Saturday’s snow was beautiful and filled with moisture, so not all bad, although it made for heavy work clearing sidewalks, driveways and parking lots. I’m sure many children enjoyed building snowmen, making forts and creating tunnels which froze overnight. As we walked the dog during the storm, Cherry recalled making snow angels by falling straight back. If I tried that at my age, they might find a dead snow angel! Sunday was a little dreary, but we celebrated the Lord’s Supper, enjoyed fellowship and prepared for the Super Bowl extravaganza. (Congratulations Giants & Tyler Sash!) Worship attendance was down, partly from weather but also because several were at Youth Strike for Christ, the yearly gathering of hundreds from across Iowa. They enjoyed strong preaching, rocking Christian music and fun with friends old and new at remodeled Veterans Auditorium.

 

By this time next week, some of us will be sailing on the Costa Serena, cruising past the wrecked Concordia off Italy. I’m looking forward to interesting visits to Rome, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus and Israel; along with excellent lectures by Rev. Dr. Monte Luker, Professor of Hebrew Scriptures at Luther Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina and the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies. He’ll share insights from history and key Bible passages pertaining to sites we’ll see, bringing the Bible to life and making sightseeing a learning experience. Pastors earn CEUs, a bonus for me.

 

Jeremy will preach on the 12^th and also be in charge of Ash Wednesday services as we begin Lent. Deke Rider from Wesley Woods preaches on Camp Sunday, the 19^th. I’ll miss the ASP Valentine’s Banquet, but of those cruising, Luke, Cherry and Sharla Yeutsy have birthdays either just before or on the cruise. Pray for our safety, health and happiness! If flight connections work, I’ll be back to preach on the 26^th. Please support Jeremy and staff as you keep faith, ministering in Jesus’ name and making a difference for God. Thanks to all who volunteered at Interfaith Hospitality Network last week, at Meal Site and wherever God is using you. See you in church!

 

Shalom,

 

 

Copyright by David R Shogren