J

IONE Community Church

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST * CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

the

After extended separations, Maggie and I go through what we call re-entry. Re-entry into one anothers life can sometimes be rocky. Sometimes it isnt until we scream at one another over something inconsequential that were ready to hug and make up. Sometimes, we have to renegotiate boundaries and expectations if weve been apart a particularly long time. None of this is to imply that were not overjoyed to be back together. We are. We both describe an emptiness and ache when were apart too long. So, why do we have re-entry? What is that all about? First, were unloading stress we felt during separation. Its like how your own kids are nastier to you than anyone else. We feel safe with one another so the cranky comes out at re-entry. Second, weve both changed. We have adapted to our separations and discovered new ways of being that we like. Were loathe to give those up. (Hence, the need for renegotiation.) This is not a bad thing but an opportunity for growth. Third, other extenuating factors may have come into play. We may be angry that the other left. We may feel left out or that our needs have been neglected. More than once during re-entry, Maggie and I have discovered feelings we didnt know we had. Through honest, loving, direct conversations with one another we have always been able to nally hug and make up. As Pastor Stacy returns, accept that you will feel many different things: joy, confusion, possibly anger at having been left, or relief that church life is returning to normal. You will go through a period of re-entry. Accept re-entry for what it is: a time of reuniting your family. Dont be alarmed by your feelings but do share them with Stacy. Do pray about them. This is all healthy and of God.

Ione Community Church

PO BOX 346 Ione, OR 97843 541-422-7530 www.ionecommunitychurch.org

Stacy Shelton, Pastor

Pastor Stacy returns Tuesday, January 15.

Pastoral Needs If you have pastoral needs, please call Interim Pastor Tim Graves at 541-256-0565 or by email at rev.timgraves@gmail.com Tim is typically in town from Thursday thru Sunday. Ofce hours are 10 to noon on Thursday and 9 to noon on Friday. Please stop by, call, or email.

ABOUT THOSE NEW SANCTUARY LIGHTS...

Cool.

Cool. Not cool.

Please do not dim the new lights below the black line. Thanks.

Childrens Program

ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting & Potluck is Sunday, January 27 after worship. Please send your reports to Linda LaRue, preferably by email at larooz@centurytel.net

WANTED: LAY LEADERS Pastor Tim is putting together a schedule of lay leaders for the rst quarter. If you have ever thought this is something youd like to do, please let him know. YOUTH GROUP RETURNS WEDNESDAY The middle school youth group will begin meeting again on Wednesday, January 9th at 6:00 p.m. PASTOR STACY RETURNS Pastor Stacy will be back on Tuesday, January 15. Her rst Sunday back in the pulpit will be Sunday, January 20. Plan to be present as your church family is reunited.

Lectionary Readings

Sunday, January 06, 2013 Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 Sunday, January 13, 2013 Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Sunday, January 20, 2013 Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalm 36:5-10 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 John 2:1-11 Sunday, January 27, 2013 Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Luke 4:14-21

Read Your Bible Daily

IONE Community Church
PO BOX 346 Ione, OR 97843 541-422-7530 www.ionecommunitychurch.org