FROM THE PASTOR: Rev. Larry Hoffmann

Dear Friends,

Our vocation as a congregation is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people.

George Hunter’s book, The Celtic Way of Evangelism. Hunter speaks of two “ways” of evangelism. The traditional, western “way” is rooted in Augustine’s conversion story. Augustine “looked into his own heart and found there the inexpressible anguish of each individual, which enabled him to articulate a theory of sin that has no equal...” In this “way,” people face their sin, experience the grace of Christ, then become involved in the life of the church.

In Patrick’s conversion experience was somewhat different. Patrick “prayed, made peace with God, and then looked not only into his own heart, but into the hearts of others. What he saw convinced him of the bright side – that even slave traders can turn into liberators, even murderers can act as peacemakers, even barbarians can take their place among the nobility of heaven.” In this “way,” Hunter suggests relationships are fundamental in proclaiming the Good News: positive, accepting relationships that invite people to participate in the life of the church and learn of Christ from our worship, prayers, ministry, and congregational life. In this relationship, people experience the grace of God and discover the gift of faith.

As we prepare to celebrate the movement of the Spirit in our lives through the season of Lent, may we be warm and accepting to all who enter here, in the same manner that Christ himself welcomed the many people he met each day.

Grace and peace to you,

Larry

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Feb 2^nd - Gene McCandlish
Feb 7^th – Scott and Karen Bergreen
Feb 10^th – Susie Seifert
Feb 14^th – Bill Nutter
Feb 23^rd – Don and Sally Spangler
Feb 24^th – Susan Henwood
Feb 25^th – Ray Schmidt

Anyone wanting to add a birthday or anniversary to the list, please send an email or call the church office.

Calendar of Events

Feb 8^th - ZETA ALPHA will meet at 9:30 am in the church basement. Lesson 5 called "The Gift of the Woman Who Was Poor" will be discussed in the Bible study Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ. All women are welcome to attend.
Feb 14^th – Happy Valentine’s Day!
Feb 22^nd – Session Meeting after worship
Feb 28^th - ELDER TRAINING/EDUCATION: from 9 am to 1 pm. This year a

representative from the Presbytery will lead the training. The General Assembly requires all of those ordained to receive misconduct training every 3 years. Anyone currently serving on session or may serve during the next 3 years is invited to come to receive this training. Light refreshments will be available. If you have any questions, contact Larry or Corey.

Lay Readers, Communion Servers and Ushers

Feb 1^st – Susan Henwood: Lay Reader, Communion Server & Usher
Susan Hoffmann: Communion Server & Usher
Feb 8^th – Cinda Keller: Lay Reader & Usher
Brenda Winegardner: Usher
Feb 15^th – Brenda Winegardner: Lay Reader & Usher
Gene McCandlish: Usher
Feb 22^nd – Judy Turner: Lay Reader & Usher
Jane Griffith: Usher

Kids’ Section

This section of the printed newsletter is a page of children’s pictures and puzzles. It is available in the original PDF.

Newsletter February 2026

FROM THE PASTOR: Rev. Larry Hoffmann

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Calendar of Events

Lay Readers, Communion Servers and Ushers

Kids’ Section