Epiphany Bulletin

Our celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord draws us into its story as told in the gospel of Matthew, a story of searching and longing, of seeking and revelation, of hope and renewal. We are drawn to the symbols of the star and treasures—the star of Jesus and the treasures of the magi. The star a symbol the goal of the spiritual search, the treasures symbols of a life of offering and service. We open our hearts to the unfolding of the spiritual journey, eyes of faith fixed on Christ and his light. We approach as we hear his voice, calling us to his side, inviting us to a life of service, our hearts and hands opened in offering.

Today we come to our worship as a faith community with searching hearts, our eyes fixed on the table of word and sacrament. We come to this table knowing who we are and what we are about.

We come to our liturgy to receive; we leave our liturgy so that we can give.

The days leading to our celebration of Christmas showed to me your hunger for God and deeper faith. You have responded to God's invitation to live your faith by your service, generous and spirit-filled. I want to thank you for all the ways you have offered your gifts--gifts of prayer, service, and support—through these holy days and seasons.

We began our celebration of Christmas filled with joy and hope, knowing where we have come from and where we are going. Today's feast speaks to our on-going search and hunger for God, for God's love and peace to be shown to us. Our response, like the magi, bowing and offering treasure, is to humbly offer our lives in service to the one whose star we have searched to find.

This past Monday, the final art panel was installed on the front of our building. Though I had seen it in drawing form, its size and prominence pulled me into the words and image. Now we really are committed to its message, “When I was hungry...” The image of the bread and cup makes real the seamless fabric weaving the action of the mass and a life of service. There it is, now, for everyone to see!

Maybe this sign at our entrance is our Epiphany star for those in search of God and God's healing. Maybe the treasures we offer will be recognized in simple etchings as one turns the corner—anointing, blessing, praying, washing, and feeding.

Like the stable of Bethlehem opened to the cold and dark, the red doors of the Downtown Chapel are opened to welcome the cold, the lonely, the sick, the homeless, to all travelers and strangers who hunger for God in their lives. Like the magi who left the stable at Bethlehem and went a new way, hopefully all who leave through our red doors—whether they came to pray or to get a pair of socks—will go in peace, knowing they encountered the love of God here.

May our prayer and worship never hide the fact that we are all in search of the God who forgives and heals and loves us and makes us one. May our prayer and worship always push us out the red doors to the people, places, and events where we find the Lord waiting to receive treasures.