Welcome to ECLC's weekly email for members with kids & youth ages 0-18, teachers & other volunteers in faith formation, and anyone who wants to be in the know about CYF ministries at ECLC.
A birds-eye view of Bethlehem. And some wonderful news!
This Week
Sunday | Jan 4, 2015 | Second Sunday of Christmas
Blessed Epiphany!
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Epiphany marks the end of Christmas. It is also a celebration of new beginning. Jesus' birth and the journey of the Magi is a celebration of newness and life, just like we celebrate newness at the start of the New Year. In these days of saying goodbye to 2014 and making personal resolutions for doing things differently in 2015, the gentile Magi and their telling gifts of salvation for all, remind us of our own good gifts, to be shared wisely.
For all the richness of the Magi scene, there is much we don't know. Like the countries from which the Magi came and how many there were. Tradition tells us there were three: A highly esteemed class of priestly scholars who devoted themselves not only to religion but also to the study of medicine, mathematics, natural science, astronomy, and astrology. Each one bringing a special gift for the Christ child: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
At ECLC we like to say hello to the new year with a special chalk blessing at church, and again at home with our families. The letters C M B come from the traditional names of the Magi -- Caspar, Melchior, and Belthazar. They also represent the Latin words: "Christus Mansionem Benedicat" ("May Christ bless this house").
20 + C + M + B + 15
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday. There will be chalk for everyone, and a special blessing you can use at home.
As always, God shows up when we ask questions, so please do! I am almost always available by email, phone or text (952) 412.3253.
PK - K meet as usual, beginning with opening music in Room 103.
GR 1 - 5 meet as usual, in the Room 100 for "show-and-tell" prayers for the Holy Land, with our special guests, Darold Beekman and Gail Coffler.
GR 6 - 12 meet in the Martin Room to mix generations and ministries with fun and games, followed by a Reception for Becki Peterson in the Fellowship Hall.
10:00 - 10:10 am
PK - K meet as usual, in classrooms with their teachers.
GR 1 - 3 meet as usual, for their Holy Moly video, Introduced by Dawn Rundman. This week's video is, "The Magi." Preview this week's video by clicking here!
GR 4 - 5 meet as usual, for their Connect video. This week's video is, "Jacob & Esau."
10:10 - 10:30 am
GR 1 - 3 meet as usual, in classrooms with their teachers.
GR 4 - 5 meet as usual, in classrooms with their teachers.
10:30 am Parents who would like their children to be part of Becki Peterson's Reception between worship services, are encouraged to pick up their children at this time!
11:00 am ALL AGES worship with Holy Communion.
Note: Youth entering GR 9 - 12 in the fall of 2015, and 2015 high school graduates are going to have an excellent adventure and faith-filled experience at the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit, this summer. A non-refundable $150 deposit is dueMonday, Jan 5 to hold your spot. Contact Pastor Stephanie Coltveterdmann with questions!
