EYC Weekly: Gather + Resolve

As we enter into the new year, we'll be working to transcend dualities...

Now, if you're wondering what that means--and who wouldn't; we don't typically talk about duality!--it's really nothing more than a way to talk about how prone we human beings are to either/or thinking. You know: "I'm right, you're wrong," or "she's good and he's bad."

I do that sort of thinking all of the time, personally.

And yet, the thing about dualities is that they tend to exist only in our heads. It much harder to be certain of your "rightness" if you really make an effort to be engaged with another person; it's even harder to see someone as completely good or bad if you spend enough time with them. Nothing gets us out of our heads faster than gathering with others. And this week, that's what you're encouraged to do. To resolve to gather with others in your family once each week. You can find a quick prompt to help you do so in the form of an infographic below.

Week 1: Gather + Resolve

Chalking Our Doors

This Friday is Epiphany. The 12th-and last-day of Christmas, Epiphany is the day in which we celebrate the the magi's realization that the Divine has shown up in our world in Jesus. In fact, they were so convinced that they traveled quite the distance to see Jesus; to see God-made-flesh in the home that Mary and Joseph had made for him.

Coupled with the fact that we are only days into the New Year, the magi's visitation gives us an opportunity to think about what goes on in our homes...about who we wish to visit us...about life in these familiar and comfortable (though sometimes uncomfortable, too) spaces. Furthermore, nothing helps us transcend dualities (remember, that's this month's theme!) more than inviting God into our lives.

To that end, I hope you'll chalk your door on Epiphany!

Here's how to do it:

Grab some chalk.
Follow this liturgy and use it to mark your doorway (the entrance to your home) when prompted. You can see that I've already chalked the entrance to the EYC room below :):

A Liturgy for Chalking the Door

Lord Jesus, through your Incarnation and birth in human form, you have made all the earth holy. We now ask your blessing up this simple gift--chalk. We use it as a tool to teach our children, and they use it as a tool in their play and games. Now, with your blessing, may it become a tool for us to mark the doors to our homes with symbols of your wise servants who, so long ago, came to worship and adore you in your first home.

Mark your doorway like this:

20+C+M+B+23

(C=Christus, M=Mansionem, B=Benedicat OR "May Christ bless this dwelling")

May we, in this house, and all who come to visit, to work, and to play, remember these things throughout the coming year. May all who come and go here find peace, comfort, joy, hope, love, and salvation, for Christ has come to dwell in this house.

Amen.

Epiphany Eucharist

Friday, January 6 @ 6:00 p.m.

Join us Friday night, January 6 at 6:00 p.m., as we celebrate the Epiphany with Holy Eucharist! The 12 days of Christmas ends by celebrating the manifestation of Christ and the coming of the Magi. All are invited to St. John's for the Holy Eucharist with homily and music at 6:00 p.m. Note: we will not be burning greens.

Sunday School Resumes!

January 8, 2023 @ 9:30am

Lesson:

Stargazing

Leaders:

Cheryl Cornman & Sam Burcham

Having just celebrated Epiphany, we--like the magi--will consider the stars, the heavens, space as we think upwardly in Sunday School this week!

First Meeting:

Tuesday, January 17

@ local restaurant

Open to all 10th-12th grade students, the St. John's Design Team is a way for our young people to lend their voices and creativity to what we do at St. John's! During our first meeting, we'll talk about what you've always dreamed of doing as a youth group and a church and share a meal together!