...blink....blink.....blink...Don't you hate to drive behind some bozo on a two-lane highway who's been driving 10 miles under the speed limit for 15 miles with his LEFT SIGNAL on? It drives me NUTS! You're afraid to pass him JUST IN CASE he REALLY IS going to turn left someday. So, I drive, and I steam, and I flash my lights, and I honk my horn, and if the road clears, I fly past him anyway. Then, I turn on MY signal and my emergency FLASHERS to try to get the yahoo's attention. Sometimes it works, but usually not. People like this are called "Clueless" by today's youth. Oblivious to what's going on around them, and oblivious to the SIGNALS they're sending to others. WHAT SIGNALS ARE YOU SENDING as a Christian?

As January ends, we're about half-way through the season of light called EPIPHANY. In this season, we're called to be LIGHTS for the world. Are you a light that's LEADING the WAY, or just flashing for no good purpose? Think about the SIGNALS you give to others in your daily walk with Christ. When Sunday comes, is WORSHIP your FIRST priority, or do other things take precedence? (blink..blink..blink). When you agree to serve on a committee or sing in the choir or teach Sunday School, does that become a TOP priority, or do you skip out when something "more interesting" comes up at the last minute? (blink...blink..blink..) People NOTICE your signals, even if you're oblivious to them yourself. Your kids, your spouse, your friends all notice what's directing your life by the SIGNALS you give (the choices you make). If worship is low on your list, don't be surprised when your kids decide they don't want to go to church anymore either. They'll not only notice your signals, they will MAGNIFY them (BLINK, BLINK, BLINK). SO - I encourage you to join us in worship; sing the hymns with JOY in your hearts, and make a joyful noise to the Lord each and every Sunday!

Meet our Members - Wilma Bruninga. This month, we feature Wilma Bruninga, one of our council-appointed lay-members. Wilma joined St. John in 1960, coming from Forest City Community Church. She studied piano as a child, and hopes to resume lessons in the future. She works as a part-time medical transcriptionist, has two sons, and got her first grandchild in November. Wilma enjoys the radio while in her car, and her tastes vary "depending on the time of day, and what has happened in my day." She likes a variety of music, including Gospel and traditional Christian, Jazz/Blues/Swing, "Oldies", New Age (Space Music), Show tunes, Country/Western, and EZ Listening. What does she say about the role of music in worship and her life? "Music is one part of our worship, just as the sermons is a part, Holy Communion is a part, etc. Without all the parts together, music included, our worship services would not be complete and as meaningful. There are many talented musicians in our congregation. I am very grateful to all those dedicated people who give so generously of their abilities to enrich our worship experience."

Until Next Month: Remember to
"16 ... let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matt 5:16 (NIV)

Soli Deo Gloria (To God alone be the Glory)

Donald L. Bauer, Choral & Contemporary Music Director