Good morning! What a rainy, cold, dreary week….but I hope you have found God in the midst of it all. Last night, I had a ray of sunshine when Avery and I went to Loaves & Fishes for dinner. They had amazing homemade soups, delicious desserts, and wonderful people to serve and talk with. Many, many BIG thanks to Carolin Newell and her awesome crew for all their hard work. Everything was fantastic. Please put the last Thursday of the month on your calendar for Loaves & Fishes and have yourself an evening out for dinner. 

Lenten Devotionals Reminder

Lent is just around the corner with Ash Wednesday being February 14th. In anticipation of Lent we extended an invitation to our church members to write a devotional to be included in our Lent Devotional packet. We had 40 people sign up! If you did sign up, please try to get your devotion in by this Sunday, January 28th. Please send it electronically to Katie Baird (kbaird2@kent.edu), Sandi Kossick (secretary@mantuacentercc.org), or to me. Below are some instructions and suggestions to help out.  

Minister’s Retreat

Next Wednesday to Friday, I will be going to a Christian Church in Ohio Minister’s Retreat at Camp Christian. The theme is “A Great Wild Mercy: Sustainable Hope & the Practice of Presence.”  Amazing music artist Carrie Newcomer will be leading the retreat for us. There will be a mix of fellowship, music, silence, and contemplation. I’m looking forward to it and would appreciate your prayers. 

Founder’s Day & Presentation from Everett Baynes

This Sunday we will be celebrating Mantua Center Christian Church’s 197th birthday with scripture, music, stories, and cake! What is the story of how you connected with MCCC? How has God worked in your life through our church family? We will hear from a few people during the service and I would love to hear your story if you are willing to share (over email or in person!). After the service, we will head to fellowship hall for a cake reception and to listen to a presentation from Everett Baynes about his Scout trip last summer. 

We hope to see you there and God’s blessings be with you this weekend! See you in worship!

In Christ,
Chad