Dear Ones,
It’s Tuesday of the first full week of the year 2021 as we continue to “Be Church Together” even as the church building is closed for gatherings. I trust that you are staying safe and urging others to do the same!
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I have never been a coffee drinker, but my husband Tim has that covered for both of us. In the past month my morning routine hasn’t involved coffee, but it has included watching the amazing sunrises that Northern Arizona offers. Depending on the cloud cover, sunrise can be a riot of color or a thin line of light, gradually growing into blinding brightness. When there are clouds, the sun’s light is disbursed, and I can look at the horizon easily. Life is like that sometimes: physical circumstances can force us to see things in a different way. I find that encouraging. |
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This past week has been something of a “Groundhog’s Day” experience. We had three days off for two weeks in a row and I find myself wondering what day it is and having that unsettled sense of having forgotten something! We are back in the office this week, gearing up for our annual congregational meeting. The annual report should be in the mail on January 14. The nominating committee is working to put together a slate of positions elected at the annual meeting, so don’t be surprised if you get a call about filling an opening. Please prayerfully consider how you might be able to serve our congregation in these important positions. The pandemic creates unique challenges to our ministries at Emmanuel, but remember until we can meet safely, our council meetings are via Zoom, in the comfort of your home!
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I had hoped to return to offering both a contemporary and a traditional worship service online beginning Sunday, but with Kimberly taking some much-needed vacation next week, we will postpone that until she returns. We will continue to record worship from my living room at least until the COVID numbers for our county begin to come down. |
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One of the benefits of having a family theologian is getting to take part in some pretty cool stuff! Dr. Mary Lowe, Tim’s sister is a professor of Religion at Augsburg University and was part of the team that crafted the ELCA social statement Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action. The social statement was amended and then adopted by a more than two-thirds vote at the Churchwide Assembly in August of last year. Taskforce members were asked to create an online study guide for the social statement, and our congregation, with a few others, has been invited to help test the draft of the study guide! There are five sessions, each about 50 minutes, with Scripture, excerpts from the social statement, an interactive activity, a video for discussion, and prompts for action. I will facilitate and after the sessions are completed, will offer feedback to the taskforce. I would like to start our Zoom sessions sometime during the week of January 17. Please let me know if you would be interested in participating, and what days—Monday, Wednesday or Saturday—and whether afternoons (2:00 p.m.) or evenings (6:30 p.m.) work for you. I’m excited and look forward to hearing from you!
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Vitalant blood drives scheduled for our area:
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Thursday, January 7, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p,m.: Chino Valley Walgreens
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Friday, January 8, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: TitleMax (1205 Gail Gardner)
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Tuesday, January 12, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Northern AZ VA (500 Hwy89 North)
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Friday, January 22, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: AZ Dept of Economic Security (3262 Bob Dr.)
Blood supplies continue to be at all-time lows; please consider donating now if possible.
Make an appointment at vitalant.org, or call 1-877-258-4825. Vitalant is including COVID-19 antibody testing for all blood donations.
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Vitalant - Home
Vitalant, one of the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit community blood service providers, supplies comprehensive transfusion medicine services to nearly 1,000 hospitals and health care partners for patients in need across 40 states.
Read more
www.vitalant.org
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More Christmas Songs
(today is the eleventh day of Christmas—or twelfth depending how you count)
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Here is a combination of instruments you don’t hear often…accordion and bandura! Christmas Songs and more! |
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The Piano Guys play “Where are You Christmas?” with guest Sarah Schmidt. |
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Please continue to make good choices regarding your safety and others': the COVID-19 cases in our community continue to spike. Wear your mask, keep your distance, stay at home if you are at risk or not feeling well, and wash your hands. Precious ones, choose love to care for your neighbor and yourself by staying safe! |
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Remember to check in with each other, and don’t hesitate to call me (310-890-9785) or the church office (928-772-4135) if you need something, or email emmanuelelca@gmail.com if you have something to share.
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What kind of wildlife have you seen in your yard recently? Picture courtesy of Eileen Treadway from December 30. |
A Bible verse for today:
Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever.
Psalm 40:11
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Yours in Christ,
Pr Tricia
Emmanuel Lutheran Church; Prescott Valley, AZ
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Our prayers and sympathies to the loved ones of Ben Stricker, who passed away on January 2. |
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Emmanuel Lutheran Church
7763 E.Long Look
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
PH (928) 772-4135 • FX (928) 759-3541
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