A word from our Pastor…

God’s Unexpected Love

Zephaniah 3:17, “The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

What five statements demonstrate that God’s love for you is really beyond explanation?

He is with me.

He is mighty to save me.

He takes great delight in me.

He quiets me with His love.

He rejoices over me with singing.

God contemplates His beloved Church . . . with overwhelming joy. And then there pours from His heart and lips such joyous shouting that the heaven of heavens re-echoes with His jubilation, His glad singing (Bible Commentary The Minor Prophets, p. 381, by Theodore Laetsch).

I have been married over 35 years and I think I got the better deal... I am blessed beyond any hopes and dreams. Members of St. John are called the Bride of Christ. Now who got the better deal? You or the Lord? We would most likely say that we all received the better deal. That’s a reasonable response; however, when reading Song of Solomon 4:9-10 and Zephaniah 3:17, what do you think? I still believe we got “the better deal,” but there is no doubt that because of Christ we are unimaginably precious and beautiful to God.

Romans 9:15-16, “For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ ¹⁶It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.”

One very large denomination openly states that if anyone does not believe that the sinner does not cooperate with God in the matter of salvation, let him be “anathema” (damned). This belief is held by many people today who say, “God has to do His part, and we have to do our part” regarding salvation. Paul says that salvation depends only on God’s mercy and not on man’s desire or effort. If salvation depended in any way on man’s part (synergism), what haunting question would always be present? Have I done “enough” on my part? The assurance of salvation would always be in doubt. Isaiah 43:25, “I (the noun ‘I’ repeated to make it emphatic), even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” Why does the Lord blot out your transgressions and remember your sins no more? For His own sake. You do not deserve His love, not even primarily to promote it for your happiness and salvation, but for HIS sake, to promote His glory and unlimited love.

1 John 4:10, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

In Wales Christians sing a nineteenth-century hymn by William Rees:

Here is love, vast as the ocean, Loving kindness as the flood,

When the Prince of life, our ransom, Shed for us His precious blood.

Who His love will not remember? Who can cease to sing His praise?

He can never be forgotten Throughout heaven’s eternal days.

On the Mount of Crucifixion Fountains opened deep and wide;

Through the floodgates of God’s mercy Flowed a vast and gracious tide.

Grace and love, like mighty rivers, Poured incessant from above,

And heaven’s peace and perfect justice Kissed a guilty world in love.

May God’s “unexpected” love bless us in this New Year. May we thank Him daily for his love in sending us His only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

In service to the KING of kings,

Pastor Mueller

“For I resolved to know nothing while with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Cor. 2:2)

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Please remember in your prayers: Pastor Mangold; Marilyn Fabera, with 2 aneurysms that need to be addressed; John Warden, under hospice care; Susan Laurent, on list for lung transplant; the family and loved ones of Robert Laurent, our Shirley Bublitz‘s brother, who succumbed to cancer; Lori Korbas with Torticollis; protection, recovery and safe return home for all our service people and their families; hope and help for the jobless; hope, help and safety for people facing devastation; Don McKenna, with kidney failure, on dialysis, also diabetes, COPD, and now internal bleeding; our Nicole Piontek with osteosarcoma; our Gladys Ward; healing for Theresa Neddo; Lloyd Anderson with cancer; Arnie Grobe; a friend, Norma Pawlak with stomach cancer; our Don Franzen recovering from rotator cuff surgery; Erin Hill; Rocky Ponton with lymphoma; our Bill Schultz with colon cancer; 5 year old Logan of Wabeno diagnosed with osteosarcoma; our Cliff Marshall; a friend, Brian Wall with a cancerous tumor in his head; healing for our LaVerne Trewyn; Jan Wichman with pancreatic cancer; healing for Pat Kurtz; Marvin Heisler; special prayers for Sande’s son; Molly and Abby Gryboski with juvenile diabetes; healing for Joyce Hanmann; Wynne Estreen now at Good Shepherd in Seymour (address on Angel Board); Terry Bodoh in stage 4 of prostate cancer; Darlene Swed; our Margot Neuman with lung cancer; Joyce Vreeke, ongoing treatment; Pastor Don Sprengler, recuperating from back surgery; our friend and mother-in-law to our Deb Markusen, Sylvia Markusen, with heart problems; Mel Sovinski with heart problems; Lynn Krabbe, sister to our Lori Exferd, diagnosed with breast cancer; our Char Krause, recuperating from hip surgery; 4 year old Devon Webb Jr. of Wabeno with brain cancer; Barb Cook recuperating; our Lori Paulson, doing better but still under Dr’s. care; Sarah Wachtendonk, recuperating from foot surgery; Al (Snuffy)VandeHei with lung cancer, also had a kidney removed that was cancerous; Jeanne Harris, recuperating from hip repair done in Wausau following a fall at home; a friend to many of us here at St. John, Rita Fehrman has neuropathy and is now at Pine Manor Health Center in Clintonville. Her address is on the Angel Board; Kim Odekirk with myloma; recovery for Kim Samplaski; healing for Donna Limberg with a broken arm; our Sue Gavin with neck problems; the family and loved ones of our dear Evelyn Riedel who went home to her Lord on Christmas day. Evelyn’s funeral was held on Friday, 12/30. She will be missed by many here at St. John; The family and loved ones of Helen Linssen, our Gary’s Mom who passed away on New Years Day; the family and loved ones of Betty Schommer, our Deb Markusen’s Mom who passed away on Wednesday, January 4^th; a prayer for all in caregiving roles; prayers for all those addicted to substance abuse and their families; a prayer of thanksgiving for little Willard John Harris born to Willie & Jodi Harris on New Years Day (12:20am). Congratulations Mom & Dad and Grandma Sharon & Grandpa Tug and Grandma Terri & Grandpa Duane!

