Text Box: DIACONATE SERVING IN JANUARY 2007 8:00 Randy & Laura Kuhn 9:30 Ken Hicks, Leslie Klein, Carol Swartz, Tammy Gamble, Nancy Yost, Carol Bokman Elders: Linda Rodak, Bill Cromling If you are unable to serve on your scheduled day, please call for a replacement or let your chairperson know ahead of time.

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Text Box: “THIRD ANNUAL” Women’s Retreat @ NECC Saturday, January 13th, 2007 8:30 a.m. —– 3:00 p.m. All ladies are invited to join us for a day of relaxation and spiritual growth. This day is sponsored by the Christian Education Dept. After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, there is a need to unwind and start the New Year focusing on a closer, personal relationship with God. Breakfast and lunch will be served. There is a $5.00 fee to help cover the cost of materials. Signup with a friend and it’s only $4.00 each. (Enrich, Nurture, and Justify ourselves for the coming year.) SIGNUP NOW—–See Melissa Folk, 440-458-8275 or email…………… folk1010@aol.com Text Box: Dear God, In Paul's sermon last Sunday, he spoke of what happens when the donkey gets kicked out from under us. There is nothing in scripture that tells of Mary riding a donkey. But through pictures and stories, we assume that she was on a donkey traveling over the sands to the city. Some of our other misunderstandings are of three wise men. Granted, the wise men brought three gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But could there have been four, or six or maybe two? We don't know. Through the years of the stories being told, assumptions are made and the idea sticks in our brain, then the donkey gets kicked out from under us and the holy family….. and we have to go back to scripture to get the real story. Over the past year there have been many in our congregation that have had the donkey kicked out from under them. There has been illness, suffering and unforeseen happenings. Plans that were made turned upside down, and other plans made. Sometimes the first plan, turns to the second and the third. We have to re-group, re-think , and re-plan. Life is a series of the unexpected. I have been with families that have shown extreme courage. They have gone beyond what we would think possible. And they came through trials….. tested and refined but not beaten. How blessed I have been to be with them, and watch as their faith was tested, but not broken. Lord, we have the start of a new year .You give us another chance to start fresh and erase the evil thoughts, hurt feelings, and unkind words. A chance to ask for your forgiveness and start again. A chance for new miracles to happen and new dreams to be born. A chance for a new beginning. Let us not forget what has happened in the past but hopefully grow from our experiences. Grant us your blessing this new year and when the donkey gets kicked from under us, we will have the foundation to overcome and plan for the future. You have greater plans for us than we could ever dream of. Psalm 91:14, "Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name." Love, Judy Text Box: To our Church Friends and Family, Our hearts can never express our “Thank You” enough for all your prayers, cards, flowers, and meals. Thank you to Rev. Durbin and Judy Ponting for being with us through all the procedures and rehabilitation since June 15, 2006. Edna Carpenter and Judy gave a reprieve from cooking for Bob. His brother took ill and he and his dog were with us for several months so Bob had to take care of both of us. Thank you all again and again. God’s blessings to all, Claire Kauf Text Box: