Super Bowl Sunday! Imagine getting to help lead a team onto the field for this game - what kind of a coach would you be? Are you a no-nonsense inspirational leader (Vince Lombardi)? Do you have an infectious love for what you’re doing and those around you (John Madden)? Are you just a grump who prefers to wear sweats (Bill Belichick)? No matter the coaching style, the one thing all teams must have is a strategy. We know that our goal (how we define “winning”) is “connecting people to life in Jesus.” Our strategy details how we go about achieving our goal. Here at the Church, we’ve broken this down into three components:

• lifeWorship - Whether in person or online, each we get the opportunity to worship together - as a team. And extending an invitation has never been easier thanks to our streaming capabilities. And if 9:00 AM on Sunday doesn’t work in a particular week, don’t forget we have past sermons available on our website (www.livelifetogether.com/video).
• lifeGroup - From our website: “At the Church we really do ‘live life together.’ In lifeGroup, we meet weekly in each other’s homes to share a meal and share our lives as we grow in Jesus. Our connection to other people is at the heart of our Christian experience. Authentic connections happen most effectively in smaller groups where there is opportunity for dialogue and relationships, and our primary place for these authentic connections is lifeGroup.” If you haven’t given LifeGroup a shot (ever or in a while), now is a great time to start. A new year can bring new habits! To learn more, contact Amy Meyer at [email protected].
• lifeServe - Great teams don’t just show up on Sunday - they’ve been practicing. God gives all of us gifts: talents, interests, time, finances, etc. We have the chance to gratefully give back and serve communities both near and far. We spoke a lot about generosity last year, but serving never goes out of fashion. Remember that Jesus didn’t just talk for an hour or two once a week - he actively practiced what he was preaching.

Our strategic pillars don’t operate in isolation - they work together and often can overlap in service of our goal:

• Our services operate with the assistance of many fine volunteers
• lifeGroups occasionally choose to serve together
• Looking for more learning than just the traditional “church service”? NeighboringLife.com and our rotating 2*22 sessions provide a chance to dig in and apply our knowledge.
• The list goes on!

The possibilities are endless when these three items work in harmony. Whether you’re watching the big game or not (I get it, go Packers), think about how this strategy guides us in our walk with Christ - together.

Create a Comic from one of this month's stories of Unexpected Power.  And design your Household Well Superhero Badge.  We want to see your creativity!  Email [email protected] with your creations or bring in a copy.  You can print these copies here: powerpage1, powerpage2                  

Life Marks are a set of attributes in an individual’s life that reflect the Church’s Mission. As a result of Connecting People to Life in Jesus, we expect that followers of Jesus who are actively engaged in our Strategy (lifeWorship, lifeGroup, lifeServe) at the Church will be able to say:

• I am Sustained by the Word
• I am Dependent on Christ
• I am a Visible Reflection of Jesus
• I am the Missional Heartbeat of God.

I encourage each of you to take 10 minutes to take a closer look at the Life Marks and consider how these look in your life. Are you actively engaged in following Jesus in each of these ways? Does looking through any of these give you an idea of something you want to follow up on?

• Set a timer and take two minutes each (eight minutes total) to look at the detailed descriptions/questions under each Life Mark. Write down your answers to each question.
• Take two more minutes to review all you’ve written and thought about and see if anything comes up that you’d like to change.

After doing this brief reflection, I feel led to take next steps on “I am a visible reflection of Jesus.” Specifically, I’d like to improve at listening to God, and noticing and taking opportunities to bless neighbors and friends. Whether this is your first time reading through the Life Marks in detail or you helped write them, reflecting on them and how they look for you today could help you find a way to draw closer to Jesus. And that is what we strive to do at the Church - connect people to life in Jesus. LIFE MARKS:

I AM Sustained by the Word.

Bible:  Am I reading, reflecting on, and responding to God’s Word daily? Grow:  Would people closest to me recognize that I have a growing relationship with Jesus? Worship:  Does personal and public worship hold a sacred place in my life? Community:  Am I being sharpened by God’s Word in relationship with other Christians?

I AM Dependent on Christ.

Grace:  Have I received Jesus by faith and do I allow Him to love and accept me in spite of who I am?  (Galatians 2:21) Surrender:  Am I giving up my idols to give Jesus center stage in my life? Focus:  Do my calendar, relationships, and checkbook display that I am fully relying on God? Prayer:  Am I pursuing a more intimate relationship with God by allowing time for conversation with Him?

I AM a Visible Reflection of Jesus.

Love:  Am I intentionally blessing neighbors and friends with a compassionate heart? Obey:  Am I listening for what God wants me to do and following through? Purpose:  Can I complete this statement:  “I am making disciples and glorifying God by ______________?” Team:  Am I playing my part well alongside others to make a Kingdom impact? (Ephesians 4:16 & Nehemiah 2:18b)

I AM the Missional Heartbeat of God.

Discern:  Who is God placing on my impact list? Friend:  Do I delight in sharing my life with others?  (1 Thess. 2:8) Proclaim:  Am I prepared and willing to speak the truth about Jesus when given the opportunity?  (1 Peter 3:15) Teach:  Am I helping another believer live life with Jesus?  (2 Timothy 2:2)

As we are learning about the unexpected beginnings in God’s Word it makes me wonder what it is that you are beginning in this new year? Perhaps you are beginning a new job or maybe being a parent for the first time.  Maybe you are beginning a remodeling project in your home or trying a new hobby. I have begun a reading plan that will take me through the Bible in a year. I read sections from two New Testament books and then from two Old Testament books. Beginning new things can be exciting as well as a little scary.  There are always a lot of unknowns as we begin new things.  And there are also a lot of exciting things that we discover along the way. We are beginning something new this year at the Church that I hope you are willing to participate in.  The last Sunday of every month we will have WELL connected gatherings.  These will happen right after worship and ALL households are encouraged to attend. There will be a different topic each month and they are designed to have you connect with other households, be equipped to continue living out your faith in your neighborhood and have some fun!  January 29th is the first one - you will get a WELL connected passport and you can see how many stamps you can collect throughout the year. You could consider beginning an extra intentional investment and focus on your marriage by attending the marriage conference, A Weekend to Remember put on by Family Life ministries. There are brochures in the welcome area and you can ask questions of Patrick and Michelle Tsai if you want more detailed information. ([email protected])  On February 4th there is a day long event for men called No Regrets, more information is on the table by the Weekend to Remember. (rsvp to Josh: 608.333.6080) Could it be that you want to begin attending a lifeGroup in 2023?  Our lifeGroups meet on different nights of the week and are for all households. If a weeknight does not work for your family, what about trying a Saturday or Sunday during the day.  We strongly believe that authentic connections happen most effectively in smaller groups where there is opportunity for deeper conversations and close friendships. Reading God’s word together and praying for one another helps those connections happen.  Did you used to attend a group and now you have fallen out of the rhythm?  What might it look like to begin again?  Who could you invite?  (contact me, Amy,  if you want to get connected: [email protected]) Are you wanting to begin to use your gifts and serve at church or in the community?  Check out our serve page https://livelifetogether.com/lifeserve/ for lots of different ways to serve both in the community and at church.  If you are unsure of what it might look like to serve in a certain place or want to shadow someone before you give it a try just reach out to me.  If you have been volunteering somewhere out in the community and you think others may want to join you, please let me know. Have you begun meeting in a 1:1 relationship yet?  You might be surprised at the difference it makes in your journey with Jesus to walk alongside another person (or in a group of 3).  You can read scripture together, hear what God is doing in their life, hold each other accountable to follow through on changes that you may be led to make and have a trusted person in your life, walking WITH you and praying for you. What do you want to begin doing in your neighborhood?  Maybe you want to start by praying for your neighbors by name each day and asking God to give you opportunities to be used in their lives. Perhaps you know that someone in your neighborhood has a need that you could help meet. Maybe you want to reach out and connect over coffee or take a walk with them.  You could put a date on the calendar and invite some neighbors over and get to know them a little better and help them connect with other neighbors. Begin by saying yes to invitations that you receive.  God has placed you where you live on purpose and He is working, ask him to let you know where you can join in.  For some encouragement in neighboring and for inspiration from others who are on the same journey as you - check out www.neighboringlife.com. Let’s continue to fully participate in all God has for us - remember, He does the unexpected! “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might as or think.”  Ephesians 3:20  

