The liturgical church year follows the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. It begins with the Season of Advent and continues through the Seasons of Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Ordinary Time. We are currently in the Season of Epiphany. Epiphany, January 6th, is the day we remember the Wise Men who were led by a star to Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The Wise Men came to pay homage to the Christ and to give him their finest treasures. The Season of Epiphany celebrates God’s light breaking through the darkness of our world.
Many years ago, I learned of a tradition that some churches practice at Epiphany. On Epiphany Sunday those present in worship are invited to choose a “Star Word” from an offering plate or basket. The first time I heard about this worship practice was from members of Ginter Park Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA. Perhaps you know of churches who practice this custom. Star Words are generally a verb or character trait. A few examples of Star Words are: kindness, caring, giving, sharing, compassion, hopefulness, stability and prayerfulness. When you select your Star Word, you are asked put your word in a place where you will see it every day. This is your word for the next year. The word is a tool to help each of us become better Christians. The idea is to focus on the word and try to live out the word to the best of your ability. Also, you are asked to pay attention to the places where your word “shows up” in your daily life. Those who have received Star Words are often amazed at how God has used their word to make a difference in their life and in the life of others. On Sunday, January 22 during our Morning Worship, everyone will be invited to choose a Star Word. Let us see how God through the Holy Spirit might use this tool among us in 2023 as we seek to serve our Lord and Savior. On Sunday, January 29 we will hold a very special service. We will ordain and install our newly elect Ruling Elders and Deacon. I hope you will make a special effort to be present for this important time in the life of our church. Also, please join us for our Annual Meeting on Saturday, January 21. We will enjoy a pot luck supper at 6 PM. Our meeting will be begin at 7 PM. I Count It All Joy, Pastor Vallerie
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