Welcome, Pastor Valera, to our church and community!  We are excited to see what will happen as you work with our new team of lay ministers: Alice Lindekugel, Melody Newman, Amy Prior, and Rachell Richman, and lay leader, Rod Beemer. 

One of the first orders of business is to get as many members as possible into bible studies being led by the ministerial team.  The study is titled, "Does Your Church Have a Prayer," and is a great way to build connections and understanding among our members.  Books are available at the church for $10.  Here is the schedule:Melody-10:45am Sundays at church; Alice-5pm Sundays at her home; Amy-9:30am Mondays at church; Rod-6;30am Wednesdays at church; Rachell-12 noon Wednesdays at church.

 Next, you should know that worship services will be held in the fellowship hall for three weeks, starting August 26th with a breakfast at 8am.  Egg casseroles, muffins, juice and coffee will be served.  No breakfast is planned for September 2nd, and 9th. During this time we will begin some transformation of the sanctuary as we move into a new era.  Pray for all of us!

Ripples

Our Advent devotional booklet was featured in the Winter issue of Nebraska Messenger, the conference's quarterly newspaper.  Blessings have been realized by many from this endeavor...I can see the ripples spreading!  Years ago I did a painting called Remember the Ripples.  My description said, "Everything we do affects others, some we don't even know, in ways we cannot imagine--for good or for bad...REMEMBER THE RIPPLES as you make your choices."  I believe our project was a choice for making a good influence in the world.  Thank you to those responsible.

We are in need of an altar steward to handle flowers, decor, candles, etc.  If you are interested in serving with this ministry, or know someone who would be great for the mission, contact the church office.

Pray for the work of our assessment team as interviews are conducted this week.  We hope you can be present for the Circle of the Past supper discussion on Friday at 6pm.  Happy New Year!