You Are Included

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

You are included! Today is the Feast of the Epiphany. Today the church celebrates that in Jesus, God’s light has shone out across the world, for all the nations to see. For you and I to see.

Poet-priest Malcolm Guite writes of the magi who met Jesus, “When these three arrive they bring us with them.” What might have been only for others is for us. Because of what God has done, we are included in the life of God, able to stand where would not belong on our own. Unto us Jesus has been given! 

I hope you are able to mark and celebrate this day in some fashion. One simple way is by chalking your door. If you didn’t get a chance to grab chalk this past Sunday, we’ll have it available this week along with a short blessing/prayer to use. 

This Saturday we’ll be following the Anglican tradition and “Burning the Greens” as a way of celebrating Epiphany. Christmas foliage goes up something fierce! The blaze is a reminder of the radiance of Jesus’ glory. 

With the recent escalation of Covid cases, these gatherings both north and south, will be held outside (indoor restrooms are available). Should the weather not cooperate, we’ll send out word to cancel on Saturday afternoon. If you’re planning on coming and have the opportunity, please email Kimberly to let us know which gathering (Georgetown or Dripping Springs) you’re planning on going to. The addresses are listed below. In addition to any wreaths, trees, or greens to burn, bring a snack food to share. We’ll have some drinks and stuff for hot dogs available as well. 

As the Covid situation continues to unfold this month, we are going to assess weekly some of our other events (Newcomers Lunch and Lunch & Learn). We’ll be communicating about these events moving forward. Our Sunday policies will remain, with masks strongly recommended in keeping with the recommendations of Austin Public Health. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

In Christ, 

Peter+