Introduction
On this Epiphany Sunday we hear again the familiar story from Matthew’s Gospel of the Magi who were spiritually hungry seekers, searching the stars night after night in hopes of finding answers. They spent a lifetime on a journey to understand meaning, purpose, direction.
Theologian N.T. Wright tells about the Magi when he writes, “They resolved to spend a lifetime seeking a truth that was worth living for.” More than anything, that’s what we know about them. We don’t know for sure how many wise men there were.
Church tradition says three, that’s because of verse eleven, which says: “… they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”
We know they came from some distance, traveled a long way from the way the story begins: “Magi from the east came to Jerusalem” an expression that meant “outside of Palestine”, beyond the borders of known travel. But from the east also meant, beyond the arena of God’s truth, beyond the boundaries of God’s people, beyond the Promised Land where people had no idea who God was.
In a word, the Magi were gentiles, pagans without religious affiliation. So their long journey gives testimony to who Jesus was, “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to the people Israel.”
The Magi—these hungry seekers—saw the star of Jesus; seeing it as an invitation to draw closer to him—knowing that by doing so they would be changed for the better, forever.
That invitation remains in place today. Each day Jesus is inviting us to draw closer to him, where we can be changed for the better, forever.
And so as we tip into a new year in life and a new year in the life of the church we would do well to consider the Messiah’s invitation on an individual level, as well as a church body.
Move 1
In preparation for this first Sunday of a New Year, Jonathan put out to numerous folks in the church the following question as a sort of homework assignment to help us frame our perspectives and focus for 2021 as individuals as a church body.
Jonathan called it “an easy homework assignment” , but we’ll let you be the judge of that.
He asked, “Just as God guided the Magi and Joseph, how and where do you see and hear God guiding you and our church in 2021?” At just 24 words, this is probably one of the shortest things Jonathan has ever asked or said, but it still contains broad implications that require deep thought and prayerful consideration. And that is exactly what Jonathan got in response, and I want to share with you parts of those responses. I can only share parts because to share all responses in their entirety would make Jonathan’s sermons look like a fortune cookie message! Which is both a joke, but also a testament to the seriousness, thoughtfulness, and faithfulness that was put into these responses.
So then, here are responses, in part, to the question: “Just as God guided the Magi and Joseph, how and where do you see and hear God guiding you and our church in 2021?”
I, (Jim Hindel) said: My take for 2021 is to stay positive, to realize that life is not always joyful and happy, we are not guaranteed to be free of problems. What I can do, is to lead in a manner that shows God is our keeper…
…Our church, I believe will become stronger through adversity, we have the people with attitudes to make that happen. Continuing to grow our community outreach is in God’s plan for us, already started with the Foodbank. If we talk to God, and continue to be faithful, we will succeed in his plan. We need to remember he has told us through scripture to help others, be kind to others, love others, so these are the things we must do to accomplish his perfect plan, that of eternal peace.
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Diane Waite writes: I want to maintain creative and inclusive momentum in our church in 2021, as we have developed and sustained exciting new ways to “be” the church. I challenge all of us to think about how we will continue to deliver, Hope, Peace, Joy and Love to our church family and to our community in 2021. Does our church family have ideas to bring to the table?…
…I know that 2021 will not have a pandemic light stitch to turn off once immunizations roll out. I think it is possible that we have all changed in a real way, personally and as a church, because of 2020 and 2021 will be a year of healing and growth.
Tom Safford writes: The nuts and bolts of our church, finance, building maintenance, outreach, membership and the rest are all in good and capable hands. As long as we keep our focus on serving those in need, within and without our congregation, we will be following the light of the Lord.
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New Elder Laurie Robinson writes: What I would love to see is more classes or groups held at our church. I would love to be a part of a good Bible study, prayer group or Sunday school class. The unfortunate thing is that these ministries need volunteers to run them… I see this being the next step though, where even if people don’t come to church service, we could get them to come to some kind of group or be holding something off campus in conjunction with our church to reach people.
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Andrew Robinson writes: The challenges of 2020 have brought about a level of creativity, ingenuity, philanthropy, inward reflection and self-growth that would have been unheard of at the beginning of the year. We have learned new ways to worship and share God’s Word through Facebook and YouTube; we have learned new ways to reach our local community through drive-through dinners, pop up pantries, etc; we have learned where our priorities lie and are learning how to focus on those…
…As a church, our role will continue to be a light within the community, adapting to what we are able to do, but serving those around us through our presence, message, resources, and programs. We have the capabilities, we have the desire, the opportunity is there – it may take some new perspective and deeper conversations on how to make plans come to fruition. But I wholeheartedly believe we can do it and we’ll make it happen in 2021.
