PASTOR OUT OF OFFICE Pastor Oman will be on vacation this week. If you have an emergency pastoral need please contact Pr. Jim Lehmann at 217-417-4156 or 217-694-4157. Pr. Cindy Bisser is also available at 920-979-5673 or call Pr. Oman at 217-621-8697.

FIRST COMMUNION CLASS We are planning to hold First Communion classes in March for those who are 10 years old or older who have not completed the class. Contact Pr. Oman for details.

LENT BEGINS MARCH 1 Lent will begin on Wednesday, March 1st, with the Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 p.m. The theme for this year will be Penitential Psalms. The NALC pastors will again host a round robin during the Wednesdays of Lent. Our worship services here at NBLC will be at 7:00 p.m., with a light supper served before worship, starting at 5:45. Plan to come!

SOC LOOKING AHEAD The next movie and lunch date will be in April. The movie will be “Risen” which is the story of the Resurrection as told through the eyes of a non-believer. Our congregation will be hosting the Candlewood lunches in June. When the date is confirmed we will send out more information. July will be our congregation’s month to work at Helping Hands on the collection/drop off day and community pick up day. These are usually on the second and third Saturdays. We will send out more information when the date is confirmed.We are planning a “Good Neighbor cookout and movie” for our church families and friends, and our neighbors around us. This will be held toward the end of summer so watch for more information. October is the date set for this year’s 4th Annual Walk for Water. Last October was a perfect day for a great walk. Keep the date in mind and join in to raise money for Water Missions to help supply safe drinking water where needed throughout the world.

AUTHOR OF ‘THE SHACK’ TALKS SPIRITUALITY AT LIFETREE CAFÉ
William Paul Young, best known as the author of “The Shack,” will discuss the difference between being spiritual and being religious in a filmed interview at Lifetree Café on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 12:30 p.m. at the Candlewood Pool House. Nearly 30 percent of Americans identify themselves as spiritual but not religious, and the trend is growing. Young’s best-seller has prompted a national discussion of the difference between spirituality and religion. “I make a distinction between the church as an organization and the church as people,” says Young. “Biblically speaking, the church is people. It’s only people. They didn’t have the buildings, the structures, or platforms. It’s simply people.” The Lifetree event, titled “Spiritual but Not Religious,” offers participants the opportunity to explore the issue in a safe, open environment.

SWEET LIFE CAFÉ RETREAT Ladies, come savor time with God and friends at Sweet Life Café Retreat on Saturday, March 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We all love going out for a warm cup of coffee or tea with friends. And most of us long to extend those short visits and take time to slow down and really enjoy time together. That’s exactly what we’ll do at Sweet Life Café. Join us at this retreat, where we’ll savor time with God and friends. Together we’ll experience meaningful Bible studies, flavor-filled activities, and scrumptiously delicious fun! For more information contact Bobbie Schnitkey, 898-0358 or rjscpaill@hotmail.com.

ATTENDANCE for Sunday, February 12 was 72 and the offering was $3,032.