Calling all friends and members of St. Paul's United Church of Christ! For one Sunday, February 21st, we are endeavoring to welcome all those associated with our church to attend on the same day.

We are hoping to send two messages. First, let it be said loud and clear that people are important. By sending out this invitation, we want you to know that you are special and significant. In some way your life has touched our church family, and we appreciate you. Second, ministry is important. A sanctuary full of people serves to encourage our vision as a church. The church exists to minister to people and provide hope. Your friendly face is an encouragement for us to expand our base and develop ever greater ministry in the days ahead.

So, remember, Sunday, February 21st, at 10:00 a.m. !!!

Since we have said that people and ministry are important, the people of Haiti are enduring great hardship. As I write, and certainly by the time you receive this newsletter, the devastating news is unfolding. I will not document all that is going on there. If you read or listen to the news in any way, then the carnage and destruction is horribly clear.

A great way to receive updates is to sign up (no fees) to know what is really happening. Receive updates by signing up at http://act.pih.org/haitiearthquakeupdates. Partners in Health was founded by Dr. Paul Farmer, and these updates will be very informative and accurate.

In terms of giving, I have come to know and trust World Vision and the Red Cross. The websites, respectively, are www.WorldVision.org/Haiti and www.redcross.org.

Christian people are called upon to be salt and light. Many times a pastoral newsletter article contains a word of encouragement or the like. This month, it is a call that is issued. Starting here at home, we are calling all to be here February 21st as we seek to expand our ministry at St. Paul's. But a Christian's mission is also to community, country, and world. Remember Haiti and its people. They are precious in God's sight, and need for the Christian community to respond. I hope that you and your family could make it a project to research and respond to the need in Haiti.

God's blessings to you.

Pastor Brad

As part of our future "heartwork" for St. Paul's, we will hold a Spring Planning Conference on Saturday, April 10th from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The meeting will be led by Sal Maggio (our "Failure is Not an Option" leader) and lunch will be provided. Please mark down the date and plan to attend this important session -- everyone is welcome to attend.

Debbie Wisowaty
Council President

Thank you to Clyde and Jean Dawson for taking us on their African Adventure. Sharing their pictures from their vacation to Africa was a special treat and enjoyed by all.

Thank to all who helped organize St. Paul's 2nd Mardi Gras celebration.