~ Important News! ~
"In-person" worship in the Sanctuary continues!
We also offer online worship each Sunday morning at 9am
via Zoom and Facebook Live.
An Epiphany This Epiphany Season
I recall one Epiphany season, while teaching a confirmation class, that the topic was the Babylonian Exile. I was trying to get the students to realize that God is with us in all our times, just as God was with God’s people even while they were in exile in Babylon. At times I’m sure it did not seem like God was with them, as they were away from the temple and their Palestinian homeland. So, my thought was to have the kids draw their own lifeline. You know, draw a line across a piece of paper and at the left-hand side mark the line with the date of their birth and then continue to the right listing highlights and lowlights that they had experienced in their lives.
As an example, I posted my own lifeline on the chalkboard and added my highlights and lowlights. At my age, I had many experiences to highlight: the day I graduated from high school; the day I graduated from college; the births of my daughters, Lauren and Joy; being called to serve Christ; entering seminary; our first call; the deaths of my father, mother, and sister; and the time I felt I was in my own personal exile when serving a social service agency before coming back to once again serve as a pastor. There were other things along the line, but this made my point. So, I asked the young people to make their own lifelines. And I placed this question for them to consider: “Where is God along your lifeline?” Then it hit me, my epiphany of that Epiphany season. “Those kids, at the most, had only lived 14 years, and thankfully, most of them did not have many low points to put on their lines.” Their lives were just beginning. Well, we discussed the concept, but it fell short, and on we went with the lesson. I decided that I really should have asked them to extend their lines by adding the things they hoped would be in their lives and to continue to ask them to consider: “Where will God be along their lifelines?” The question: “Where is God along your lifeline?” is a good way to get at the understanding of God being with us not only when we are in worship but at all times. Think about where God is in your workplaces, in your social gatherings, in your spousal relationships, in your relationships with other family members and friends and even with those who seem to oppose you. I will not ask you to turn in this assignment, but please do think about it, and if you want to share it with someone; find a friend who is willing to listen. I actually enjoyed sharing my lifeline with the kids and I think you may also. So, “Where is God in your life?” Perhaps you, too, will have an epiphany in this Epiphany Season. ~Pastor Ken Gibson Join Pastor Ken for Daily Devotions
We hope you are joining Pastor Ken for daily devotions, Monday through Thursday mornings at 8am on St. John’s Facebook page. It’s a nice way to start your day!
Pastoral Care
If you find yourself in need of pastoral care or you or a family member are hospitalized, please contact the church office and we will put you in touch with Pastor Ken Gibson. Remember that because of privacy laws, the hospitals do not contact us when you or a family member are admitted.
|
Annual Congregational Meeting
|
