This 2016 season of Epiphany we say goodbye to one of our dear members and friends, the Rev. Dr. Norm Lund. Norm was gifted by God, blessing our church denomination, the AALC, as a professor in our seminary and blessing our local church, Emmanuel, by encouraging us, singing on the praise team, teaching God’s Word, and by supporting me in my role as pastor. We will miss you deeply, Norm. We’re aware of how much his lovely bride, Judy, will also miss Norm so we want to surround her with love.
In January we will begin our financial support of Bob and Cheryl Fox as Missionaries to Niger, Africa. This is a major financial responsibility and a high calling from the Lord. I am proud to be the pastor of Emmanuel, a church God will use support the extension of His Kingdom.
The season of Epiphany is part of the Christmas Cycle (Advent-Christmas-Epiphany). Epiphany is a Greek word which means, “to shine” and we use it to declare that in His Word God shines His light on the work He has done for us to reveal His love and mercy for us. You can find the space in your heart and the time in your life to daily open and read the Word of God through 2016 and discover His revelation for you.
In January we honor The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a prophet of God who was used by God to call America to treat all people with respect and high regard and without reference to the color of their skin. As with many prophets from the Biblical era, he gave his life in service to God and country. May we dedicate our lives to following the teaching of the Lord as proclaimed by Dr. King.
In February, on Valentine Sunday, we will hear the story of St. Valentine and learn how God used him to display the Love of the Lord to this broken world. After worship there will be a Valentines’ Potluck Lunch in the fellowship hall.
This month we will show God’s love for one another through a Secret Angels Program. You may sign up to support another person by praying for that person, by writing notes or cards of encouragement, and if you so desire, by making or purchasing a small gift of encouragement. This program will run for four weeks.
Standing Fast in the Joy of the Lord,
Pastor Tim Cartwright