This is the first Sunday of the new year, and also the Sunday where we observe Epiphany, remembering all the ways that God’s Light breaks into our lives and helps us see new ways forward. This Sunday, we explore the ways that Jesus’ disciples were inspired to follow Him in the Gospel of John.
We also partake in our annual tradition of receiving our Star Words–one that we share with many other churches where we pray over this stack of random words; words and ideas like “freedom”, “joy”, “wisdom” and “creativity” that we pray for and then pick at random to have with us for 2022. They give each of us something to hang onto and return to all throughout whatever may come this year. These are words that can anchor our prayer life and guide us like the star guided those wise men on that very first Christmas. This year there is only one copy of each of these many words, so we pray that God will allow you to pick exactly what you need in the year to come!
NOTE: This is also Pastor Jessie’s last Sunday with COA before beginning maternity leave.