Neale Block thanks everyone for the many prayers, it will take time but he is on the mend following rotator cuff surgery. Thanks and God’s blessings.

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ALTAR GUILD NEWS

Thank you to our Altar Guild Christmas decorating team: Carmen Ehlers, Lynette Benham, Donna Limberg, Diane Franz and Emmett Exferd. St. John looks lovely! Thank you for your dedication and service to our Lord.

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The following folks donated towards Christmas flowers ‘to the glory of God‘:

Gaylord & Ruth Johnson

Ron & Lorry Runge

Jeff & Lynette Benham

Anonymous

‘for blessings received’

Tom & Kathy Moerman

Celebrating Lu Popp’s 80^th birthday from Dick & Betsy Popp

‘In loving memory of’

Son, Vilas A. Vreeke from Vilas & Joyce Vreeke

Parents, John & Mary Eichinger and David and Roger from Sue Eichinger___________________

Husband, Conrad Lavigne and Parents, Bob & Edna Ziemendorf from Merlynne Lavigne______

Daughter, Linda and Son, Mark from Earl & Betty Opgenorth_______________________________

Our Parents, from Mike & Dawn Dreher________

Warren Wilson, from his family_______________

Parents, Ken & Erna Retrum and Allan & Madge Ehlers, from Bill & Carmen Ehlers____________

Parents, Bob & Mary Staszak, from Cindy Freidenberger_____________________________

Husband, John (Jack) Peil, from Verna Peil-Bass_

Daughter, Chris Neuman, from Bob & Margot Neuman_________________________________

Son, Robin Olson, from Ruth Olson

Parents, Jim & Kay Dudley and Myrt Korbas, from

Tom & Karen Haberstein

Friend, Jim O’Brian, from Ken Doersch

Parents, Bob & Irma Hackbarth and Orben & Lillian Mielke, from Bob & Cheryl Hackbarth

Son, Charlie Aderholdt, from Cliff & Karen Aderholdt_____________________________

Dearest Friend, Jan Dallman, from Mike & Georgia Dinkelman_____________________

Thank you to each and every one above for your generosity. St. John looks beautiful!

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We are looking for interested individuals to join our Altar Guild, there are several months to be filled. This coming Spring we will be starting a 3rd service, and will have to fill those spots also. If you are interested, please see any of our Altar Guild members. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and give the necessary training for set-up and clean-up. We would be glad to have you join us!

The banner committee is working on new banners that will beautify our altar area. The Advent/Christmas banner was really special this year with changes to the banner each week. Thank you to Lynette Benham.

The Easter committee of Sue E.,Jean G.,Trudy L., Peggy B., Lynette B., and Judy W. Will meet February 22^nd 2012 after the Lenten service and meal .This will allow the committee to decide and order plants early so we get a good selection.

