Thought of the Month
Papa Didn’t Say “Oh”
By David Roper in Our Daily Bread
I have a friend who was working in his home office one evening, trying to get some necessary paperwork done. His little girl, who was about four years old at the time, was playing around his desk, puttering about, moving objects here and there, pulling out drawers, and making a good deal of noise.
My friend endured the distraction with stoic patience until the child slammed a drawer on one of her fingers and screamed in pain. Reacting in exasperation he shouted, “That’s it!” as he escorted her out of the room and shut the door.
Later, her mother found her weeping in her bedroom and tried to comfort her. “Does your finger still hurt?” she asked. “No,” the little girl sniffled. “Then why are you crying?” her mother asked. “Cause,” she whimpered, “when I pinched my finger, Papa didn’t say ‘Oh!’”
Sometimes that’s all we need, isn’t it? Someone who cares and will respond with kindness and compassion, someone who will say “Oh!” We have One named Jesus who does that for us.
Jesus loves us, understands our sorrows, and gave himself for us. “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2). Now we are to “walk in love” and imitate him.
Sunday School - St. Jacobi Sunday School is looking for students! We would like our members to ask around to their neighbors and friends if they know of any school age children that would like to learn about Jesus, and invite the children/parents/grandparents to visit our church. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let Julie know.
Council News – At the annual meeting held on Jan. 22 Tim Becker and Bob Laubenheimer were elected to serve on the council. After the meeting, election for officers was held. Your 2023 council is as follows: Sue Laubenheimer, President; Aaron Diener, Vice President; Paul Isaacson, Treasurer; Julie Kluck, Secretary. Other members are: Walt Lembke, Kathy Stowers, Tim Becker and Bob Laubenheimer.
Fair Share – Each year, the NACCC asks members churches to contribute to Fair Share at the level of $13 per member. If you would like to contribute to our Fair Share fund, please see the ushers for a contribution envelope.
Food Drive – Our first food drive of 2023 will run from Feb. 5 until March 5. Most needed items are: diced tomatoes, peas, applesauce, canned mandarin oranges, baby wipes, cereal, and facial tissue. Gift cards to Piggly Wiggly are welcome too as well as checks made out to St. Boniface/St. Gabriel Food Pantry. The food pantry serves five surrounding communities and currently assists over 60 families.
Membership Committee - Mary Jo has requested that anyone interested should attend a short meeting after services on February 19th to begin organizing the new committee to discuss gaining more members and also discuss ideas for donating to charities.
Scrip Update – It’s recently been announced that McDonalds is a new retailer. Gift cards are available in $10 and $25 amounts. Scrip orders will be taken on the last Sunday of the month.
Prayer Requests
We pray for all our members, friends and family having health issues.
We pray for peace in the world.
We pray for the people of Ukraine.
We pray for all of our members -
and families that have lost a loved one.
We pray that we may love as Jesus taught us all the year through.
If you have someone to add to the prayer requests, contact Jerry Eisner, (jerome7549@att.net) or 414-534-1750.
