for the time after Epiphany. Explore and grow in faith by watching, reading, participating, praying, and serving.
The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) on January 6 concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. The time after Epiphany is the church’s time to come and see who this one born in a manger will be, and to discover what this one born to a young woman might mean for us and for the world. Below is a Faith Formation Playlist for all the time after Epiphany.
Watch:
- Jan. 8 the church celebrates Baptism of our Lord, a day to also reflect on our own baptisms. In the VIDEO The Secret of Our Baptism, Heather Murray Elkins relates the story of a retreat participant who shared the name for himself he has heard since childhood: “Not Good Enough.” The other participants gathered around to recall for him the words at Jesus’ baptism: “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17). Hear about the transformation.
- Watch/listen to this VIDEO of Martin Luther King Jr. reading his Letter from a Birmingham Jail. The church commemorates Martin Luther King Jr., renewer of society, martyr, on Jan. 15.
- Sweet Honey and the Rock, an all-female African American vocal ensemble, recorded a sung a version of the Beatitudes at a Carnegie Hall concert on November 7, 1987. The a cappella music is soulful and almost chant-like as it expresses Jesus’ words found in Matthew 5, the gospel reading for Jan. 29.
- Professor Mary Hinkle Shore introduces The Sermon on the Mount.
Read:
- T. S. Eliot’s poem Journey of the Magi, in which Eliot imagines the magi experiencing a spiritual death and yearning for renewal.
- Why Infant Baptism? by Pastor Karen Bates Olson.
- The Beatitudes and Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Emily Feld.
- The ELCA’s 2021 Declaration to American Indian and Alaska Native People is shaped as a confession that calls us to recognize the church’s complicity in the doctrine of discovery and how that has harmed relationships with Native people. How might Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians [scripture reading Feb. 12] urge us to engage in difficult conversations and work toward healing and growth for the sake of being God’s people?
Participate:
- Trinity’s Gospel and Growth Team is hosting Midwinter Monday Movies, featuring comedies from different decades. Join us as we gather, laugh, and get to know one another better. (January Epistle, page 3)
- Luther Heights Bible Camp invites you to a Winter Retreat up in the Sawtooths, February 10-12.
- Trinity Community Gardens is hosting a Gardening Workshop at Trinity Saturday, Feb. 25.
- Learning Peace: A Camp for Kids (a partner of Trinity Lutheran) will have a photo exhibit from Peace Camp 2022 at the Nampa Public Library this winter.
Pray:
- Did you take a Star Word to guide you through 2023? Spend five to ten minutes in silence pondering and/or journaling about the word.
- Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes. Reread Matthew 5:1-12. Repeat the Beatitudes and pray through them over morning coffee, on a walk, when you wake up.
- Pray the Examen, a form of centering prayer popularized by Ignatius of Loyola (1491- 1556) that helps you: process the day, think with gratitude, and look ahead to tomorrow. Here is How to Pray the Examen from 24-7 Prayer.
- The Idaho legislature will be in session this winter. Choose one day a week to pray this prayer from our hymnal: “Almighty God, our heavenly Father, bless the public servants in the government of Idaho, that they may do their work in a spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice. Help them use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote our common life; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” Email the prayer to one of your legislators.
Serve:
- The Traveling Table (Partner of Trinity Community Gardens) will distribute food in North Central Nampa Jan. 25. Contact Pastor Meggan or the Facebook Page to volunteer.
- The Souper Bowl of Caring takes place Feb. 5. Bring some food that day for Trinity’s food pantry.
- Valentine’ Day can be lonely for single people. Plan ahead and send a card or flowers to someone close by or far away.