Dear Easter Family,

There are times in the year I look back and then ahead.  This is one of the times I do that:  January.  I look back to see all the “work of Jesus” that we have been engaged in together this past year.  

Gathering and worshiping God in FOUR different formats in six worship times each week (the newest service is Benediction on Sunday evenings).  Gathering in small groups to grow and share.  Gathering in teams to plan.  Gathering to enjoy Christian fellowship.    

Growing faith and character in the lives of young people (children and youth).  Growing deeper faith and understanding with adults through classes and Bible studies.  Reading through the Bible in a Year as a church family.

Giving generously with our hands, hearts and pocket books at the Eagan Resource Center food shelf, packing over 800,000 extra meals now on their way to Tanzania, contributing over $70,000 for that relief effort, preparing meals with Loaves and Fishes, contributing just a little over a million dollars for mission and ministry as the church community just since the beginning of July.  Giving to support our life together and our leadership team.  And giving our hearts and hands for God’s work.
GATHERING.  GROWING.  GIVING.
These are the three activities of the Christian church since the very beginning described in the book of Acts.

Not only is the church engaged in these things, each Christian does these things in his/her life.  Being a Christian is being AND doing.  Being loved by God and being in love with God:  the being.  And Gathering, Growing and Giving: the doing.

Thanks for your partnership in ministry at Easter.  We make a difference for God in the world and this community.  Thanks to you.

And that brings me to think ahead.  We will be “Growing in Faith and Carrying on the Work of Jesus Christ” this coming year too.  We will be gathering and growing and giving in all the ministries we share.  I am both challenged by that and grateful for that.

LENT 2010
I have started cleaning out some closets and recycling unused things and getting rid of junk.  It feels good even though it is sometimes a little overwhelming.  Lent is an opportunity to that same thing spiritually.

We are focusing on the Centered Life during Lent (which begins with Ash Wednesday on February 17th).

We are inviting people to gather together to read and discuss the book entitled “The Centered Life” by Jack Fortin.  (check page 1 for the schedules in which your pastors will be leading discussions.)  We will be focusing our attention on portions of the book at each of the five midweek Lenten services.
Lent is a time to sort things through, getting rid of the junk and focusing on the main thing.

Please consider a renewed commitment to GATHER with the Easter people in worship.  Please consider a plan to GROW deeper in faith (maybe the book group).  Please consider using your life to GIVE to others in need as God is asking of you.

LOVE &VALENTINES
While Valentine’s Day is not a religious holiday, we Christians will baptize just about anything.  In that spirit, I commend this day which celebrates love in all of its meanings from romance to friendship, from family to sacrifice.  It is all good.  Celebrate love everyday, but especially Valentine’s Day.

GRANDPA ALL OVER AGAIN
By the time you receive this Newsletter, I expect to be a grandpa for the third time.  I will tell you more when I can.  In the mean time, I pray for a blessing from God and from those you love and live with each day.  I pray that you are an ever renewing blessing in the lives of the people you see.  And I pray that I see you even more regularly in worship in this coming year.  

Peace and Love,

Pastor Jim