Church Messages Jan 2008

Epiphany Dreams

Epiphany, January sixth, is the traditional feast of the Wise Men and their entourage arriving at Bethlehem bringing gifts to the child, Jesus. Matthew’s gospel narrates a story full of dreams, international drama and mystery. Epiphany is symbolized by the brilliant star in the East.

Since we live East of Duluth on the North shore beach of Gitchee Gumee, we have stunning opportunities for winter star gazing toward the Southeast. In the frequent crystal clarity of winter dawn the morning stars rise on the Wisconsin shore. Usually at this time of year Venus appears with the moon and other planets. Their brilliance fills the sky and sometimes forms reflective paths in the quiet lake surface.

The winter dark is long and the Advent lessons are about reflective waiting, watching, preparing and then being stunned by joy. I often find the seasonal lessons, difficult at times. However living fully in the liturgical time, God’s time, always forces me to rely on being a pilgrim in Advent. I need to be guided by the stars, as Matthew’s Magi Mystery story tells. Often I am forced to reflect my own life in wandering ways which I prefer to resist. Those prophetic calls beckon me to face some realities, face some changes, reach out anew. Again I realize I need to trust. As time moves along I am more ready for Divine Love when it occurs.

The stars, the lessons and the long waiting in expectation bring me to new birth, joy and promises of new life. Usually there are new tasks and relationships to mend. There are gifts to give in new awareness.

The skeptics, resisting the old stories, often miss the mystery and its manifestations.

Scientists have shown that we are all “dust to dust and ashes to ashes”. Latest theories include we humans and stars consist of cosmic dust. How about that? The old wise guys had it right! They sought the place where the Divine child dwelt. They returned home remembering a new vision; they had seen new light: and so may we.

Psalm 80 refrain: “Restore us, O God of hosts, show the light of your countenance and we shall be saved”.

Margaret Thomas

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Shrove Tuesday Plans

Shrove Tuesday Mardi Gras Pancake Supper and TALENT SHOW February 5: The springtime pre-Lenten
event will be coming early this year, so think of talents to share and sign up outside the church office.
Vestry men and male youth will cook the pancakes.

Margaret Thomas

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From the Parish Administrator

Please help us carry out your wishes. If you will note in the memo section of your check the fund to which your donation should be credited, Cathleen and I will be able to determine where your gift should go. Unless noted otherwise, pledge payments will first be applied to 2007 until paid in full and then to 2008. If you would like your gifts credited as received in 2007, please have them in the office by 9:00 a.m., Friday, December 31, 2007, or in the December 30, 2007 offering. Below is a chart that outlines the IRS guidelines we need to follow when determining the year credited for your contribution. Also, please let me know if you are making a stock gift. Often these seem to happen at the end of the year and I need to know the type of stock, the number of shares, and the fund to which it should be credited. This information will help me handle your gifts appropriately. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. Thank you, Natalie.	TYPE OF CONTRIBUTION	REPORT FOR 2007	Report for 2008
	Checks written in December 2007 and deposited in church offering in January 2008		x
	Checks written and deposited in church offering in January 2008, but "backdated" to December 2007		x
	Checks written and deposited in church offering in December 2007 but "postdated" to January 2008		x
	Checks written in December 2007 and deposited in the mail and post- marked in December 2007, but not received by the church until January 2008	x
	Checks written in December 2007 and deposited in teh mail in Decem- ber 2007 but not postmarked until January 2008, and not received by the church until January 2008		x

End of the Year Contributions and Pledge Payments

End of the year contributions and pledge payments are due in the offering plate by Sunday, December 30th or in the office no later than 9:00 AM, Monday, December 31st. Also, please clearly indicate in the memo section of your check to which year your pledge payment should be applied (2007 or 2008). In the absence of this, your payment will first be applied to your 2007 pledge until it is paid in full and then to your 2008 pledge. This procedure will be followed through January.

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