Month: December 2023

January 7th

“Epiphany” is a word meaning manifestation, revelation, or showing forth. At the Epiphany of the Lord (observed on the calendar on January 6th, or the Sunday closest to it) we celebrate the manifestation of God’s saving purposes to all the nations of the world.

Just as the Magi came from a distant land to worship the Christ child, God’s covenant of grace is extended to all people who believe the good news of Jesus Christ. In Epiphany, the symbolism of light is important—not only because of the star that guided the Magi, but also as it suggests the bright dawning of God’s self-revelation in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to bear Christ’s light in the world.

Our liturgical color changes from the blue of Advent to white for Epiphany, and we focus our attention on images of light and the showing forth of the Messiah in our lives. One way to celebrate the season of Epiphany is to start out the new year with a “star word.” A star word is a random word that becomes a prayer guide, a focus, a way to watch for God. God can use anything to speak to us. There is nothing magical about a star word. But a star word begins as a mystery; typically you do not choose it. And so, it invites investigation, attentiveness, waiting. A star word orients you to watch for God in a particular way, to be receptive to the Spirit who is moving right now in the world around you.

On Sunday, January 7th our worship celebration of Epiphany will include the distribution of “star words” for everyone present. Come and see what word might guide you in 2024!

Channel Markers: Wisdom from the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount by William G. Enright is the title of a new Bible study beginning January 10th & 11th and continuing through the season of Lent.

Eleven weeks may feel like a long haul, but it is split into two distinct sections and as always, participants are welcome to come and go as needed.

We meet on Wednesday evenings via Zoom at 6:30p and Thursday mornings at 11a in person at the church.

Consider beginning this new year with a commitment to studying God’s Word!

Channel markers are the signs that help sailors navigate through shallow, potentially dangerous waters. Our quest to live as God’s people call us to listen for words of wisdom from such “channel markers”—for life is a journey with choices to be made, values to be pursued, and priorities to be set.

In this study, the author describes the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as channel markers and offers new insights on these key pieces of scripture. Responding to our culture’s hunger for ethical guidance, he examines each commandment and the words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount to explore why these texts are relevant today.

Books are available in the church office for $10 each. Please come join us!

January 21, 2024

What is per capita? Did you check that box on your pledge card, committing to pay $37.95 for each adult member of your household this year? Why do we ask for that above and beyond your regular pledge? Are we contributing to things we don’t want to?! How can we know?

On January 21, 2024, we will answer all these questions and more!

The PC(USA) (our denomination) has invited all Presbyterians to center their worship services around the ways in which we are called into mutual support and ministry through per capita giving. Our worship on this day will focus our attention on the larger issues of our denomination and the connectional nature of being Presbyterian.

The Generosity Team will host the coffee fellowship time and engage further discussion as well.