Epiphany Sunday / Eleventh Day of Christmas

Second Sunday of Christmas

The Magi arrive in Bethlehem

Belinda is today's reader

We're sharing communion by intinction again!

JOYS
+Praise be to God for the gift of laughter (“carbonated holiness”) in church.

+ The church family thanks God for the successful healing and recovery of Nancy B. after a fall.

+Bob S. thanks God for a wonderful, fun time on New Year’s Eve with people who really enjoyed spending time with one another.

+Dawn K. thanks God for her active involvement in Special Olympics for the past 48 years (35 as a volunteer and the last 13 as paid staff); she celebrates her retirement from the paid staff position. (And now, someone else will have the opportunity to assume the position.)

+Gloria S. thanks God for the gift of birthday celebrations. Recently, she participated in them for her daughter-in-law and a friend.

+Rita W. thanks God for joy of time spent with her great grandchildren playing with her nativity set.

+Belinda A. thanks God for the rejuvenation felt after a great nap.

+Pastor Charles thanks God for the joy of being chosen as the featured artist at the Albert Lea Art Center for the month of January.

+The congregation is thankful for Kraig and Korla S.’ service as communion stewards and Belinda A.’s service as Scripture reader this morning.

+The congregation is thankful for the music ministry of our beloved pianist/organist, Renae H.!

CONCERNS
+The congregation asks God’s Spirit to bring peace to the world.

+Dawn K. asks the church family to join her in praying for Erin Bremseth, Faron and Janet Bremseth’s daughter who is dealing with serious medical challenges. A caring bridge has been established to support the family.

+Linda B. asks the congregation to join her in praying for Judy C. who recently went to the hospital emergency room to get treatment for bronchitis and COPD.

+Sandy D. invites the church family to join her in praying for her mother, Donna D., as she has a medical procedure tomorrow.

+Gloria S. invites the congregation to join her in praying for her cousin Carolyn J. who is dealing with a medical challenge at Thorne Crest Rehab.

+Gloria S. thanks God that Judy C. just returned home.

+The congregation continues to pray for healing mercies for Judy C., Karnella S., Bob S.’s daughter Sharon; Nancy B.’s sister Sharon; Shelley G.’s friend Linda; Shelley G.’s mother; Kraig and Korla’s friend Bill P. and his wife.