January 8, 2022
Dear Beloved Union Family,
Do you feel this first week of January has caught you by surprise? The surprise has arrived both in the realization that it is truly 2022 and also in the uncertainty of how to best make decisions in light of the increase of covid cases, the challenges of weather, the delay of flights, the questions about whether school will meet in person, and the grief over the continued divide in our country as we continue to wrestle with the impact of last year’s insurrection at the Capitol. What has caught you by surprise?
Last Sunday James B prepared us for the celebration of Epiphany (the visitation of the wise scholars/magi from afar to Jesus’ home) by giving us this invitation: “return home by an alternative road.”Just as the magi encountered the Spirit of God and chose not to listen to Herod and go back to him, what is the alternative road that God is inviting you to take as you seek God’s wisdom in your decisions and your commitments this year?
This Sunday, as we enter into the season after Epiphany (which simply means “appearance”), we celebrate that Jesus’ appearance in the world is real and life-changing and full of surprise for those who first encountered him…and for us. How does the good surprise of Jesus, counter and transform the challenging surprises of our world? How does Jesus’ appearance change how we live in the challenges of our world? Join us for four weeks of being “Surprised” by Jesus.
January Sermon series; Surprised
Sunday (1/9) Surprised by Who I Am: Luke 3:1-22
Sunday (1/16) Surprised by Joy: John 2:1-12
Sunday (1/24 (Evening worship): Surprised by Freedom:: Luke 4:16- 30
Sunday (1/31) Surprised byInvitation:: Luke 5:1-11
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in God so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:5