“Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.”   1Corinthians 12:14-26 NRSV

Isaiah 49:6b says: “I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Last month we had the opportunity to shine our “lights” close to home by providing some much needed items to Serenity House, a Salvation Army Homeless Shelter, located in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. The warm clothing and personal care items were much appreciated.

Our February Mission will be local as well, focusing on our own St. Croix Falls Food Shelf. A donation basket will be available on February 21st for collecting non perishable food items and we look forward to Pastor Mike’s update on this very important local mission project.

As we were reminded last month we are all equally important to God regardless of our circumstances. When we make a donation whether it be clothing, food or money, lend a hand to someone in need or intercede for those known and unknown to us in our prayers we honor God.

Until next time, Let your lights shine brightly!

Pat Bjork