UCC Women’s Book Group
The Friday Morning Women’s Book Group at First Congregational United Church of Christ begins a new book on Jan. 6. The book selection is “Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time” by Karen Armstrong. The book presents a clear and balanced portrait of the founder of Islam, a religion that continues to change the course of world history. The book group meets in the upstairs meeting room at the church every Friday for conversation at 10:30 a.m. and reading and discussion at 11 a.m. New members are always welcome.
Twelfth Night of Christmas concert
First Congregational United Church of Christ, Brainerd, will host its Ninth Annual Twelfth Night of Christmas Concert 7 p.m. Jan. 8. The community is invited to enjoy one last evening of Christmas carol singing and holiday music. Guest performers include the Odyssey Brass Quintet, the Trillium String Trio, a vocal chamber group, a recorder trio, the bluegrass band Hans Blix & the Weapons Inspectors and Grace Forbord and Laura Raedeke on the piano and organ. There is no admission charge. Following the concert, a reception will be held in the fellowship hall. The church is located at 415 Juniper Street.
Trinity to honor college students at New Year’s Day services
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Trinity Lutheran Church of Brainerd will be celebrating Youth Sunday at the New Year’s Day service at 9 a.m. There will be only one service with Pastor David P. Holte speaking. Holy Communion will be served. Members are encouraged to wear their college sweaters. There will be no Sunday school or coffee hour.
Trinity will be honoring two college students during the service. Peder Holte will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship funded by Trinity members and Thrivent. The scholarship is for students attending Lutheran colleges. He is a junior at Concordia College. Concordia College will match the award. Also being honored is Aaron Niklaus who is being presented the Mary Shaw Christian Education Scholarship in the amount of $300 which is in recognition for participation in the educational programming at Trinity. He is attending the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities.
Visitors are always welcome to attend services at Trinity which is located at 1420 South 6th Street. For more information, call 829-5147.
Multi-media series planned
Beginning Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Mark Skinner of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, ELCA, will lead a three-part multi-media series of the entire Bible including major themes, books, characters, and historical
development. This overview is for anyone that is brand new to reading the Bible or for someone who reads the Bible regularly and wants a good review. If you would like to attend call 829-3330. Bethlehem is located at 418 NE Eighth Avenue in Brainerd.
First Lutheran Church activities
First Lutheran Church in Brainerd will welcome the New Year with a traditional worship service and Holy Communion at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
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On Wednesday, confirmation classes will resume at 6:45 p.m. at First Lutheran in Brainerd. Parents of the ninth grade confirmation students are asked to attend class on that evening. Fellowship supper will be at 5 p.m. and Wednesday worship service at 6 p.m.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Missouri Synod activities
New Year’s Eve Vesper services will be 5 p.m. Saturday with a joint service with Zion Lutheran Church, Brainerd, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 6311 Mildred Road, Baxter.
The Epiphany of our Lord service will be 7 p.m. Jan. 6 with the children’s program. A supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. before services. Make reservations known.
All classes resume after New Year’s Day services. Outreach board meets Monday at Prince of Peace.
Taize prayer
LITTLE FALLS - The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls invite the public to join them for Taize Prayer on Thursday from 6-7 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls. Taize Prayer is a reflective, meditative prayer with repetitively sung chants. Gather in a sacred space for an hour with the beauty of lighted candles and the San Damiano Cross. Encounter the mystery of God through the beauty of simplicity. Allow yourself to be open and receptive and let the prayers permeate your mind. Hear scripture readings, prayer petitions and songs initiated by a song leader. Relax and join in prayer and song as you feel comfortable. In the sacred space of contemplative silence God often touches us deeply, and healing and transformation happen. Taize Prayer is open to the public the first Thursday of the month. The prayer of Jesus that all may be one is your special invitation to come. People of all faith traditions are welcome! For more information, call (320) 632-0668 or email franciscanlife@fslf.org .
