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 days, times and places may change depending on those participating, but the first groups will meet on these days at Chain of Lakes:
Saturday, Jan. 4, 9am led by Judy Chesla and Kathy Brevig Thursday, Jan. 9, 10am led by Sonia Larson and Kathy Brevig

“The Hardest and most Controversial Questions about the Bible”

Pastor Paul will lead a small group based on the sermon series
Wednesdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 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. On a day yet to be determined we will go to St. Joseph of the Lakes in Lino Lakes to hear Amy Moore’s presentation on this amazing Bible.

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.

The Health and Healing ministry is grateful to all who took advantage of this year’s “Navigating the HoliDAZE” offerings and wishes all of you a holiday season full of peace.

Grief Group 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 group fosters healing by normalizing feelings of grief and loss, offering comfort, and encouraging personal growth. Check back for the next meeting date.

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.

Thank you to Colleen Gramling for leading the Navigating Mental HELLTH presentation Nov. 18. It was an illuminating discussion that allowed for much thought and self examination. If you weren’t able to attend and would like the materials and resources that were shared, see Minister of Health and Healing Charlie Clark or email him at charlie.c@colpres.org.

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.

Yoga classes will take a breath and be still for the rest of the year before we adjust the time and day it is offered as we move into 2025. Beginning in January, yoga will be offered the first and third Saturdays at 10:30am in the worship center. So mark your calendar for January 4th at 10:30am to join our first class of the New Year. 

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!

REgroup Your Faith

Check back here for the next REgroup Your Faith meeting. Join us as we continue a dialogue to explore reconstructing, rehabilitating, reconciling and reimagining church and faith. Sign up on the communication card or the sign-up sheet.

What in Health?
Holiday Harmony: Finding Peace in the Chaos


With Christmas just around the corner, emotions often run high—whether from the joy of togetherness or the stress of last-minute preparations and family dynamics. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are three relatable tips to help you stay grounded and create a more harmonious holiday experience:

• Pause Before You React
 – When tensions rise, take a deep breath before responding. A simple pause can turn a reactive moment into an opportunity for understanding and grace. Remember, your calm presence can set the tone for the whole room.
• Lower the Expectations, Raise the Connection
 – Let go of the pressure for everything to be perfect. The food doesn’t have to be flawless, and not every tradition needs to happen this year. Focus instead on connection—whether it’s a meaningful conversation, a shared laugh, or a quiet moment together.
• Create Your “Peace Bubble”
 – Take five minutes for yourself when you need it. Step outside for fresh air, find a quiet room, or even sit in your car if necessary. Use this time to recenter with a short prayer, meditation, or deep breathing. By tending to your own peace, you’ll be better equipped to spread it to others.

The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Prioritize kindness—toward yourself and others—and let that be the gift you bring to every gathering.