Star Words for Epiphany

For the celebration of Epiphany we are inviting you into a spiritual practice. Epiphany celebrates the arrival of the Wise Men who followed a star to find Jesus. We too seek to be closer to Jesus, yet our journey is not a physical one. Rather, we have an opportunity for a spiritual seeking of new ways to deepen our relationship with God. 

A star word is a tradition that has been growing throughout the Christian Church over the last few decades.  It is simply a star-shaped piece of brightly colored paper with a single word printed on it. Folks are invited to randomly pick a star and then discover the word that is printed on it.  The concept is simple: just as the Magi followed a star and went with it on a journey to a place unknown, we are invited to let the word and the Holy Spirit take our imaginations on a journey with God. You are invited to ponder what significance this word might have in your life, and how God might be speaking to you about the idea or concept it carries in a simple one word message.  Does it suggest a gift you have?  Is is something God is inviting you to seek?  Is is something you are invited to share?  Are you being called to discover and develop this within you? Are you being challenged to bring this more fully into the world?  

Let your imagination guide you. 

Whatever word you get, let it be in your mind for the coming year. You might put it on your mirror to see in the morning, maybe in your bible or devotion book if that is your practice.

If you aren’t in worship, you can pick a word from a list of words. First, pick a number between 1 and 100, then click here and take that word for your own, maybe making your own star to put somewhere.

Nativity Display

This Sunday, January 8th

Wait! Before you put away your nativity scene, consider bringing yours to place in the Nativity display on Sunday Jan 8th in the Parish Hall during coffee hour. This is a wonderful opportunity to share some of the unique treasures which reflect the sacredness of the Christmas story in our homes.

Tables will be set up in the Parish Hall for you to place your nativity set. if you would like additional information please contact Karen [email protected] or 978-335-6244

Monthly Bell Ringing to Call Awareness About Climate Change

ONC and several other churches that are part of the Marblehead Ministerial Association continue with the ringing of their bells at 11am on the 11^th of the month for 11 minutes to call attention to the need to take 11^th hour action about the climate crisis. In doing so, we are joining this important initiative which was started earlier this year by churches in Cambridge and Cape Ann to ring their bells on the 11^th of each month.

The United Nations Climate Report issued in February found that climate change is happening even faster than anticipated and drastic action is needed now. Coastal communities such as ours are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

How you can make a difference:

·      Contact your elected officials and urge them to support environmental initiatives.

·      Research environmental positions of candidates this Fall. Vote accordingly!

·      Walk, Bike, Carpool & use Public Transportation whenever possible.

·      Turn off your computer and appliances when not in use.

·      Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

·      Visit http://www.sustainablemarblehead.org/in-your-home for more ideas for reducing your carbon footprint.

Anyone wishing to volunteer as a monthly bell ringer for climate action should contact Mimi Hollister ([email protected] or 781-910-2376).

Old North Reading and Discussion Group

Wednesday, January 11

The next meeting of the Old North Reading and Discussion Group on Preserving our Democracy and Environment will be on Wednesday, January 11^th, 2023, from 8:30 to 10:00 AM. This is the latest of a series of meetings on this subject that have been hosted for all by the ONC Men’s Group. You are invited to participate regardless of the amount of your preparation or whether you have attended a previous meeting. For the January meeting we will complete discussion of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and then discuss the introduction and first Chapter of Lies My Teacher Told Me, by James Loewen, and W. H. Auden’s poem “September 1, 1939”. The meeting will be hosted on Zoom, and will be open 15 minutes early for logon and general discussion. To log in, just click on:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88163833337?pwd=UUc5Z1lqYnduaWlkek5TVkVhczAwZz0.  If you would like to use your telephone for audio, dial 1 929 205 6099 and follow the operator’s instructions with Meeting ID: 881 6383 3337 and Passcode: 095203.  

Tour of Fisk Organ Factory, Gloucester, MA

Thursday, January 19 3pm

Sponsored by the Community Life Ministry Board

Learn all there is to know about building organs from a master's legacy, close to home.

Charles Brenton Fisk (1925-1983) was the first American organ builder to build significant tracker organs in the 20th century. His study of early American and European instruments led him to return to mechanical action, and to set a new course for American organ building. He modeled his shop on collaborative enterprise, launching the careers of four other North American organ builders and providing the foundation for those who carry on the company he founded.

Michael Kraft, President of the company, and the organist/pianist for our Festival Chorus concerts will lead us on this tour. He is a Salem resident and the Music Director and Organist at First Church in Salem, UU.

Please rsvp to Judy Conner, [email protected] or 617-797-2762, so that we know how many people will be attending. If it is necessary to limit the group, the first to rsvp will be honored. Supervised children are welcome. The tour is free, but we are requesting a small donation as a thank you to Michael. The address is 21 Kondelin Rd. Gloucester.

Help Us Help Our Environment

We have heard this quote for decades: “The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth.” Chief Seattle.  And what happens to the earth happens to us as well as by us.  We are hoping to be part of the change.  

In January we will be holding a gathering of those folks who are interested in working to care for God’s Creation; starting right here in our community and homes. Specifically we will be exploring becoming a Green Congregation (for more info go to our Conference’s website: 

https://www.sneucc.org/environmental-ministries )    

Given the steep rise in fuel and electric costs this year we are interested in finding ways to help our congregation and community reduce their use.  

Additionally, we are interested in exploring collaboration and partnership with other green team groups among our interfaith siblings and within our town.  

Keep an eye on future church emails for specifics on date in time. In the meantime, if you are interested please let our office know so we can be sure to get word out to you.