Epiphany Reflections
There are some scripture passages and biblical stories that reveal fresh insights at each reading. And there are others for which each reading serves as a much-needed reminder, or a reinforcement, of an insight previously revealed. For me, the Gospel reading for Epiphany falls into this latter category.
Each time I have read the story of the Magi’s visit to the child Jesus in recent years, I have been drawn to God’s instruction to the Magi that they return home by another route. Essentially, God told the Magi, “Go a different way.” And in doing go, God assured the Magi that there was a different way.
That message has profound implications for individuals. But it also holds an important insight for churches.
How often, when something new was proposed at church, have we heard or even said ourselves, “We’ve never done it that way before”? Churches have a rightly earned reputation for struggling with change, whether that change relates to leadership, programs, worship style, sanctuary decorations, or myriad other aspects of congregational life. Letting go of how things have been done or embracing something new is hard! But there are times when churches must do exactly that in order to fulfill their missions, continue their ministries, and maintain their witness and relevance in the world.
For churches, God’s instruction to the Magi that they go a different way becomes an invitation to change. To explore alternate ways of proclaiming the good news; to reconsider what it means to be church; to examine the church’s mission, structure, worship style, and more; to let go of some things in order to embrace others. And the assurance contained within that invitation is that there is a different way.
The invitation to change also extends to ministry organizations like ABCORI. Trying something new is no less difficult for ministry organization than it is for churches. It is also no less vital.
So in this season of Epiphany, may we commit ourselves again to being guided by the God who just might lead us forward by a different route.
Rev. Courtny Davis Olds, PhD
Executive Minister
Beginning the New Year with a Job Well Done
Volunteers with Repairing Homes, Restoring Hope, a ministry of ABCORI’s Elder Care Ministries, completed a major project for an older homeowner on January 3.
Lincoln Smith, Manny Alves, and Ron Provencal from Lakewood Baptist Church where the older homeowner is a member, along with RHRH Coordinator Bobby Nelson and Mike Moise, removed damaged sheetrock, insulation, and the drop ceiling in the basement so another agency can insulate and make the house more energy efficient.
"It was an awesome day," said volunteer Lincoln Smith. "It was hard work but very rewarding, and in about 4 1/2 hours the job was completed. It was a great accomplishment for me to have been able to help someone in my church family. As Bobby said, it is the camaraderie and the sense that God is right there with us on these projects that really matters. I hope to be able to be part of this ministry more in the new year."
If you would like to learn more about this ministry—including how it helps older homeowners and offers volunteer opportunities—visit http://eldercare.abcori.org/repairing-homes.html.
First Baptist Church of Hope Valley(1059 Main Street, Hope Valley) Winter Concert February 5 | 6:00-7:30 p.m. A Light Dawns in Darkness will feature Sophia Pearson, New Hope Chapel; Paul Mills, Perryville Bible Church; and Kelly Duey, Calvary Chapel, North Kingstown. Refreshments will follow the concert.
(Click here for the flyer.)
Calvary Baptist Church(747 Broad Street, Providence) Sock Tree
The congregation is collecting new white socks to be donated to Crossroads Rhode Island. Socks may be dropped off at the church between 10:00 a.m. and noon Monday-Friday through the end of January. (The church office will be closed January 16.) If you would like for your donation to be picked up, please call Calvary at (401) 461-7507.
Treasuring the Youth Among Us A one-day workshop (online or in-person) Saturday, January 21|10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
The workshop's goal is to provide a model for youth ministry for small membership churches. It is sponsored by American Baptist Churches of New York State, along with the American Baptist Home Missions Society and Fuller Youth Institute.
Who should participate? Pastors, adult youth leaders, and/or anyone who cares about the young people in our churches and communities.
For more information, including how to register, visit https://www.abc-nys.org/youth-leaders-event.html. (Online participation is free of charge.)
Pray for Our Churches in Pastoral Transition * The Baptist Church of Warren, Warren * Calvary Baptist Church, Providence * Congdon Street Baptist Church, Providence (Rev. Dr. Cynthia Smothers, Interim Pastor) * First Baptist Church, East Greenwich (Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, Transition Pastor) * First Baptist Church, West Warwick (Rev. Dr. Paul Hanson, Interim Pastor) * First Baptist Church, Wickford(Rev. Dr. Reppa Cottrell, Interim Pastor) * Greenville Baptist Church, Greenville (Rev. Dr. Tom McKibbens, Interim Pastor) * Oak Lawn Community Baptist Church, Cranston (Rev. Tim Chesser, Interim Pastor) * Sheldon Street Church, Providence If you are interested in applying for any of these church pastoral positions, please contact Rev. Dr. Courtny Davis Olds at (401) 522-9733 orcdavisolds@abcori.org.
ABCORI Office Hours The ABCORI office is open from 9:00 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday, as well as by appointment. If you would like to walk on the grounds at Canonicus, please check in at the office or call ahead to make arrangements.
The next Connections will be published on Friday, January 20.
Items should be submitted to info@abcori.org by noon on Wednesday, January 18.
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