Adult Enrichment, Small Groups, Health & Healing Ministry Workshops and Programs – Why participate? To connect with others, grow in faith, learn and have fun!  
Sign up at info@colpres.org  Groups meet at Chain of Lakes Church, 2650 125th Ave NE, Blaine, MN unless otherwise specified

THE YEAR OF THE BIBLE AT CHAIN OF LAKES

Reading Through the Bible with a 5 Day Plan
Everyone is invited to read through the Bible in 2025. This special Bible reading system allows you to read the entire Bible in one year while only reading five times a week. Five readings a week gives room to catch up or take a day off and makes daily Bible reading practical and do-able. For the first week, choose five days between Dec. 29, 2024 and Jan. 4, 2025. The plan doesn’t require a specific version of
the Bible. Printed copies are available at the church, or go to
https://www.fivedaybiblereading.com/

Those who decide to commit to reading through the Bible are encouraged to take part in every-other-week discussion groups, though you may also choose to read without attending a group. The next meetings at Chain of Lakes are:
Saturday, Jan. 18, 9am led by Judy Chesla and Kathy Brevig
Thursday, Jan. 23, 10am led by Sonia Larson and Kathy Brevig

The Toughest Questions about the Bible

Pastor Paul will lead a small group based on the sermon series “The Tough Ones”
Wednesdays, Jan. 15, 22, 29 and Feb. 5 at 7pm at Chain of Lakes

“How We Got Here”
An Overview of the History of Christianity
A five part monthly lecture series presented by Ivy Cavegn. If you enjoy history, storytelling and a little journey into some of the bizarre twists and turns that have brought Christianity to where it is today, this series provides it all. The next four programs will be announced next month.
Constantine and Christianity – The First State Religion
January 28, Tuesday, 7pm at Chain of Lakes

Special Presentation on the Saint John’s Bible

The Saint John’s Bible is a hand written and illustrated seven volume work of art meant to be a prophetic witness to the glory of the Word of God.  We will go to St. Joseph of the Lakes in Lino Lake (located at 171 Elm Street) for Amy Moore’s presentation on this amazing Bible. St. Joe’s is home to a copy of the Heritage Edition, a full-size, replica of the original Saint John’s Bible.  There are only 299 copies in the world. We will have an opportunity to learn about the creation of the original, encounter the illuminations, learn fascinating information about the inspiration/relevance of the first handwritten Bible in 500 years, as well as have time to reflect on the one-of-a-kind art firsthand. 

SMART Recovery group

The Health and Healing Ministry is pleased to partner with SMART Recovery for a weekly Sunday evening gathering at 5pm in the commons area.

Navigating the Terrain of Grief
Join Sally Narr as she leads a grief series that explores the eight stages of grief. If you have lost a loved one, this series provides a supportive space for individuals experiencing loss to connect with others who are journeying a similar path. Through shared experiences, participants can express emotions, learn coping strategies and find emotional support in a judgment-free environment. The series meets on Mondays, beginning January 20 at 6:30pm and ends in March, to be determined by the group. 18 and older. Contact Charlie.c@.colpres.org
if you are interested.

REgroup Meeting in January
Regroup is a safe, sacred space for individuals that are Reconstructing, Reimagining, Rehabilitating & Reconciling Church & Faith. Everyone is on a spiritual journey, learning and embracing a relationship with God in their own way. Oftentimes on the way there can be disappointment in both God, religion and in people. These roadblocks can oftentimes derail a journey of faith. The group is shifting from meeting at Chain of Lakes to disciples’ homes for a more relaxed yet sacred space.

Contact charlie.c@colpres.org for more information about participating in the next group on Thursday, January 30th at 7pm.

Life Support
The mental health and wellness group is now called Life Support, a gathering of individuals who are looking for a confidential and affirming space to share how they are navigating their mental health with connection and support through wellness strategies.

Life Support is a group of individuals 18 and over who are looking for a confidential and affirming space to share how they are navigating their mental health with connection and support through wellness strategies. Please take this survey to help determine best days and times for meetings.

Soul Refresh Yoga

Class instructor: Maria Douglas. Maria is a physical therapist and 200 hour registered yoga instructor. She has been teaching yoga for 20 years.

Beginning in January, yoga will be offered the first and third Saturdays at 10:30am in the worship center. The next session will be January 18 at 10:30am. 

Adaptive yoga is a style of yoga that considers all bodies and abilities. It’s accessible to everyone, and multiple variations are taught, allowing the poses to be adapted to specific needs and abilities Instead of conforming the body into specific poses, adaptive yoga fits the movements to what the body is able to do.

This class invites those with physical limitations that may make it difficult to participate in more traditional mainstream yoga classes. It is for those who may not have even thought they could DO yoga.

Many options and modifications will be explored to provide comfort and ease during the yoga practice.

People without physical limitations can also benefit from this type of practice as well. It is a faith-integrated practice that incorporates the concept of body, mind and spirit in a holistic manner.

The class is taught using a chair.  Standing poses are also taught and the chair can be used for balance support as needed.  

Wear loose comfortable clothing.

A free will donation of $5 per class is suggested.

Consider bringing a friend!

What in Health?

The Surprising Benefits of Sunlight and Fresh Air in Winter

Winter may bring shorter days and chilly air, but don’t let that keep you from stepping outside. Sunlight and fresh air aren’t just for warm weather—they’re essential for your well-being all year long! Here’s why bundling up and heading outdoors this winter is a boost for your health:

☀️ Sunlight for Your Spirit: Even in winter, sunlight helps your body produce Vitamin D, which supports strong bones, a healthy immune system, and a happier mood. It’s nature’s way of fighting off the winter blues!

🍃 Fresh Air for Your Mind and Body: Breathing in crisp, clean air improves lung function, increases oxygen flow, and reduces stress. It’s like a reset button for your body and mind.

🧘‍♀️ A Natural Energy Boost: Just a few minutes of outdoor light and movement can improve focus, enhance your mood, and leave you feeling more energized.

💤 Better Sleep: Exposure to natural daylight helps regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to rest at night.

Pro Tip: Midday is the best time to soak up sunlight, so take a quick walk or enjoy a moment outside whenever you can. And remember, even a little fresh air can make a big difference.

Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you!