January Newsletter 2010  (Scroll down for December 2009 Newsletter)

   Wow, the excitement of a New Year. A Year. 365 days. 8,736 hours. 524,160 minutes. As we look at those 365 days, what is going to be different this year? This year we are going focus in on the idea of how we are seeking God with our Head, Heart and Hands. It has been said that the toughest eighteen inches on the earth is the distance between our head and our heart—we might know how to act or what to say, but often that knowledge stays right there. Or we might have the love of Jesus in our heart, but we do not let that love overflow into our head. The point being is that we need to love "The Lord Your God with all your Heart, with All Your Soul, with All Your Mind and with All Your Strength." (Luke 10:27)

So, as we start 2010, the question becomes "How do we love the Lord our God with all of these?" Maybe you will want to start by putting some boundaries on your life. One of the best ways to put more positive things in your life is to limit the amount of time "wasted" each day. We will begin a study called "Boundaries" on Wednesday nights this Spring (beginning in January). This class will help us to understand how to place boundaries in our life. We will work through "how to say ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ to things?" That way we can do the things that need to be done and not get involved in items that we do not need to do. There are other Wednesday night options, including a study on the Life of Christ. We also want to continue reading through the Bible together. The beginning of the year is a great opportunity to pick up a "Bible in a Year" reading plan. I can help you obtain a reading plan that will cover this time frame if you are interested.

We not only need to get involved with our head, but our hands also need to be involved. I love to see the bonds that developed between children and adults as those adults get involved in the life of a child. There are opportunities to help out with students on Wednesday nights, on Sunday Mornings—in the Nursery, Wee Worship, and Junior Worship areas. Often times it can be in a support role, as you help keep the children organized and focused on the lesson. These are great opportunities. We need people to volunteer to take communion to sick and shut-ins. Over the past few months, a few names have dropped off the list and we are looking for more individuals that would be interested in taking this communion out to those unable to attend Sunday morning worship. Maybe a husband and wife, a parent and child combination would be interested in going out together to visit with our extended church members that look forward to Sunday Morning Communion. If you are interested in doing this, please contact the church office and we will help you.

That leaves us with our heart. I am not sure exactly what God has given you as a heart issue. Maybe you have a real zeal for the hungry of Pana. You are one that may like to donate food or work in the food pantry at Loaves and Fishes. Maybe you have a real heart for the lost people of the world, at a distance or even locally. Your heart could be full of a real passion for sick people or visiting those that cannot get out of their residences is a need you might feel called to assist with as a part of Pana Christian Church. Maybe you have a broken heart because of the impact of someone in your life. We have two great opportunities to work through these broken issues with our Friday night Al-Anon meeting and our Saturday night Nar-Anon meeting. These meeting are for people that had their lives impacted by a friend, co-worker, family member or some other loved one. As we heal and grow from some of these scars that remain in our life, it is our church body that will benefit. Please think about ways that you can allow God to work in you Head, Heart and Hands.

On a personal note—thank you so very much. We have had some really tough days leading up to Christmas. News that we have received has not always been joyful. However, as we left church on Sunday we were overwhelmed with the joy and love of Jesus as many of you shared with us. We are touched and thankful for all of the gifts of kindness that has come in many forms. We are overwhelmed by your generosity, from those that signed their gifts to those that were anonymous. So, as we are humbled by your thoughts of our family, we say "thank you to our church family" you have reminded us what family, especially church family is all about.—In Christ, Joe

January Events

Pray for our Elders and Deacons: This January our Elders and Deacons have a real training and learning opportunity on January 17th, 22nd and 23rd. These men will be asked to give extra time for this meeting and many are able to take advantage of it. Because this is a unique training and learning time I want to ask you personally to pray for our leadership. We are trying to do our best to 1) honor God, 2) serve You and 3) be the examples of Christian leadership in the church. We ask you to say an extra prayer for these men and their families as they will be giving their time along with their dads.

Tea For Two and Two for Tea—Saturday Jan. 9th, 2-4pm in the New Fellowship Hall

All girls are invited to participate in a fun afternoon of food, fun, games. prizes and dress up. Bring your favorite doll or stuffed animal to share with the group by telling us her name and when you got her (or him) and why she’s special. All adults can return at 3:45 pm to see the girls parade in their dress-up clothes.

Sunday School Teacher and Small Group Leader Breakfast/study: Sat. Jan. 16thà 8-10am. Sunday School teachers and Small Group Leaders are invited to come to a breakfast and study on January 16th. We will discuss some items pertaining to 2010 and future plans on lessons, growth, and developing our Sunday School program. Please contact Joe Mollet asap if you will be able to attend this meeting.

Decatur Dove Homeward Bound presenting information Jan. 17th @ 2pm: This program is a transitional program from Homelessness to home. A guest speaker will come and present their message to us and give testimony to the work being done by Dove. Please try and make room on your calendar to come out and learn of this wonderful work being done.

Al-Anon and Nar-Anon Meetings for family members, co-workers, friends and loved ones impacted by Alcoholism or Narcotics. Every Friday and Saturday Night at 6pm here at Pana Christian church are meetings for those who have felt the sting of such life situations. These meetings are filling a great need for those here in Pana and surrounding communities. Please, if you have ever needed this type of support or help come out and get the support you need. (I have personally attended the Al-Anon group and am better because of it.—Joe Mollet)

Haitian Christian Mission: Jan. 24th 5:30pm. Much like the Pinehaven meeting in November we will gather together on the 24th for a potluck and a meeting with Haitian Christian Mission. Mac Burberry will be here to present the message of this wonderful mission, and to give us information on the 2011 mission trip to Haiti. This evening will be kicked off with a Potluck. The Mission Committee will host this meal featuring "Fried Chicken" (provided) and you will be asked to join us by bringing a side dish or salad to the meal. At 6:15 we leave our tables and gather in the worship area for Mac to present the Mission information to us. Please mark your calendars and sign up for this event as it comes.