Greetings to our Bluffton North church family. 

At the threshold of a new year we thought it wise to give some direction on our plan for Bluffton North services for the month of January. (Keep in mind we make plans based on what we currently know with the understanding plans may change as the situation warrants. Prov 16:9)

For this coming Sunday, January 3, 2021 we are keeping the status quo with one service … Doors open at 9:30 a.m. / Song service 9:45 a.m. / Pulpit time 10:00 a.m. / no Sunday School

Beginning Sunday January 10^th  we are planning a change in the timing and process. The essence of the change includes the addition of a second service, Sunday School classes, a shortened break between services (water and granola bars available), and NO lunch. The specific times are as follows:

UPDATE FOR BLUFFTON NORTH SERVICES – January 10^th (and likely for the next 2 Sundays after the 10^th)

FIRST SERVICE: 9:30 a.m. Doors open / 9:45 a.m. Song Service / 10:00 a.m. Pulpit time / Sunday School for all grades and adult classes

15/20-minute break (water and granola bars available in foyer)

SECOND SERVICE: 11:15 a.m. Song Service / 11:30 Pulpit time / Dismiss at approximately 12:15 p.m.

Both services with live streaming - video (at https://www.blufftonnorth.com/video) and audio (via AC Central)

Continued Cautions! … for all of us. 

• “Safe zone” on both sides of the sanctuary for those who are vulnerable and/or concerned about being infected or infecting others. 
• Stay home if you are symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19, or if you have been asked to quarantine. 
• When you enter the BN church building proceed directly into the sanctuary; the ushers will help if requested, otherwise seat yourself keeping appropriate distancing. 
• Don’t hesitate to move toward the front of the assembly. 
• Masks are recommended as you move within the building; Keep appropriate distancing within the building and in the sanctuary

We appreciate your ongoing patience and prayers as we attempt to be responsible in how we manage our coming together for worship. There is no lack of variety in our opinions and/or convictions, so it takes an extra amount of grace to respect and esteem others who may think differently than we do. These days we are getting some good lessons on how to apply Eph 4:1-3 … “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.

We trust the Holy Spirit will continue to lead us during these difficult times. God’s blessings to all …

God’s blessings …

"A body of believers bound together by our love for Jesus Christ and his Word,  reflecting God's love, grace and truth"             

Thank You - We want to Thank our church family for the Cards & special notes of encouragement, phone calls, text messages & emails. Also for the food, goodies & gift of love. We Love & Miss you all.  Have a Healthy & Blest New Year. God Bless Clarren & Joyce Gehring

Thank You - The family of Jan Reinhard would like to thank everyone for the cards, gifts, and prayers during the passing of our mom, sister, and grandma. We are thankful for your support and love!

Thank You - The family of Dick Clark would like to thank everyone for the cards, gifts, and prayers offered during the passing of our dad and grandpa. Today would have been his 96th birthday and he loved a celebration! We're sure this will be his best birthday ever.

Thank you so much for the audio bibles and lotion. The residents loved them, many of them have a hard time reading and this allows them to be able to listen to the most important book. We are so grateful to be a part of such amazing church and community. May the Lord reward you for your kindness. Ruth 1:8 Betty Lough, Activity Director at CCRC

The 2021 Church-Wide Bible Reading Plan is now available. We will be reading through the book of Matthew and other corresponding passages. A Reading Plan Spreadsheet can be picked up in the east foyer or found on the church website. A more in-depth reading guide is attached in the email announcements. A short survey will also be posted by the reading plans. We would appreciate your feedback. For more information, please contact Blaine Aschliman (braschliman@gmail.com) or Joe Leman (joe_leman@sil.org).

Monthly Monday night prayer time will be tomorrow, January 4th. Quiet time/personal prayers from 7-7:30 pm and group prayer 7:30-8:15pm; all in the SS assembly. For those vulnerable or not feeling well are encouraged to pray at home. Masks are recommended as you move within the building.

HarvestCall Charity Projects will be meeting this Thursday, January 7 from 9 – 2 in the basement of the fellowship hall. Please consider joining us to make comforters for Eastern Europe to fill a current need. You are welcome for all or part of the day. Please bring your own sack lunch. Coffee provided. Questions, contact Jinny Gerber, Gale Reinhard or Susie Fiechter.

Christian Care is seeking volunteers to help with daily employee screening efforts from 5AM-8AM during the month of January. Full or partial shifts are available and need filled immediately. Interested parties can call 260-565-3000, or contact Betty Lough at blough@christiancarerc.org.

Katie Miller (ACCFS) will be coming on January 16^th for a morning of encouragement for women of all ages from our Bluffton and Bluffton North congregations. This event will be held at Bluffton North beginning at 9:30 AM. She will be speaking on the topic of being “Flawed but Worthy”. There will be a (pre-selected) panel discussion after her presentation. Click here to sign up for virtual or in person attendance or contact Jenna Stoller (273-0328) or Janel Gerber (273-2728) to sign up. 

HarvestCall 2021 Winter Rebuilding Project in Marianna, Florida. Please see the attached announcement file for more information on this service opportunity. 

COVID CONTACT: Stay home from church & social events if you are sick, have sick family members, or have been asked to quarantine. If diagnosed with COVID-19 or have questions, please contact Javon (260-273-1323). All details are kept confidential.