“Blameless!” – 1 Thes. 3:11-13
Paul had risked his life to share the Word of God with the Thessalonians. Yet, he had been forced to leave early because of rioting and anger directed at him and our returning King. After a few weeks of sharing the Good News, he fled Thessalonica. Perhaps he regretted that decision. Certainly, at other times, he had weathered difficult situations. What we know is he was elated, relieved and thankful to hear the great report that the Thessalonians had remained faithful and were known for their deeds and love. Paul’s words show this, “How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.” 1Thes. 3:9-10. With words of encouragement, Paul challenges them and us to remain blameless through the power of the Spirit as they and we wait for the coming of Jesus. And all the people say Amen!

Question of the week: Joseph and Mary were from Nazareth which is about 75 miles from Bethlehem where Jesus was born. Why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus?

Answer: In Luke 2 we find the answer. “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. … And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”

Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend
Invest in the Success of Your Marriage on a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend! The next Weekend is Feb 13-15, 2015, at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln Airport in Lincoln, NE. Apply online at GodLovesMarriage.org, or contact Randy & Jill Sigler at randjsigler@inebraska.com or 402-486-1342 for more information. But hurry – pre-registration is required by January 13, 2015.

Orphan Grain Train Christmas Love Gifts
Grant Schmidt, Vice President of Orphan Grain Train, has announced a Christmas Gift Outreach Ministry of Orphan Grain Train coordinated with churches. Word of Life has been selected by Orphan Grain Train as a church to designate recipients to receive this Christmas gift. Contact pastor or Grant for more information.

Family Life Minister – Larry Biel
A Family Life Minister is trained to help families of all descriptions to grow in faith and function as part of the body of Christ. Family assessment opportunities are made available to help families set and reach their goals. A family is defined as an individual or a group that lives under one roof and can includes a wide range of needs within their lives from the cradle to the grave. Activities and programs are made available at church and in the home to provide families with the tools needed to move forward in their faith journey. Larry Biel received his Master’s in Family Life Ministry from Concordia University, Seward in 2004 and is willing to aid your family with some of the questions, concerns, and desires you may have for your family.