Category: Worship

2024 Epiphany Sunday

Cheri Simonet
Epiphany

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!

2024 Per Capita Sunday

Cheri Simonet
Per Capita

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.

Worship Service December 17, 2023

Cheri Simonet

On this Third Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of Joy and reflect on Luke 1: 46-55 https://bit.ly/3NsHxKZ, a portion of Mary’s Magnificat. Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges will sing “Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant and Pastor Katie will focus on “Magnified Joy.”

Worship Service December 10, 2023

Cheri Simonet

On this Second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of Peace and focus our attention on what peace means in our world today. The children will sing an introit in our worship service: “What Do You Hear?” Pastor Katie will share Mark 1: 1-8 https://bit.ly/3Rvr0bG and reflect on “Only the Beginning”. We welcome our dear friend Micah Zuelke as substitute organist.

Worship Service December 3, 2023

Cheri Simonet

On this first Sunday of Advent, we begin the new church year looking at Mark 13: 24-37 https://bit.ly/3T1YD5Y as Pastor Katie reflects on “Ready and Waiting.” The children will light the first candle on the Advent wreath and we will celebrate the sacrament of Communion as well.

The Season of Advent

Cheri Simonet
Advent

Join us as we prepare our hearts during this Advent season for the coming of Christ—Emmanuel, God With Us. Our Sundays will follow the ancient rhythm of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love as we light candles on our Advent wreath and focus our attention on God’s promises for us.

The Psalm readings for this season invite us to see the brokenness of the world as it is, with a growing hunger crisis made worse by climate crisis and violent conflicts around the world that disrupt food systems, force migration, and disproportionately impact marginalized communities. The Psalms also remind us that we can trust in God’s promises of restoration of the world. We stand together in hope, peace, joy, and love to keep us grounded in these promises.

The four Sundays of Advent welcome us into prayer and reflection as we wait in anticipation for the One who brings hope, peace, joy, and love to this broken world.

May Christ’s light bring us on the path toward justice and righteousness for all.

Worship Service November 26, 2023

Cheri Simonet

On this Thanksgiving Sunday, we’re pleased to have some members of our Confirmation class doing a reader’s theater skit in worship called “What We’re Thankful For.” Our scripture focus will be on Deuteronomy 8: 7-18 https://bit.ly/47ovwye and several different members of the church will offer reflections on gratitude in their own lives.

Worship Service November 19, 2023

Cheri Simonet

On this 25th Sunday after Pentecost, we continue our consideration of end-time themes here at the end of the church year with a focus on 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11 https://bit.ly/3srLbxD. Pastor Katie will reflect on “Time in the Light.”

Worship Service November 12, 2023

Cheri Simonet

On this 24th Sunday after Pentecost, our reading Matthew 25: 1-13 https://bit.ly/3SsZ0GB will focus our attention on Jesus’ story of the wise and foolish bridesmaids as Pastor Katie reflects on “In the Meantime.”

Worship Service October 22, 2023

Cheri Simonet

On this fourth Sunday of October, we wrap up our “I’m in!” Generosity theme and encourage everyone to bring 2024 pledge cards to worship. Pastor Katie will focus on Matthew 22: 15-22 https://bit.ly/3rMFudm with a message of “In Over Our Heads.” Following worship, everyone is invited down to Banner Hall for a celebratory spaghetti lunch.