Dear beloved community of Plymouth Congregational Church,
Today during worship we celebrated Epiphany, which is both a day (January 6) and a season meant to reveal the Divine light in the world. One of my favorite definitions of the Epiphany season (which lasts from January 6 until Ash Wednesday) is that it calls us to “awaken to God’s initiative.” One of the practices we have offered over the last few years is the celebration of “star words.” Star words are spiritually centered words that can encourage an intention or prayerful focus for the year. If we could gather in person, I would invite you to choose a star from a bag containing hundreds of stars. I believe star words choose us and are a way that the Divine re-orients us in spiritual practice. The words may be welcome or provide a challenge; the purpose is in the invitation to consider how the word speaks to you and what revelations might occur for your chosen word. I have found great meaning in my star words, the word swirling through my prayers and showing up in a plethora of ways in my life. As I relayed in my sermon, the word might take us to new places, figuratively and literally . . . the star word becomes our “spiritual GPS.”
Here are the instructions for receiving a star word. Please read through before using the word generator.
At the close of this letter, there is a link to a star word generator. When you click on the link you might see a word or even two before a final word appears in the shape of a star. This is your star word.
BEFORE you click the link, take a deep breath, center yourself to receive the gift, and open yourself in prayer. Once you receive the word, consider the meaning, and if you don’t know much about the word, look it up. You may have an initial reaction to this word—positive or negative. Let the word sit with you for two weeks. If at that point you desire a different word, use the generator again. Write your star word on a piece of paper and post it somewhere you will see it. And in your practice of prayer and thoughtfulness, see how the word might direct your thoughts, what it reveals to you.
When you receive your star word, email me (BethF@plymouth.org) and let me know what it is and how you feel about it. I always welcome conversations about star words. And do let me know if the link does not work for you or you need some assistance. I am also happy to help you secure a star word!
