Message from the Pastor

Another year has begun and with it comes the season of Epiphany where we remember and celebrate the manifestation of God's presence to the world. While there are many ways to mark the season of Epiphany, these past couple of years we have done so together by selecting star words. These words serve as words of intention and focus throughout the year ahead. If you were not present this past Sunday and would like a star word, please let me know and I will be happy to send one to you. I invite you to write your word down and place it in a prominent space. This may be somewhere like your bedside table, bathroom mirror, front windshield, inside your Bible or calendar, or even taped to your coffee pot. Wherever you have it, may it serve to center you and guide you over the course of this year.

If you aren't sure what to do with your star word, here are a few suggestions to help the reflection process:

1) Definition- What does your word actually mean? It may help to spend some time trying to really understand the depth of your word's meaning including any synonyms.

2) Go to Scripture- Is there a Bible verse or story that comes to mind when you consider your star word? If so, this can serve as a way to anchor your word this year.

3) Art and Media- Are there books, podcasts, pieces of art, or movies that highlight your word?

4) Capture your star word in song- If you were to create a playlist that goes along with your word, what songs would you include?

5) Journal- Tape your word to the inside of a journal for regular reflection on how this word reveals itself in your daily life.

6) Draw- Practice writing or painting your word on paper. What images and colors come to mind when you think of your word?

7) Contemplative prayer- Practice focusing on your word in moments of quiet meditation. You may even choose to write a breath prayer using your word. For example, my word this year is strength. A simple breath prayer around this word might be Inhale: God, in all things Exhale: Give me strength.

However you choose to reflect upon your word this year, I hope that it will be a time of discovery. As Brian Gilbert says, "Epiphany is the season of holy discovery. It is the moment when Christ is revealed not only to Israel, but to the world. Yet Scripture tells us that Christ is not revealed through spectacle or domination, but through a star—through a gentle light that guides rather than blinds. Epiphany teaches us that God does not overwhelm the world into belief. God beckons. And that beckoning light, again and again, takes the form of kindness."

This Epiphany season, just as you are reflecting on your star words, we will gather each Sunday in worship to discover words to hold us through the year. Words that allow the gentle kindness of God to shine forth. Words like remember, remain, repent, rejoice, restore, and reflect. I hope you will join us as we ground ourselves in new words for the year and like the magi, come seeking and eager to find God in our midst.

Grace and Peace,
Rev. Hannah

Lectionary Readings for January

Sunday, January 4 — Epiphany Sunday
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Psalm 147:12-20
Ephesians 1:3-14
John 1:(1-9), 10-18
Sunday, January 11 — Baptism of the Lord
Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 29
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3:13-17
Sunday, January 18 — Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 49:1-7
Psalm 40:1-11
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
John 1:29-42
Sunday, January 25 — Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 4-9
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23

The Mission of St. Luke UMC is to be a Place to Belong, Believe, & Become Disciples of Christ

OPPORTUNITIES TO BELONG

UW in Faith Grace Circle will not meet in January. Next meeting date will be Tuesday, February 3, 10:00 a.m. in the church library for a Call to Prayer and Self-Denial service. All women are invited!

Crock-Pot Cook-Off! At 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, cooks will provide a variety of dishes to compete for the coveted GOLDEN SPOON, awarded to the chef who pleases the most palates. To bring your delicious dish to be sampled by the congregation, a signup sheet will be available at Sunday’s worship service, or you can contact Kay Daves. You don’t have to make a particular type of food, just make it warm, so we can shake off any wintertime shivers. Variety will be lovely. You can also make dessert! (And if you don’t use a crockpot for your dessert, that’s fine. You can still receive votes.) The Hospitality/Kitchen Team will provide tables and a few extension cords for the crock-pots, and we’ll have plates, cups, cutlery, and drinks for the diners. You can sample all the dishes until they’re gone, and then vote for your three favorites.

OPPORTUNITIES TO BELIEVE

The Young Adult Sunday School class will be discussing a two-part series on Noah and the Flood on January 4 and 11. Was there actually a world-wide flood in ancient times? Why do we think so, and why might we question it? What does scripture say about it? What does science say? And what is the point of the story, anyway? You are welcome to come even if you don’t usually attend a SS class.

Beginning January 18, the Young Adults will pick up their interrupted study of Rabbi Harold Kushner’s book When Bad Things Happen to Good People. We will have a review of the earliest chapters, previously covered, in case you missed those and need to catch up. This study will last approximately 5-6 weeks and all are welcome.

OPPORTUNITIES TO BECOME DISCIPLES

Many thanks to all who shopped and contributed monetarily to our White Christmas project. Your generosity allowed us to provide Christmas cheer to 10 foster children, 12 nursing home residents and make a monetary donation to the Methodist Children’s Home. We all have so much to be thankful for and we are blessed to be able to share our good fortune with members of our community who have less.

