“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. (John 14:18-19) Do you ever feel like an orphan, set adrift in this world with no one to guide you or care for you? Does it ever feel like you are on your own, that God has abandoned you to your own devices? Sometimes this world can hit you hard with all the problems, without giving you a moment to rest or recover, and it can be easy to wonder if God even cares. We look around and we do not see God’s presence or His work, and we wonder, has God left us as orphans?
But Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, made a promise to His disciples. Even though He was going to leave them, even though they would feel betrayed and abandoned, Jesus would come to them. Even though the world would put Him to death and be done with Him, His disciples would still know Him and see Him. And He kept this promise in His resurrection from the dead. He came back to them while the world was rejoicing in its so-called victory of the Son of God. He appeared to them to give them His peace. And He left them—and us—with a promise. Because He lives, we too will live. Because He was raised from the dead, we no longer will be alone, but He will walk beside us always in our trials, until He brings us into life eternal on the last day.
| Date | Attendance | Offering | Mission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-05 | 69 | $2,616.00 | $5.00 |
| 1-12 | 62 | $1,47.00 | |
| 1-19 | 60 | $2,322.00 | |
| 1-26 | 65 | $3,190.00 | |
| Men’s Restroom | $100.00 | ||
| Parsonage Windows | $1,500.00 |
Please notify Joy if anyone could be removed from the Prayer List.
Jacob Heins and Jennifer Stone were married December 7, 2024 here at our church. We ask God’s blessings on this marriage.
On Sunday, January 26, Malachi Thomas Luke became a child of God by the washing of Holy Baptism. Malachi was born December 7, 2024 and is the child of Thomas E and Emily R Luke of Gridley. We ask God’s blessings upon this child and his family.
Cleaning Little Lambs’ room and quiet room: Playing in the Little Lambs and quiet rooms is fun! That also means, though, that germs are being shared. I plan to clean most of the items in those rooms once a week, and even though it doesn’t take long, having a few people to help would make it faster and a little easier. If you’re able and willing to help, I would appreciate it! Kayla
The church kitchen is in need of replacing some of the kitchen equipment. Any monetary donation towards the replacement would be greatly appreciated and can be given to Lois Pulaski.
The Ladies Bible study group will be meeting on the following dates: at 2 p.m. at the Church.
Please join the group even if you are not able to make every session. Or you can do this study on your own. Let Pam Norris know if questions.
We will not be having Bible study during Lent. We will resume April 30th.
Hope everyone has been staying warm during this cold snap. Best time of year to cozy up with a good book. This is a reminder that Book Club will meet Thursday February 13th at 6:30 to discuss Mother Lode: Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver by Gretchen Staebler.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Hat & Mitten Tree. Fourteen hats and thirty-four pairs of gloves were donated to Prairie Central students.
Preschool screening will be available for Prairie Central West #8 children at the Fairbury Baptist Church, 701 N. 7th St. Fairbury on February 4, 5 & 6. Phone 815/945-2971 for an appointment.
**Sunday, February 9th, is SOUP – ER BOWL SUNDAY—**Make a scoring touchdown by bringing in cans of soup to help restock the shelves at the food pantry!
Shrove Tuesday March 4th 5:30pm
Enjoy a pancake dinner and games in celebration of Mardi Gras and in preparation for Lent here at St. Paul, Chenoa.
Prior to dinner a Rite for Burning of the Palms will be held.
We received a thank you from the Chenoa Food Pantry thanking our congregation for the check designated from our Advent Offerings. It will help so much as this is a difficult time of the year for our needy families. The Chenoa food pantry is requesting feminine products along with the current need of canned soup. Please consider donating.
Upcoming Services —
