Dear Friends,

On this last Sunday before Lent begins (Wednesday, February 10); we are again challenged to stretch  and grow in our faith–opening our eyes wider to see our brother Jesus, everywhere. He only has hands, eyes and ears in this world if through us–a seemingly wonderful resolution for the days of Lent, to be his body in our world!

Come; celebrate the Word this weekend!

Peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

P.S. On February 2, the Church remembers the feast of St. Blaise, the patron of those afflicted with ailments of the throat. Pastor Kathy will bless throats after communion this Sunday.

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Readings: 

• Isaiah 6: 1-8
• 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11
• Luke 5: 1-11

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Upcoming Dates to Keep in Mind:

1. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 10, 2016.  Due to a conflict with our space, we will not have an Ash Wednesday service on this next Wednesday, but Pastor Kathy will give out ashes on this coming Sunday, February 7 and next Sunday, February 14 for those who wish to receive them. I am sorry for this change in our plans.
2. On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at 5 p.m.,at Central Lutheran church, Pastors Corrine Denis and Kathy Redig will team up to present a short prayer service on gun violence during the community meal, The Feast. All are welcome to attend (SEE NEWS ITEM FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
3. February 20, Saturday Mass at 4:30 p.m. followed by a soup supper–a special notice will be going out to sign up for the soup supper
4. March 19, Saturday Mass at 4:30 p.m. followed by a soup supper
5. Schedule for Holy Week: 

• Palm Sunday, March 19, Saturday Mass, 4:30 p.m. followed by a soup supper
• Holy Thursday–Mass of the Last Supper, Thursday, March 24, 4:30 p.m.
• Good Friday–March 25, 4:30 p.m.
• Easter Sunday–Mass on Sunday, March 27 at 10 a.m.

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Dear Friends,

Robert and I will not be with you for Mass this Sunday–but will be with you in spirit as we complete our Christmas celebration with our family; kids, spouses and grandson. Pastor Dick Dahl will be with you in our absence.

This Sunday’s readings call us to continue our journey of love spoken of so beautifully in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians–all good deeds, all sacrifices are as nothing if one does not have love! We are reminded this week by the prophet Jeremiah of our God’s constancy on our behalf since before we were born and of how we will never be overcome as evidenced in our brother Jesus in his home town of Nazareth.  Come; pray together for the strength we all need to be people of love and mercy.

Peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

P.S. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, February 10–Mass at 4:30 P.M. –ashes will be given.

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Readings:

• Jeremiah 1: 4-5, 17-19
• 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13
• Luke 4: 21-30

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Dear Friends,

We continue this week with Ordinary Time, but as always are challenged beyond the ordinary.  Jesus asks his neighbors to see him as the Messiah–a big leap for them. We are likewise called to see the divine in each other and respond accordingly.  Come; let us ponder these mysteries and grow together as the People of God.  PLEASE SEE SEVERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS BELOW.

Peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

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Readings:

• Nehemiah 8: 2-4, 5-6, 8-10
• 1 Corinthians 12: 12-30
• Luke 1: 1-4;  4: 14-21

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Announcements:

1. Board Election -remember to vote for three of the four below running for our board, either on Sunday, January 24, 2016 or by email to Eric Bartleson,  ejbartleson@gmail.com by Saturday evening, January 23, 2016.  (Mary Ludwigson, Pauline Christensen, Michael Maher , Nancy Miller).
2. Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser-for the Winona-Misato Friendship Association–Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 4:30 P.M. at the Eagles’ Club, 210 East 4th Street in Winona. Dinners are $8 and include spaghetti with or without meatballs, bread stick and salad. Desserts are for an extra purchase.
3. Winona County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) 9th Annual Auction and Casino Night–March 12, 2016 at Signatures in Winona.  All funds raised will go to support individuals with developmental disabilities. If you would like to donate an item toward the auction, please call Ryan Buhler, 507-452-1798.

Dear Friends,

We meet this weekend on Saturday at 4:30 P.M. to reflect and pray over our God’s great love for us in the context of a wedding feast. Weddings in the best sense are about love freely given, deep trust in another human being’s willingness to say “yes” to life and love together as long as the two shall live.  Our God’s love for each of us is just that intense, that true. Come; celebrate and pray with us this Saturday.

Peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

P.S.  Think about whether you would like to have pot-luck suppers during Lent, February 20 and March 19. March 19, Saturday will be our celebration of Palm Sunday.  Get back to me with your wishes. 

 

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Readings: 

• Isaiah 62: 1-5
• 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11
• John 2: 1-12

Dear Friends,

This Sunday’s liturgy, The Baptism of Jesus, calls us to reflect on what baptism meant to him at the beginning of his public ministry and likewise calls us to reflect on our own baptisms and what that initial blessing as infants, for most of us, means to us, today.  Does that fact make a difference in how we live our lives each day?

Come; ponder these questions with us.

Peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

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Readings:

• Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7
• Acts 10 : 34-38
• Luke 3: 15-16, 22

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Note: We are looking for people willing to serve on our board–please let the pastor know of your willingness to put your name on the ballot by Sunday evening, January 10, 2016.  Thank you.  aaorcc2008@gmail.com.