We are in the season of Epiphany! If you have a star word this year, you might want to print out the sheet below and spend a little time reflecting on your word. (Note that Patreon subscribers will receive this sheet along with an additional star word page and the regular monthly journal pages later…
This Sunday (1/8/23) we will receive star words as part of our worship at Peace Mennonite. This has become a tradition for us–to claim a word as a gift from God and a guide in the new year. In the past, I have simply handed out the star words randomly to people. Since we are…
The part of the Epiphany story I have always found most haunting is Matthew 2:3: “When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him.” This one line speaks to an insecure and immature political leader who the people understand will do damage if he feels threatened. It foreshadows the slaughter of…
My best-laid plans for posting in Advent were thwarted by a nasty sinus infection. But I’m healthy again and starting the new year with a resolution to publish something new on the blog at least once a week. Star Words I handed out “star words” during worship yesterday. These are words that can serve as…
Arise, shine; for your light has come! God’s glory has risen upon us. Despite the state of this world: Despite illness, despite fear; Despite disappointment, despite injustice; Despite sadness, despite violence; Despite grief, and despite despair– God’s glory will appear over us. Lift up your eyes and look around: See the light of God’s hope,…
Last week, I read in the Christian Century about: Christians being imprisoned and beaten in the Mosul region of Iraq. Muslim sheikhs, imams and preachers disappearing at the Kenya-Somalia border. Protestant pastors who had lived in Turkey for years forced out of the country. Members of the B’hai faith being imprisoned and threatened in…
The magi, with their fine robes and sparkling gifts, are favorite characters in our Christmas stories and songs and decorations (even if they did show up long after the shepherds). But a careful reading of the text (Matthew 2:1-12) reveals that the magi aren’t necessarily the stars of this beloved story. Based upon stage…
There is so, so much in this Epiphany story. Good stuff. And hard stuff. Deep theological insights. Profound truths about the human condition. But this year it is the star that is pulling me in. And on one hand it feels like I should pay attention to some of the more earthly, serious aspects of…
Somehow I managed to preach on the magi story twice last year, so this year I went with Isaiah 60 for Epiphany. This is an excerpt. You can also hear the audio and read the full manuscript. – – – – – – – – – I imagine the captured Israelites expected their return home…
This week at Peace Mennonite, three people will be sharing about personal epiphanies. The call to worship is based on Psalm 19: The heavens declare and we declare the glory of God. Our voices join the speech of creation to tell of our known and unknowable God. Now may these words of our mouths and…
Spacious Faith 