Multiple Meanings: Learning from Other Interpretations, by Tami Skorczewski
Mark Allan Powell of Trinity Lutheran Seminary writes, “A hot topic in biblical studies these days is ‘polyvalence’—the technical term for ‘multiple meanings.’ Simply put, scholars are trying to find out why stories mean different things to different people and they are also trying to decide what we should think about this phenomenon: Is it good or bad, to be encouraged or discouraged?” We will delve into this topic for the next four Bible studies.

Bible Study. Session one (January/February): Washing Hands with Distant Hearts (Mark 7:1–12); Session two: Prepare the Way of the Lord (Luke 3:3–17); Session three (March): The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–37); Session four (April): The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–20). (Source: gathermagazine.org..)

Prayer: God, we are connected to the story of your people, heard in different ways, across time, distance and culture. We ask you to open our hearts and minds to the different ways we hear your word. We ask this in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

WELCA’s First Gathering of the New Year. January Social, Saturday, January 13, at 10:00 A.M., in the Friendship Room. There will be a short Bible study and fellowship, installation of officers, 2017 final budget report and 2018 proposed budget, introduction of 2018’s Unit Wide Mission Projects, and WELCA directories handed out, including 2018 programs and luncheons. WELCA board members will provide light refreshments. There will be no charge for this event.

2018 Slate of Officers
• President – Jodie Nielsen
• Vice-President – open
• Treasurer – Toni LeVasseur
• Secretary – Valori Maher
• Missions – Sandy Fischer
• Advisor – Tami Skorczewski

2018 WELCA Programs
• January Social – Saturday, January 13
• Sweets for Your Valentine Fundraiser – Sunday, February 11
• Annual Mother/Daughter Luncheon – Saturday, May 5
• Group Activity (Wednesday night) – July, TBD
• Fall Luncheon – Saturday, September 29
• Pie & Lefse Sale Fundraiser – Sunday, November 18
• Christmas Luncheon – Saturday, December 1

“Whether we want them or not, the New Year will bring new challenges; whether we seize them or not, the New Year will bring new opportunities.” —Michael Josephson

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