Snow Squad

Snow Squad provides another great opportunity to reach out to our neighbors! Send your preferred contact method (cell phone or e-mail) to Michele Nelson ().

FX (Family eXperience)

FX is back! Join us next Friday, February 3, in the Fellowship Hall for dinner and FX! It’s one-stop fun, feasting, and family time! Note these special changes for February: Dinner will be served 5:45-6:30 pm...FX starts at 6:45. Be sure to invite your friends, family, and neighbors!

Artist of the Month

Our January Artist of the Month is Emma Fenton. Thanks, Emma, for sharing your artwork! Sign up to share your artwork in the future by e-mailing Sheree at or by stopping by the Journey Shack on Sunday morning.

The Bike

Jude Van Allen is the Kid of the Month and is highlighting Birthright, an international organization that helps any girl or woman regardless of age, race, creed, marital, or economic status, who feels distressed by an unplanned pregnancy. Donation needs include diapers, formula, and maternity and baby clothes.

GLO Student Ministries

GLO Fundraiser

GLO Student Ministries is collecting "stuff" to be sold in their spring fundraiser. Drop off donated items in the Jr. High room downstairs or just give them to Sheree. Contact with questions.

GLO Mission Trip

The GLO Mission Trip to West Virginia will take place July 22-27 (plus travel time). GLO has been blessed with a donation that will cover 13 deposits ($75 deposit per person), so we need to know as soon as possible who is planning to go. Contact for more information.