# St. John's United Church of Christ **Chambersburg, PA** **January 4, 2026** --- ## Liturgical Context ### Christian Liturgical Calendar **Season**: Christmas Season (Christmastide) **Week**: Second Sunday of Christmas (with Epiphany anticipated - January 6) **Lectionary Year**: Year C (Revised Common Lectionary) / Year 4 - John (Narrative Lectionary) **Liturgical Color**: White **Christian Observances Today**: - Second Sunday of Christmas - Epiphany Season begins January 6 (Tuesday) - today's service anticipates this celebration - Elizabeth Ann Seton memorial (Catholic tradition, January 4) - first American-born saint - The Twelve Days of Christmas continue (Day 11) ### Jewish Calendar **Hebrew Date**: 14 Tevet 5786 **Month**: Tevet (טֵבֵת) - the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar **Jewish Observances**: - The Fast of the Tenth of Tevet (Asara B'Tevet) was recently observed on December 31, 2025 (10 Tevet 5786), commemorating the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem - Tevet is considered a month of introspection following Hanukkah ### Ecumenical & Global Observances No major ecumenical observances this week. ### Lectionary Readings #### Revised Common Lectionary (Second Sunday after Christmas) **Old Testament**: Jeremiah 31:7-14 or Sirach 24:1-12 **Psalm**: Psalm 147:12-20 or Wisdom of Solomon 10:15-21 **Epistle**: Ephesians 1:3-14 **Gospel**: John 1:(1-9) 10-18 #### Narrative Lectionary (NL420 - Jesus Says Come and See) **Primary Text**: John 1:35-51 (Behold the Lamb of God, Call of disciples, "Come and see") **Accompanying Psalm**: Psalm 66:1-5 **Liturgical Color**: White #### Today's Service Readings (Epiphany Theme) **Hebrew Bible**: Exodus 1:8-2:10 (Hebrew midwives' defiance, Moses' birth) **Gospel**: Matthew 2:1-15 (Visit of the Magi, Flight to Egypt) ### Connection to Today's Message Today's service bridges the Christmas season and Epiphany with the theme "Courageous Defiance." Both scripture readings center on resistance to tyrannical rulers: Shiphrah and Puah defying Pharaoh's genocidal decree, and the Magi refusing to report to Herod. The Epiphany star that guided the Magi represents divine guidance in acts of holy resistance. This theme resonates deeply during the Christmas season, reminding us that the incarnation itself was an act of divine subversion—God entering the world as a vulnerable refugee child, protected by ordinary people who chose conscience over compliance. The white liturgical color signifies both the purity of Christ and the light that shines in darkness. --- ## Order of Worship _Theme: "Epiphany - Courageous Defiance"_ _*Please stand in body or in spirit_ ### Gathering #### Gathering Song "This is the Day" #### Unison Welcome "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here" #### Announcements #### Chiming of the Trinity #### Prelude ### Word and Response #### *Call to Worship _from "The Will to Dream"_ We gather together in this place: > **prophets and dreamers, singers and poets,** we who dare to imagine a world renewed; > **we who dare to dream God's dream.** We listen with Joseph, > **guided by faith and dreams.** In fear or in flight, > **God is our refuge.** By the light of a star, > **God guides us on the way.** Come and worship, all you who dream and imagine. > **We have come to wonder and praise.** #### *Hymn #150 "As with Gladness Men of Old" #### *Opening Prayer _from "The Will to Dream"_ God of starlight, sunrise, and new beginnings, we praise you for the gift of a fresh perspective. At this time, when many of us try something new, commit to a habit, release an old behavior, or reinvent our lives in some way, we are reminded that we are perfectly loved by you. Speak to us, as you did to Joseph, in our dreams and goals for the future. Show us the way forward and empower us to act. When we feel discouraged or have failed to accomplish the mission we set out to achieve, remind us of your unconditional love and help us to keep walking the narrow path of love and justice. Amen. #### Christ Candle Lighting Jesus is born! Immanuel! God is with us! (Various) (All): **Immanuel, God-with-us, thank you for being present when life unravels and giving us the strength to keep going toward your blessings.