Huge thanks to everyone who hung around after service on Sunday to help take down the Christmas decorations. You made the whole thing super quick — and honestly, way more fun.

Worship Greeters are needed! A Greeter is a very important part of welcoming people to our worship service and helps by passing out bulletins, helping people in and out of cars (when needed), directing visitors to pews or various areas of the church, and helps in other capacities of the service. If you feel called to volunteer and would like to sign up, a signup sheet is available in the narthex or you may sign up by contacting the church office. If you need more info on what all being a greeter entails, please see Bob Card, Mike Gressett, Jim Shempert, or Al Williams.

Don’t forget that on the second Sunday of every month we collect bags of apples, jars of peanut butter, and also canned goods for the Helping Hands Ministry. A blue bin designated for Helping Hands is available in the narthex where you can place your food items. The second Sunday is also our Dollar Sunday, when you are invited to drop a dollar or two into the small basket in the narthex to help support our Compassion Fund. This fund is used by the pastor at their discretion to help those in need.

If you would like to help deliver our Second Sunday mission project food items to Helping Hands this year, please contact Lisa in the church office to sign up. Drop off times for Helping Hands are Wednesday or Friday mornings between 9:00 am and noon.

The 2026 Flower Calendar is available on the bulletin board in the hallway across from the choir room. If you would like to help provide an altar arrangement sometime during the year, please look over the calendar, choose a date or two, and sign up. Your arrangement doesn’t have to be fresh flowers, it could be a lovely silk arrangements, or even a nice plant. If you sign up for two consecutive Sundays, we have a “flower fridge” where we can store your floral arrangement during the week and re-use them the second Sunday. If ordering fresh flowers from a flower shop, please specify you would like them to last for two Sundays. Please contact the church office to sign up or for more info.

Extra Table Feeds: Rise Against Hunger Food Packing Event

Blessing of the St. Luke Mural

Grief Support

GriefShare: When a loved one dies, it can feel like you’re alone. Few people understand how painful and isolating your grief can be. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer by yourself.

At GriefShare, you’ll find a safe, comforting place where you can talk with others about your grief. you’ll find support, direction, and guidance on how to make it through.

If you could use help with any of the topics below, GriefShare is for you.
Your Grief Journey; Sadness & Loneliness; Fear & Anxiety; Anger;
Regrets; Grief & Your Relationships; Questions for God; Hope & Resilience
And many more…

At this 13-week grief recovery support group, you’ll:
Hear insights from grief recovery experts; Meet others who understand what
you’re going through; Receive comfort and support; Learn practical tips for
navigating your grief; and Discover the 6 signs of healing.

Each week you can expect to view a 30-minute video filled with helpful guidance, discuss grief-related issues, and gain personal recovery tips through your workbook.

To join a group or for more information, please contact First Baptist Church of Cleveland at (662)588-9011. You can learn more about GriefShare by going to their website at griefshare.org. Brochures are also available in the St Luke Narthex.

Memory Caregiver Support

Caring for a loved one with memory loss can be both rewarding and challenging — you don’t have to face it alone!

Our memory care caregivers support group will provide an understanding space where caregivers can share experiences and find emotional support. Learn practical care giving tips and new coping strategies. Connect with others who truly understand your journey.

For more information or to RSVP, please call or text SUNNY SENIORS at (662)719-8718 or (662)721-7260. Meetings will take place every first Monday of every month, from 12:00-12:45, at 107 South Victoria Ave.

More Opportunities to Help

Parks Elementary Partnership

1) PBIS Closet- Parks keeps a closet filled with goodies for students who do well with their positive behavior system. This includes items such as fidget toys, slime, and other small prizes. When the children meet their goals, they are able to shop this closet as a treat and means of positive reinforcement. You may contribute to this cause or purchase items and bring them to the church office.

2) Feminine Hygiene supplies- Parks has an area in the office dedicated to storing feminine hygiene supplies for girls who need them. Specifically, they try to keep a current stock of pads (no tampons please) and girls underwear in all sizes. You may bring these items to the church office as well.

3) Reading with students- Do you like to help students with their reading? If you had 1-2 hours a week to give during school hours, the students at Parks could use your help. Reading with students is a proven way to help raise their AR scores while also providing quality time with these children. If you are interested in this, please let Rev. Hannah know.

Employment Opportunities

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is searching for an employee to fill our Music Director position and would welcome help from the congregation in spreading the word.

As you know, Beverly Jacks has served as interim Director for the past year or so. She does a lovely job and has been happy to serve our church with her gifts, but she would like a break if a suitable person can be found to lead the choir. Previous experience in a church setting is preferred but not required. Salary will be negotiable.

Please share this information with any suitable candidates you know who might be interested in working at St. Luke. Any further questions may be directed to Rev. Hannah or to Lisa in the church office.