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Hello St. John’s Family,
I hope that you were able to enjoy meaningful time with family and loved ones during the Christmas season – a season that passes by so quickly. And while I can’t quite comprehend how we’re already a week into 2024, it is comforting to know that we are gaining almost a minute of daylight each day! By the end of January, that figure will increase to just over 2 minutes each day. The longest night of the year has passed, pointing to the promise of warmth and new life the lengthening days will bring. Keep that in mind if you’ve found it difficult to return to “normal” schedules and routines.
As the new year begins at St. John’s, I have good news to share regarding our Music Ministry: effective January 1st, Alissa Nelson assumed leadership of our Praise Band as Contemporary Worship Leader at the 9:00 am Contemporary Worship Service. Alissa has been an integral member of the Praise Band, offering her musical talents to God while serving as the Accompanist for many years. I have greatly appreciated the commitment and excellence that mark Alissa’s service, and I am very thankful she is now serving in this important leadership role. Please lift up Alissa in prayer as she serves in her new role.
I also want to express my deep appreciation to Roy Nelson for the dedicated service and leadership he has given as our Contemporary Worship Leader. The time and dedication Roy has devoted to our Contemporary Worship – and all our Music Ministries – has been a great blessing to us, and is a foundational aspect of what enables us to offer meaningful worship to God each Sunday. Note that Roy will continue to lead our Vocal Choirs and Bell Choirs… as he said to me, “I’m not going anywhere!” I am deeply thankful to both Alissa and Roy for all they give in service to God here at St. John’s, and I look forward to another year of amazing, God-honoring music in worship and in the life of St. John’s.
As we look ahead to our first worship services in 2024, the weather forecast for Sunday is a bit ominous. It’s been a while since we’ve had to deal with winter weather, so as a reminder, please use caution and discretion if winter weather impacts our worship times. Our 10:30 Worship service is live-streamed each Sunday and is a good option if you are uncertain about the roads. Also, if weather necessitates changes to our worship schedule, updated information will be posted on our website, Facebook page, and sent via a Constant Contact email as soon as a decision is made. Please check these sources if you are uncertain about our services.
Weather forecasts aside, I am very eager to join with you in worship on Sunday! This Sunday is Epiphany Sunday, the day we remember and celebrate how Christ was revealed as the Savior of the world to all people and nations. As we do that, we’ll look closely at Isaiah 60:1-6, a passage that was written centuries before Christ was born, during a time of exile, difficulty, and darkness. In that time, God spoke of light and glory. I sense that’s a message we all need to hear and hold on to, as the brokenness of our world crashes into the celebration and joy of Christ’s coming at Christmas. I hope you’ll join us in worship this Sunday-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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