Week of 12/27/20 - 01/02/20
**** Over the next couple of weeks, we'll ramp back up into our normal routine post winter break. I have my January Term intensive for school that takes place 9-5 over the next couple of weeks. Resources will be available through the Family Connect e-mail and Facebook group. We won't have our normal Sunday School video again until Sunday, January 17th. Information about Confirmation and Recharge start dates will be coming next week. Have a Happy New Year and good luck as you start into the Spring semester! ****

Becoming Interpreters

Something that struck me about the Wisemen as I read their story again is that they really know their stuff. I mean, it's sort of indicative of the title that we refer to them by. Still, the fact that they notice the star, notice that it is different, make the connection as to what it means, follow it all the way until it stops, and have the foresight to bring gifts with them is really amazing. They can be a reminder to us that it's important that we, as Christians, also know our stuff. It's up to us to interpret things about Jesus for others. And this is something that we can do. I don't think it's something that takes a lot of extra work or time but it does require us to connect with our experience and follow the example of the magi. We gotta know our stuff! We gotta watch, listen, look, follow, interpret, and be ready. It may take some practice to become an interpreter, but it's needed more than ever. Disciples of all backgrounds with all sorts of experiences telling the story of Jesus, why it is important to them, and how it connects to others. That's you! May you have lots of opportunities to make connections and share the story of Jesus with others in this new year. Happy New Year!
Children

Resources for Sunday, January 3rd

Explore the Epiphany story using this resource: Illustrated Ministry Second Sunday of Christmas Lesson

Additional Activities:

Coloring Star- Color your own Epiphany star! You can download the sheet HERE What or who are the things that lead you to Jesus?

On a Journey- Take a nature walk together and see what new or interesting things that you notice. Just as the magis journeyed to see Jesus we are on a journey of faith. What's something new or interesting that you learned about your faith this year?

Question to continue the conversation: How do you think that you shine light for others to see Jesus?

Next Sunday: Check next week's Family Connect e-mail or the Facebook group for resources!
Family

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll ramp back up into our normal routine post winter break. I have my January Term intensive for school that takes place 9-5 over the next couple of weeks. Resources will be available through the Family Connect e-mail and Facebook group. We won't have our normal Sunday School video again until Sunday, January 17th. Information about Confirmation and Recharge start dates will be coming next week. Have a Happy New Year and good luck as you start into the Spring semester!

Drive-in Service- Join us for a Family Moment during the drive-in service at 10:00 on Sunday. Be sure to bring crayons or something else to decorate your Children's Bulletin and coloring sheet!
Junior High

-Share your Blessings, Bummers, and where you have seen Jesus for the week
-Read Matthew 2:1-12
-What is one word or phrase that stood out to you? What image came to mind?
-Read the story again
-What is a story or experience that you have had recently that connects with this story? What is a question you have of this story? What is God trying to tell us in this story?
-Read the passage one more time
-Write and pray a prayer that speaks to what you have shared

Two things that stuck out to me were the phrase "overwhelmed with joy" and "rising"

What does it mean that the star was rising? We're not given an answer but what we can tell is that this celestial event isn't normal. It moves, guides, rises, and signals something important. I also wonder what it means that the Wisemen were overwhelmed with joy. Did it take them a minute to compose themselves before they went in? How long had they been studying this star or keeping watch for an event like this? I'm reminded again through this story that Jesus is recognized as someone special not only by those who are close (the shepherds) but those who are far away. This is even more interesting in light of the fact that the gospel of Matthew was written specifically to speak to a primarily Jewish audience.

King of all Creation, We rest in the mystery of who you are. Help us to seek you as we journey through our life and faith. Remind us of the things that can overwhelm us with joy. Give us strength and grace for the journey. Remind us constantly that we journey with you. All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
That
Question to continue the conversation: How do you think that you shine light for others to see Jesus?

Next Sunday: Check next week's Family Connect e-mail or the Facebook group for resources!
High School

-Share your Blessings, Bummers, and where you have seen Jesus for the week
-Read Matthew 2:1-12
-What is one word or phrase that stood out to you? What image came to mind?
-Read the story again
-What is a story or experience that you have had recently that connects with this story? What is a question you have of this story? What is God trying to tell us in this story?
-Read the passage one more time
-Write and pray a prayer that speaks to what you have shared

Two things that stuck out to me were the phrase "overwhelmed with joy" and "rising"

What does it mean that the star was rising? We're not given an answer but what we can tell is that this celestial event isn't normal. It moves, guides, rises, and signals something important. I also wonder what it means that the Wisemen were overwhelmed with joy. Did it take them a minute to compose themselves before they went in? How long had they been studying this star or keeping watch for an event like this? I'm reminded again through this story that Jesus is recognized as someone special not only by those who are close (the shepherds) but those who are far away. This is even more interesting in light of the fact that the gospel of Matthew was written specifically to speak to a primarily Jewish audience.

King of all Creation, We rest in the mystery of who you are. Help us to seek you as we journey through our life and faith. Remind us of the things that can overwhelm us with joy. Give us strength and grace for the journey. Remind us constantly that we journey with you. All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Question to continue the conversation: How do you think that you shine light for others to see Jesus?

Next Sunday: Check next week's Family Connect e-mail or the Facebook group for resources!
Upcoming Events

January 3rd- Worship Video comes out at 9:00 am (Everyone)

January 3rd- Drive-In Worship Service at 10:00 am! (Everyone)

January 10th- Worship Video comes out at 9:00 am (Everyone)

January 10th- Drive-In Worship Service at 10:00 am! (Everyone)