Welcome! Baptism--God immerses us, one-by-one, into the death and life of Jesus Christ. Baptism--God, in advance of the Last Day, utters His final verdict upon us: not guilty! Baptism--God incorporates us into the body of Christ and, therefore, into one another. Today we echo the call of John the Baptizer to repent and believe as we prepare for our Lord's coming. Thus we prepare our hearts for our God who comes with comfort and tenderness, having paid for our sins. Here is your God! God bless your celebration!

“Citrus Fest:” Today’s the day! Join us at Fellowship Coffee between services this morning for a variety of citrus treats with your coffee. Most and foremost, stay for Pastor Young’s Bible Study on Justification and Sanctification.

A new Bible Study/fellowship is beginning! Due to popular demand (praise God!) by those who work during the week, we will beginning a Thursday evening Bible study for those who can’t get to Sunday morning Bible study or the other morning Bible studies that we have throughout the week. Beginning Thursday evening, January 26^th, a Bible study will begin, led by Luke Vandercar. The first topic will be a Biblical study of marriage. The Bible fellowship will begin at 7:00 pm in the Youth Room and run to 8:30 pm.

NOTE: young children are welcome! There will be things for them to play with while we get gather. For further information, please contact the church office.

Newsletter: Any boards or individuals wishing to submit items for the February Newsletter, should have them in the church office by 4 pm on January 16. Thank you!

All Boards Meet: All Boards will meet on Tuesday Evening, January 10, at 7:00 PM in the cafeteria. This will be an organizational meeting and it is important for everyone to attend. Please come prepared to choose officers and meeting schedules.

Every Member Sunday: Mark your calendar for January 29, 2006, to be part of Every Member Sunday at St. John's Lutheran Church. While we encourage everyone to be in weekly worship, this one Sunday will serve as a renewal of everyone’s membership at St. John’s. This recommitment to our membership is patterned after our confirmation vows. This day is a perfect time as there are no football games to rush and watch, the Christmas cookies are all eaten and you need a fresh dessert, it’s a long Epiphany season and we will all enjoy this midwinter break.

We will also receive into membership those who complete the Discipleship class and desire to become members. We are planning a noon family potluck following the 10:45 a.m. service. Please bring your favorite casserole, salad, or dessert dish to share along with table service for your family. Beverages will be provided. Come for a time of food, fun and fellowship.

From the Finance Committee: We need your help! Please make sure to put your NAME and your NEW ENVELOPE NUMBER on the outside of your “Sowing Seeds” envelopes. With a new year starting, and most people having new envelope numbers, we want to make sure all pledges are credited to the correct account. We also want to remind you that the new 2006 offering envelopes are available in the church basement. Thank You!

Support Our Youth Group: Save your aluminum cans and scrap iron. These will be collected and transported to be recycled by our youth. Al Vollmer has again volunteered to oversee this project. Watch the bulletin for exact collection date and drop off point. Let’s make this a big one!!

From the Music Director: Walther League Chorus Members; please remember that chorus rehearsals will resume this Monday at 7 PM in the music room. We will be discussing new music and plans for the year. All prospective members are encouraged to come.

Lily Event: The Lily Event will be held on February 17, 2006. Tickets are on sale before and after Sunday School. More information coming soon!

Donations: Jim and Arlene Hacker made a donation to the Stained Glass Reglazing Fund in loving memory of her father, Elmer Roempagel, whose birth date was January 11.