Regular Check Ups

We bring our cars into the shop for regular 10,000 miles check ups hoping to

catch worn parts, exhausted fluids, and burned-out bulbs before they cause a

breakdown. We see the dentist every six months to have our teeth cleaned and checked so that cavities won't gain a strong foothold and cause more damage. We go for yearly check ups with our doctors to track previous medical issues and look for warning signs of disease so we can catch them before they get out of control.

The same principal can bring great benefit to our spiritual lives. To stop in for a spiritual life check up on a regular basis or to take a spiritual inventory can bring great benefit to the spiritual side of our life; to our relationship with God.

A couple years ago, every congregational member was invited to come at 9 a.m. on a Sunday morning for a spiritual inventory. Our deacons led those attending in a time of review of spiritual life and practice. We got a very positive response and many took action based on that review to tune up their practices or to try out some new habits not only to maintain but to grow.

You will be invited again beginning on February 24th to come for a check up during the Adult Forum time at 9 a.m.. You'll receive a letter with a suggested appointment. You'll be able to reschedule appointments if your date doesn't work. We hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to maintain your spiritual health or chart a path towards growth.

VISION TO ACTION

What's happening on our vision teams. There continues to be a feeling that we are beingtransformed even as we seek ways to be agents of transformation in our communities. Here's what's happening

Community Connections (formerly known as: Hospitality Points): has been busy planning"Essentials of Discipline", a series of parenting seminars using Focus on the Family presentations. These will begin on Wed. February 13, 2008. 1,000 postcards have been mailed out tofamilies with young children and planning is in the final stages. They're still looking for volunteers to help. Talk to Brenda Brown.

At the same time some early planning is being done to prepare for a second HUNT, the community Easter egg hunt that we held last year on the lawns of MVHS. We'll be inviting youto be involved at some level in this exciting event which will be help on Easter Saturday,March 22nd in the early afternoon. If you'd like to join the CC team, contact Mark Lied-strand, Brenda Brown, or Doug Ericsson.

Mentor/Tutors: We currently have six Foothillers actively involved in mentoring or tutoring at area schools. There is a need for many more. The team met recently to talk about thejoys and challenges of working with their students. These discussion have often resulted in feedback given to the Partners for New Generations leaders which has enhanced their program.

One gift we've brought recently has been the first large group activity where manymentor-mentee pairs did something together. They visited the Computer History Museum inMV where Lyle Bickley is an active member. Even for the non-computer geeks it was agreat visit. There was a lot excitement from the kids about the event. It has prompted PNGto seek other opportunities like this.

FEBRUARY WORSHIP/PREACHING -Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 6th. During Lent we will seek answers to the question: "What Did Jesus Do?" by his death and resurrection. We will explore many of the Bibles metaphors for what theologians call the atonement and look for those that bring us to a deeper understanding of Christ's great gift.

Feb. 3 - Matthew 4.1-11 - "The 3rd Temptation" - Jim G

Feb. 10 - Lent 1 -- "What did Jesus Do?" - Jim G

Feb. 17 - Lent 2 -- "Jesus Reconciled Us to God" - Jim G

Feb. 24 - Lent 3 -- "Jesus Paid our Debts" - Jim G

the feast

You are invited to a multi-ethnic, intergenerational, spiritual life conference for the entireCovenant family. It's The Feast! There will be great speakers, worship, seminars, and recreation for all ages. It will be held at Green Lake Conference Center in central Wisconsin. June21-24, 2008. See the lobby table for registration brochures.

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