Happy New Year!
We begin the New Year in the season of Epiphany. I share potions of this definition of “Epiphany” from the resource “Sundays and Seasons”:
“Epiphany means “manifestation.” On this day (January 6th), we celebrate the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles—that is, to all nations. Some Christian traditions celebrate three great epiphanies on this day: the magi’s adoration of the Christ child, Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, and his first miracle, in which he changes water into wine. At Trinity, this year, we will celebrate the Epiphany on Sunday, January 7th. We will gather for worship and celebrate with the Word and Sacrament of Holy Communion. The word and sacraments are for us the great epiphany of God’s grace and mercy. We go forth to witness to the light that shines brightly in our midst.”
I would like to propose that you enter this year and see it as
a “Happy Re-new Year!”
Make this a year that, as individuals and a congregation, is focused on two marks of our life of discipleship and our life together as faithful people of God. WORSHIP AND PRAYER.
We are called to be worshiping people. We are people meant to worship and gather in God’s name to say thank you God for all that God has done and continues to do for us. At the core of God’s will for us is worship and prayer.
We are called to be praying people. We have a prayer chain within the congregation; weekly receiving requests for prayers. We are to “pray without ceasing”. Prayer strengthens our relationship with God; it is more listening than asking; it is empowering and healing- it is for all of us to participate in. Prayer in your personal life, your family life, your church life- be it worship, committee meetings or coffee fellowship. Pray without ceasing. Really we can’t be, do or respond in this life without it. It connects us to who we are and to whom we are called and serve.
As we moveinto 2024, may worship and prayer be a priority for you and your family. For it is in these two practices we are given the sustaining gift of the Word and Sacraments, and the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, in order to go out, be the people of God to each other, as a congregation and in the greater world we live in.
“Clap your hands, all you peoples;
shout to God with loud songs of joy,
For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome,
A great king over all the earth.” Psalm 47:1-2
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thessalonians 4: 16-18
Pastor Carol
