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Weekly Update

Bethesda UCC

January 10, 2024

Last Sunday's Worship

Epiphany

We celebrated Epiphany on Sunday, marking the significance of the Magi responding to the rising of a star in the East and searching for the new King of the Jews. It is notable that scripture states that they say they saw "his" star rising - not just a star. Evidently this heavenly sight informed them that a new king had been born in Judea, so they travelled to the most likely place, Jerusalem, to inquire about the child.

The Magi are sometimes referred to as "three kings" or "wise men." But, in reality, there are two kings in this story - Herod and Jesus. The "wise men" are the Jewish religious leaders who know their scripture and point the Magi toward Bethlehem.

The Magi are seen as the first non-Jews who recognize who Jesus is and acknowledge him. In fact, Epiphany is all about the revelation of Christ's light in the world. In earlier times Epiphany celebrated Jesus' baptism - where God acknowledged Jesus as God's "beloved son" - again, the revelation of Christ's light in the world.

Years earlier the prophet Isaiah predicted the coming of the Messiah, saying Arise! Shine! Your light has come! He communicates the feeling of hope that the light would bring.

How do we feel about Christ's light in the world? Does it make a difference in our lives? Do we rejoice, as Isaiah seems to do? Does it give us hope, as it gave the ancient Hebrews? Do we pursue it, as the Magi did? Or do we see it as some nice story in an old book?

As we move through this season of Epiphany (yes! its a whole season!) let us think about what Christ's light coming into the world means to us, and to our church.

Star Words

It is that time of year again! One of the best practices of Epiphany is Star Words. In worship on Sunday, we chose a star and when we turned it around, we found our word for the year. Even folks on Zoom got star words. We've also given our staff and the nursery school teachers an opportunity to participate in this fun activity.

If you weren't in worship Sunday, don't worry, we'll have the star words up and available for the next few Sundays. If you know you won't be on-site, email Pastor Jill or call the church office and we can choose a star for you and discover your word!

What will your word mean to you this year? It is always interesting to hear stories of how people's words have meaning throughout the year.

Pastor's Message

Renewal of Baptism Vows

As most of you know, this coming Sunday we celebrate the baptism of Jesus and take the opportunity to renew our baptismal vows. For those who were baptized as babies, it is a good reminder of what baptism represents, and if you were confirmed, what that meant and means to you. For those who were baptized as adults, it reminds us of making that decision and the profession of faith that was involved in that act.

In the UCC tradition, baptism and communion are seen as sacraments of the church. The preamble to the constitution of the UCC says: “In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, the United Church of Christ recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion.”

What is a sacrament? So glad you asked! Again, according to UCC: "Sacraments are ritual actions in worship which, according to Scripture, were instituted by Jesus. In the sacraments of baptism and communion we ask the Holy Spirit to use water, bread, and wine to make visible the grace, forgiveness, and presence of God in Christ."

Here are two more interesting UCC statements on baptism:

What does Baptism signify?

The sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. Through baptism a person is joined with the universal church, the body of Christ. In baptism, God works in us the power of forgiveness, the renewal of the spirit, and the knowledge of the call to be God’s people always.

How does Baptism take place?

Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the sign and seal of our common discipleship. Since baptism is God’s gift, the Holy Spirit is called to be upon the water and those being baptized. The act of baptism also marks the beginning of new life of discipleship with Christ, the human response to that gift.

I hope that you will come to worship this Sunday and participate in the renewal of vows. Prior to that part of the service, we will welcome a new member! Then we will all renew our vows together as members of the Body of Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Jill

Bethesda UCC