As we come to the end of another year, the Leadership Board is reflecting on those who have faithfully served on the board as well as those who are coming onto the board, either as a returning member or as a fresh face. Serving as a member of leadership on a board of church or other nonprofit organization is no simple endeavor. I currently serve on two boards, both for the Church as the Vice-Chair and as the Treasurer for the Verona Area Performing Arts Series. Most leadership boards are unpaid, volunteer positions; those that join are donating their time and talents, and frequently, their treasure. This is why the Leadership Board is thankful for the years of service from both Bill Strange and Sheila Anderson. Both Sheila and Bill are visible fixtures at the Church; Bill also serves the Church as an Elder in addition to his board role and Sheila frequently delivers readings of the Word during Worship. Both Sheila and Bill are great examples of what it means to be a leader at the Church: they serve several different ways but always do it with a prayerful heart. We will miss their input and ideas in our meetings, but we are comforted in the fact that our two incoming board members are going to be able to fill Bill’s and Sheila’s roles in their own unique ways. The Vice-Chair of the Leadership Board is charged with chairing the Nominating Committee, which finds the next set of members of the board when vacancies occur. This year, the board refined what we look for in a new board member; we especially focused on spiritual gifts and the ongoing commitment of prospective members. When developing the shortlist of candidates, I had both of our new members in mind with our newly refined criteria. Michelle Tsai may have one of the most servant hearts of anyone I’ve met; she and her husband Patrick gladly open their home to my family and others for our lifeGroup, which my family has been a member of for over ten years. Always kind and conscientious, Michelle is rejoining the board after service in prior years. Courtney Shrader has been serving the youth alongside Emily, recently joining in on the Higher Ground mission trip earlier this year. I was excited when she talked to me about board service after one of my post-Worship appeals earlier this year; I didn’t even need to ask her to join! Courtney will be our rookie member in 2023, joining the Leadership Board for the first time. In closing, the Leadership Board also thanks you, our members and visitors. The Church would not be what it is today without you. We wish you a blessed remainder of 2022 and a healthy and joyous 2023.

 Matthew 21:28 “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. 30 Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.

31 “Which of the two obeyed his father?”

They replied, “The first.”

This year we’ve been on a journey of revival as we have been asking God to revive our following of Him. Every one of the topics we’ve looked at, from Compassion to Relationships, deals with how we respond to God’s call on and in our lives.  How do we respond to those who are hurting?  How do we respond to God’s call to share the Gospel? And so on.  We’re going to finish the calendar year with a dive into the topic of Responsiveness as we look at a few people in the Bible who were challenged to respond.  Some responded quickly, while others were more reluctant (ahem, Moses). In these stories we’ll find people we can relate to, with difficulties we can relate to.  We’ll see people who acted on faith, even when it didn’t make sense.  And we’ll see people who changed their mind and obeyed the Father. There are times in our lives when we’re like the older son who says “no”, and times when we’re like the other son and say, “Yes, sir, I will” but don’t go. It’s into this world that God sent his Son, Jesus, to be with us, to die for us, and to rise ahead of us.  Because of this we are God’s forgiven children, and belong to Him forever.  God’s great love demands a response, that we love God with everything we are, and that we love our neighbor as ourselves.  And God calls His children specifically to spread the Good News even as we care for the poor and heal the sick. This is our response. As we look into these stories of people who foreshadow God’s action, people who foreshadow Jesus, and those who are His parents, may God revive our responsiveness by overwhelming us with His love for us, not just now, but into 2023 and always. “Come, Lord Jesus, revive our responsiveness to your calling.  Show us how you respond to the desires of our heart, and overwhelm us with your love for us.  Cause us to be so overwhelmed that your love overflows from our household WELLs into the lives of those around us, especially those who don’t know you yet.  Even as we celebrate your birth, God with us, we look forward to you coming again.  And we ask for your love that prompts our responsiveness to come quickly among us that many more would be connected to life in you, Jesus, today.  Amen.”

The holiday season is a natural time to nurture some of those relationships in your neighborhood. As Household Wells we are constantly looking to revive our relationships with those who God has placed around us. When we serve and love our communities we are also welcoming Jesus into our homes. The following guide is also available on our website on the household well downloads page HERE. We would love to know how you are connecting with your neighborhood this holiday season. Share pics and stories at [email protected].  

