Take a deep breath. You made it. We’re officially on the other side of Advent, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. After all the preparation, the complex emotions, and the celebrations in December, the allure of the return of Ordinary Time in January is probably all too real. But don’t put those white paraments or festive altar decorations away quite yet!
Today is a day of celebration—two celebrations—although a different kind of celebration than Christmas. Rather than the celebration of Christ’s arrival, today is as a celebration of our send-off as we join Jesus on a path that takes us into Ordinary Time and ultimately the beginning of Lent. As the first Sunday after the Epiphany (observed on January 6), today we celebrate Baptism of Our Lord Sunday. However, since January 6 is the day before, we’ve chosen to observe Epiphany on this day in addition to the Baptism of Our Lord.
I invite you to hear the story of God’s presence among the waters from Genesis 1, Jesus being nurtured in the womb, and the Great Commission Jesus gave the disciples at his ascension.
I encourage you to touch and feel the water in the baptismal font and then come to the Table and join in the Holy Meal, having reaffirmed that all who are gathered are members of God’s family; remembering the grace that saves and forms us as disciples of Jesus Christ. Come, all are welcome, all are invited.
LIVE YOUR Faith
Holy Spirit, I pledge to deepen my faith by committing my time, tithes, time,
and myself throughout 2024
We are at an important point of transition in the life of Fifth Ave. United Methodist Church. For the past 30 months we have been pounded by the head winds of a pandemic and post-pandemic. Like all churches across the nation, we have seen a decline in attendance and financial giving. Yet, despite all those challenges, we are still here. Amen!
We believe that God has great things in store for us. So, the point of transition is moving from the posture of reacting to all the challenges, to being proactive about the future. From this point forward, we look to what God has for us in 2024. Let’s begin our New Year strong and set our eyes on God’s call and purpose for God’s church and people!
We invite you to come in-person to return your commitment card; we have missed you! We invite all faithful congregants to complete a commitment card as our prayer goal is 100% participation!
We are grateful for each of you.