Anyone who donates will have first choice in taking a plant/flower home with them after the appropriate time.

Pastor Mueller will be working with new acolytes and their routines.

The next meeting for our group will be on April 23^rd 2012 at 4pm.

Our next coffee hour will be January 22^nd.

Respectfully submitted by Lori Paulson-Secretary

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To donate flowers throughout the year, there is a flower chart at the front entrance of church by the guestbook. If you wish to donate flowers, please write your name, occasion or in memory of who, and the date you will be furnishing flowers for the altar of our Lord. Order your arrangement or plant from the florist of your choice. We have listed, for your convenience, local florists on the wall next to the chart, however, Marilyn‘s Greenhouse no longer has fresh cut flowers. You can have them delivered or you can bring your selection to church before Saturday night service. Give the florist Linda’s cell #715-850-0274 so she can let them in if no one is at church. Linda usually checks the chart on Tuesdays for the coming weekend. We always welcome floral arrangements or plants for the altar of our Lord no higher than 18 inches (so Pastor can see us and vice versa).Thanks.

ALTAR GUILD SCHEDULE 2012

JAN SAT CHERYL HACKBARTH

SUN MARIE MARTIN

FEB SAT KAREN SEEBER

SUN TRINA DINKELMAN

MAR SAT SUE EICHINGER

SUN LORI PAULSON +

GEORGIA WILSON

APR SAT JEAN GREENWOOD

SUN

MAY SAT PEGGY BARTELS

SUN DONNA LIMBERG

JUN SAT LYNETTE BENHAM

SUN TRUDY LINSSEN

JUL SAT

SUN PAT & GARY LAACK

AUG SAT SUE GAVIN +

SUE EICHINGER

SUN BRIDGET FULLER +

LORI+GEORGIA

SEPT SAT LYNETTE BENHAM

SUN CARMEN EHLERS+

DIANE FRANZ

OCT SAT MERLYNNE LAVIGNE

SUE EICHINGER

SUN EVIE PARKER

NOV SAT NANCY ERLER

SUN DORIS WHITING

DEC SAT KAREN HABERSTEIN

SUN JUDY WANNER

SUB LIST

JANET OPIELA

CATHY LUNDGREN

KAREN ADERHOLDT

LINDA ARENTZ

(Cathy+Karen ONLY IN SUMMER MONTHS AND DOESN’T INTERFERE WITH VBS.)

-Respectfully submitted by Sue Eichinger- Altar Guild President

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Women of Grace News-St. John Women, Join us if you can: Our name is “Women of Grace.” Our mission statement is: Women who come together to let their light shine, grow in the Word, and minister unto each other’s needs and concerns. We’re a Bible study group meeting the third Monday of each month at 4:30pm-5:30pm at St. John Lutheran Church. Our first meeting will be on January 16^th. Please join us.

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FELLOWSHIP

EVANGELISM NEWS

On Sunday, December 16^th, we tried our first St. John Christmas Brunch (instead of congregational Christmas Dinner). We had about 65-70 folks in attendance.

First on the program was for everyone to introduce themselves (We don’t always know who is sitting next to us at St. John). Then we all enjoyed a delicious coffee and juice bar and brunch buffet.

While we were munching on breakfast, we were entertained by Suzannah Diamond of “Townsend Fame” with music and songs. She did a beautiful job!!J Rave Reviews!!

A short program was given on remembering the “simple” things in life. That we should be thankful for even our adversities. Thank yous were then placed on our giving thanks tree.

To round out the brunch, our own St. John barbershop quartet- “God’s Guys” sang a few selections and closed with Silent Night.

The Fellowship group would like to thank Bridget Fuller and Lisa & Suzannah Diamond for coming the help set-up on Saturday. We also thank the whole crew who set up the dishes, brought a dish to pass, donated their time, stayed and cleaned up. You are all very much appreciated! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. We pray everyone had a blessed Christmas Season and that your New Year is healthy and blessed.