** #### *Passing of the Peace _from "The Will to Dream"_ Where two or three are gathered, the prophetic Spirit is among us, inspiring our imagination and creating peace in our midst. Greet your fellow travelers now with the peace of Christ, and let these small doses of repair and reconciliation ripple out into a world in need of transformation. May the peace of Christ be with you. **And also with you.** #### Scripture Reading Exodus 1:8-2:10 #### Anthem #### Children's Message Roxanne Davenport _Children's Corner will be offered following the Children's Message_ #### Scripture Reading Matthew 2:1-15 #### Sermon Rev. Peter Emig --- ## ✅ Comprehensive Sermon Analysis: Epiphany Sunday (January 4, 2026) ### **🗒 Sermon Summary** **Central Message:** The Magi's journey following the star serves as a paradigm for faithful discipleship. Following Christ requires both courage and willingness to leave comfort behind—a journey marked by both fear and joy. The new year presents an opportunity to move from merely being "Christian" (passive identity) to being an active "follower of Christ." **Liturgical/Thematic Focus:** The sermon draws on traditional Epiphany themes (manifestation to the Gentiles, star-following, gift-giving) rather than the Narrative Lectionary's assigned John 1:35-51. While Matthew 2 is appropriate for Epiphany, the disconnect from the NL's "Come and See" text represents a missed opportunity for thematic integration—particularly since John's "come and see" invitation echoes the sermon's call to venture forth on the journey of faith. **Score: 3/5** _The central message is clear and seasonally appropriate, but the sermon doesn't engage the assigned Narrative Lectionary text. The Epiphany/new year connection works well._ --- ### **🎙 Preaching Style Assessment** **Primary Style(s):** - **Topical** (theme-based: following the star/Christ) - **Narrative** (story-driven with personal anecdotes) - **Deductive** (thesis stated early and developed) **Blend of Styles:** The sermon blends personal narrative with topical exposition. The preacher uses his own experience (laryngitis, travel) as entry points before moving to the biblical narrative and its contemporary application. **Appropriateness:** The conversational, narrative style suits a congregation beginning a new year together. However, the style remains surface-level—more inspiring than transformative. **Score: 3/5** _Style is identifiable and generally effective for the occasion, though the narrative elements occasionally overshadow deeper engagement with the text._ --- ### **🧵 Storytelling and Illustration** **Stories Used:** 1. Personal: Laryngitis recovery, champagne "remedy" (humor) 2. Anecdotal: Elderly woman in Waynesboro who never visited Chambersburg 3. Anecdotal: Parishioners who never left Pennsylvania 4. Referenced: Sister-in-law's observation about children surviving to age five **Effectiveness:** Stories are relatable and serve the "risk vs. comfort" theme. The elderly woman illustration effectively contrasts with the Magi's willingness to travel. **Inclusivity Concerns:** - Stories primarily reflect white, rural, American experience - No diverse voices (women, marginalized communities, global church) represented - No engagement with the Magi as representing diverse peoples/Gentile inclusion - The Magi narrative's anti-imperial potential (resisting Herod) is underdeveloped **Balance:** Personal anecdotes occasionally overshadow scripture—the transition from champagne humor to "But my joy in no way exceeds the joy of the Magi" feels abrupt. **Score: 2/5** _Some effective illustrations, but limited diversity. Stories serve the theme but don't deepen theological understanding or represent broad human experience._ --- ### **🗣 Intonation and Delivery** **Assessment (limited by transcript format):** - Humor deployed early (laryngitis, wife's cheerfulness, champagne) - Rhetorical questions used to engage listeners - Repetition for emphasis: "It's a new year. It's a new opportunity. It's a new chance..." - Direct address: "Are you willing...? Are you prepared...?" **Tone:** Warm, conversational, accessible. The preacher shares vulnerability (illness) before challenging the