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From the Pastor's Desk
Dear church,
Happy New Year! As we vacuum up the last crumbs of Christmas cookies, and put away the ornaments, we step into the next season of the church year: Epiphany. We think of the visit of the Magi – wise travelers who followed the star, trusting that God would lead them somewhere worthwhile. Their journey reminds us that God’s presence is near and God’s light shines for all people.
A beautiful Epiphany tradition is Chalking the Door, or blessing of the home. You stand in the doorway and mark your home with chalk, writing the year and the initials “C + M + B” above the doorway. These letters stand for Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar—the names of the Magi—and also for the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat, meaning “Christ bless this house.”
On Sunday, January 4 we will bless the church door at our usual 9:30 a.m. service. If you would like for me to chalk your home, please reach out and I will gladly come. We will also have Epiphany Blessing Bags. Each bag contains a blessed doorway sign, piece of chalk, and prayer booklet so that you may bless your own homes. I encourage you to take one not only for yourself but one to give to a friend or family member.
This month, we continue our Community Meal Bags program, which has been a source of comfort for our neighbors facing food insecurity or tough times. If you’re interested in donating food items, please visit our Amazon Wish List for commonly requested items or drop off any single-serve, shelf-stable items to church. Also this month, we are picking back up our relationship with The Night Ministry, where we will drop off food and cold weather gear for neighbors in the Pilsen community. Please reach out to council president, Karen Lanners, to volunteer or donate food.
As we journey through this season together, may we be open to the ways Christ continues to reveal hope and purpose in our lives. Let us be reminded that our homes are places of welcome. Just as the Magi were welcomed into the presence of Christ, may our homes be places of warmth, faith, and hospitality for neighbors, friends, and strangers alike.
Yours faithfully In Christ,
Pastor Tom
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