Oh, by all the comments we have received, it will probably be a brunch again next year. As always- if you have comments, call J. Wanner, L. Paulson, or L. Arentz. Or use our mailbox outside of office.--Your Fellowship Committee

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2^nd Annual Spring Ladies’ Tea

Ladies' Spring Tea on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 6:30pm. We are looking for Hostesses, Youth Girls, Music Talents and Devotion Reader(s). Please contact Jill Marshall and Sue Eichinger. We will have a Hostess sign up sheet in Narthex. Also, we are having another planning meeting on January 17th at 3pm after the Ladies' Aid meeting.

Jill Marshall

Sue Eichinger

Update…We have just about all the hostesses we need signed up. We will have a sign-up sheet for anyone who has not been invited by a hostess so everyone will have an opportunity to join us for our Tea event. We are still looking for several youth girls to help escort ladies to their tables and/or help out anywhere else we may need them. Also, we need someone who can be part of our devotion. Hostesses, please email Sue your list of guests. eichingersue @ gmail.com. I will be sending you the guidelines and candles for our event. If you want to be part of our Ladies Spring Tea, please let Jill and Sue know, we could use some volunteers to help with decorating and planning our tea event.

Jill Marshall and Sue Eichinger

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MUSIC NEWS

FOLK MASS

CELEBRATED

JANUARY 8 AND 14

A folk mass (or contemporary divine service) will be celebrated at St. John on Sunday, January 8, and Saturday, January 14 at our regular service times. In this service, the liturgy (Introit, Gloria, Creed, Sanctus, Lord’s Prayer, and

Agnus Dei) will be chanted by the cantor, Pastor Mueller, with the congregation repeating each phrase in song. The response mimics each phrase chanted by the pastor, so it’s easy to follow. The adult voice choir will support the congregation.

Folk masses or services became popular in the sixties when churches looked to contemporary expressions to spark interest and enthusiasm in worship. While they have never taken the place of traditional worship, they still can be

fun to do on occasion. Our focus in worship always needs to be honor and celebration of what God has done for us in Christ. This we will do with a little beat to it on the 8^th and 14^th. Be sure to join us for one of these services or both. Joyfully share this celebration with other family and friends.

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MEN’S GROUP

The Men’s Group has completed their study of Islam. At the final meeting it was unanimously agreed to begin our next series on Natural Law and Human Nature. This is an exciting DVD series that Pastor Mangold has agreed to lead. All men (do not have to be a member) are invited to attend these sessions. They are the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month with the next meeting being December 1. You do not need to commit to attending all of the sessions in order to benefit from the classes. See you there!

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St. John Christian Volunteers

Hello to all….your Christian Volunteers need YOU!!!! We need to add to our ranks in order to continue to help those around us….please, please consider calling Kathy at 715-276-3443 or emailing Kathy at chocmoll@yahoo.com ….in the past we have done windows, some housecleaning, and raking….however, the raking and the window washing is sometimes a bit much for our small group….we do want to continue to help with these type of chores, however, we need more of YOU to join us…That being said…we ARE committed to be here for you if you need a visit, a ride to the doctor, or a meal when you have surgery or are ill….now that you have read this message, pray and ponder and then, if you are able…call Kathy…

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REPORT ON THE ORGAN FUND

As of January 1, 2012, a Total of $23,509.27 has been given to the organ fund on our way to the total of $53,485 needed.

In early December we contracted with Brook Falls Piano and Organ Company to purchase an Allen organ and associated updates to the sound system. At that time we had to make a down payment of $17,018.05. After taking this out of the fund, we have $6,491.22 on hand. The projected delivery date is February 20, 2012. At that time, a second payment of $26,742.65 will be due. As you can see, we need an additional $20,300 in the next two months to cover that payment. Then 30 days after installation the final payment of $4,862.30 will be due. In total, by the end of March, 2012 we will need about $25,200 to meet the payments. There is about $2,000 that has not been counted as yet that is not reflected in the total, but we are asking for as much to be given to the fund as possible.

If you have been giving to the Building Fund, that fund will be completed on February 1, 2012. This amount can then be given to the organ fund.

We also will want to dispose of the old organ. There is no Market for an old, unreliable instrument. The contractor has agreed to haul it to the dump at no cost to us. He has also offered to deliver it to someone’s home at no charge to anyone who may wish to take it. The church does not want any payment for it because it is not known how long it may last or how much it could cost for repairs if it fails.

If anyone is interested in acquiring the old organ, please contact Pastor Mueller, Scott Wycherley or Erv Limberg.