congregation. **Multi-modal engagement:** Limited evidence of visual aids or kinesthetic elements. Primarily auditory engagement through storytelling and rhetorical questions. **Score: 3/5** _Adequate variation in tone; warmth comes through. Could benefit from more varied engagement strategies._ --- ### **📝 Content Structure** **Introduction:** Personal reconnection with congregation after illness → connects personal joy at being present to the Magi's joy at finding Jesus. **Body:** 1. The Magi: stargazers who took risks, traveled, and found joy 2. Contrast: people who stay put vs. those who venture forth 3. The Herod contrast: fear vs. joy spectrum 4. Application: parenting as both fearful and joyful (like following Christ) 5. Herod brings out the worst; Christ brings out the best **Conclusion:** New Year call to action—rise up, follow the star, be followers (not just Christians). **Transitions:** Some transitions work well (Magi joy → fear of travel → Herod's fear), but the parenting tangent feels loosely connected. **Structure Alignment with Style:** Deductive approach is clear—thesis established and developed. However, the sermon could benefit from a stronger through-line. **Score: 3/5** _Generally clear structure with identifiable sections, but some tangential material dilutes the central thrust._ --- ### **👥 Engagement and Application** **Participatory Elements:** - Rhetorical questions invite internal reflection - "Where do you find yourself on this spectrum?" (fear/joy) - Direct challenges: "Are you willing...? Are you prepared...?" **Inclusion of Marginalized Groups:** Not explicitly addressed. The Magi narrative's potential for discussing Gentile inclusion, immigrant experience, or resistance to empire goes unexplored. **Practical Applications:** - Accept challenges of faith - Relinquish comfort and control - Rise up as a church fellowship - Be "followers of Christ" not just Christians **Critique:** Applications remain vague and individualistic. What does "following the star" look like concretely? The sermon would benefit from specific communal or justice-oriented action steps. **Score: 2/5** _Some engagement through rhetorical questions, but applications lack specificity. No explicit inclusion of underrepresented groups._ --- ### **📖 Scripture Handling** **Scriptures Referenced:** - Matthew 2:1-15 (primary reading) - Implicit reference to Micah 5:2 (Bethlehem prophecy) **Depth of Exegesis:** |Aspect|Assessment| |---|---| |Historical/cultural context|Minimal: Magi identified as "stargazers, astrologers"| |Original language insights|None| |Cross-references|None (missed opportunity with John 1:35-51, Isaiah 60)| |Source of authority|Scripture as launchpad for theme, not deeply explored| **Justice/Equity Lens:** The anti-imperial dimensions of the Magi narrative (resisting Herod, protecting the vulnerable child) are touched upon but not developed. The "slaughter of the innocents" is mentioned but not connected to contemporary issues of child welfare, refugee experience, or resistance to violent power. **Missed Opportunities:** - The Magi as representing diverse peoples/Gentile inclusion - Isaiah 60's vision of nations streaming toward God's light - John 1:35-51 (assigned NL text): "Come and see" echoes the journey theme - Gift symbolism (gold, frankincense, myrrh) unexplored **Score: 2/5** _Scripture serves as springboard but is not deeply engaged. No original language work, limited cross-references, minimal historical-critical context._ --- ### **Logical Reasoning** **Strengths:** - Effective contrast (fear vs. joy; Herod vs. Magi) - Ethical reasoning about discipleship costs - Clear thesis-support structure **Fallacies Identified:** |Fallacy|Instance|Impact|Suggested Improvement| |---|---|---|---| |**Hasty Generalization**|"A lot of people who just like to stay put" based on limited anecdotes|Creates an us/them dynamic between adventurous faithful and timid comfortable|Use more nuanced framing; acknowledge legitimate reasons for stability| |**False Dilemma**|"Are you fearful or are you filled with joy and excited?"