Star Word

The word Epiphany means "revelation" or "unveiling." In the church year, January 6, Epiphany, celebrates the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles in the visit of the Magi to Jesus. The word connotes an "AHA!" moment when we see something in a new light. And in that spirit I'd like to invite you to consider this: Many of us take home the palm from Palm Sunday and stick it someplace--on the wall, in the car, etc. And that’s that. This is something similar, but different…

In worship yesterday we distributed "Star Words" expressing spiritual virtues such as “Courage,” or “Hope,” or “Clarity.” It generated some fun as one mature couple found themselves with "Chastity" and "Discipline" as their words. And one of our children received "Fortitude."

I invited worshipers to take a card and allow the word to be a spiritual focus for the year. It may represent a trait you already possess, or an area with room for growth, or something to be given to or received from others. It may feel immediately clear what your word signifies. Or it may take all year to clarify its meaning and purpose. (If you'd like help in discerning how your word might serve as a guide, please contact me.)

The idea was to go home from church by another way. To be pilgrims and not tourists in our lives. To live with our word and consider what it might be saying to us.
• maybe you’ll look it up in the dictionary
• maybe you’ll Google it and see what it might mean
• maybe you’ll look up in the Bible and see how it is used and what that might mean for you.

In the days to come, as you reflect with your Star Word and think of ways in which it might apply to you, perhaps you will find yourself being transformed in some ways. In responding to your Star Word, simply receive it as a pure gift. If you take it as criticism, you're missing the point.Your response to it, however, becomes in turn your gift to the Universe this year.

If you aren’t sure what the word itself may mean for you, at least do this. Take the Star Word and put it where you can see it. Let it be a reminder for you all during the year to listen for God, look for God, and be aware that God is always with you.

--Jack Lohr, Interim Pastor

PS: My word is featured at the top of this post. Already it's inviting me to consider how my service might become more like that of Jesus (Mark 10:43-45).

PPS: If you didn't get a word in worship, we'll have them available at church next Sunday. Or just drop me a note and I'll send you one.