Grand Opening
Announcements
Announcements for the Week of January 18, 2026
Welcome to Chain of Lakes Church
Welcome to worship at Chain of Lakes Church. Today Pastor Paul is continuing a 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 Christian Nationalism. At the 10:45am service the baptism of Ashley Silvius will be celebrated.
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. The deadline for applying is Sunday, January 25. If you are interested in the position or you know of someone who might be interested, contact Pastor Paul at pastor@colpres.org
Jan Boehm is retiring as the Music Director of Chain of Lakes Church. She has agreed to continue as the Music Director through July 26th or whenever the congregation hires a new person. In her letter announcing her retirement letter, she wrote:
“After much soul searching I have made the decision to retire as Music Director at Chain of Lakes Church.
I will not be leaving Chain of Lakes, just stepping back from a staff position. I still plan on volunteering where needed but would like more freedom to plan my own schedule. Also, March 1 will be my 5-year anniversary, and it’s time I take retirement more seriously.
I have truly enjoyed my time as Music Director and have made so many wonderful friends here at Chain of Lakes. This is my church family and I treasure you all.”
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.
Interested in getting more connected to Chain of Lakes? Come to a Get-to-Know-You session on Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30pm. This is the first step in a two-step process for people who would like to join the church. Participants will have the opportunity to build relationships with another person, learn more of Pastor Paul’s story, and get to know more about the congregation.
Meetings and Events
1/19 Monday 6:30pm Personnel team
1/20 Tuesday 11:00am Staff
1/20 Tuesday 12:00pm Staff lunch
1/21 Wednesday 6:00pm Experiencing God small group
1/21 Wednesday 6:30pm Youth Group
1/21 Wednesday 6:30pm It’s Not All Black & White, Right? Small group
1/22 Thursday 7:00pm Worship Team
1/24 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!
