Un-Deck the Halls

This Sunday

Sadly, it’s time to take down our Christmas décor after worship this Sunday, Jan. 11. If you can help, please join us for the un-decking! (We will leave the window candles up until the end of the Epiphany season.)  

Notice of Annual Meeting

Sunday, February 8 

MPLC’s Annual Meeting will take place after worship on Sunday, February 8, starting at 10:15 AM. The meeting will include receiving the Annual Report; elections to Council, Endowment Fund Board, Nominating Committee, and voting members to the 2026 Synod Assembly; approving the 2026 Budget; and approving amendments to MPLC’s Constitution.  

This past summer, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly approved a new 2025 model constitution for ELCA congregations. MPLC has updated its constitution to match this revision. There is one change that requires a congregational vote to incorporate it into our constitution. This item is C.1.02.  

The other updates are for information and clarification only.  

The proposed constitution updates may be viewed at the link below or in a printed copy available at the Welcome Desk.

Adult Ed - Series on Christian Nationalism Sundays through Feb 15

A Series on Christian Nationalism will be offered for Adult Education on Sundays at 10:20 a.m. This series will explore the definition and history of Christian Nationalism, the Lutheran response, and what we can do to spread awareness of the Christian Nationalist movement. Through videos and discussion, Karen Gosselin will help us explore why this awareness is important for our lives today and in the future. Attend one or all of the sessions. Come late or leave early. All people and viewpoints are welcome. 

Some possible weekly topics (subject to change) include: 

• January 4 - A Little Town in Idaho 
• January 11- Defining Christian Nationalism 
• January 18 - The Lutheran and Mainline Christian Response 
• January 25 - Going Deeper 
• February 1 - A Personal Experience 
• (No Class Feb. 8th because of Annual Meeting)
• February 15 - What Can We Do?  

Chair Yoga

Tuesdays at 11:00 AM

Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting on a chair or standing using a chair for support.

Yoga can help slow down the aging process by maintaining flexibility and gently strengthening muscles. It can also keep your mind alert and help with stress reduction.

Certified yoga teachers Mary Jo Sullivan and Gary Albright invite you to join this fun, drop-in class on Tuesday mornings at 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship for $5 per class.

Online Bethel Bible Study

To Begin in January  

For over six decades, the Bethel Bible Series has guided people in exploring all the books of the Bible. It began at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin, and now it extends around the world. You can participate in a 2026 online class via Zoom, meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings from January 10 through December 12. If you’re interested, contact a pastor and we’ll help you get registered! 

Dining Out

Friday Jan. 16

Meet up with new and old friends from MPLC at New Cafe & Bistro off Monument Square (600 Main Street, formerly Dewey's) for dinner on Friday, January 16th at 6:00 p.m. To be added to our group reservation, please sign up at the link below before Jan. 15th. (Everyone is responsible for their own meal and tip at this event.) All are welcome! 

Beyond Welcome Education Day

Sat. Jan. 17 - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM 

On MLK weekend, learn about the legacies of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King, Jr., and the lessons they have for people of faith in confronting authoritarianism. “Prophets, Saints, and Kings” is an event hosted by United Lutheran Seminary and streamed online for participating congregations to view.

Join us in Mygatts on Saturday, January 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as we learn from expert scholars and ponder our own calls to seek justice and peace. Lunch will be provided. 

OpenTable

Sunday, Jan. 18

Volunteers are needed for our next Open Table on Sunday, January 18th.

If you can donate your time or help provide ingredients, click the link below.

In Sympathy

We remember family and friends of Victor Mitmoen, who died on December 29, 2025.

Rest eternal grant them, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Community Meal at Living Faith 

MPLC’s next turn to provide and serve the Community Meal at Living Faith Lutheran Church will be Sunday, February 1. For 2026, Living Faith is the distribution site for the Community Meal each Sunday evening, with a different area church providing food and volunteers week to week. Food will be prepared at MPLC and packed for pick up in "to go" containers. 

To help provide ingredients, help prepare, package, or distribute meals on February 1, click the link below! 

Scam Alert

We’ve been made aware that there have been fake, scam emails being sent by individuals attempting to impersonate someone from the church. If you get something unusual from a pastor, check the return email address and/or call the church office.

We would never send emails asking you to buy anything.

Worship Volunteers for Jan. 10th &11th

• Sun. Greeter: Maxine Silvius
• Sat. Reader: One needed
• Sun. Reader: Karen Krey
• Sun. Communion Assistants: Stephen Gifford, Tim Graves
• Coffee Hour Refreshments: Diane Kelly, Chris Pearson
• Video Producer: Chris Ryshkus

If you can help, please call the church office or email Becky Litwin.

January Food Pantry Needs

In January, the Holy Communion Lutheran Church Food Pantry is asking for:

• Side dishes
• Bar Soap
• Toilet Paper
• 10 oz. cans of tomato soup
• 15 oz. cans of mixed fruit

Also needed are clean, lightly used plastic shopping bags, brown paper bags, 2026 calendars, greeting cards, cookbooks, and religious books, especially for children.