|Immediately acknowledged ("Can be both"), so mitigated|Good self-correction| |**Equivocation**|"Christian" (easy) vs. "follower of Christ" (hard)|While rhetorically effective, the distinction isn't scripturally grounded|Clarify what distinguishes these categories; avoid implying some church members aren't "real" followers| |**Appeal to Emotion**|Fear-based framing of Herod; champagne/humor as rapport|Generally appropriate but occasionally manipulative|Ensure emotional appeals are grounded in textual evidence| **Score: 3/5** _Generally sound reasoning with some effective logical moves. A few fallacies present but not severely undermining._ --- ### **📚 References** **Theologians/Scholars Cited:** None. **Marginalized Voices:** None (no Black theology, feminist, womanist, LGBTQIA+, or Global South perspectives). **Historical/Secular References:** None. **Missed Opportunities:** - Raymond Brown's work on the Matthean infancy narrative - Post-colonial readings of the Magi narrative - Liberation theology on the Holy Family as refugees - Womanist perspectives on Mary's vulnerability and agency **Score: 1/5** _No scholarly, theological, or diverse voices referenced. The sermon relies entirely on the preacher's personal reflection without engaging broader theological conversation._ --- ### **🗨 Quotes and Illustrative Stories** **Notable Quotes:** - "It's one thing to proclaim your faith in Jesus Christ. That's easy. A lot of people do it. But it's another thing to follow this Christ child to walk lockstep with this child." - "This is the first step of not simply being Christian, which is no great sacrifice, but being a follower, a follower of Christ." **Effectiveness:** These quotes capture the sermon's central challenge but lack memorable poetic language or profound theological insight. **Connection to Biblical Themes:** The "lockstep" language connects to discipleship, but the distinction between "Christian" and "follower of Christ" isn't developed theologically. **Score: 2/5** _Some quotable moments but nothing deeply memorable or theologically rich._ --- ### **🔄 Calls to Action** **Identified Calls:** 1. "Rise up with a shining new star" 2. "Rise up with a new sense of adventure" 3. "Forsake some creature comforts" 4. "Truly follow this prince of peace" 5. "Accept the challenges of our faith" 6. "Open our hearts, our minds, our eyes" 7. "Be guided by the light" **Assessment:** - Heavy on inspiration, light on specificity - No systemic/justice applications (despite the Magi narrative's anti-imperial potential) - No concrete congregational action named (what might "rising up as a church fellowship" look like this week?) - Presented aurally only; no visual or experiential elements mentioned **Score: 2/5** _Calls exist but are vague and individualistic. No concrete next steps or communal/justice actions identified._ --- ### **🧠 Style Effectiveness Analysis** **Did the chosen style serve the text?** Partially. The narrative/topical approach works for Epiphany's themes but doesn't serve deep engagement with the text itself. **Alternative Style Possibilities:** |Style|How It Might Shift the Sermon| |---|---| |**Fully Expository**|Verse-by-verse through Matthew 2 would uncover themes of prophecy fulfillment, Gentile inclusion, imperial violence, and refugee experience| |**Prophetic**|Would center the Holy Family as displaced persons and challenge comfortable Christianity in light of contemporary child welfare, immigration, and empire| |**Inductive**|Could begin with contemporary stories of risk/fear/following, building tension before the Magi text resolves the tension| |**Contemplative**|Would dwell in the star imagery, invitation to "gaze," the gifts as symbols—more mystagogical| |**First-Person Narrative**|A Magi's voice telling the journey could be powerful for Epiphany| **Learning Styles Served:** - **Auditory:** Yes (stories, rhetorical questions) - **Visual:** Limited - **Kinesthetic:** Not addressed - **Interpersonal/Intrapersonal:** Some reflective questions **Score: 3/5** _Style is appropriate for the occasion but underutilizes the text's depth and offers limited multi-modal engagement._ --- ## 📊 Total Score Summary |Category|Score| |---|---| |Sermon Summary|3/5| |Preaching Style Assessment|3/5| |Storytelling and Illustration|2/5| |Intonation and Delivery|3/5| |Content Structure|3/5| |Engagement and