Memory Verse – John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another .”
Message from Pastor Grant Hill – from January Newsletter: As Jesus began his three years of public ministry he went out and selected a small group of men and taught them how to become fishers of men. This is the heart of the Kingdom of God and discipleship. His goal was to teach, train and equip these men over the three years of ministry how to go out and reach people with the Gospel. He told them, “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” I believe this is the same message Jesus speaks to his church today. The fields are ripe for harvest and there are many fish to be caught for the Kingdom of God.
The concerning issue in the church today and why Christians or churches are not catching fish and growing is because people lack training. Most Christians have never been taught how to catch fish and do not feel adequately equipped to reach people for Christ. The Bible says, “Christ gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, to equip (train and teach) his people . . . Just as Jesus’ disciples needed to be trained and equipped to catch fish. The church today also needs to be trained and equipped.
Therefore, starting Sunday, January 15, 2023 at our 9:00 a.m. Bible study I will teach you how to catch fish so we can see our church grow in 2023. I know you will love this study and I hope everyone will join me! ~ In Love, Pastor Grant
- Beginning Sunday, January 8, Diaconate is asking that you enter the Sanctuary and pray silently to open your heart to receive the Word. Habakkuk 2:20 – “The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him”.
- THANKS to all who stayed to help take down decorations. YOU ARE ANGELS!
- ANNUAL MEETING and POT LUCK will be held after the service on Sunday, January 29. Plan to attend and bring an entree, salad, or dessert to share.
- ALL REPORTS are DUE in the office NO LATER than NOON on Wednesday, January 18. Please honor this deadline. It only gives a few days to run and assemble the packets in time for the meeting.
- Meal & Movie is back – Thursdays, at 6 PM – Please sign up, or let the office know by NOON on Wednesday, so we can plan on food.
- MISSION OF THE MONTH for January – Renew Hope/Amborella House is a Minnesota non-profit that provides recovery and shelter services for women victims of sex-trafficking. Their mission is to redeem, restore and renew the lives of women who have survived sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Please give generously to this important organization. NOTE: be sure to make checks for MoM to Minnewashta Church. We send one check to each mission at the end of the month.
- BOUNTIFUL BASKETS FOOD SHELF – We are still collecting! Bring items of your choice. Over 145 pounds was delivered just before Christmas to help our neighbors in need.
- New Members will be welcomed on January 22. Prospective new members, please contact Pastor Grant PRIOR to January 22.
- We THANK Jan Reed for her years of service as Financial Secretary. New members are needed on Trustees & Diaconate. See a board member if you are interested in serving. Board members will be “elected” at the Annual Meeting on January 29.
- NEIGHBOR IN NEED: Patty is a senior citizen in need of snow removal to get out of her driveway at Meadow Lane & Church Rd. Please call the church office 952-474-8995, if you can help her out.
- Please get in the habit of using the CALENDAR link on the website. You can find it on the ‘What’s Happening’ drop down menu. It’s the place to find a meeting or to see if the building is in use.
- If you have an item for the Sunday Announcements, please get your request to the church office by Wednesday.