Last week, we opened up our exploration of the book of James with reflecting on integrity; walking the talk; living out what we say is important to us. But still, how we talk and communicate in this world does have power. Words can create whole realities, for better or worse. Nowadays especially, we are very aware of how toxic and divisive speech can become, especially when modelled by people in positions of leadership. We are humbled by the reminder that we too have been given the responsibility to speak like people of God in all of our spheres of life. How can each of us tame our tongues; such a small thing of such great power? How can the way we talk make the world a better place?

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On this Martin Luther King weekend, it is a very appropriate time to start a new sermon series focused on living our faith with insight from the short Biblical book of James. Here is the information

The Book of James: Practical Wisdom for Imperfect Christians (1/14-2/11)

In churches, we seldom hear from the epistle of James, and yet he was a very important person for our journey with God. Tradition identifies him as the half-brother of Jesus, and James writes about the struggles real Christians faced in the first century. These struggles will be familiar to us: making good use of our words; cultivating patience; living a life that has integrity and more. In this new year, let us open our hearts to the ways that God wants to make us more like Jesus. 

This week we focus on how our actions connect to our beliefs, and how one is incomplete without the other if we are truly following Jesus. It is the season of Epiphany and we are called to reflect the light of Christ; one of the best ways that we can do this is by (to the best of our ability) living as He teaches. We can help each other with this! This is why we practice faith in community. Join us for this important and practical series all the way through to the beginning of Lent.

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This first Sunday of the new year we come again to remembering the Epiphany. Formally, this is when we focus on the story of the Magi / Wise Ones / Three Kings making a long journey to visit and honor the baby Jesus. They followed the light of a star and recognized something beautiful and world-changing in Him, even when He was so helpless and vulnerable; even when they themselves did not belong there. They saw a great truth that the prophet Isaiah proclaims: that our God is Lord of ALL peoples and ALL lands. God’s light will draw in every kind of person. What can we do to reflect that light?

Also today, as part of our service, we will have our first Communion of the year, and will receive our annual Star Words. This is an annual practice we have had for years at COA and many churches around the nation praying over a large number of words (i.e. vision; joy; forgiveness; renewal) and we each draw out one to guide us throughout the year ahead. So many of us have found it meaningful. If you read this and would like to participate, please contact Pastor Jessie or the church office to have one randomly picked and mailed to you. 

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This Sunday is our final worship of the year. Pastor Jessie is out this week on post-Christmas vacation, and our wonderful Clerk of Session (and seasoned preacher) Lawrie Gardner offers the sermon this morning, based on the story of Jesus’ parents taking Him to the temple for purification and dedication. What insights can we glean from this blessing of baby Jesus?

HAPPY NEW YEAR COA!!!

It’s that magical night of Christmas Eve! This is a much anticipated service, filled with rituals and songs and stories that we hear every year, but our goal is to make them come alive again into this world of 2023. Where do we see hope, peace, joy, love and especially AMAZING GRACE in the story of Jesus’ birth? In where, how and to whom He was born? In who the first visitors get to be? Join us in this sacred time and MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

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