This morning’s worship is the last Sunday of Lent before what we call Holy Week. As we journey through the Gospel of John, we have really slowed our pace. It is uncomfortable and even excruciating at times to linger on all these details of Jesus’ journey to the cross, but we believe that in His struggles, we find guidance and solidarity for our own. So as Jesus continues to stand trial this morning before Pilate, perhaps we can ask what we do when we feel put on trial; put to the test; questioned about the core of who we claim to be? Is our response fight or flight or something else entirely? What might it look like to truly surrender to God in these struggles?

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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. 

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This first Sunday of Christmas (remember Christmas is a season of 12 days until Epiphany!), we continue to dive into the Gospel of John. We will be lingering on this Gospel as a way to get to know Jesus better all the way through Easter. Today, we come upon the call of John the Baptist to repent and to make the path straight for Jesus to come. What does this mean in real life? Is this just a jarring, negative message interrupting our holiday fun? Or is there opportunity here, especially with a new year right around the corner? Let’s think together about what John’s words might mean for us in this important transition time.

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This Christmas, we think together about a story that does not show up in our traditional pageants; a story with no shepherds or wise men or angels; the story of Jesus in the Beginning as told by the Gospel of John. What does it mean for us that the “Word became flesh”? This service also includes the traditional lessons and carols treasured by our church community. All are welcome to watch or join us on a future Sunday!

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Today is a long-awaited annual tradition: our Christmas Cantata! We are thrilled to be able to come together in person this year, but this service will also be available online. This musical message of Christmas features our sanctuary choir, bell choir and even members of our band AND our former beloved Assistant Music Director Mike Jarjoura on piano. This is a do-not-miss event at our church that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. ENJOY!