Grand Opening
Announcements
Announcements for the Week of January 11, 2026
Welcome to Chain of Lakes Church
Welcome to worship at Chain of Lakes Church. Today Pastor Paul is beginning a new sermon series called, “It’s Not All Black & White, right?” He’s sharing that there is more than one “Christian” view on hard topics. Today he is looking at the topic of salvation – “What do I need to believe to enter heaven?”
Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to join us at kids church and will be dismissed from worship after our first few songs. Youth in grades 6-12 are encouraged to stay in worship and can get a Worship Activity Sheet from an usher. Kids younger than kindergarten are welcome to go to the nursery.
Kayla Flanagan was hired this past week by the Session as the Temporary Youth Leader. She will be coordinating Youth Group on Wednesdays, reaching out to youth on Sunday, and recruiting volunteers to help. Kayla is a long-time disciple at Chain of Lakes. Welcome, Kayla!
The Personnel Team is hiring an Administrator at Chain of Lakes. The person doing this part-time position is responsible for developing materials for worship, managing the Chain of Lakes office, partnering with others to update the website, social media sites, and electronic sign, and scheduling spaces in the building. Some of the work could be done at home. A Job Description is on the Chain of Lakes website. If you are interested or know of someone who would be interested, email a resume to Pastor Paul. Work in a supportive and flexible office environment. Click here for a job description. If you are interested in the position or you know of someone who might be interested, contact Pastor Paul at pastor@colpres.org
Audra asked that the following be shared with the congregation
For the congregation:
Thank you COL for all your love and support during my time with you all. In this season of my life, I need to be with my family, and have moved back to NC. While this is not what I expected when I started at COL, I feel that this is the best choice for my personal mental health. Thank you again for all your joy, love, and energy. I wish you all the best!
For kids:
First of all you are all incredible humans. Your energy, laughter, silliness, and thoughtfulness are so incredibly valuable to this world. I will miss you all dearly, but moving was the best thing I could do for my mental health. I encourage all of you to continue coming to youth group or kids church or the nursery and stay in community together. Thank you for all your love and support. I will miss you.
Consider leading a small group during Lent. Small groups start the week of February 22. Most will meet every week for five weeks. Small group leaders can decide when and where the group will meet. They will recruit people to join their group and have weekly communication with the people in the group. The small group will correspond with the sermon the previous Sunday. This year the focus is on the gospel of Matthew. This is a wonderful way to grow in faith with others. A training will be offered. The small group/Adult Ed team & I will provide support to all the small group leaders. If you are interested, contact Pastor Paul at pastor@colpres.org
Practicing the Way
Maria Douglas is leading a book discussion small group on Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become like Him, Do as He Did by John Mark Comer. This introduction to spiritual formation is full of John Mark Comer’s trademark mix of theological substance and cultural insight as well as practical wisdom on developing your own Rule of Life. The approximately 8 week study will start Saturday, January 17, 2026, 10am at Chain of Lakes. Please sign up on the communication card.
It’s Not All Black and White, Right?
As a way to go deeper in the “It’s Not All Black and White, right?” series, Pastor Paul will be leading a five-week small group on Wednesdays starting Wednesday, January 14 at 6:30pm. This group will look at different ways people have looked at issues like salvation, Christian nationalism, unanswered prayer, the poor and LGBTQ issues. Within these wide variety of views, people will be encouraged to develop their view and understand the views of people who think differently. Please sign up on the Communication card.
The Session has called the Annual Meeting of the congregation for after the 10:45am service on Sunday, January 25. The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to review goals from 2025, learn about goals for 2026, hear a financial report, vote on congregational representatives to the Nominating Committee, and hear a report from Pastor Paul.
Meetings and Events
1/12 Monday 6:30pm Stewardship/Finance team
1/13 Tuesday 11:00am Staff
1/13 Tuesday 5:00pm Communications Team
1/13 Tuesday 5:30pm Connection Team
1/13 Tuesday 6:30pm Session training
1/14 Wednesday 6:30pm Youth Group
1/14 Wednesday 6:30pm It’s Not All Black & White, Right? Small group
1/15 Thursday 6:00pm Session
1/17 Saturday 10:00am Practicing the Way small group
Bible Discussion Groups
“Reading Through the Bible” discussion groups are concluding. The Thursday group led by Sonia Larson and Kathy Brevig will meet January 8, 2026, 11am at Perkins in Blaine. The next Saturday group meeting, led by Judy Chesla and Kathy Brevig is yet to be determined. Congratulations to all in the congregation who have made it through the whole year of reading through the Bible!
