Reach Out. Proclaim. Inspire.Jan. 7, 2015
Beautiful Poinsettias!
Must go tonight!
We have an abundance of poinsettias left over from Christmas decorating. If you would like some and can stop by the church Atrium (upper level entry) by 8 p.m. today, Jan. 7 please feel free to pick up as many as you like!
This Weekend

 

This weekend we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord. The readings will include Genesis 1:1-5 and Mark 1:4-11:

 

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, 'The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.'  

 

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.'

Books for Africa
 
We are pleased to support the efforts of one of our young leaders, Natalie Hagen, who is collecting books for a non-profit organization, Books for Africa, that ships and distributes books to students in Africa. They supply books to rural libraries, schools and community centers in 49 countries across the continent to help educate children and break the cycle of poverty. New books and gently used children's books in good condition are welcome. Drop books off at the lower level hospitality desk during the month of January. Read more on our website.
2015 Bible Read-Along

Join SPD members and friends in reading through the Bible in one year. The journey began on Jan. 1, but you can join in anytime during the year.

The first two weeks' emails have already gone out to over 200 readers! You can view these past emails on our website's email archive page.

Sign up for weekly emails which highlight what to look for in the readings. If you think you have signed up but not yet received the weekly emails (sent out each Monday morning at 6 a.m.) please contact Kate Sterner, ksterner@spdlc.org. Once you are signed up you should receive a welcome email within 24 hours.

If you wish, you may purchase a copy of The NRSV Daily Bible for $20 at the hospitality desk in the Atrium. There are both paperback and faux leather bond versions available. This Bible has extra prayers and reflections for each day's texts, a well-designed accompaniment to the Scriptures, full of inspiration for the year-long journey. Pick up a copy for yourself, and one to share with a friend!

Read more about the Read-Along on our website. Questions? Contact Pastor Mathison at cmathison@spdlc.org.
Confirmation - Jan. 17

Please keep our 87 confirmands in your prayers as they prepare to affirm their baptism in the Rite of Confirmation on Saturday, Jan. 17. Check our website for the schedule of events.
Families Moving Forward - Jan. 18-25

Your gifts of time, talent and money make a difference in the lives of families who are experiencing homelessness. We will once again be hosting a group of adults and children for one week beginning Jan. 18.

Your participation is a key part of making this ministry successful! Now you can sign up online for various tasks at our CareCalendar site. To learn more about signing up for tasks, visit our website.

You can also sign up at the table in the narthex to host or make a dinner, do activities with families, provide groceries, stay overnight, or launder linens. Contact Sandy Dockter with questions: sandymdoc@gmail.com.
DivorceCare Group for Men - Jan. 20-April 7

Separation and divorce are painful and stressful experiences. They are confusing times when you feel alone and have lots of questions. DivorceCare is a confidential group support program to find help, discover hope, and experience healing. Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 20 and running for 13 sessions, through April 7. Led by SPD member, Heather Wright. Contact Pastor Tim Westermeyer if you have questions: 763-475-7136 or twestermeyer@spdlc.org. Learn more about DivorceCare.
Book Club - Jan. 20

The Book Club's selection for January is Evensong by Gail Godwin. The story takes place over the course of a few weeks in late November and December of 1999, during the season of Advent -- the season of expectation -- and makes a great winter read. Evensong is the story of a pastor and her spouse as they play host to three unwelcome guests. We will gather in the Nook on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. for a discussion. All are welcome. For more information contact Pastor Mathison at cmathison@spdlc.org.
Faith & Life Lecture with Steve Goold - Jan. 29

The Faith & Life Lecture Series continues with drummer Steve Goold, who currently tours with Sara Bareilles. Goold will perform and speak about "Using Your Gifts for God's Kingdom" on Thursday, Jan 29 at 7 p.m. This promises to be a lively and inspiring presentation!
Winter Magic: Father Daughter Date Night - Feb. 20

Join us Friday, Feb. 20, 6:30-9 p.m. for an evening of Frozen-inspired magic designed just for dads (or granddads, uncles, or other father figures) and daughters. We'll have desserts, a photo opportunity, a sparkly winter craft, a raffle with fun prizes, and a Frozen movie sing-a-long. Costumes are encouraged! Recommended for girls age 3 and up. Cost: $35 per couple; additional daughters $10. Register online. Questions? Contact Amanda Berger at aberger@spdlc.org or 763.475.7139.
Dazzling Dave Yo-yo Show - Feb. 14-15

Dazzling Dave will be joining Faith Creek on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 15 at 8:30 and 9:45 am. Dave, an internationally known yo-yo champion, will dazzle the children with his yo-yo skills and inspire them with a Christian message. Children who attend 11 a.m. Faith Creek classes are invited to join the 9:45 Faith Creek group for this special event. Mark your calendars!
In This Issue
This Weekend
Books for Africa
2015 Bible Read-Along
Confirmation
Families Moving Forward
DivorceCare for Men
Book Club
Faith & Life Lecture
Father Daughter Date Night
Dazzling Dave Yo-yo Show
 
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Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,

Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendour.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters.

The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.

He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.

The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.

The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, 'Glory!'

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king for ever.

May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!

Psalm 25:1-10  

For Reflection

 

"It matters very little whether your judgments of people are true or untrue, and very much whether they are kind or unkind. "

- Winston Churchill

 

See more thoughts like this at fb.com/spdlc.

 

Faithful Parenting

 

I want to woo my kids.

You cannot expect to raise children who are self-controlled and gentle when you are not.
If you have questions about anything you've read here, or want to know more about St. Philip the Deacon and its ministries, please contact us at info@spdlc.org or 763-475-7100.