Last Sunday!  We celebrated the gifts from God!  Those of life and health, family and friends, food and shelter.... Those in conection with the Gift of Christ.....  But we especially focused on the "charasmata" - special divine gifts of talents and abilities.  Discovering them, celebrating them and especially using them as people BLESSED to be a BLESSING!

COMING SUNDAY!   Mike Turner, "The Banjo Man," will be back with us on Sunday!  We are blessed by him every 3 years or so, so many of you know him and of course won't want to miss this.  For others, this is something you gotta check out!  "A little bit country," he's a lot of fun.  Old time Christian songs, lots of instruments, stories and testimonies. The usual ministers of music will be here, too - and Pastor Al will have a sermon, but Mike will be blessing us a lot.  There will be a special collection for Mike's ministry, so be ready for that.  Don't miss it!

From Pastor Warren Naegele: A CLASS FOR SENIORS

I want to share with a group some of the things I have learned in my over 75 years of
living. It will be a class for those willing to share some of their life’s experiences and
what they too have learned. It will be a chance to share autobiographies and learn how to
cope with the upcoming life’s experiences. Changes, Challenges, Losses, and spiritual
growth opportunities.

Warren Naegele, D. Min. will be the teacher of this group.   I was a parish pastor for 13 years, in Jail and Hospital Chaplaincy ministry 20 years, taught Stephen Ministry, had training in Gestalt therapy, marriage
counseling,  Psychotheraphy, Clinical Pastoral Education, Member of College of Chaplains, Grief Work Ministry for PSW District,  done interim ministry in 7 congregations and am now RETIRED.
CLASS WILL BE NINE SESSIONS  Mondays and Fridays  11-12AM
Mondays  MARCH 1,8,15,22,29        Fridays  MARCH  5,12,19,26
Cost will be a free will offering for supplies and rental space.  Call  760 672 7109  or 760 433 3259  if interested. Leave a message if you get no answer and I’ll call you back.  
Classes will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church Chapel 1900 S Nevada, Oceanside.

Bible Studies this Week:
Wednesday  6:30  Kolkmans'  "Stem Cell Reasearch"  Includes dinner
Thursday  9:30  Church  "The Book of Romans"
Sunday  9:15  Church  "Intro to Christianity"

New Study!  We've just begun a new study on Sundays - and it's NOT too late to join in!  It's the basics of Christian biblical, traditional theology.  The pastor has his doctorate in this stuff - and it is his passion, so this class has him at his best!  It's a 10 week study, with LOTS of opportunities for questions and discussions!  Come join us!

A Shamless Plug....  Our Wednesday Bible study has about a dozen regulars, but there is room for you!  We meet at 6:30 for dinner (just come) and 7:00 for the study (you may just come for that, if you like).  The Kolkman's are the hosts, and Bruce Woodward is the study leader.  It's informal, good fellowship - and we all learn.  Check it out!

Haiti Relief  We had a special collection on Sunday for Lutheran World Relief - one of the most respected such agencies in the world that is working closely with various agencies - public and private - in Haiti after the earthquake.  If you could not participate, you may contribute any Sunday this month.  We're working on getting the contributions matched and are sending them on to LWR.  Thanks!

Lutheran Church Extension Fund  This ministry is rather unique to The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  About 100 years old, this organization works similarly to a bank, offering loans to churches and pastors - at rates often much lower than secular "for profit" banks, while giving depositors more interest than such secular banks.  In all its history, it has never failed to return every cent of principle and interest.  Interested?  Contact our congregational representative, Rick Adams, at daddams@hotmail.com

Altar Guild.  We are looking for a couple of people to help with this ministry.  These good folks prepare for and clean up from Communion, and keep our altar clothes clean and the proper color.  It's one of those important "behind the scenes" ministries we so much appreciate!  And it's great for those who want to help but maybe not in a leadership role or on a committee.  Debbie Kolkman will train and help.  Phone her if interested or if you have questions.

Lent Dramas!  Lent begins in about a month.  We'll have Wednesday evening services again.  The centerpiece will be plays!  Robert Mendez is coordinating all this, and he's looking for 6 "actors" (it's actually reading parts) - one for each of the 6 weeks.  Interested?  Contact Robert at mrhoe@cox.net

Freebies!  Wayne and Diane Finley have a nice, working washer and dryer they will give to any in our church.  Interested?  Contact them at pagored@sbcglobal.net

Work Party!  Our thanks for all that participated in our work party on Saturday, helping to keep HIS property looking and serving good.  Our next one is Saturday, February 20.  Thank you VERY much!