SUNDAY SERVICES:

Dear Members of New Covenant,

While the transition from 2013 to 2014 may seem seamless, there’s still the question, what lies ahead? Things change.

Just look at the transition our story makes as it transitions from Christmas to Epiphany.

• Exit shepherds – Enter Magi
• Exit stables – Enter palace
• Exit poverty – Enter wealth
• Exit angels – Enter dreams
• Exit Mary’s lullaby – Enter Rachel’s wail

Something less than seamless, wouldn’t you say?

The scriptural narrative has its twists and turns, not unlike our own stories. While the magi’s gifts are gold frankincense and myrrh, Pilate’s gifts will be a crown indeed, but one of thorns. And his throne for this king will be a cross. The next gentile after the magi to proclaim him Lord will be a soldier at his cross, “surely he was the Son of God.” And the brightness of the star will become a shroud of darkness over the land.

While things here change, something that will not change is the good news that Jesus is now enthroned at the right hand of God. He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, fact, end of story, and truth forevermore. That will not change! That is what is ahead!

Epiphany says to me, then, that our response in this world is to get to him by any route we can, bring our most precious of gifts, and worship him!

Blessed New Year to you all.

Carl+

PS -- ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

This Sunday immediately following the later service we will have our Annual Parish Meeting. This year instead of ministry reports we will be sharing a gift of ministry and asking you all to share what has impacted you at New Covenant in 2013. Our plan is to be serving pizza and salad by noon.

PPS -- TWO RETREATS