Application|2/5| |Scripture Handling|2/5| |Logical Reasoning|3/5| |References|1/5| |Quotes and Illustrative Stories|2/5| |Calls to Action|2/5| |Style Effectiveness Analysis|3/5| **Total: 29/60 (48%)** --- ## 🔑 Key Observations **Strengths:** - Warm, accessible, conversational tone - Effective joy/fear contrast using Magi vs. Herod - Seasonally appropriate for Epiphany/New Year - Clear structure and thesis - Authentic pastoral presence **Areas for Growth:** 1. **Deeper exegesis:** Engage historical-critical scholarship, original languages, and cross-references 2. **Diverse voices:** Incorporate liberation, womanist, global church perspectives 3. **Specific application:** Move from inspirational generalities to concrete, justice-oriented action 4. **Narrative Lectionary integration:** Connect assigned text (John 1:35-51) with chosen text 5. **Inclusive illustrations:** Stories beyond white, rural American experience 6. **Prophetic dimension:** The Magi narrative invites engagement with imperial violence, refugee experience, and resistance—largely untapped here ### Response #### Sharing of Joys and Concerns #### Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer (Debts) #### Invitation to Giving #### Offertory #### Introduction to Star Words #### *Offertory Response _from Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship_ O God, may we who bear your name by gentle love your grace proclaim, Christ's gift of peace on earth declare and your anointing Spirit share. #### *Prayer of Dedication _from "The Will to Dream"_ Holy God, we bring our gifts and offerings to you because the voices of the prophets remind us of something bigger, something greater than any system this world offers us. We believe when we trust you with our resources, the kin(g)dom of God comes much closer to reality on earth. Help us steward these gifts to create abundant life and love. Amen. ### Sacrament #### Holy Communion Hymnal Companion C-72 _We celebrate communion this day by intinction, coming forward to the altar to receive the bread and cup. Pre-packaged elements are also available._ ### Sending #### *Hymn #87 "Arise, Your Light Is Come" #### *Charge & Benediction _from "The Will to Dream"_ Through the work of Christ in the world and on the cross, we see empire, fear, violence, and cruelty replaced with courage, wisdom, protection, and the will to dream of so much more. May we go forth from this place and be God's hands and feet, offering courageous defiance against those who would seek to oppress. May our eyes see what is beautiful before us. May our ears hear God's voice. May our mouths share the gospel with others. Go out into the world, embracing the world to dream, knowing that God will not hide from you. God guides and leads, helping us to care for the least of these as if they were God. #### Postlude (seated) --- ## Scripture and Sermon ### Scripture Reading #### Exodus 1:8-2:10 > [Insert Exodus 1:8-2:10 NRSVue here] #### Matthew 2:1-15 > [Insert Matthew 2:1-15 NRSVue here] ### Sermon **Preacher**: Rev. Peter Emig **Title**: **Theme**: Courageous Defiance #### Sermon Notes ##### Introduction ##### Main Points ###### Point 1: ###### Point 2: ###### Point 3: ##### Illustrations/Stories ##### Scripture Connections ##### Key Quotes #### Personal Reflections ##### What spoke to me: ##### Questions raised: ##### Challenges/Convictions: ##### Liturgical Context Reflections: How does today's liturgical season/observance deepen my understanding of the message? #### Applications ##### This week I will: - [ ] - [ ] - [ ] ##### People to pray for: ##### Follow-up study: #### Connections _Links to other sermons, books, or notes_ --- ## Hymns ### Hymn #150 - As with Gladness Men of Old **WORDS**: William C. Dix, 1861 (Matt. 2:1-11) **MUSIC**: Conrad Kocher, 1838; adapt. William Henry Monk, 1861 **Tune Name**: DIX **Meter**: 7.7.7.7.7.7 **Verse 1** As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold; as with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright, so, most gracious Lord, may we evermore be led to Thee. **Verse 2** As with joyful steps they sped to that lowly manger bed, there to bend the knee before Christ whom heaven and earth adore, so may we with willing feet ever seek