Announcements

• Congregational Retreat: Sunday, February 9
  

  What is God's vision for South Miami Lutheran Church?  This critical question will be the key topic for a congregational retreat on Sunday, February 9 following worship.  Guest presenter Michelle Collins, Director of Discipleship and Communications for the Florida-Bahamas Synod will lead the group in stimulating, meaningful conversation centered on discerning future directions for the congregation.  It's an exciting time to be involved in the life and ministry of SMLC--join in!  The retreat will run from after church into the early afternoon and will include lunch.

• Time For Healing...A Time for Quiet Contemplation at South Miami Lutheran
  

  We yearn for serenity--a time apart from our hectic lives to find peace and calm. 

  "A Time for Healing," is a meditation and contemplation time held in the sanctuary of South Miami Lutheran on the first and third Mondays of the month from 7 to 7:45pm.  There is quiet music, occasional spoken word, and time for silence. 

  The gathering on January 20 will featurea combination of music and silence, with occasional recitation of a poem or prose to stimuate thought.  February 3 the theme will be anger, and February 17 the theme will be love.

• Taking the Sermon Home

  On Sunday, Matthew's story of Jesus' baptism was read.  The questions this week center on baptism:

  --if someone were to ask you, what difference does your baptism make to you, what would you say?

  --Through the sacrament of baptism, we become part of the Christian family.  What is the significance, and what are the implications of, belonging?

  THough we are baptized once, the act launches a relationship with God that continues throughout our lives.  How do you nurture this relationship, day by day?

• Calling all Knitters & Crocheters

  Please share your skills to help premature babies and chemotherapy patients by creating caps to help them stabilize their body temperature. Simple patterns are available.  Learn more by contacting the church office or speaking to Fiona on Sunday mornings.