Hello, Brothers and Sisters,

A blessed winter day to you!

These winter days can be miserable - bitter cold, biting wind, little daylight, unwelcome snow to remove.  These days can be wonderful - crisp clear air, a warmer day after the subzero cold, bright sunshine, the beauty of freshly fallen snow or frost on the trees.

It's like life.  Some days of our lives sting with the bitter winds of difficulty - brokenness comes to our homes, our sins hound us, illness wears us down, fears restrict us, even death casts a dark cloud over all we are and do.

   On the other hand, and someday it will be the forever marvelous way it is, some days of our lives are crisp and clear, warmed like a January thaw by the bright sunshine of God's favor.  Surely, the "winter" of life is still present, but does not prevail on many days.  God brings healing to our brokenness and binds up our wounds, he carries the burdens of our illness and walks with us through it.  He forgives our sins and gives us a clean, white-as-snow heart.  He sends the warm winds and brilliant sunshine of the love of others which carries his love to us. He blesses us with the countless fresh, crisp gifts of life.

In the pain and wonder of life, go ahead and ask, "Where is God?" and stay to hear his answer, "I am here, right here with you, suffering with you, rejoicing with you, always for you.  Then walk with God,  knowing God walks with you.  Trust in is his love for you!  Trust him! 

A blessed, fresh, bright winter day to you!
             In His grace and love, 
                   Pastor John       

   Some of you play some 3 on 3 on Wednesday evenings.  I'd like to invite you again to join me in some 10 for 10, as well.  You don't even still need to play basketball though that's fine, too. 

  "10 for 10" is a project for the ELCA Hunger Appeal.  Here are the official rules: "All pastors in the SD Synod are urged to give $10/month through the congregations they serve to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal and to encourage at least 10 individuals in each congregation to make the same commitment."

  I am doing this, and I want to encourage you to do the same, or more, or less.  Give your chosen amount in the offering each month. Mark it "World Hunger."  Our treasurer will send it in and folks in need will get help, because we care because Jesus cares for us. 

    Thanks for caring!  I think you will enjoy playing "10 for 10."
                      Pastor John

	Augustana Summer Music Camp is June 15-20 in Sioux Falls.  See Bulletin Board for registration form & more information.
	Lutheran College Fair - Tuesday, April 29, Sioux Falls, SD.
	Have LO Bible Camp registrations with $50 to Rhonda Karst by Sunday, February 2.  See Rhonda for camp info.
	A Contemporary Worship Workshop will be held at NeSoDak Bible Camp on March 28-29. Register at 947-4440.
	Interested in being Lutherans Outdoors  summer staff?  Call 1-800-888-1464