Local Announcements: 
Sabbath Services for January 11th, 2024: This week's Sabbath will be held at the Freedom Hall (349 W Birchwood St, Morton, IL 61550) @ 1:30pm. The services will also be webcast on our local congregational website​ (link for local webcast) as well as offered via audio only for those who would like to call in (701.791.9819). These connections typically go live about 15-minutes prior to the start of services.  
     Song Leader: Mr. Jack Radebaugh
     Sermonette: Mr. Bill Conway
     Announcements: Mr. Nathan Ekama
     Sermon: Mr. Nathan Ekama

Upcoming Events: 
     Jan 11th: Potluck & Game Night @ Freedom Hall 
     Jan 18th: Sabbath Services @ Comfort Inn 
     Feb 3rd: Safe Harbor Meal Prep @ Salvation Army 
     Feb 8th: Congregational Meal & Game Night @ Freedom Hall 
     Feb 9th: Super Bowl Get Together @ Dan Apartian's 
     Feb 22nd: Speakers’ Meeting @ Freedom Hall 

Inclement Weather: The weather forecast currently looks like things should clear up this evening with enough time for roads to be safe for tomorrow. With that in mind, services are still scheduled to occur, but if the weather takes a turn over night, watch your email and/or phone for a notice of cancellation. If you are uncomfortable traveling, please remember that we do have our local webcast available.

Local Webcast: To preserve the privacy of our conversations at the hall, we will be stopping the webcast five minutes after the conclusion of services. Please make sure to stop by the camera to wave and say hello to those who are at home before we stop the live stream.

Sabbath School: Our next Sabbath School is scheduled for this Sabbath, January 11th. It will take place about 10 minutes after services in the back room.

Potluck & Game Night: This Sabbath evening, January 11th, we’ll have another potluck and game night. Bring your favorite game and maybe even your favorite foods to share as we stay warm inside eating, fellowshipping, and playing some games together.
     (On evenings we have meals and game night, we need to be out of the building at 9:30. Usually we are gone before that but if there are a few wanting to finish a game or stay until the very end, then be aware the last people out of the building should make sure trash is picked up and everything is in order.)

BYOS (Bring Your Own Sled): You are invited to the Ekamas’ for an afternoon of sledding this Sunday, January 12th from 12:00pm on. We’ll have a bonfire outside as well as hot drinks and a fire inside to keep you warm while sledding or fellowshipping. If you are interested in coming, please let either Nathan or Jacqueline know.

Springfield Bible Study: The next monthly Bible Study in the Springfield area will be on the Sabbath of January 25th at the Curran Township building (6220 Moffet Street, Curran, IL 62670) at 10:00am. We will be discussing the 144,000. Please note that this is the 4th Sabbath and not our normal 2nd Sabbath. 

Central Illinois Bible Study: Our next monthly Bible Study will be on the Sabbath of January 25th. We will start about 15-minutes after services. If you are not able to join us in person, here are a few ways that you can join our Bible Study: 
     - Here is the link to access our Bible Study via our local webcast. 
     - Here is the phone number to call for an audio-only connection: 701.791.9819 

Outreach opportunities: This coming Spring, we will have a few opportunities to lend a hand in our local community. If you have the ability and desire, please get in touch with Dan Apartian on where you might be able to help out. 
     1.) Safe Harbor meal prep - February 3rd - need six to eight volunteers 
     2.) MidWest Food Bank - March 19th - need 15 adult volunteers (+ any kids)

Super Bowl Viewing: Dan Apartian will be hosting a get together to watch the Super Bowl at his home and all are welcome to come! Dinner will consist of a taco bar, with the beef and chicken provided. Please sign up at the information table to bring a taco bar item or dessert, and your favorite beverage. You are welcome to arrive any time after 4:30 PM and we will pray for the meal shortly before kickoff.

Congregational Directory: If you have not yet signed onto the online congregational directory, created your account, or would like some help with getting your contact information and/or picture uploaded, please feel free to reach out and ask Nathan Ekama or Dan Apartian for a hand. 

Health & Safety Protocols: We ask that any who exhibit symptoms of illness practice the biblical principle of quarantine.

Home Office Announcements: 
Articles and Writers Needed for Compass Check: Do you have an idea for an article for our teen magazine, Compass Check? Or, maybe you’re willing to write, but need an idea? Regardless of your age or writing experience, we would love to see what you have to offer. The process of writing for Compass Check is easy and fun. Plus, if you’re a student, you might be able to use it to get some extra credit! If you have an idea or would like to learn more about writing for Compass Check, please contact us at compasscheck@ucg.org. 

Teen Instagram Account: We are using the existing Compass Check account to share encouraging and fun spiritually uplifting content, including Q&A’s, updates on local events and special sneak peeks of ongoing projects. We would also encourage feedback of content you would like to see. This project is specifically for our youth, and we want to hear from you! Make sure to follow us at compasscheck on Instagram (instagram.com/compasscheck) and DM us for any more info, suggestions and questions. 

Light of Hope Helpline: The United Church of God is providing a new service available to its ministry and members. Light of Hope is a helpline supported by Church members who are licensed social workers, counselors and other clinical professionals. They will provide mental health and addiction resources to those in need including individual, couple, family and teen consultation. These specialists will also assist in connecting people in need with appropriate resources in their communities while keeping all information confidential. The Light of Hope helpline is available at any time. When you call, it will initially record your message so that one of our professionals can respond within 24 hours. This service is also provided in several different languages including Spanish, French and German. Light of Hope also plans to develop online materials on a variety of topics such as depression, anxiety, stress management, suicidal thoughts, communication skills, problem solving strategies, teen issues, parenting issues, etc. The helpline number is (888) 241-6211. 

Prayer Updates: The home office has created a web page where church members may access recent church-wide prayer requests at any time. The address is register.ucg.org/intranet/PrayerRequests and the password for the page may be obtained from your pastor. 
Job Opportunities: Details about any of the current job postings for the Church may be reviewed at ucg.org/members/news/current-job-openings. 

Beyond Today: Beyond Today airs locally in Illinois (Springfield/Decatur/Champaign) on WICD 15 ABC, Sundays at 10:00 a.m.. **BT content is also available via our YouTube channel and via Roku and other smart devices.** 

Online UCG Radio from Australia for the whole world: The online radio station for United Church of God is now streaming 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You can listen to booklet and magazine readings, Bible readings, Bible Q&As, sermons, Bible class lectures, podcasts, the BT Daily series, music and more! A radio schedule in PDF can be downloaded which will show you upcoming programs. You can reach it easily on your computer at https://www.ucg.org.au/radio or from the UCG Streaming Radio app that allows you to listen on your mobile device. Simply search your app store for "UCG Radio" to install the free app.