February Health Matters

   Over the past few years, as the Parish Health Ministry has developed, a lot of thought has gone into encouraging all of you in the church family to aim toward healthier lifestyles.  I am really excited about this year’s “Weigh to Health”.  As the ideas developed, I received Seeds for the Parish, a newsletter for church employees and lay leaders.  There, right before my eyes, was an entire  section about healthier lifestyles.  It stresses mind, body and spirit and the balance we can achieve in each of these areas.  And, best of all, it was designed with a plan from Mayo Clinic.  Many of the ideas I was already working with had come from the Mayo health site on line!!  The fit was perfect.  The plan came together literally in a few hours.   God works in mysterious and wonderful ways.

   Many of you have already checked out the Weigh to Health display, and have started to make some simple lifestyle changes toward better health.  If you haven’t taken a look yet, here’s a little preview of what’s going on.

   First of all, IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT!  Certainly, if that is your goal, you can benefit from this program.  But, if you are interested in exercise, or nutrition, or managing your time better, or making other lifestyle changes, this program can work for you, too.

   Second, IT IS ABOUT SMALL STEPS.   We’re not playing the Biggest Loser here.  The idea is to integrate small steps into your everyday life, so they soon become a natural part of your regular activities without even thinking about it.  Your only competition is you.

   Third, the emphasis is BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT.  The display centers around a circle that shows an equal balance of the three.  We really do need that balance.  The display will change, with a different emphasis each week. 

   It’s never too late to check things out.  Stop by the display any Sunday morning.  If you want to try  some “small steps”  we can get you started.  Hope to see you there soon.

Until next time, Betty

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NEW BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY

***Bugs, Inventions, Ocean Animals and More***

Look in the children’s Science section to find the following and more- - -

Somewhere in the Ocean

Outside and Inside Mummies

Inventions that Rocked the World . . . and more

Other new books in the children’s section:

WWJD for KIDZ

The Ultimate Challenge

Tough Trivia for Kids . . . etc.

New Books in the Adult Section are on display on the checkout stand and throughout the adult section:

When God Winks at You

Hugs for Women----Hugs for Friends

Max Lucado’s Every Day Deserves a Chance

The Angel Book . . .and more

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A Thank You from the Salvation Army-

The Salvation Army is blessed that you remembered our ministry this Christmas with the gift of your time… You raised $478.88 for us to help people in North Iowa.  The need was very great this year as evidenced by the fact that we served a record number of families this Christmas.  Their Christmases were brighter and more meaningful because of your compassionate and selfless giving.

Your fellow servants in Christ

Majors Gary and Vickie Cole

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Have You Returned Your Promise Card?

Did you receive your promise card in the mail?  Because of the snowstorm this week, you probably JUST received it.  Take a minute, fill it out, and return it to the church office.  It's not too late to make a promise to support your congregation and the multitude of missions and ministries supported by the ELCA.  Every gift is important, especially in this time of economic distress in our country and in the world.  People at home and abroad still go to bed hungry, still face civil war and violence in their homeland, still have unclean water, still need education and training to make a living, still battle HIV/AIDS, still face famine and natural disasters.

You might wonder how your pledge could possibly make a difference, but it doesn't take much to change things.  Perhaps you are having financial difficulties of your own.  Remember, it's not how much you give, but how much we give together.  The more of us who commit to doing the work of the Lord, the more those contributions will make a difference.  God will bless a generous heart--He's promised to do so.

Sunday, February 14, is Commitment Sunday when we will dedicate our promise cards to the Lord.   We are inviting all
members of Our Saviour's to celebrate with us at a luncheon at approximately 11:45, following the second service.  The meat and beverages will be provided by the church, and congregation members will bring a side dish or dessert to share.  Please bring your own table service.  We'll have some background music to entertain while we dine.