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Joni Fitch writes: I believe 2021 offers us a unique gift – this year will once again prove different and things will likely change rapidly— but it provides us the opportunity to reset, again, and reshape some things for an even better future. We can be intentional, creative and inclusive as we create not the “new” normal, but the “even better” normal for us, our church and our church family. As Elders – I think God will guide us to help Jonathan and our church prepare for a successful (and intentional) sabbatical that will result in growth.
I think God will help us learn from 2020 as we take on 2021 with love, mental and physical (hopefully) presence, and open minds and hearts.
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New Elder Beth Weiser writes: I think we have made immense strides in our outreach ministries over these last 9 months and I am prepared to support these programs and was glad to see an increase in the budget for this even though the commitments were down! I think this is how we show God’s love in the world. We can’t be together as a church, but we can still BE THE CHURCH. I never feel God’s presence more than when serving the community. I never regret the time I spend at church doing any of these things…
Outreach, Church family participation, gathering for worship…2021 bring it on!
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Sue Hobson writes, As a church, I think we are being called to be more involved in our local community, serving as a resource to those in need with food, i.e. Foodbank, Bulldog bags, loaves and fishes…
…Perhaps the Elders and church leaders could help to connect our church with other organizations to see where we might partner to support the community—library, other churches, schools. Everything shouldn’t be on pastor’s shoulders. Make it more intentional with assignments.
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New Elder Dave Helmick writes: God presents opportunities in our lives, and from my sports background I know you will miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Well, I am taking this shot, I am embracing offering more to the church and to others in 2021. Gods guidance is guiding us to opportunities in 2021, and we need to be prepared to say, “YES!” to those. I also know that these opportunities can be small and seem insignificant at the time; however, small changes can lead to big rewards.
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Outgoing Elder but still a Trustee, Rick Lloyd writes: During the last nine months I think we, as a church, have seen more than ever before that the church isn’t just a building. But our building and church facilities are vital tools that enable us to reach out to our members and our community…
Maintaining our building and facilities allows these programs to continue. It allows us to reach outside our four walls. To share our love and faith in God with hundreds, maybe thousands of people who would never fit inside our building.
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Our Governing Board Co-Chair, John McCreight writes: Both services and outreach have had to get creative, during the Virus, to keep our missions alive. The new ways called us to get out of our comfort zones to be able to accomplish this. I think we’ve been shown the door (out of that comfort zone) and we need to not return to it and close that door. We need to continue to try to find ways to reach and serve others. And be willing to discontinue such ways that do not work.
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Our Financial Secretary, Lisa Roseman writes and asks, “Being forced to do things differently should allow us to see brand new opportunities. How do we stay connected in ways that don’t require being in the physical building?
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And our Directors of Christian Education, Anna Lloyd and Richelle Aukeman, write, The CE Team got more creative to reach our FCC Stow families and local community with a At-Home Vacation Bible School videos, Jr Church At-Home Edition and hosting a scaled down Trunk or Treat event, in addition to our Sunday livestream worship services.
Looking ahead to 2021 the Christian Education Team is hopeful we can get back together for our traditional events– Easter Egg Hunt, in-person Vacation Bible School, Sunday School/Jr Church and Christmas activities. We have learned a lot this year and gotten more creative to make CE activities and events stronger and better than ever in 2021.
Conclusion
On this Epiphany Sunday we celebrate the Magi who sought out Jesus, bringing to them not only their gifts, but their very selves.
We celebrate also how the Magi and Joseph were open to hearing, and listening to, and following the directions of God.
One of the great missionaries of that last century, E. Stanley Jones said, “The Christian faith is not a set of propositions to be accepted— it is a Person to be sought and followed.”
All of us here at First Christian Stow have been seeking Jesus and listening for God throughout our faith journeys. This is what we must continue to do if we are to continue to be the Church God is calling us to be in 2021 and beyond.
Your Elders, leaders, staff, and church family are all ready to respond to the Messiah’s invitation. Are you?
Happy New Year. May God bless us all and God’s church in 2021. Amen.