"If you are a preacher of grace, then preach a true and not a fictitious grace; if grace is true, you must bear a true and not a fictitious sin. God does not save people who are only fictitious sinners. Be a sinner and sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly, for he is victorious over sin, death, and the world. As long as we are here [in this world] we have to sin. This life is not the dwelling place of righteousness, but, as Peter says, we look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. It is enough that by the riches of God's glory we have come to know the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. No sin will separate us from the Lamb, even though we commit fornication and murder a thousand times a day. Do you think that the purchase price that was paid for the redemption of our sins by so great a Lamb is too small? Pray boldly -- you too are a mighty sinner." LW 48:281

Some would say, "Oh but that is cheap grace." But, there is no such thing as 'cheap grace' -- it's an unfortunate phrase coined by Bonhoeffer. Luther, proclaimed a mighty 'Grace' which no sin could separate us from the Lamb. He might well tell Bonhoeffer, "Pray boldly -- you too are a mighty sinner."

The Workcamp Valentine Cookie Sale fundraiser was an incredible success!!! Thanks to ALL of you we raised a record $1,055 for our trip this summer. We are off to a wonderful start!

Anyone interested in becoming part of the Atonement Human Resource team, we are looking for you! Contact Lon Nelson, through the church office, 952-881-9244.

I want to thank you all for your cards, phone calls, and prayers. Your support has been wonderful and appreciated. Now the pneumonia is gone and the repairs of my right ankle have been done, they can continue to work on my breathing problems. I'm right where I should be for that, and like Arnold says "I'll be back."

God heard your prayers and I'm feeling the results. God bless you all. Dale Allen

Many thanks, too, for all the help on our Christmas tea - you know who you all are! Dorothy VanKempen (silent auction) has also indicated what a huge success the silent auction was this year! Love, Mary Lou Allen

We are writing this note with much gratitude for many years of your graciousness and love extended to us. It is with sadness and yet great anticipation we tell you we have found ourselves uprooted from Atonement. As we seek to know God's will and plan for replanting us, we pray His love and grace to richly bless our dear Atonement Family. As hard as it has been to be away from you, we look forward, with excitement, to discover the good plans God has for you and for us.

Knowing that God's ways are way beyond our comprehension and at the same time, always for our good, we put our trust in Him. As we do, each, put our trust in God, may we, all, be filled with much comfort, joy and hope. May God bless you with His grace and peace. Amen! Love and prayers, Dave and Sandy Steinmeier

We happily welcome to our Faith Community more followers of Jesus. Atonement is blessed to walk on the path of faith in Jesus, with all the dear people pictured in this Herald.

May we all grow in Christ, together. Do take time to meet them all - for new friends in Christ are a true gift.

Tiffany & Tommey Ley	Amanda Maxwell
Adu & Christine Wirenko & daughter Charlotte	Robert Jones
Debbie, Sarah & Craig Andrews	Heidi, Jasmine Jayvon, Jania, Jaxson, Jaiden
Dorothy & Jerry Bolden	Merline Walters
Marion Little	Wilhelmina Opare, Kingsley Jr., Kingsley , Barbara, Nikki, Maya, Charlie (infant) Neequaye