Epiphany Hymn

Epiphany window, The Taizé Community, France

Epiphany Hymn of St. Ambrose
Most High God! Thou that enkindlest the fires of the shining stars!
O Jesus! Thou that art peace and life and light and truth, hear and grant our prayers.

This present day has been made holy by thy mystic baptism, whereby thou didst sanctify those waters of the Jordan, which of old were thrice turned back.

It is holy by the star shining in the heavens, whereby thou didst announce thy Virginal Mother's delivery and didst, on the same day, lead the Magi to adore thee in thy crib.

It is holy too, by thy changing the water of the pitchers into wine; which the steward of the feast, knowing that he had not so filled them, drew forth for the guests.

Glory be to thee, O Lord Jesus, that didst appear on this Day!
And to the Father and to the Holy Spirit, for everlasting ages. Amen.

- St. Ambrose of Milan (338-397)

Thursday at the Convalescent Center

It was a busy morning at the McCamey Convalescent Center as the residents gathered with community volunteers and family members for coffee & donuts.

Twelfth Day of Christmas

Today marks the twelfth and final day of Christmas.  Tomorrow begins the Season of Epiphany which continues six weeks until Ash Wednesday (February 22) and the start of Lent. 

In celebration of Twelfth Night, join in the singing of this well-loved song (with Tennessee Ernie Ford):

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Twelve Lords a-leaping
Eleven Ladies dancing
Ten Drummers drumming
Nine Pipers Piping
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden (sometimes gold) rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree

Baptism of the Lord Sunday

Clermont Cathedral (Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne, France)

This Sunday, January 8th, is Baptism of the Lord Sunday. The text for this week's sermon comes from Mark 1:4-11 which describes the baptism by John of Jesus at the River Jordan.                            

Yea, God: Over 10,000 Hits!

WOW:  This blog has over 10,000 hits now!

New Year's Resolution

Making New Year's resolutions is a long-standing tradition.  As Christians we should always be looking to renew ourselves and to grow in the faith we hold so dear.

If you are still looking for a resoultion, consider reading the Bible!  At Biblegateway.com you can read the Bible by choosing one of seven reading plans. 

Click on this link and get started today!

Happy New Year!

The New Year began with clear skies over Iraan and though there were lots of people from the community of faith on the road this morning, we were happy to come together for fellowship and worship.

The January e-newsletter is available at this link.

Joys and concerns from this morning:
Joys:
+Carol and Sharon (the Mann's daughters) were able to be home for Christmas and we were happy to have them in worship last Sunday.
+Evans had a full-house of family on Christmas Day.
+Wonderful fellowship and worship last Sunday.

Concerns:
+Ed C. starts the New Year under the weather.
+Tommy Joe H. is having health issues.
+Prayers are asked for the family of Tammy Kay Williford (46) of Iraan who passed away last Wednesday.
+Our members who are traveling this holiday weekend.

Other prayers:
+Rain  +Family of Billie McKenzie  +People of Africa   +Penn State abuse victims.
Prayers for healing:
Aaron B., Tommy B., Eddy C., Jonnie D., Kash K., Shane M., Pat M., Kathy P., Eva S., Alfred T., and Colton W.
Continued prayers:
+Our church              +Our community youth     +Our Schools
+Athletes/Coaches    + Teachers/Students           +Our Military
+Homeless                +Unemployed                    +Our Nation
+Our government/Leaders    +Unspoken requests  
+Victims of natural disasters    +Countries fighting for freedom