Missionary Speakers: On Sunday during the Adult Bible Class hour we welcome Rev. Jason and Anna Marie Steffenson, as they discuss their recent call to serve as missionaries in Tanzania. Donations toward their service will be accepted during the Sunday School hour.

Youth Night All middle and high school students are invited to join us for a youth night at church TODAY, Sun, Jan 29th, 6:00-7:30pm. The night includes time to hang out, play games, and a Bible study. Please contact Sam at 920-530-8638 or crf_wegnersm@cuchicago.edu if you have any questions.

Family Bowling Night - Sun, Feb 5th Join the fun at the Annual Family Bowling Night on Sun, Feb 5th 5:45-8:00pm at West Park Bowl. All are welcome—families can bowl together or a youth lane is available for middle & high school students. Cost for bowlers is $10/adult and $5/student, and covers pizza, drinks, and shoes. Sign up in the narthex by Sun, Jan 29th to save your spot!

Food Pantry Update The word is getting out about our Food Pantry! We served 14 families with 29 people at the pantry this past Wednesday. Current Pantry Needs: Jelly, Mustard, Toilet Paper, Tea Bags, Brownie Mixes, and Cake Mixes.

It’s Some of the PSALMS in 2023

We’re going to be studying some of the Psalms in our first Friday of the month Not Just for Couples Bible Study Group. Our first class will be on Friday, February 10th, at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Cost of the CPH study guide is $10 each. Before class preparation is strongly encouraged. Adults of any age are welcome. Please contact Pastor Sievers (314-882-2097 or pastorsievers@yahoo.com) by January 20 so he can order you a study guide.

Eve’s Restoration Home: For about a year Amanda Douglas and Pastor Krenz have been meeting with congregational members and various leaders within the Synod and leaders of various group homes to see about establishing a women’s restoration home for those who need spiritual, mental, and physical assistance for a time in a home setting. Good progress has been made figuring out the need and cope of this project. However, due to family responsibilities, Amanda has asked us to pause on this project. It is hoped that in six months to a year you will hear more on “Eve’s Restoration Home”.

Baby Bottles for Life Network’s Annual Fundraising Event are available to pick up in the narthex. These may be returned at your convenience.

2022 contribution statements have been printed and are available to be picked up after church services in the narthex. Statements not picked up by January 29th will be mailed via USPS.

2023 Lenten Series - Overall Theme: “You Meant it for Evil, But God Meant it for Good” -A sermon series based on Luke’s Passion account Join us on Wednesdays starting February 22nd at 4pm or 6:30pm as we ponder how God brings goodness in the midst of evil by looking at the passion journey of Jesus in the book of Luke. A meal will also take place from 5 pm - 6 pm on Ash Wednesday and the last Wednesday in Lent.

January 24th Voter’s Meeting Summary

•The congregation passed a working budget of 384,000 for next year. If next year is like previous years, the end of the year expenses will be around 300,000. Copies of the budget are available in the narthex.

• Other items approved included appling for another DCE intern 2023-24, nominating Rev. Dr. Patrick Perry for Synodical president, and once again having the Rise Against Hunger food assembly event in August.

• It was decided that there will be at least two Lenten meals from 5pm to 6pm on February 22nd and March 29th,

• and a new committee is being formed to set new parameters and prices for renting the church and fellowship hall.

• The next Voter’s Meeting is scheduled for April 25th, at 6:30pm.

The Annual Youth Group Rummage Sale: Saturday, March 18, 8-12

Please save your items to benefit the youth group's trip to the Higher Things Conference in Carbondale this July. Gratefully accepting all Donations…EXCEPT: computers, TV’s, and clothing. More details to come…

Future Sunday Morning Adult Bible Class: On Sunday (2/5) at 9:15 am we will continue our verse by verse look at the Book of John. All are welcome to join us as we look at John 3.

20s & 30s Dinner All young adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to join us for dinner, Bible study, and discussion on Sunday, February 5th from 4:00 - 5:30pm. This will be held at 424 N Main St, Apt 4 in Columbia. Please contact Sam Wegner if you can make it or have any questions at 920-530-8638 or crf_wegnersm@cuchicago.edu

Youth Super Bowl Party On Sun, Feb 12th, the middle and high school youth will be having a Super Bowl party from 5:30 - 8:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. The evening will include pizza dinner, watching the football game, devotions, and some games. We'd love to have your students join us—please contact Sam for more information or if they can make it!

Join Boy Scout Troop 320 Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser Saturday, February 11th 4-7 at Immaculate Conception Church 411 Palmer Road, Columbia, IL $10/person, Kids (5 & under) eat free Carry Outs available; Dinner includes: Spaghetti, Salad, Breadstick, & Dessert Proceeds will go to purchasing food for the troop to provide meals to the homeless shelter. This troop organizes the community canned goods drive each year in Columbia.