the mercy seat. **Verse 3** As they offered gifts most rare at the manger rude and bare, so may we when earthly things are past, pure and free from sin's alloy, all our costliest treasures bring, Christ to Thee, our heavenly King. **Verse 4** Holy Jesus, every day keep us in the narrow way; and when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last where they need no star to guide, where no clouds Thy glory hide. --- ### Hymn #87 - Arise, Your Light Is Come **WORDS**: Ruth Duck, 1974 (Isa. 60:1-2; 61:1) **MUSIC**: William H. Walter, 1872 **Tune Name**: FESTAL SONG **Meter**: SM _Words © by 1992 by GIA Publications, Inc._ **Verse 1** Arise, your light is come! The Spirit's call obey; show forth the glory of your God, which shines on you today. **Verse 2** Arise, your light is come! Fling wide the prison door; proclaim the captive's liberty, good tidings to the poor. **Verse 3** Arise, your light is come! All you in sorrow born, bind up the brokenhearted ones and comfort those who mourn. **Verse 4** Arise, your light is come! The mountains burst in song! Rise up like eagles on the wing, God's power will make us strong. --- ## Leadership ### Worship Participants |Role|Name| |---|---| |Pastor|Rev. Caroline E. Saxton| |Guest Pastor|Rev. Peter Emig| |Organist|Barbara Motichka| |Deacon in Charge|Chris Willman-Bunge| |Lector|Judy Hodges| |Children's Corner|Roxanne Davenport| |Media Coordinators|Calvin Frantz| |Bulletin cover|John (traqair57) on Flickr| ### Church Staff |Role|Name|Contact| |---|---|---| |Pastor|The Rev. Caroline E. Saxton|[email protected], (641) 260-1868 (cell)| |Office Administrator|Tonya Schwartz|[email protected], (717) 263-8593 (office)| |Music Director|Gary Crum|| |Organist|Barbara Motichka|| |Director of Children & Youth|Roxanne Davenport|| |Pastor Emeritus|The Rev. Stephen W. Hoffman|| --- ## News & Announcements ### This Week at St. John's **TODAY**: Choose your Star word after worship, a word to guide your year! #### Monday, January 5 - 10:00 am - Chi Gong/Zazen silent body energy and soulful meditation - Parlor Room 104 - 1:30 pm - **NO** Monday Afternoon Book Study - will resume January 12 - 7:00 pm - Boy Scouts - Fellowship Hall #### Tuesday, January 6 - 5:30 pm - Yoga - Room 202 - 6:00 pm - Ladies' Bible - Zoom - 6:30 pm - Cub Scouts - Fellowship Hall/then break into smaller groups #### Thursday, January 8 - 7:00 am - Men's Breakfast - Texas Lunch - 6:00 pm - Bell Choir Practice - Bell Room 117 - 7:15 pm - Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room 103 #### Sunday, January 11 - 8:45 am - Godly Play Class - Room 119 - 8:45 am - SPARK! Elementary Church School Class - Room 115 - 8:45 am - Teen Discussion Class - Room 206 - 8:45 am - Upper Room Church School Class - Conference Room 111 - 8:45 am - Wired Word Church School Class - Room 116 - 10:00 am - Sunday Worship - Sanctuary - 11:15 am - Behavioral Covenant Discussion/Feedback Session - Room 116 - 8:00 pm - Sunday Night Bible Study resumes on Zoom ### Pastoral Coverage Pastor Caroline will be on vacation December 25-January 5. Rev. Peter Emig will preach and preside on Sunday, January 4. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact the church office and they will get your message to the pastor on call. Pastor Caroline will return on January 6, 2026. ### Behavioral Covenant **Behavioral Covenant (aka "Holy Manners")** - Pick up a copy of the draft "Holy Manners for our St. John's United Church of Christ Faith Community" and read the article on page 18 of the January Spirit to learn more about our proposed Behavioral Covenant. Congregational discussion and feedback sessions will be held after worship on Sunday, January 11 and again on Sunday, January 18, in Room 116. Please contact Pastor Caroline or Lloyd Beers with any questions. ### The Upper Room: Sunday School Restart Beginning January 4, 2026, the _Upper Room_ Sunday School class will begin meeting in Conference Room 111 on Sundays at 8:45 am. For the first meeting, participants will re-read the seven Bible passages and the authors' comments, found in the Upper Room booklets, for December 29, 30, 31, and January 1, 2, 3, and 4. These booklets are on the table inside the main entrance of the Church. Conversation