To say, "She/He had an epiphany." usually means that a person has just discovered something of great import.  Epiphany Sunday takes discovery to a whole new level - royalty!  Three wise-men, some say kings, for the east traveled following a star . . . to find . . . what?  They didn't even know, they just knew that this was a new star and that following it would lead to a very important discovery.

          Faith is like that - following what???  As the faithful, we are not exactly sure all the time where our faith is taking us.  As Christians, we think we know this Jesus of Nazareth, this Christ the Lord.  Yet as we follow, in faith, his identity is revealed to us as so much more than we could have imagined at our epiphany.  Isaiah 9:6b calls The Christ, A Wonderful Counselor, a savior that will always bring God's wisdom and purpose when we seek and have the courage to follow and not turn back.  Mighty God, the power of the Word at creation in Christ's life, death and resurrection; breaking the bonds of sin and death.  Everlasting Father, adopting us as sons and daughters so completely, so eternally in Jesus Christ, that Christ calls those who believe his sisters and brothers.  Prince of Peace, the only solid ground in the storms of life, the peace that passes our understanding.

          It is this child, the wise men found at the end of their long journey. Bowing down and worshipping was the only rational thing they could do when they witnessed his glory.  How about you?  Have you had that epiphany, that moment when you realized that everything else in life pales in comparison to the power, purpose and astonishing grace of "God with you" eternally.

          We never learn what happened to the wise men when they returned to their land.  My hope for them and prayer for the rest of us is that after we have had our "kneeling moments" we will be compelled to offer this Savior all of our lives as tribute; that our journey will not end there, but continue on, leading us to share our greatest discovery with the world, that this baby, this child in the manger IS Jesus Christ the Lord.  Blessings, Rev. Ellen

BELIEVE resumes Wednesday, January 6th during G.I.F.T. Program and Sunday, January 10th during Sunday school and worship.

Our Annual Church Meeting will be on Sunday, January 31, 2016, immediately following the 9:55 AM Worship Service.  Reports will be distributed to the congregation on Sunday, January 24th so that you will have time to review them prior to the meeting.  Please try to be present for this important meeting in the life of our church.

If you were not able to be at church on December 20th, but would like to experience the beautiful Christmas Cantata, Jean Brown has made DVD's available in the church office for you to borrow and view at home.

With the cold and flu season upon us, the Nurture Committee has prepared a care basket with cough drops (regular and sugar free), tissues and water.  The basket has been placed on the table just as you enter the church from the front door.  Please feel free to take advantage of it.

OUR ATTENDANCE STEWARDSHIP
Christmas Eve Service:  75 December 27:  Worship Service - 87 Sunday School - 43
OUR FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
	General Budget Giving	Expenses
Year-to-date as of 12/26/2015	$220,506.84	$215,819.68
12/20/2015	*$7,135.00	$5,440.90
Current Balance	$227,641.84	$221,260.58
Year-to-date Budget Needs:  $240,289.40
10¢-A-Meal Offering received for 2015:  $3,725.95

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