Scriptures for January 11, 2026
Baptism of Jesus
Isaiah 42: 1-9
Psalm 29
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3: 13 -17
Welcome to 2026. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Connie and I enjoyed our time with our children, their spouses and our grandchildren. Ten of the 12 days of Christmas were spent at the beach, at
children’s museums, swimming pools and the Safari park as we coordinated nap schedules. Our blessed days together concluded with Lily’s baptism on the 4 th of January with all of us together. Brie, Ying, and Lily flew home. Eric, Michelle and Blake drove home.
We are not sure when we will all be able to be together again, but July 4 if not before. We will likely link to Eric and Michelle’s family to watch the Broncos play in the postseason. Our January is quite open on Sunday afternoons, now that the Chiefs are out and focused on draft picks. Do note that the semi-annual meeting of the congregation will be January 26th when we remember 2025.
We had some great celebrations here at Faith over the past year. The new kitchen appliances, the new sign, the Preschool Christmas program, the NA groups celebrating Christmas, the Christmas Eve Candlelight service. Thanks to all who helped take down the Christmas decorations.
We now turn the page of the calendar and start the new year with the season of Epiphany, which begins with coming of the Magi, which we celebrated a couple days early on Sunday.
This Sunday we focus on the baptism of Jesus. Each Sunday of the Epiphany season calls us to follow the star that God has shone forth in our lives. We see the Magi, disciples, Moses and Elijah finding deep Happiness as they follow God’s star.
Jesus started his ministry, with his Baptism by John the Baptist. As Jesus rises from the water, a voice from heaven declares: “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
What a great way to start a New Year with the voice of the Creator speaking words of assurance. St. Peter speaks with that assurance in his heart Jesus: “went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.” (Acts 10:38) Lily’s baptism reminded me of the baptism of Eric and Brie, decades ago. We had brought back water from the Jordan River during our visit there in 1987. We
used it to add a few drops to the water of the font for their baptism. It made it special, but even more special was having family and friends there. Even more special were the words of the heavenly voice resounding through the years that these children of ours were sons and daughters of a Creator who calls them Beloved.
The candle we used for Lily’s baptism was the same one used for Brie’s baptism. As we handed it to Lily’s dad, the words were said: Let your Light so Shine before others that they see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.
As a proud father I can say that Eric and Brie have let their light shine, through the years, especially now as loving spouses and parents. The Light of their inquisitive, gracious, and giving nature are already reflected in their children. In our baptism we all receive the assurance that we are beloved children of the Creator. At the same time, we are challenged to share our light. Not some else’s
light, Our light. When we faulter in our calling, when our light does not shine brightly. we have the further assurance that: “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of
sins”. (Acts 10:43).
What a great way to start a New Year: Forgiven, confident, challenged. May your light shine in 2026.
Prayer Blessed are You, King of the Universe that you speak words of assurance to us, your Beloved Children. May your Light shine through us in this coming year.
Happy New Year,
Pastor John
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to the Baker family Craig and Maria Baker and Logan Cassells.
Mia Medel who was to have been baptized will be moving to Los Angles to be with her father. She still hopes to be baptized when she visits back in our area.
Musicians and Poinsettias Fund
Thanks to those who gave to our flower and musicians fund: Diane Watson in loving memory of Bud, John and Connie Bunge in memory of Myrene, Lou and Debi Hitter, Bob and Carol Jenson, Pat Teeters Kim and Ceasar Guevera. You can pick up your Poinsettias if you like.
Pantry – getting ready for winter. If you have any extra sweaters, coats or sweatpants they are appreciated. Note the date of the pantry this month is January 10 and 24. If you know of someone with needs between now and then give Carol Jensen a call. We are glad to help but do need to track who we are helping with the pantry.
Pastor Bunge will be in the office Mondays and Tuesdays.
Thanks to Pastor Tim Drom for presiding at worship on December 28.
QUILTING – 26 quilts are done. 16 were boxed for Lutheran World Relief, which distributes them around the world. 10 were given to our San Bernardino Wellness Center.
