There are several things that need mentioning here, and the first is a big thanks. My family and I thank the members of this parish for their kindness this Christmas season. Thank you for the cards, the gifts, and all the baked goodies. My wife began canning this past summer, and recently she has taken up baking with increased vigor, and so we have a deeper appreciation for how much work goes into all those jars of jam and all those baked goods that you have given us. And thanks for all the ways you support us, pray for us, and care for us throughout the year. We are blessed to live here and work in this parish.

Once again, I’m looking forward to our Twelfth Night festivities. Our parish choir will be singing, and we’ll have a fun craft project especially for the kids. You may define “kids” however you like, so whether you’re 9 years old or 90, come join the fun. As usual, we’ll have a bonfire and a visit from the Wise Men, along with a worship service with all the regular hollering and stomping. The fun starts at 6:30 at Pine Grove on Jan. 5

Every year in January, Christians around the world gather for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Those gatherings take various forms, but this year the pastors of the Roseau Ministerial Association have decided to host a prayer service on Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Philip Catholic Church on County Road 9. The purpose of the service is to ask God to tear down divisions that separate Christians from one another for the sake of our common witness to Christ. Father John Kleinwachter and the good folks of St. Philip have been kind enough to host our service. Anyone is welcome and invited to attend.

There were some members who were unable to attend the new members class in November, so we’ve scheduled another class for January. It will be on Jan 28 at 2:00. It’s open to new or prospective members from all three parish churches, and we’ll start at Pine Grove.

Our next parish Bible study will begin on Sunday Feb. 5 at 2:00. That happens to be Super Bowl Sunday, but kickoff isn’t until suppertime, so we’ll have plenty of chance to look at the Bible before the big game. This Bible study will focus on the Gospel of Mark, which is considered by some to be the earliest Gospel, and has been both overshadowed and praised for its “primitive” qualities. This is the year of Mark in our lectionary, so we’ll be hearing lots from this little Gospel in the months ahead. It’s the shortest Gospel, so try reading it all before our first session. We’ll meet at Pine Grove.

On Wed. Feb. 1, we’ll have our regular confirmation class at Bethesda, and you’re invited. That’s because we have a great instructor scheduled for that night: Dr. Steven Paulson from Luther Seminary in St. Paul. He’ll be teaching the eighth grade students at 7:00 and the ninth grade at 8:00. He’s one of the greatest Lutheran theologians of our time, and he’s also a lot of fun to listen to. He’s in the area because he’ll be leading a conference the following day with some pastors. You’re invited to join us for one of the confirmation sessions or both. At 7:00 he’ll be teaching on the Creed, and at 8:00 he’ll be teaching on Baptism.

Our secular culture puts away all the Christmas decorations on Dec. 25—shopping malls have to get us thinking about Valentine’s Day—but the church is just warming up. We’ve got twelve days to celebrate Christmas, so once again, Merry Christmas! Our Savior has been born. I pray that the peace and joy he brings will fill your hearts and homes in this new year.