I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year
"Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown."
And he replied,
"Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.
That shall be to you better than a light and safer than a known way."

Each new year brings for all of us fresh opportunities but also fresh challenges. We cannot see the days ahead, and do not know what they may bring. Looking back over the past, we can be pretty sure that we shall find ourselves dealing with the unexpected. Some of the unexpected is wonderful; some of it is not; and if indeed man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upwards (Job 5:7) we can expect our fair share of problems.

I think that the people who find it hardest to deal with any troubles that come along are the ones who have somehow persuaded themselves that they can get by in life relying on themselves alone, on some inner reserve which they have built up. It is a refusal to recognize that we all need help; and it is pride.

We all know people who are too proud to ask for help from others. Unfortunately, some of them are also too proud to ask for help from God. There is nothing wrong with being independent, in going as far as our own resources will take us. We should all try to stand on our own two feet. After all, that is usually the only way we can be of help to anyone else. However, it is blindness not to recognize when our independence has become pride and when our refusal to seek help means a bad situation gets worse. It is especially true when we reject the idea that we need God’s help.

There is a grace in accepting help as well as giving it. Jesus allowed the woman with the ointment to clean his feet. He allowed the women from Galilee to minister to him and the apostles. He allowed Peter’s mother to attend to his needs. If we deny to others the opportunity to help, we deny them being the vehicles of God’s grace. If we reject our need for God’s help, we spurn the love and forgiveness of God. As we go into this new year let us all be open to helping others, but let us also be open to accepting help when we need it. Most of all, when the good things of this new year come along let us not forget to give thanks to God for the help and grace he gives to us even when we do not ask; and when troubles come along let us never be too proud to get down on our knees and echo the words of Psalm 130:
Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord,
Lord hear my prayer, and let my cry come unto thee.
Yours in Christ Fr. Michael +

Keeping you in the know:
Saturday, December 15th, was our last day for classes this term. I can't believe how quickly it went. The next term starts January 5th. The classes will be in Madison at St. Francis House on the UW Campus. To let my 14 year old car rest, I will be taking the Badger Bus to Madison on Friday afternoons and staying over night at St. Francis House. I hear that there are some great places to eat and .... on State Street. A new adventure. As far as the classes are concerned, we'll be continuing with the Old Testament and church history. The Archdeacons will be talking with us about the ministry of the deacon. It is all exciting and scary. Know how much your prayers mean to me, and your ever-present support and concern. Know, also, that I am keeping you in my prayers, always. Peace. Marge

Another hearty UTO collection will be combined with those of many other congregations to support local and world-wide missions. Our Fall Ingathering totaled $225.12, and each coin and dollar represent the many blessings of the givers. If you need a little blue box to begin collecting for the next Ingathering they are always available at church or feel free to call the office.

LOOKING FORWARD TO LENT
With "Joy to the World" still echoing in our ears, we continue our journey through the church year. Lent will be upon us in 5 weeks. Ash Wednesday is February 6th. The tally is in for the Lenten program and the majority of 1st and 2nd choices were Tuesday 4:30-6:00. So the planned schedule is:
Ash Wednesday 5:30-6:15 Soup and Bread;
6:15-6:45 Overview of the program and presentation of the booklet; 7:00 Ash Wednesday Service.
Tuesdays in Lent (Feb. 12th, Feb. 19th, Feb. 26th, Mar 4th and Mar 11th) 4:00 Evening Prayer; 4:30-5:15 Soup and Bread;
5:15 -6:00 Lenten Program
Please know that if you cannot join us for the soup and bread at 4:30, you are more than welcome to pop in for the program (and some soup) at 5:15 I am looking forward to reflecting with you on the Three Days of Easter.

Remember to get annual reports to the office so they can be included in the combined annual report.

From Doris (Harbrecht-Robinson) Angelroth
Our family has had its roots in St. Luke’s for lifetimes. Sadly Richard Allen Andrews passed suddenly this past fall. His memorial service was at St. Luke’s and inurnment is in the Memorial Garden. Richard’s sister, Ellen, is still living in Alpine, Texas. Doris’ new address is 365 Sunset Drive, #2015, Dousman WI 53118.