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 4, we 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 “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 journeys, the voices that inspire us, the events that lead us to recognize God at work in our lives, the experiences that inspire us to give of ourselves.
In 1997, we began a tradition of celebrating Epiphany together with our sibling UCC churches, initially in Framingham. Edwards, Plymouth, and Grace took turns hosting a service, planned and led by clergy from all three churches. We used drama and poetry, brought our choirs together, and shared in Holy Communion.
It was always an occasion for “epiphanies,” as worshipping with an expanded congregation enabled us to experience our faith in a fresh way.
Our tradition paused during the pandemic (although the first year we gathered online). A few years ago, we revitalized and expanded it, inviting the UCC churches in Natick to join with us. This year, we will have five churches gathering together: Edwards Church, Plymouth Church, First Church in Natick, Eliot Church in Natick, and Memorial Church in Sudbury!
Plymouth Church will be hosting (next year, as part of our 200th anniversary celebrations, we will host).
The service will be at 10 am and will be livestreamed on Plymouth Church’s YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/plymouthchurchframingham). Our special offering will go to support CASA (Metrowest Workers Center).
Following the service and fellowship time, Mary Memmott will lead us in a workshop on writing effective Letters to the Editor.
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 five sibling churches, at Plymouth Church.
Peace, Debbie