Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord
Good Fish Fry Friday morning 5th Ave.,
For this year, the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord will be celebrated together; January 6th is Epiphany, and Sunday is Baptism of our Lord.
There is a good reason for the first Sunday after Epiphany to focus on Baptism. The key here is that Baptism is all about beginning. Jesus began his ministry with his own baptism, and Christians see Baptism as beginning a committed journey with Jesus.
The season after Epiphany, as a whole, has much to do with beginnings: the beginning of Jesus’ life, the start of his ministry, the calling of the disciples, and his first miracle. All of this helps us see Baptism as an important beginning, both for Jesus, and for us.
So, what do we say or do about the magi, who had their gospel reading on the day of Epiphany itself?
Fittingly, both stories carry forward the theme of Jesus’ identity taking shape. The magi identify Jesus as a king and because the magi are from foreign lands, they identify Jesus as a king for all people. In the baptism story, Jesus is also identified, but in this case his identity is the beloved son of God. Additionally, the magi story is definitely linked with the baptism story: “These Epiphany stories work together to show us who Jesus is revealing the fullness of his identity. The magi show us one part of Jesus’ identity, the baptism shows us another part.”
Welcome to the jubilantly and total praise celebration of these two feast days; we hope you rejoice in this important season of Epiphany! Jesus Christ has arrived, and there are many beginnings to celebrate.
To God be the glory.
The people of God respond – Amen!
Pastor Clarissa
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Devotionals – 10 -16 January 2021
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Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
Pastor, Fifth Avenue UMC
323 South Fifth Avenue
West Bend, WI
262.334.2059 
847.721.1826 (M)
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. I am a child of God.” marianne williamison
2nd Sunday After Christmas
Good morning and Happy New Year 5th Ave. UMC,
Welcome to the 1st Sunday of 2021 and the 2nd Sunday After Christmas. We’re wrapping up Christmas this week. Some may have already packed everything away; others may still be sitting in the glow of the lights and tinsel. But the objective isn’t to shuffle it all away, but rather to embrace the fullness of the beloved community that we have become – incorporating the new as we become one in Christ.
Yes, we are blessed. But we are blessed in order to bless the source of our blessing. Paul tells us that the gift we have received, the gift of new life, is so that we might live for the praise of God’s glory. That’s what our worship experience is about – praising God. Yes, of course, every worship service includes praise. But this week, praise is the beginning and the end.
People of God we are called to live our faith, not just accept it. Not just think about it, but to live it fully and passionately. Christ has come, and we’ve opened our doors to the wider community because we are called to gather all things together in God as a foretaste to the eternal gathering that will come. We live each day in celebration of that mystery, that hope. “Open the Door to 2021 & Put 2020 in the Rear View Mirror!”
Welcome to 2021!
Pastor Clarissa & Bro, Martin
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Sermon – 1st Sunday of 2021 – Open Door to 2021 No Rearview Mirror
Holy Communion Liturgy 3 January 2021
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Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
Pastor, Fifth Avenue UMC
323 South Fifth Avenue
West Bend, WI
262.334.2059
847.721.1826 (M)
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. I am a child of God.” marianne williamison
