Friends,
On Sunday, Marion Larson preached for us, drawing connections between the few things we know about Joseph and the way his life impacted Jesus' ministry. You can listen here.

Today we mark the Feast of the Epiphany—and there are resources for you below to help you claim this holy day.

With love,
Susan+

Music, Poetry, and Prayer
for your Epiphany At Home
Today, on the Feast of the Epiphany, we tell the story of the wise ones who followed the star to find a newborn king in Bethlehem.

To celebrate Epiphany at home, read Matthew 2:1-12, and consider using the resources below in your meditation and conversations.

Refugee
by Malcolm Guite

We think of him as safe beneath the steeple,
Or cosy in a crib beside the font,
But he is with a million displaced people
On the long road of weariness and want.

For even as we sing our final carol
His family is up and on that road,
Fleeing the wrath of someone else’s quarrel,
Glancing behind and shouldering their load.

Whilst Herod rages still from his dark tower
Christ clings to Mary, fingers tightly curled,
The lambs are slaughtered by the men of power,
And death squads spread their curse across the world.

But every Herod dies, and comes alone
To stand before the Lamb upon the throne.

Prayer:
O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Chalking the Door
Family and friends of all ages can join in this simple practice.
Find out more here.

Long Way Round the Sea
Epiphany song by Low
Listen here.

Tags: Epiphany, Joseph

Friends,

Yesterday, the Rev. Anna Broadbent-Evelyn preached about Joseph's care for Mary and the unexpected baby she bore. God showed up in the midst of Joseph's personal catastrophe, with both comfort and a challenge that he hadn’t expected.

Sharing with humor and vulnerability about her own experience of giving birth, she spoke about Joseph's modeling of male tenderness. She contrasted that with many of the models of masculinity on display in our culture now and invited us to try a little tenderness. You can listen to the sermon here.

Where has God shown up in your own catastrophes before? Where is God meeting you with comfort and challenge now?

A few good shares for these last days of Advent are below. I hope we'll see you for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day - and if you're traveling and celebrating with loved ones, may you have a safe journey and return with hearts full and renewed to practice the way of Jesus in the new year.

With love,
Susan+

Tags: Rev Anna, Joseph, Tenderness, comfort