News and Events
EPIPHANY – is an often overlooked season of the church year. Christmas celebrating diverts our energies from this January time, left to taking down the tree and putting away Christmas gifts. For the Church, Epiphany is one of the most important seasons, commemorating the revelation of Jesus as light to ALL nations. Epiphany continues and concludes the Christmas season, so leave up the lights and celebrate anew!
Realize we are not always blazing bonfires of faithful witness. Jesus knows this only too well. God promises that when our proclamation and our lifestyle are dimly burning, when we do not remember the wonder and power of our own baptisms – still, we will not be quenched. “A dimly burning wick He will not quench.” (Isaiah 42:3) Offering encouragement and companionship to one another renews and refreshes our faith. Are we here on Sundays giving and receiving?
Realize that it is important for us not only to share the love of God through our kind words and compassionate actions. We must also describe to people the motivation behind our actions. We must introduce Jesus and the light that He has brought to our lives. We should not be shy about inviting friends and family to worship and fellowship events where they can meet, seek and inquire for themselves. That person may be a co-worker, neighbor and your own family member. Which of us can claim inviting at least one person?
Realize during the Christmas season our hearts (and stomachs) are often full. But now it’s late January and the winter months don’t hold the same excitement. We long for the grace and reassurance which will sustain us through all seasons. “Follow me,” says the Lord, “and I will fill your empty hearts with my love.” Not much filling with love happens outside the Church!
Realize we are all to be “points of light.” This is a campaign for volunteerism in the United States attempting to combat the darkness of apathy and evil. Matthew’s Gospel tells us to think more globally. “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) Yes, we are “points of light” but as Christians we are THE light of the world. Our good works are to represent something deeper than our need to volunteer – we serve in the name and spirit of Jesus Christ, whose light is greater than the sun and stars. Continue to pray that, worldwide, others too will proclaim their faith in words and deeds!
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Knauff
Souper Bowl Sub Sale on Sunday, February 5. The cost is $6 and a can of soup. Order from our youth or call the church office at 716-652-6611. Subs can be picked up between services.
Deadline for March Newsletter is Sunday, February 19.
Book Discussion: We will meet on Monday, February 20 at 7:00 pm to discuss Big Girl by Danielle Steel. March’s book is A Secret Kept by Tatiana de Rosnay. Come join us!
Fat Tuesday: February 21 at 6:30pm. Join us for delicious ice cream sundaes –$3 per spoon. Our Church Council and their spouses have challenged the youth to a baseball/dart board game.
Lent:A Call to Live
February 22 – Ash Wednesday service at St Nicodemus at 7 pm
6 pm Supper (dish to share), 7 pm Worship
February 29 at Williston - A Call to Live Simply
March 7 at St Nicodemus - A Call to Live Humbly
March 14 at Marilla - A Call to Live Generously
March 21 at Alden - A Call to Live Compassionately
March 28 at Williston - A Call to Live Creatively
Picnic Shelter can be scheduled by church organizations and church members during the month of February.
Daffodil Sunday for the American Cancer Society is March 25. If you would like to order 10 fresh-cut flowers at $10 per bunch, potted plants at $10, $25 donation for Gift of Hope (allows bouquets of daffodils to be delivered anonymously to cancer patients in hospitals, treatment centers and other facilities in the local community) or $25 donation for Bear Hugs (help to comfort children in community by giving them a 2012 Limited Edition Boyds Bear delivered anonymously to local pediatric facility), call the church office or sign up at church. Deadline is Sunday, February 19.
Angel Action: I thought it would be fun to put a value on all the food items donated for 2011. I was truly amazed – almost $1400.00 worth!! The generosity from our little church is a blessing beyond words! Thank you so much from me & from Angel Action! The items donated for December were: 8 packages toilet paper, 27 rolls of paper towels & 17 boxes of Kleenex. There is lots of peanut butter, jelly and tuna fish at the top of the stairs for January. February’s items are: cereals (cold, hot, etc.). Again, many thanks for all you do to help others! - Diane
LCLC Event:
Hobby Weekend: (bring your own hobby)
February 24-26
Spend the weekend working on your favorite hobby like quilting, scapbooking, reading, knitting, or painting. Enjoy a weekend devoted to your hobby without distractions of home. Also optional activites: Morning devotions, Worship, Bible Study, Hiking, Delicious Food, and Fellowship. Adult program runs from 7 pm Friday through brunch on Sunday.
