Dear friends,
By the first weekend in January, the 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 5th, 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 magi 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-two years, we have celebrated Epiphany with a special service that brings together the United Churches of Christ in Framingham—now Plymouth and Edwards. 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.
This year is our turn
to host. We will welcome our friends from Plymouth Church to join us as we
reflect on the story of the magi. Our theme for the service is inspired by a
James Taylor song, “Home By Another Way.” The song, which will be sung by Kelly
Lopez and George Marcincavage, draws upon the last line of the traditional
Epiphany scripture: “And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they
left for their own country by another way.”
The line prompts us to imagine the magi’s journey back home, after they have encountered King Herod in all his opulence, after they have paid homage to the Christ child, born in a humble stable. What awakened them to their distrust of Herod? What gave them courage to defy his request to report to him? How do they talk with each other about what it means that the savior is born in such a humble way? What changes do they begin to envision for their own lives, for their own communities? Karen Nell, Greg (one of the pastors at Plymouth Church) and I will offer our reflections. We hope our thoughts will prompt your own.
As is our custom, we will receive two special offerings. The first is an offering of new, white socks for Worcester Fellowship, an outdoor church whose members include folks who have homes and many who do not. We will receive a special offering of money to support Metrowest Immigrant Solidarity Network’s Neighbor’s Fund. The fund assists local immigrants who are in crisis.
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 friends from Plymouth Church, in our sanctuary.
Peace, Debbie