FROM THE PASTOR: Rev. Larry Hoffmann

January begins with the continued celebration of Christmas. However, very quickly we move into the liturgical season of Epiphany. Epiphany celebrates the beginning of the Church’s journey to the peoples of the world. We begin the season with the story of Magi from the east coming to worship the Christ child, who scholars tell us is about two years old at this time in the story. In the dreams and journeys of Matthew’s Gospel, this particular child, whom we name Christ, will be made known far beyond his homeland. It is a new beginning.

We now begin the year 2026 with hope of a new beginning. New beginnings are a consistent activity of God. We are offered special times to pause and reflect on the direction our lives are taking. We are given grace. Now that Christ is incarnate among us, we too respond with love to this revelation, knowing it is not only for us, but for all the peoples of the world. May God bless the New Year with a growing sense of the presence of the Holy One in each of our lives.

God’s peace be with you,

Larry

FROM THE MISSION COMMITTEE CHAIR: Judy Turner

The Bremen Food Pantry served 64 families for Christmas on December 20, 2025. Thanks to all who donated money, turkeys, cookies, taxable items and dish towel/dish cloths. Reminder: start watching for dish towels/dish cloths for the 2026 Christmas Food Pantry give away. The Food Pantry is happy to accept new, seasonally designed items that may be on sale throughout the year. Of course, the non-decorated towels/cloths are welcome too.

Yoga continues on Monday evenings at 5:30 pm in the church basement. Each class costs $10, and everyone is welcome.

Calendar of Events

Jan 1^st – Happy New Year!
Jan 11^th – Ordination and Installation of Elders for the class of 2028.
Jan 11^th - ZETA ALPHA will meet at 9:30 am in the church basement. Lesson 4 called “The Prodigal Child, The Eldest Child, and the Devoted Parent” will be discussed in the Bible study Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ. All women are welcome to attend.
Jan 13^th – Annual Reports are due to the church secretary.
Jan 24^th – Elder Training is from 9 am to 1 pm.
Jan 25^th - Annual Congregational Meeting after the worship service
Jan 25^th – Session Meeting after worship

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Jan 23^rd – Mark Embrey
Jan 25^th – Joanie Ray
Jan 30^th – David Winegardner

There are no anniversaries for the month of January.

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

the church office.

Lay Readers, Communion Servers and Ushers

Jan 4^th – Cinda Keller: Lay Reader & Communion Server
Tracy Embrey: Communion Server & Usher
Mark Embrey: Usher
Jan 11^th – Dee Mowry: Lay Reader & Usher
David Mowry: Usher
Jan 18^th – Judy Turner: Lay Reader & Usher
Cinda Keller: Usher
Jan 25^th – Scott Bergreen: Lay Reader & Usher
Karen Bergreen: Usher

Kids’ Page

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

Newsletter January 2026