We look forward to meeting our financial commitment with the Lord’s and your help. Erv Limberg- Organ Study Committee

NEW ON THE CREDENZA IN THE GATHERING PLACE

Have you noticed, on the credenza in the gathering place is a box that contains pill vials? These pill vials are not your ordinary, everyday pill vials but they are “Vials of Life.” The ambulance service for Lakewood-Townsend had given these out years ago as a community service that helped them in return. Our Christian Volunteers are trying to revive this project. Inside each vial are two sheets of paper. One of them is instructions and the other is the information form. According to the instructions you fill out the form (If you need help doing this, call on one of the Christian Volunteers or let Linda know.) Put the completed form back into the vial and place the vial in your refrigerator on one of the top shelves. There is also a sticker that says ‘Vial of Life’ on it. Put this sticker on the door where the emergency personnel will see it in the case of an emergency call. That will let them know that you took the time to help them out by having all you important information that they may need in one universal area that can be easily found.

Trudy has been in contact with the rescue squad and fire departments in our area so they are aware that these are new stickers and they are excited about the vials being out there. We are also going to be partnering with Nicolet Pharmacy. As we need to make more ’Vials of Life’ Gary Donaldson has graciously offered to supply us with the pill bottles AND he will also be a pick up point for people to get theirs. So if you have a friend at the Catholic or Presbyterian church or the post office or at the grocery store let them know where to get their ’Vial of Life’. But don’t just take it home, please follow the steps. You never know when it may help save your life. Any questions, call the church office and Linda will be able to help you. And remember if you have any changes in medical history to change the info on your form also!

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THIS ‘N THAT

Scott and Jeff would like to know if there is someone with computer skills that would be interested in doing the daily updates occasionally. It would be helpful if they are familiar with HTML and FTP. If so, please contact Jeff Benham. Thank you.

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The C.A.R.E Club meeting for January will be on the 12^th at 2pm, Lakewood Town Hall. All caregivers are welcome to come share, support and get information about the very valuable and loving job they do as caregivers. For more information call Kathy at 715-276-7088 or Dawn at 715-276-1680. ****

Wanted:Three Bedroom house to rent.

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The Christian Thrift Store in Wabeno is looking for a volunteer interested in the Receiving Department. This person must be available during the winter months, willing to learn store procedures, and able to lift boxes and larger items. Responsibilities will include quality checking, packaging, and pricing all Home D’ecor, Nick-Knack, Kitchen, and Misc. items sold in the store. Anyone interested in volunteering for this position should call the thrift store manager, Sue Kaufman, 715-473-6509.

Christian Thrift Store is also looking for a volunteer interested in Bed & Bath and Craft items. This person must be available during the winter months, willing to learn store procedures, and able to lift large blankets and comforters. Responsibilities will include quality checking, sizing, packaging, pricing and stocking all bed & bath and craft items sold in the store. Anyone interested in volunteering for this position should call the thrift store and speak to Sue Kaufman. ****

Anyone able to use floppy discs in their computers? See Linda--Mr Hungerford donated a bunch. Must go to a good home.

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Dig into the Word! Sunday mornings at 10:25, Wednesday mornings at 6:45am, Thursdays at 10am, And men every first and third Thursday of the month at 7pm. Come, meet up with your friends, study the Word, enjoy the fellowship, and perhaps a fresh cup of coffee (breakfast on Wednesdays)!

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We are looking for any deployed military people from our area that would like to receive a care package and correspondence from home. Please bring their address to the office or contact 715-276-7313or e-mail lrrunge@centurytel.net Thank you.

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SCRABBLE CLUB meets at church on Thursdays at 11:45am. If you enjoy this game or just want to come for the fellowship, call Scott at 276-3920.

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Hillside Assembly of God Men’s Ministry reaching out this year with their annual Free Wild Game Seminar & Dinner will be held on Saturday 4, 2012 at Oconto Falls High School. Doors Open at 4pm

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NOSAPP (Northern Oconto Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership), meeting 6pm on January 16, at Riverview Town Hall. Please try to attend. This group is made up of concerned citizens who seek to fight the influence of drugs and alcohol on our youth. Questions may be addressed to Scott at 276-3920.

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OOPS!

