In this season after Epiphany, we are taking an opportunity  to explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus in a new calendar year and see Christian identity in a new way. Through Scriptures that span all sections of the Bible, we''ll discover new and creative ways to explore what it means to be a baptized Christian in the world today. So far we have engaged Hearing God Anew, Creativity in Connection, and Being Epiphany. You can see those services here. 

This Sunday, February 4th, we will invite the prophet Isaiah in to inspire us to "Never Ending Creativity." You can join us online or onsite on the campus of Lake Worth Spanish Seventh Day Adventist Church at 1415 North K ST in Lake Worth Beach, FL.

One of the most important things you can know about anything spoken or written is who is responsible for the material. The who and when questions are vital to understanding the material. Another way to say that is context is everything. For the most part, we are good at this but when it is the Bible we give up because; it is about what we believe and that is just belief and not burdened by knowing the who and what because, well it’s God’s book. I have been teaching the who and when of biblical text for over 50 years. Rev. Nelson Stone, facilitator, was told in seminary that this was a foolish thing to do. "But, as foolish as I am going to be doing it again." Starting Wednesday, January 17 running for 6 weeks. We will meet in person at 1415 North K St. and online.

Gleaning this Saturday 

This Saturday we will join CROS Ministries in the biblical mercy practice of gleaning, harvesting passed over produce for those that are hungry in our community. Last season, volunteers with CROS recovered 779,463  pounds of fresh produce from local farms which was distributed to local food programs by our distribution partners. If you would like to participate, please sign up on our website so we can get the information about where we will be to you.

On Sunday, February 18th, we will be moving our service from the sanctuary to the fellowship hall, have some waffles, and gather around tables for worship. We will talk about Mardi Gras and Lent and what makes us happy and what makes us sad. This is a great opportunity to bring the whole family to worship together in a casual atmosphere. There will be something for everyone!

We had good conversation after worship on Sunday. We discussed our feelings and experience of the way we say the Lord's prayer in worship and Pastor Jason shared some of the reasons we currently recite it the way we do. 

We also talked about our experiences of engaing with loved ones who have different theological and social views from our own and the difficulties that causes in many of our relationships. We acknowledged our pain in this. The subject of good boundaries came up as a possibie help in maintinging relationships when there is significant disagreement.

If you weren't with us, we missed your voice! We will gather again after worship on February 25th.

Thank you Marilyn and Janet for setting up and cleaning up!

IMPORTANT: Writing Checks

Our bank has cracked down on what checks they deposit for us. Please make your check out to "The First Congregational Church of Lake Worth." Yes, they need the "The." We will let you know when our name changes with the bank. Of course, you can always cut out the middle person and give online here.

Lent

For Lent this year we will be engaging the worship series, Wandering Heart: Figuring Out Faith with Peter. Keep an eye on our website to keep up to date on all the ways we are providing to engage with the theme. There will be opportunities for conversation and some great tools provided to take advantage of the season.

You may also be interesested in this lenten class presented by Homebrewed Christianity and the Westar Institute, The Historical Jesus: The Evolutionary Challenge of a Mediterranean Jewish Peasant. The class is being taught by Tripp Fuller and John Dominic Crossan with special guests including Diana Butler Bass and Brian McLaren.

JAM & All Interfaith along with Abrahmic Reunion are sponsoring a series, "Choosing Peace in the Midst of Chaos," a series of lectures exploring peace in the Middle East. You can find more information here.

Yes! Magazine describes itself as "solutions journalism." They share stories about people and organizations that are making a positive, progressive impact on the world. Their Winter 2024 issue is on elders and tackles important issues. One of many great articles is "The Struggle of Self Reliance," discussing how "many seniors find themselves navigating life, health, and even death without structural supports." 

• Grocery Bags
• Peanut Butter
• Pouches of Tuna and/or chicken
• Canned Vegetables (tab top and/or single serve sizes are best)
• Ravioli, Spaghetti, Beefaroni (tab top)
• Canned Soups/Stews (tab top)
• Single serve ready to eat meals

We are in desperate need of the following mens' clothing items: 

• T-Shirts sizes L & XL
• Socks
• Boxer Briefs sizes L & XL
• Athletic shorts sizes L & XL
• Backpacks