MOVING FORWARD WITH YOUR SUPPORT
Those who have noticed our sign out front and the lighting of it have said how wonderful it is. Walker Signs assisted us with the sign. (He had a child in our preschool). We are adding a bit more solar lighting to it. Thanks to Lou and Kyle and Tim for doing so much around the church, especially in the kitchen area. Thanks to Connie for doing the touch-up painting in our updated kitchen. Thanks to Jenny Beal for donating pots and pans and baking dishes.
Pat Motschall’s surgery to replace her aortic and mitral valves went well. She is back in church now!
PLEASE PRAY FOR
Jeanne Koening had good news and bad news. She finally has some answers for the cyst in her brain. Rather than just draining fluid, they will be doing surgery to remove it. The surgery is scheduled for December 30 th at USC Arcadia Hospital. She will be admitted prior to that.
Bonnie Strack is seeking relief for back pain. She also appreciates prayers for her son Brendan Simms, who has suffered years from a series of strokes.
Michael Shea has continuing health issues and would also appreciate prayers for his and Ann’s son, Andrew.
Eloise still has some double vision. She has a check up on January 6. Parkinsons is acting up.
Bob Jensen also developed a kidney stone and infection and a cyst was found in his kidney.
Bonnie Hallberg is still awaiting shoulder surgery. The blood clot discovered in her leg has not dissolved. She sees a doctor next Monday. The shoulder is painful, but not overwhelming and the clot must be taken care of first.
Nelson Hall continues to have health concerns including his heart function and breathing but he and Karen were able to move to their new home.
Lauren Shaffer surgery for a stent on her right leg did not go well. The vein completely closed, the leg is so swollen it is hard to move. More surgery will be needed.
Kim Guevara appreciates your prayers for granddaughter, Kayla, who is now living with her father, their son, Kyle.
Judy Martin likes her new home at Golden Oaks and is receiving Hospice care.
Jennifer Maldonado’s surgery went well but she is now receiving radiation treatments, which are taking their toll. More chemo may be ahead for her, and she now plans on being back in the Preschool in
April.
Continued prayers for Jacque Kottmeier who, due to her eyesight, is no longer able to drive. Nice to have her neighbor Ellen Risso back with us in worship.
Thanks to all who continue to give shoes for Soles 4 Souls. The box is still in the Narthex for continued donations. Thanks to David Strack for coordinating.
Thanks to Holly from Family Assistance Center in Yucaipa for making donations as well.
FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH
PRAYER CARDS – With the help of the Quilting Group, the next project is to make and provide prayer quilts with crosses on the inside. Thanks to Barbara for the idea, and Emily for willingness from
the Quilting group and Dana for knowledge of prayers already printed.
PRAYER/FRIENDSHIP ROCKS –
Karen, Connie B., Sharon C., and Carol Hamre have painted prayer/friendship rocks for you to keep, give to someone, surprise someone, or put in your garden, etc. We have painted for a Prayer
Ministry that Paula will begin; also rocks are available in the Narthex, Chapel and Fireside Room for the AA, NA, Al-anon, pantry etc. groups that meet weekly.
WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASS by our OWN MASTER WATERCOLORIST, HOLLY – We will be taking a break over the holidays, resuming to make cards for Valentines.
(No class fee, materials provided if you do not have own. For taking the class, we ask you to please donate to the Camp fund for youth.)
SUNDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP HOUR
4 – Baptism of Granddaughter Lily – Thanks to all who helped celebrate the special baptism day! John & Connie provided tacos and Pico de Gallo; Alec and Robyn for providing scrumptious fried rice and Michelle (daughter-in-law) for making special “Lily star” cupcakes; Cesar & Kim G. for helping to serve and clean up.
11 – Ham Sliders; Jerry M’s famous potato salad!; lemon Bundt cake
18 – TBD
25 – Annual Meeting; Donuts in Narthex
Some of you have asked us to publish a list of donations that are needed for the Fellowship Hour on Sundays. Here is a start. Thank you.
Coffee (this is for the pantry as well as they provide coffee on Pantry Saturdays)
Coffee creamers (not coffee mate, please)
Juice; any flavor
Iced Tea (sugar free)
If you have a special dish you’d like to prepare, please let us know.
(We are not confined to crockpots now!)
Any monetary donations can be given through the offering, marked Fellowship
Bingo Items – we had a special Outreach “Bingoing for others” and are mostly wiped out of prizes.
