Reflections on our 50th Anniversary Year!

La Casa de Cristo is in its sixth decade as a congregation, and we have so much to be grateful for as we ‘stand on the shoulders’ of those who followed Christ’s lead by birthing this church and faithfully nurturing it year in and year out. This past year of celebrating 50 years has shown us what God is doing through our ministries, our leadership, and our congregants.

• Through the efforts of our pastoral team who visit those who are hospitalized or homebound, our faithful volunteers in all ministries, serving in so many ways, and the staff in general, people feel loved and cared for. There was a lot of ‘rolling up of sleeves’ and serving all year long which makes a church of our size feel small and like family!
• The children's ministry team hosted wonderful outreach events (i.e., egg hunt, trunk or treat, etc.), in addition to the weekly training up of La Casa Kids who are entrusted to them. They are memorizing scripture and developing a relationship with Jesus in a love-filled environment.
• In the youth group, Suzan has witnessed the Holy Spirit move in the teen’s lives, and has seen them lean into God for strength and reach out to one another with support.
• Our amazing media team has really grown, and their focus is on making audio and video needs for other ministries less complicated, which they do so well!
• Moms of all ages were encouraged and cared for by mentor moms who bring their wisdom and experience to the table. Women are inviting friends and family into this love-filled community, and opening the Word of God in Bible studies.
• In the nursery, Kristen and Kate have watched the moms and kiddos laugh and grow together. Their smiles say it all and it’s such an amazing feeling to be a part of that.
• The Veterans group is thriving, where friendships are nurtured with weekly gatherings in addition to the monthly breakfasts featuring speakers from all branches.
• La Casa de Cristo has witnessed a real camaraderie among those who come to learn and fellowship together at our Adult Ed Bible studies, such as The Chosen, and so many others.
• Our custodial staff keeps everything in tip top shape around the campus and we are so grateful for their hard work.
• Upkeep is ongoing in all buildings, thanks to Donna's efforts to have repairs/maintenance done in all areas.
• Our website and social media team has been so creative with Stay Connected videos, The Interlude, and social media posts to keep us all informed and entertained!
• The La Casa Preschool staff is second to none! The children are getting the best start in life as they learn all about Jesus!
• Then there's the Finance, Database, and Front Office teams who work hard at all other details of church life.
• And let's not forget the Music! Wow! is the way to sum up the efforts of all the music groups: traditional and contemporary, bells and orchestra, children's choir and our adult choir! We are truly blessed!

Many of us may wish to kick 2025 to the curb because of losses we’ve experienced or trials we are going through. There is a custom in Scotland called Hogmany, whereby the New Year is rung in by gathering up all the trash in the house and then it's placed outside just before midnight. They don’t bring any of the previous year’s ‘garbage’ into the next year, but rather leave it behind. Then, they open the doors at 12:00am and welcome in new opportunities for growth and change.

Let’s all welcome new opportunities to share the Good News in the New Year!

Adult Ed Classes 2026

There is a new slate of classes scheduled that you will not want to miss! Mark your calendars and sign up for one or more classes here. Bring family and friends!



What Lutherans Believe

with Pastor Jeff and Peter Faur

Thursdays - 10:00am - 11:30am, beginning Jan. 8

Room B

We will explore together Lutheran distinctives such as grace; the three solas; our creedal statements; and the major tenets of the Lutheran faith. We will use the Small Catechism of Luther as our guide, but also explore what makes our theology unique, as well as our commitment to the wider Apostolic Church.

Archaeology and Geography of the Old Testament

with Pastor Matt

Sundays at 9:15am or 10:30am, beginning Jan. 4

Fellowship Hall

Wednesday Night Dinners & The Chosen Season 2

with Pastor Jeff

Wednesdays - 5:15pm dinner / 6:00 The Chosen, beginning Jan. 7 in the Gathering Place

Biblical Citizenship Video Series

with Steve Zangle

Part 1 - Jan. 8 - Feb. 12

Part 2 - April 9 - June 11

Thursdays - 6:30pm - 8:00pm, beginning Jan. 8

Room A

Special Presentation

Asia Lutheran Seminary Professor Glen Thompson

Sunday, January 25, 2:30pm - 5pm

Fellowship Hall

Join La Casa for an afternoon of fascinating Christian history. Pastor Matt is welcoming in Professor Glen L. Thompson from Asia Lutheran Seminary in Hong Kong for a special set of lectures that you don't want to miss. Professor Thompson will be sharing about two topics: St. Paul's Mission Strategy and early Christian Missions in China, with dessert in between! Please register today so that we can save dessert for you!

More information: Lacasadecristo.com/asia

Schedule:

2:30-3:30pm - Roads, Cities, Hellenism, and St. Paul's Mission Strategy

3:30-4:00pm - Dessert!

4:00-5:00pm - The First Christian Mission to China

Orchard Africa Application Deadline

Upcoming deadlines for the June 2026 South Africa trip

• Online application/interest form completed by January 16, 2026
• lacasadecristo.com/southafrica

• South Africa Mission Team will be finalized on or before February 1, 2026

• Deposit of $1800 due by February 13, 2026

• Remaining balance of $2000 due on April 3, 2026

*Youth scholarships available*

Celebrate the Lives of:

Connie Harris

Tuesday, January 6, 11:00am

Jack Haydon

Saturday, January 10, 11:00am

Marcy Hontz

Wednesday, January 14, 11:00am

Livestreamed at lacasalive.com

Gordon Magoon

Saturday, January 31, 11:00am (no livestream)

The office will be closed January 1st and 2nd for the New Year. We will reopen on January 5th at 9am.

We wish you and your family a blessed New Year!

Anticipating Surgery

Craig Culloton (1/6)

Rehabilitation Hospital

John Barber

Bobbie Besenczky

Marie Williams

Recuperating

Bonnie Erbe

Merrill Johnson

Joyce Reinhard

Marilyn Walsh

Dave Wilson

On the Death of a Loved One

Brenda Anderson & family... her brother, Chris

Peter A. Carpenter & family... his father, Peter R. Carpenter