You are never too old to try new things or even begin new traditions. In 2023, I adopted the increasingly popular spiritual practice of choosing a star word for Epiphany Each year I have looked across tables covered in stars before carefully choosing one. Then, I turn it over to reveal the star word that will light my path for the year ahead. Looking Back Last year my word was believe, which felt like a heavy, important, and relevant word. In 2025 I completed my first significant role Read More …
Epiphany
Star Words: Clarity, Faith, Believe (#2191)
This Epiphany I introduced Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) to star words. In doing so I learned that this was the first time words were received in worship and that the entire concept was new to many people. Overview For those just learning about star words, I encourage you to google around and learn more. In brief this new Epiphany practice invites people to choose a star. Only after choosing do they turn it over to learn the word it contains. That word - a star word - is then intended as Read More …
Epiphany: Chalk, Stars, and Journeying Anew (#2188)
This morning we celebrated Epiphany. at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA). Sermon My message, “Starry Wisdom," is based on Matthew 2:1-12. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Happy New Year! Since we last gathered for worship, we have welcomed a new year. 2025 is here! I’m wondering how you celebrated this year’s arrival. Perhaps we could divide the sanctuary into those who stayed up until midnight and those who did not. Or Read More …
Start with God (#2187)
Passage for Reflection: Proverbs 1:1-7 Happy New Year! I imagine that you’ve heard that greeting numerous times over the last few days. I, on the other hand, have been hearing it for months. The fiscal new year for the faith-based non-profit organization I serve started in November. Happy New Year! The church new year started with Advent. Happy New Year! And, yesterday the calendar year started. Happy New Year! Starting a new year opens people to prayerfully pondering new possibilities. Read More …
Faith & My Record Setting 2024 (#2186)
2024 has been a record setting year for me in multiple ways, including publishing ministry materials and growing ministry results. Faith I remember starting the year by selecting (or perhaps by having the word select me) "faith" as my star word to guide me throughout the year (see Faith: My Star Word for 2024). In 2024, faith Faith also led me to continue the ministries of blogging, preaching and feeding. Blogging I blogged every day for 1,000 consecutive days here at Read More …
Faith: My Star Word for 2024 (#2102)
The practice of choosing a star word was something I first heard of perhaps a decade ago and first participated in last year. For 2023, my star word was clarity. And, it turned out that 2023 became a year of new clarity. This year, I paused at the star filled table to consider some of the many words that might be waiting for me before selecting one. My star word to guide me in 2024 is faith. Faith Faith has always been central to my identity. A few thoughts immediately came to Read More …
Wrapping Up The Year of Clarity (#2098)
My first post of 2023, Star Word for 2023, introduced the word I received on Epiphany to guide me through the year ahead: clarity. In that post I suggested that while 2022 had been marked by transition, 2023 would be a season of increasing clarity personally and professionally. Personally Reflecting on 2023, I see numerous ways in which the year has been marked by clarity in my personal life. Three important experiences that have informed my increased clarity Read More …
Star Word for 2023 (#2025)
I've resisted engaging in the growing practice of "star words" for long enough. For the first time ever, I've received a star word for 2023: clarity. Clarity Clarity is a word that resonates deeply with me. I trust that my life will be better because of the time I'll devote to achieving greater clarity in 2023. Transition The years 2021 and 2022 were marked by transitions, including new professional roles for my partner (2022) and myself (2021)new home (2022) and renewed Read More …
Epiphany: Shining God’s Universal Love (#1846)
Today is January 6: the twelfth day of Christmas and Epiphany (or the first day of the season of Epiphany - depending on your tradition). I invite you to read the Epiphany story in Matthew 2:1-12, and to consider the following The insecurity of the King (if you keep reading in Matthew 2 you'll encounter the slaughter of the innocents)The geographical origin of the the Magi (likely modern Iran)The importance of light (in the form of a star) So What? Those reading this post today Read More …
Call to Worship for Sunday, February 20 (#0273)
Call to Worship We have come - from our homes and hotels, from a few blocks and from many miles - intent on entering this beautiful building built by human hands Settling into our seats we realize our task isn’t admiring the architecture, but rather experiencing and reflecting on the holy Aware of God’s presence, we begin to make meaning of words from Holy Scripture: From the first testament: Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy (Lev. 19:1) From the second testament: Be perfect as Read More …