What's Going On? AND Worship Notes - Star Gifts - Epiphany

STAR GIFTS – Epiphany Sunday

A star gift is simply a star-shaped piece of brightly colored paper with a word printed on it. Every person who comes to worship on Sunday, January 7 will receive a star gift and will be asked to reflect on that word for the coming year.   Those who receive weekly packages of delivered information will receive their star-word on Monday, January 8.  Or if you were not able to be at worship on Jan. 7, either come and pick one up the following week, or email Karin in the office and she will send you a word.   We want you all to have one!  You are invited to ponder what significance this word might have in your lives, and how God might be speaking to you through this simple word in the upcoming year.

This word is a gift - you are invited to receive. It reminds us that this is always the order of things—God always gives first.

Why would such a simple gift take on such deep meaning? What is it about receiving a word on a piece of paper that touches people?  We hope (and believe) that you are yearning for tangible, clear signs of God’s presence – and maybe this simple word will help you see that.  Allow this word to speak to you.  Take your star gift word home and hang it up where you are sure to see it every day – bathroom mirror, or computer screen, or on your fridge.   Consider this word an opportunity—a chance to reflect on how God speaks to you -  a chance to learn from one word.   What new ideas might evolve, what treasured wisdom might resurface? What might God be wanting to tell you this year?  Contemplate the meaning of this word, and how God might bring it to mind throughout this new year 2024.

Throughout the year, you are encouraged to share some thoughts, either briefly or at length, about your star gifts – ways that you see God working through this word and it’s meaning.  Let Pastor Erick or Ruth Ann know – as a private sharing, or as something all of us could benefit from hearing!   Our faith is strengthened when we hear the stories of God’s people.

Ruth Ann Schuringa

 
 
Karin Terpstra