MORNING MESSENGER

Welcome: A warm welcome is extended to all who worship with us this morning. Following the service, join us for coffee, and fellowship in the auditorium. Thanks to U.C.W. Unit # 2.

Through The Week

Tuesday: Book study group 10 a.m. in the parlour. Studying the book, Radical Gratitude by Mary Jo Leddy. For more information contact Gail Hughes 403-782-3970 or Geke Bruning 404-885-4915. If you are interested please join us on Tuesday mornings for the next 6 weeks.

UCW Central meeting is on Feb 7 at 7:30 in the parlour.

Wednesday: Drop-In Bible Study 9-11 am in the parlour
Senior Choir at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary

Thursday: Junior Choir from 4-5 p.m. in the sanctuary

Parking - When we are parking for church events, can we all leave the area directly in front of the church on the north side of the street for congregants who have difficulty with mobility? Thank you very much.

Healing Touch: St. Andrew's Healing Team offers sessions on the first and third Mondays with appointments at 7:15 and 8:15 pm. If you would like to book an appointment or get more information please contact Pat Crozier at 403-782-7243.

Opportunities for young adults at Naramata Centre: Your Voice, Your Power, Your Gifts: Young Adult Leadership Program runs from February 5-25, 2012. Please apply by January 18.

Summer Staff applications are now available online. Applications are due February 17, 2012. For more information about either of these opportunities please go to our website: www.naramatacentre.net

Confirmation Classes 2012: A confirmation organizational meeting will take place from 12:00-12:30PM after church on February 26, 2012. This will be a meeting for both teen and adult classes to set schedules for the respective classes. Options will be presented for the timing and format of the classes so that we can make the best fit possible for those who are interested. Please let Rev. Mervin know of your intent to participate.

Keeping in Touch Committee

We are in the process of getting a new year of 'Keeping in Touch' underway. Several of you have let me know that you would like to continue to be callers and I Thank you very much. For those of you who have chosen to look in other directions for your volunteer services, I want to Thank you for all of the time you have put in over the last few years on this committee. As well, a big shout out goes to Norm Start for doing this job so well - big shoes to fill! If anyone is interested in helping out, either as a caller or as a coordinator, they can contact Susan Hrycan at 403-782-4076. Thank you very much.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper: February 21, this is an opportunity for the men and boys of St. Andrew's to work together. Sign up sheets are posted on the Bulletin board in the C.E. Hall. For more information contact Kevin Mueller 403-782-1462 or Bob King 403-782-3438.

The Art of Neighboring Initiative - Churches in Lacombe are cooperating on an effort to improve our relationships with our geographical neighbours. If your neighbours are strangers, how might you make them acquaintances? If your neighbours are acquaintances, how might you deepen your relationship with them? In addition to being one of the great commandments, better relationships with neighbours help improve security, community relations, and social capital. As part of this initiative, a map of the City is being circulated on which church people are being asked to mark their house, so that we can learn a little bit more about each other and identify allies in deepening our neighbourly bonds.

Youth Unlimited presents a Dessert & Comedy night with Dean Jenkinson, Saturday, Feb 25/12 at 7 pm at the Lacombe Memorial Centre. For more information go to www.wolfcreekyfc.com or call 755-7825 to reserve tickets.

Annual Reports: Due to a communication problem, copies of the annual report for the Pathways/Affirm group and the Congregational Life Committee were not available at last week's Annual General Meeting. A few copies are available at the back of the church this morning.

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, we thought it would be fun to celebrate the beginnings of the relationships of members of this congregation-in the form of wedding photos! Please bring your wedding pictures into the office prior to February 10 (they can be scanned or copied and returned to you) and come to our Valentine's service on February 12 to see your friends and neighbours in all their splendour! Will you be able to recognize them?

God is good! All the time! Grace and peace to you from the people of First United Church, Wetaskiwin. We are delighted to invite your prayers of thanksgiving and celebration for us as we share our first service of worship in our new God-space on February 5, 2012. Plans for open houses and Service of Dedication are underway. We'll send more information once dates are available. Thank you for your prayerful and neighbourly support over the past two plus years!

Mission and Service Fund: The work of The United Church of Canada across the country and around the world is funded by the Mission and Service (M&S) Fund. Members and supporters of the United Church know that it takes money to put their faith into action. In the M&S Fund they combine their gifts so that the work of the church can be done effectively. Each year we set a goal to fund united work. The Mission and Service Fund objective for 2011 was $30,200,000. You can find out more about the Mission and Service Fund at http://www.united-hurch.ca/funding/msfund

Mayor's Prayer Breakfast: Please mark your calendars and plan on attending the first Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, Thursday, March 15 from 7:15-8:45 am at the LMC. Tickets are $25 each and available from our church office. Sponsored by the Ministerial Association. The speaker Amanda Lindhout, continues to work for the well-being of the people of Somalia through her Global Enrichment Foundation. She is a captivating speaker who explores themes of hope, women's rights, response to violence, forgiveness and global responsibility. Youth are especially encouraged to attend. If you can help promote this event in your business, residence, school or organization, please ask Ross Smillie for a poster or tickets to sell.

The Arrogant Worms - in concert, brought to you by the FRoGs - Friends of Guatemala. The Arrogant Worms will be coming to St. Andrew's on March 7, 2012 at 7:00pm for a concert. They are a comedy musical group for all ages. "The shows are fast, furious and family friendly. The wit is quick, the satire is biting and the musicianship is second to none." Check out their website at www.arrogantworms.com Tickets are $30 in advance, available from Donna Pierson or at the church office. This is a fundraiser for Fraternidad and Clinica Maya in Guatemala.

Drop-in Bible Study:Wednesday mornings 9am-11am - Ross, Mervin and Amy have been meeting weekly to discuss the Scripture readings for upcoming worship services. They are inviting others interested in discussing faith topics and learning more about the Bible to join them, occasionally or regularly, starting on January 18. Newcomers and those with little or no biblical knowledge are especially invited.

Canadian Foodgrains Bank: Central Alberta Growing project are diligently seeking to rent a parcel of land for this years' growing season in order to continue our vision and mission to provide a Christian response to feed and help the hungry worldwide. Please contact John Jager at 403-782-4546 or Ken Ditzler at 403-782-7022 if you have or know of a piece of land that can be rented.

The Missions Team of the Wolf Creek Community Church would like to cordially invite you and your congregation to watch COURAGEOUS on February 9th 2012 at the Lacombe Memorial Centre at 7 pm. See poster on the bulletin board in the C.E. Hall.

Youth at Conference happens in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Alberta and Northwest Conference from May 30 - June 3, 2012 in Calgary, Alberta. Two youth from each Presbytery are able to gather with other youth from around the Province and share in learning about the church and exploring and nurturing their own spirituality. The theme this year is "Covenanting Together in Conversation". If you would like to participate as a youth or as a leader, please see Rev. Mervin for application forms.