This Month's Birthdays:
February 1: Shawn Kisling
February 3: Fran Fritz
February 4: Tim Jackson
February 5: Joel Jeddeloh
February 7: Marilyn Alvarez
and Teresa Winder
February 8: Lois Semotan
February 11: Nina Torkelson
February 13: Eli Bowers
and Lucas Bowers
February 14: Jack Bowers
and Erik Painter
February 17: Sam English
February 24: Vince Waters
February 27: Eleanor Ray
February 28: Stacey Alvarez
and Jeff Koepp
*Get the latest news and link to the Sunday zoom worship services on Facebook @
"West Branch Friends Church" page!
Ways to Show our Love
Every year, as soon as Christmas gifts and decorations disappear from our stores, it is only a matter of a few days before we begin seeing pink and red hearts, decorations, teddy bears, and boatloads of candy of all varieties!!
But perhaps during this month of love we might think of ways we can show love to others besides offering the things the stores are suggesting we purchase. So here are a few ideas!
1-Assume the best. Imagine for a moment that a co-worker disappoints you. Rather than presuming the worst about that person, assume the best. Or if your partner gets stuck at work late, don’t suppose they are just trying to skip dinner or avoid you, assume the best. Some might wonder, is it naïve to assume the best about others? Not when assuming the best keeps you positive until someone proves you wrong.
2-Don’t cast others in a negative light. The Psalmist David writes that the person who is righteous doesn’t utter any slander and “casts no slur on others” (Psalm 15:3). We’re living in a culture where it’s acceptable to slam others on Facebook and to criticize and make fun of others publically and privately. But as followers of Jesus, we are to be counter-cultural. Don’t tear others down instead build them up.
3-Listen and value other people’s ideas. Even when you don’t agree, take the time to listen. Listen specifically for something that you can agree with and capitalize on that. Everyone wants to feel heard and valued. Listen without planning what you’ll say next. Allow the other to completely finish their thought before you dive in with your ideas or shoot theirs down.
4-Keep your promises. When you make a promise, whether to your spouse, your kids, or your co-workers, keep your promise. Psalm 15:4 says that the one who is righteous “keeps an oath even when it hurts.” In other words, the one who is kind keeps his promise even when it’s inconvenient.
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Anniversaries
February 6: Mark and Marilyn Alvarez
February 10: Dick and Anji Hinkhouse