From a church newsletter in Lubbock, Texas:

Hymn “Christ Receiveth Simple Men”

Yes, simple men (and women), right along with the sinful ones. ****

R EC I P E

O BLT DIP

R 1 (8oz) block cream cheese softened

N ½ cup mayonaise

E ½ cup sour cream

R Mix altogether till creamy. Add 1 pound

Fried and crumbled bacon, 2 medium tomatoes diced. Mix altogether and enjoy on Crackers, dry toast squares, Triscuits, what ever you like.

JJANUARY HAPPY BIRTHDAYSJ

1/7 Emi Litke

1/7 Georgia Dinkelman

1/7 Autumn Aderholdt

1/10 Judy Ruppenthal

1/11 Owen Seeber

1/13 Krystle Mueller

1/13 Tim Brauer

1/16 Kevin Marshall

1/19 Marissa Popp

1/21 Chase Mason

1/24 Linda Block

1/24 Nikki Piontek

1/24 Linda Arentz

1/24 Kathy Jesinski

1/25 Kristen Martin

1/26 Wally Yunk

1/28 Shirley Petersen

1/28 Elta Sievert

1/29 Andy Exferd

1/29 Maggie Pichotta

1/30 Vicki Pintsch

1/31 Kory Gill

JJANUARY HAPPY ANNIVERSARIESJ

1/8 Mike & Dawn Dreher

1/10 Dale & Jean Greenwood

JJANUARY HAPPY BAPTISM BIRTHDAYSJ

1/1/1947 Chuck Ruck

1-2-2005 Nathan Cross

1/3/1945 Geri Kolakowski

1/3/2009 Abigail Seeber

1/9/2000 Lindsey Dinkelman

1/10/2010 Jaycee Mae Harris

1/11/1948 Kathy Ott

1/12/1986 Laura Ellingson

1/14/1934 Emmett Exferd

1/15/1989 Sean Aderholdt

1/16/1955 Gary Laack

1/16/1956 Janet Opiela

1/19/1941 Don Roland

1/21/2001 Shayla Arentz

1/29/1950 Scott Wycherley

1/30/2005 Owen Seeber

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JON THE LIGHTER SIDEJ

In northern Oconto County, it snowed consistently for so long that the schools had to be closed for the better part of a week. When classes finally resumed, Mrs. Chrisman asked her students if they had used their free time constructively. Little Abigail said, “I did. I was enjoying my free time so much, that I prayed for more snow!”

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During Sunday School, Mrs. Laack was talking about some of God’s creatures. She described a furry little animal who climbed trees, built nests in them, loved nuts, and buried acorns. “What animal am I talking about?” she asked. William, very mindful of where he was, spoke up, “It sounds like a squirrel, but I know the right answer is Jesus.” Although very young, William figured out that “Jesus” is the right answer to many questions.

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*POINTS TO PONDER*

The Snowflake

Every new snowflake comes to the earth

as a picture of our Savior’s birth

Because they are sent from up above

and remind us of God’s care and love.

Each one is so intricate and small

Because Christ sees the details of us all,

And just as two are never the same

The Lord knows and calls us each by name.

Snowflakes gently cover the world in white

And hide what’s unlovely from our sight,

Showing us how He covers our sin

And gives us His grace when we come to Him.

So may every snowflake bring Christ to mind

And in every bit of white may you find

a reason to celebrate anew

and a reminder of His love for you.

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With all the problems the world is facing, it can be unsettling to the mind. Today, we share ten predictions that are sure to come true this year!

Top 10 Predictions for 2012

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on earth.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still honor the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

Isn’t it great to remember who is really in control and that “the Word of the Lord endures forever.”

(1Peter 1:25)

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            An eye witness account from New York
City, on a cold day in December, some years ago: A little boy, about 10-years-old, was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering
with cold.
            A lady approached the young boy and said,
'My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!'
            'I was asking God to give me a pair of
shoes,' was the boy's reply.
            The lady took him by the hand, went into
the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her.
            She took the little fellow to the back
part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with the towel.
            By this time, the clerk had returned with
the socks.. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes..
            She tied up the remaining pairs of socks
and gave them to him.. She patted him on the head and said, 'No doubt, you will be more comfortable now..'
As she turned to go, the astonished kid caught her by the hand, and looking up into her face, with tears in his eyes, asked her:
'Are you God's wife?'