A Perfect Season” – February 6, 2008
by Bishop Mike Coyner

The New England Patriots failed in their bid to achieve a “perfect” 19-0 season. Like most of us here in Indiana, at least for Colts fans, I cheered the underdog Giants as they ruined the so-called perfect season.

Lent is an opportunity for us to reflect on our lives. Are we aligned with God's purposes for our lives? Lent is a time for transformation. It isn't so much about what we give up, but rather are we willing to be transformed.

On Mondays during Lent we have an opportunity to journey together. We will spend time in prayer, scripture, and conversation as we seek to align ourselves with God and be transformed.

In the December 2nd service I mentioned some websites you could go to and find ideas for Christmas. Here are a few:

http://www.AdventConspiracy.org
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/2007/10/22/more-relational-gift-ideas/ (This has ideas for creative relational giving)

http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/holiday_gi...
http://relevantmagazine.com/releblog/cameronsqa/tis-the-season/

If I find more I will update this article.

“857 plus One, Two, Three, Four, Five, and Seven”
- By Bishop Mike Coyner

I have just returned from a wonderful event at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, which was called the “Extended Cabinet Convocation.” As a follow up to our regular meeting of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, we gathered District Superintendents, Lay Leaders, and other Conference leaders from all over the world to join us in this special weekend to focus upon the future of our denomination. 857 persons were registered, and including spouses and guest there were nearly 1,000 persons present.

NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE RESPONSE TO NAPPANEE RELIEF EFFORTS

In response to the storms that recently struck the Nappanee area, many churches have asked about how they can best help. At this time the needs are being assessed and work teams are being formed. If you would like to help with volunteers or a work team you may coordinate with Rob Seewald at Nappanee UMC, 574-773-4183.

Food donations of non-perishables may be brought to the Nappanee Open Door at 292 South Main Nappanee, Mon.-Fri., 9-11 a.m. Contact can be made at 574-773-3820.

Residents of Nappanee and northern Indiana continued this past weekend to clean up after a tornado damaged several hundred homes and businesses in Elkhart and Kosciusko counties.

Cool Christian Kids (CCK) is beginning under the new director Janet Begley. Janet would love to have both kids to sing and adults to help. If you need more information, contact Janet or the church office.