In our Jan/Feb Gather magazine a story written by Martha E. Stortz , writes about Belief and Unbelief. The bible study for the next 2 months is on Mark 8:1-9:50. We have all questioned ourselves (I'm praying but I don't seem to hear God's answer.) Is my faith strong enough? We will see God's powerful work in Mark this month as an anxious father brings his son to Jesus, his body convulsed by seizures. The disciples can do nothing, and Jesus barks at everyone in sight. When he finally exorcises the demon, the boy seems more dead than alive. Where is God in all of this?
We will be encouraged in our prayers to lay everything at Jesus' feet and trust wholly on Him.

I want to thank everyone for baking and donating cookies for the Homeless and Christmas breakfast with Santa. We had so many cookies that we were able to share them with the churches food pantry and the Sunday coffee hour. Your generosity was much appreciated.
Another big thank you goes to the Dorcas circle for hosting the Christmas luncheon on December 8th. We had over 48 people attending and many men too. The Internet Angels added a festive touch with community singing and sharing some of their favorite Christmas songs. Thank you Internet Angels.
Maryann Kraft has been offering for sale the Fair Trade coffee, tea and cocoa for sale. Don't wait too long as business is brisk. Please see her at the information booth.
In January we will be having a Bake less Bake Sale. Envelopes will be provided in your bulletin. The donations will go to help support the quilters. In February we will display the quilts for you to see.

Some upcoming events to attend are the planning meeting for the Spring Mid Gulf gathering at Faith Church in Sarasota. We will meet in the church parking lot on Saturday, January 21, at 8:30 AM and try to car pool. They usually provide the lunch as last year. Please come along and fellowship with each other.

January 19th Women In Stitches- Part II: 9:30 AM coffee/pastry. Light lunch at noon.
January 12th Executive Board Meeting:9:30AM

FUTURE EVENTS:
February 4th set out quilts and kits 9:30AM for the Thank Offering Sunday February 5th.
February 21: 10:AM annual filed trip to Agape Flights, Venice with lunch following.
Please save March 22 for the Charity Luncheon to be held here at Holy Trinity. We give all proceeds to many needy charities. The more that come the more we can give.

Circle Meetings
Esther Circle: meets at Vel Gardens Club Room call Phyllis Friedmann for directions 941-629-6863
January 3rd. Leader/ Helen Witzke, Hostess /Sylvia Sollie

Priscilla Circle: meets in conference room at Holy Trinity church Call Gertrude Bush-941-637-7278
January 5th. Leader/hostess Arlys Lundgren

Dorcas Circle: meets in churches social hall-Call Pat Freeman 941-505-2561
January 3rd. Leader/ Carol Civitella, Hostess/ Kathy Albrecht/Barb Backstrom

Quilters meet every Thursday at 9AM. Anyone may come and help to tie or sew quilts. There is always room for more.
All women of Holy Trinity are invited to come to any meeting or function. Any Questions please call Phylena Barnes

941-629-0293

Our Purpose statement:
As a community of women we are created in the image of God called to discipleship in Jesus Christ,

empowered by the Holy spirit. We commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our God given gifts, support one another

in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, our home, in society

and the world. May we all affirm to this purpose for our WELCA organization at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

May Jesus bless your New Year with good Health and Prosperity,
 

Jan Hanus, President