Dear friends,
By the first weekend in January, the Christmas decorations have begun to come down, dried-up Christmas trees are on the front curb awaiting trash pick-up, and the post-Christmas sale rush is over. Just when we think things are getting back to normal, it’s time for another joyous celebration! On Sunday, January 6th, we will celebrate Epiphany!
The word “epiphany” refers to a sudden awakening or a realization, what I like to call an “ah-hah” experience. The celebration of Epiphany in the church calendar centers on two particular “epiphanies”—the discovery of the Christ child by the three kings who followed the star in search of a Savior, and the baptism of Jesus, in which Jesus, and those gathered at the river, recognized his calling. As we re-tell these stories at Epiphany, we reflect on the epiphanies in our own lives—the stars that guide us on our journeys, the voices that inspire us, the events that lead us to recognize God at work in our lives in a new way, the experiences that inspire us to give of ourselves.
For the past twenty-one years, we have celebrated Epiphany with a special service that brings together the United Churches of Christ in Framingham—now Plymouth and Edwards. Clergy and other staff members from both churches participate in planning and leading the service, and the choirs form one larger choir to sing for us. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our unity as members of churches of the United Church of Christ, and also to experience the rich diversity of our worship traditions and styles. Each year, I come away with new ideas, and also with a deeper
appreciation for the unique role Edwards Church has to play in our city. The event itself is an occasion for “epiphanies,” as worshipping with an expanded congregation can enable us to experience our faith in a fresh way.
In our Epiphany service this year, which will be hosted by Plymouth Church, we will reflect on stars that shine a light of hope through the fog (smog and smoke) of despair as we confront the crisis of climate change. Whose actions point us toward hope? Whose voices inspire us to act? How do we make the faith-filled shift from looking for the light of hope outside ourselves to becoming light to bring hope to others?
We will hear stories that inspire us. We will receive a special offering to support Tree for Life, a project of the Organization of African Independent Churches, supported by the United Church of Christ. Small independent churches plant thousands of seedlings to combat the effects of drought and desertification. We will also receive a special offering of socks and underwear for Worcester Fellowship.
Following coffee hour, the combined Green Teams invite you for soup and bread and a letter-to-the-editor-writing workshop!
Our Epiphany service will be intergenerational worship; the stories, music, and sharing of Holy Communion will be engaging for people of all ages. We hope you will come worship together with our siblings from Plymouth Church, at Plymouth Church.
Peace,
Debbie