will include the Bible verse, the authors' messages, the _Thought for the Day_, the prayer focuses, and your personal thoughts of the content. For more information, contact Harold Collier or Connie Strunk. ### Little Free Pantry The Little Free Pantry is located by parking lot B to help feed those in our neighborhood who are hungry. Donations of cash and/or nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the church office. Due to the cold temperatures, dry goods are preferable to canned goods. To learn more, please see the article in the January Spirit. Thank you for your support of this initiative! ### Sunday Night Bible Study Sunday Night Bible Study will be on hiatus until after the holidays. We will resume with Acts chapter 25 on Sunday, January 11, 2026. ### Monday Afternoon Book Study Monday Afternoon Book Study finished "A People's History of Christianity" on 12/15. We will start our next book ("Love's Braided Dance" by Norman Wirzba) on Monday, January 12, 2026. ### Church Directory Update As we work to finalize our new photo directory, we need your updated contact information. If your address, phone number or email address has changed, please share this with the church office. If you have not yet submitted a photo or would like to have your picture taken, please contact the church office. Thank you! ### January First Fruits As we move into a quarterly focus of seasonal giving through physical donations and First Fruits, donations for First Fruits this month will be split between the United Way Winter Warmth Drive and the Little Free Pantry. Please designate on your envelope or check if you have a preference on how your donation is to be used. ### Winter Weather If worship is canceled due to winter weather; a special e-blast will be sent out. M-F activities follow the CASD school district. Specifics are in the January Spirit. Safety first! ### United Way Winter Warmth Drive The United Way Winter Warmth Drive is currently underway. Among the requested items to donate are healthy food and winter gear. A full listing of desired items can be found in the December Spirit. St. John's is a collection site; donation boxes are in both lobbies. Thank you for your support of these efforts to care for our neighbors, feeding the hungry and clothing the cold. ### January/February Upper Room Devotionals January/February Upper Room devotionals are currently available at the Welcome Center. We suggest a donation of $1 for small print/$2 for large print copies. If you would like to have a copy mailed to you, please contact the church office. ### Bible and a Beer Bible and a Beer is an opportunity to talk about our faith in public. Join us on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Trojan Diner at 6:30 pm. Our next gathering will be January 19. ### Want to Stay in Touch? Contact the Church Office to be added to our email list! You can sign up to receive our regular weekly emails, Diana's Devotionals, and/or be part of the Prayer Chain. ### Flowers at the Foot of the Cross The Flowers at the Foot of the Cross are given in loving memory of John Gaal by his wife Nancy. ### Birthdays This Week - 01/07 - Ruth Ann Cuesta - 01/10 - Thomas Harrison (Echo) - 01/11 - Deborah Olson --- ## Family & Children The "Nursery Nook in the Narthex" quiet area and infant/toddler space in the Parlor are available for children and families to use during worship. Age-appropriate activity bags are also available. See the deacon for assistance. _Join us for a time of fellowship after worship!_ _All are welcome at Christ's table. To let the church office know that you communed today, please sign the black attendance pad found in each row. If you are communing from home, please contact the church office to let us know._ --- ## Vision & Mission ### St. John's Vision We are called to love, to learn, to worship and to witness in Christ as a congregation that welcomes everyone, and seeks service that will advance God's realm on earth. ### St. John's Mission To grow in love of God and neighbor --- ## Additional Notes --- ## Related Links - [[Narrative Lectionary Year 4 - John]] - [[Epiphany Season]] - [[Moses Birth Narrative]] - [[Flight to Egypt]] - [[Courageous Defiance Theme]]