Happy New Year!

As I reflect on 2024, I am filled with gratitude for each of you and the ways you have supported me and Theresa and those in our community and our world. I believe we make a good team, working to share God's love with those around us. We all have different gifts that we share in carrying out God's mission. I'm also thankful for the gifts you have given us as well: Tangible gifts (Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays, and just because), your prayers, and your support. We are truly grateful and abundantly blessed! We look forward to continuing this journey with you!

Pastor Ann & Theresa

Bible Study

Ephesians 1:3-14

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14 this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

Questions:

+What spiritual blessings have you received?

+How do the riches of God's grace manifest themselves in your life?

John 1:1-18

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ ”) 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is the only Son, himself God, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

Questions:

+What does the light of Christ illuminate in your life?

+What are some other dark areas that you would like Christ to illuminate and bring life to?

+Verse 16 refers to "grace upon grace." What does that mean to you?

Blessings,

Pastor Ann

email or call me 763-447-7664

PS:

• There is now an archive of the weekly newsletter on our website. It will be updated weekly.
• REMINDER: Annual Reports are due Jan. 5th! Send to church@newdaylutheran.org

This past Sunday's service: YouTube

For those who we are unable to hand deliver, we will mail out your stewardship letter. Pledge cards are included and we need them back by January 12. Thanks for your diligence in this!

• We were told January 1st is when people will be able to register through the link on their website.

• Rate will be $150/person and there is a minimum of 20 participants

The Discretionary Fund at New Day Lutheran Church plays a vital role in providing essential support to individuals and families facing financial hardships in our community. This fund is dedicated to assisting those in need with critical expenses such as rent, utilities, and transportation costs, ensuring that they have the resources necessary to maintain their stability and well-being. By contributing to this fund, you are directly impacting the lives of our community members, fostering a sense of security and support during their challenging times. Your generosity allows us to extend our outreach efforts, reinforcing our commitment to love and inclusivity for all. You can give via a check sent to

New Day Lutheran Church

2184 Channing Way #474 Idaho Falls, ID 83404

or online.

Put discretionary fund in the memo or note.

Thank you to those who have signed up! You made this easy!

There are several important days in January, including: 

• New Years Day 
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 
• National Trivia Day 
• Religious Freedom Day
• World Braille Day
• International Holocaust Remembrance Day (Jan. 27)
• Financial Wellness Month
• National Tea Month
• National Mentoring Month
• National Stalking Awareness Month
• National Blood Donor Month
• National Braille Literacy Month
• National Hobby Month
• National Poverty in America Awareness Month

Monthly on the 1st Sunday we collect a noisy offering. This change is used for activities for the kids.

Monthly on the 2nd Saturday join us as we serve at the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen. Contact Guy Backstrom for questions you might have.

The 2nd Sunday of the month. It's a short 30 minute service in Rexburg at the Templeview Transitional Care Center. Carpool at 2pm from church, service is at 3pm

OUR VISION: Passion for God, Compassion for All means we strive to be a loving, Christian community who are excited and passionate about sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with everyone. Regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious background or health, you are welcome here!

OUR MISSION: Love Christ and others by accepting and welcoming all in worship, fellowship, Bible study, and community outreach while celebrating our gifts and talents. Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another…” John 13:34.

For us it’s simple – Jesus loved all people and so we want to love all people.

WELCOME, INCLUSION, CELEBRATION, AND ADVOCACY STATEMENT FOR NEW DAY LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA)

Because we are loved by God, New Day Lutheran Church is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation that welcomes all people. We invite you to join us in our commitment to support and advocate for:

People of every color, culture, and ethnic background

People of every gender identity and sexual orientation

People of all mental and physical abilities

People who are single, widowed, divorced, separated, partnered, blessed or married

People of all ages, political persuasions, levels of education

People of every economic circumstance or social status

People of any religious affiliation or none

People of all family configurations

People who speak languages other than English

People who have felt excluded or marginalized

We commit ourselves to embracing the work of anti-racism, social and economic justice, and environmental care.

We encourage all people to participate in the sacraments and all aspects of the life of our church

Twice a month the Northwest Intermountain Synod sends out a newsletter. If you would prefer to receive the newsletter directly you can sign up HERE.

Click the links below to see their newsletters as webpages.

December 16

December 2

We are a congregational owner of Luther Heights Bible Camp - so it is important we are invested in the things they are up to! If you need more info on them, call 208-886-7657 or email them at info@lutherheights.org To subscribe to receive their newsletter directly go HERE

GIVE NOW

Dear New Day Lutheran Church,

In this time of uncertainty for many LGBTQIA+ Americans, ReconcilingWorks Board of Directors has approved the creation of a mutual aid fund.

Applicants have an opportunity to receive up to $500. Read about eligibility and how to apply on our Mutual Aid page.

May this season of uncertainty be a time for us all to stand up for all our beloved LGBTQIA+ siblings and recommit to the work of justice. If you would like to financially support the mutual aid funds, you can do so HERE.

Much joy 

Aubrey Thonvold

To see news from St. Luke's not listed here Click on the logo below then click on Thursday Tidings to see their announcements, or look at their calendar.

• You can use the button below to give online!
• You can also mail a check made out to New Day Lutheran to:

New Day Lutheran Church

2184 Channing Way #474

Idaho Falls, ID 83404