A thankful spirit is what flows from a heart and mind that is keenly aware of God’s provisions and work in our lives. Giving thanks becomes worship when we give God the credit and glory for the all we have and all we are. You are invited to use this template as a way to engage your family in specifically reflecting on who God is and how He has provided for your family. Go through and, together, write words in the blanks, following the prompts below the blanks. Then, take turns read your song of praise back to God in an act of worship. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. Give thanks to ______________________________________, (insert a name of God) His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of Lords, His love for _______________________________________ (insert your family name, or everyone’s individual names) endures forever. To Him who created us, knit together as His _____________________________ (insert a word that indicates your identity in Christ). His love endures forever. To Him who created _________________________________________________. (insert something in nature that inspires you). His love endures forever. To Him who _______________________________________________________. (insert something in nature that amazes you). His love endures forever. To Him who remembered ____________________________________________(insert a time when God met a need). His love endures forever. To Him who comforted ______________________________________________ (insert a time God met you in your sorrow). His love endures forever. To Him who rescued_________________________________________________ (insert a time God rescued you). His love endures forever. To Him who _______________________________________________________. (insert provision of people). His love endures forever. To Him who ______________________________________________________ (insert provision of family). His love endures forever. To Him who created ________________________________________________ (insert provision of needs). His love endures forever. To Him who redeems our family with the blood of Jesus.  (insert your name) His love endures forever. To Him to remembers us, is faithful to us, and holds all things together. His steadfast, perfect, faithful love for our family endures forever. We will give thanks to the God of heaven, _____________________________ (insert name of God). His love endures forever. I pray that this resource helps your household well to stop and give THANKS to the King of Kings this Thanksgiving. I would love to read your Psalms of thanksgiving. You can share yours with me at [email protected].  

Generosity+

(because generosity empowered by Jesus fuels a contagious, other-centered culture)

is one of our values at the Church, and throughout the year we’ve talked about embracing generosity as individuals and as household wells.  Generosity not only in sharing material things, but also generosity of spirit, of mind, and of heart. Going a bit further, what would a culture of generosity look like?  We asked people both inside and outside the church for their thoughts, and here’s what we heard: “A culture of generosity would be one where people think about others first, and act on it.” “A culture of generosity would be a community based on service and giving.  Serving others in need and giving to others without expecting anything in return.” “Everyone giving the extra you have to someone else instead of keeping it for yourself.  The ‘extra’ might be money, or time and effort, or involvement.  Because I’ve never had much financially, I volunteer what I have: my time and energy. Some places didn’t value that as much as giving money. It felt like they dismissed me and what I could give. Those places aren’t cultures of generosity.” “A culture that has the desire to look out for others. Putting others first before themselves.” “Everyone would have enough.  We would take care of each other.” “Seeking God’s guidance on giving.  Always having room for one more.  Asking what the need is and then helping to fulfill that need.  Making time for people.” “Wouldn’t we all like to live in a culture like that? (laughs).  It would be humanizing, not de-humanizing. People wouldn’t be seen as things to be used or manipulated.” The common thread of outward awareness seems woven throughout these comments. Pastor Jeff shared his thoughts on some characteristics of communities that have established a culture of generosity:

1. A clear purpose or mission that everyone rallies around and supports.
2. Focused on serving others, not just themselves.
3. A culture of giving, not only taking. Everyone is always looking for ways to help others.
4. Constantly learning and growing.
5. Inclusive and welcoming to all, not threatened by connecting with people with different views and opinions.
6. All while maintaining a commitment to truth.

Doesn’t this sound a little like what Jesus was trying to show His disciples? He taught them the value of generosity; created opportunities for them to share the good news and healing power they’d been given with the community; encouraged them in their efforts; and modeled generosity, inclusiveness and truth  in everything He did. And the culture that characterized His early church? “All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.  The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.”  Acts 4:32-33 Image for a moment what life would look like today if the habit of generous hearts and hands became the reflex response of everyone who follows Jesus. Think of what might change.  Imagine how the world would respond. Maybe that’s what Jesus had in mind when He said, ‘You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matt 5:14-16 Holy Spirit, inspire and empower us as we create cultures of generosity in our lives, our household wells, and our church.  We want to be lights in the world for You. Amen.