Epiphany

by Rev. Gordie Barry |  January 6, 2012

January 6 Weekly Update

 1.        Happy Epiphany!

          January 6th is the day the church calls Epiphany. Centuries ago, this part of the Advent-Christmas cycle was the most important celebration, even more than Christmas Eve. People looked at this day as a day of “theophany” or of “manifestation of God’s light and power in Christ.” (Handbook of the Christian Year) We read the story of the visit of the Wise Men or Magi as they traveled for almost two years to come and see Jesus. We always think of their example: they made it a priority to come and find Jesus; they bowed down and worshipped him; and they left by another road.

          All three are good examples for us.

          #1  Make it a priority to find Jesus.

          #2  Take time to bow down and worship him.

            #3  After we have found and worshipped him, we too are different people

                   and in a way, leave (or live) by a different road.

          On Sunday I will be reading the Visit of the Magi passage (Matthew 2:1-12) and

include the passage of Jesus’ Baptism (Mark 1:4-11) as well. We will take time to consider the meaning of these passages in our lives as we begin 2012.

 2.        This coming Saturday, we will be hosting the Kalamazoo District

Annual Conference. Our District Superintendent, Neil Davis, talked with me after our church conference about how wonderful the renovation turned out as well as the entire church facility is, and how we should let the entire district see our church by hosting this district meeting. In making the plans we have some needs that can use your help:

          Need #1 - We need about 6 people to act as greeters to help people find their way in the morning starting around 9am.

            Need #2 - We need some people to help in the kitchen during the breakfast until the luncheon is over. This could be done in shifts with some taking breakfast and others taking care of the lunch time.

3.        Kalamazoo District Conference Information

            Please take time to visit the conference website to register for a session at   http://www.kazoodistumc.org/

 4.        As always, take time to check out the opportunities desk to see how you can be involved. We still need help with the hospitality and snow shoveling areas.

 Have a good week, pause for some silent waiting and always remember how much you are loved,    Gordie