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. 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/ to download the schedule.

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 meeting at Chain of Lakes is:
Saturday, March 1, 9am led by Judy Chesla and Kathy Brevig
During Lent we won’t have the Reading through the Bible Discussion groups, but we will continue doing the reading. 

Sign Up for a “Meet Your Bible” Small Group in Lent
Everyone is encouraged to participate in a “Meet Your Bible” small group during Lent. For five weeks participants will have the opportunity to learn about the basics of the Scriptures. Through readings and talks people will grow in their understanding of the storyline of the Bible.

The following groups will be led by the following people

Tuesday evenings Maria Douglas will lead a group at her home in Andover

Wednesdays at 6:30 pm Pastor Paul will lead a group at the church

Thursdays at 10am Val Owens will lead a group at the church

Saturdays at noon Kate Lawrence will lead a group at her home in Blaine.

Sign up for one of these groups on the Communication card or email info@colpres.org .

“How We Got Here”
An Overview of the History of Christianity

 Throughout the series we will delve into the many historical events and personalities that shaped the church we live in today.

March 18, 7pm: Causes and Conflicts that Split the Church
April 15, 7pm: The Pascal Mystery – the Real Meaning of Death to Life
May 20, 7pm: The First Christians – What Jesus Meant to His Early Followers

Ivy Cavegn is a disciple at Chain of Lakes Church who has studied scripture and Christianity at St. Thomas University. She brings a passion for the history and background of our Christian faith traditions, along with powerful insights. Sign up on the communication card or email info@colpres.org.

Special Presentation on the Saint John’s Bible – Saturday, Feb. 22, 9:30am – 11:30am at St. Joseph of the Lakes

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. Sign up on the communication card or contact info@colpres.org

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, 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.

Life Support
After evaluating the recent mental health and wellness group survey and looking at the schedules of the church and group facilitators, it has been decided to pause Life Support meetings until after Easter. Future meetings and information will be published here and in group emails as it becomes available. If you are currently seeking support, please reach out to your deacon or info@colpres.org and your deacon can be notified of your desire for care.

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.

Sessions are offered the first and third Saturdays at 10:30am in the worship center. The next session is March 1. 

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?

Embracing Change and Growth

Change is the heartbeat of life. Every season, every sunrise, and every breath reminds us that growth is constant, and new possibilities are always unfolding. In health and healing, change isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. It invites us to shed what no longer serves us, strengthen what does, and step forward with curiosity and courage.

When we think about healing, we often imagine restoration—returning to something whole. But true healing isn’t about going back; it’s about moving forward, integrating the lessons we’ve learned, and stepping into something even more vibrant. Growth asks us to trust the unknown, to welcome the discomfort of transformation, and to believe that what’s ahead has the potential to be even more meaningful than what’s behind.

As we continue this journey together, let’s welcome the excitement of new beginnings and trust that transformation always leads us exactly where we need to be. The work of healing—personal, communal, and spiritual—never ends, but it does evolve. And in that evolution, we find renewal, connection, and the endless potential of what comes next. Whatever shifts may come, may we meet them with open hearts, ready to receive the gifts they bring.