Dear St. Lukers,

What an amazing start to the new year we had on Epiphany Sunday. We gathered as one church for worship with amazing music and centered on the Table, all to BE Guided by the light of Christ, the journey of the Magi, and the gift of “Star Words.” These words were picked up as we received Communion as your personal word to be guided by in the coming year. Each one started with “BE,” and is connected to sermon titles, themes, or series for the coming months. If you weren’t able to claim your “Star Word,” there is a basket in the church office (come by to pick one up), or you can use our word generator by clicking here (remember to only spin once!).

This Sunday, we continue this first Epiphany series, discerning how we will “BE” alive and thrive in 2025. We move with Jesus to the water’s edge as we learn of his baptism in the Gospel of Luke 3:15-22. As we come to the water’s edge with Jesus in worship this week, we will participate in renewing our own baptism as we let the water touch us and remember what it is to “Be Loved” by God. This Sunday is a favorite around St. Luke’s, and yes, we do have a little something for you to take with you as a reminder of your baptism reaffirmation. If you have never been baptized, we will celebrate that as well, recognizing that these are the waters of grace we are invited into with Jesus.

As United Methodists, we believe in the prevenient grace of God at work loving us, before we can even claim it for ourselves – this is the work we celebrate in baptism, which is why babies are baptized in our tradition. We also believe baptism is a means of grace, God’s work and promise to us, which is why we do not re-baptize – after all, God gets things right the first time. However, because we have the free will to walk away from those baptismal promises, and because we are forgetful of the power, promise, and proclamation of love, identity, and grace found in water and Spirit at times, we do reaffirm those promises and vows. Sunday you will be invited to do just that – reclaim, reaffirm, and renew the fact that you are BE-Loved.

I invite you to read the text from Luke, listen to our podcast, and share with others your own baptism story. Use your baptism candle or find another special candle to light and allow your prayer time to be guided by the light of Christ that lives in you. Consider the power of what it means to hear the words “I love you” from the Creator of the Universe, God almighty, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Join us in worship, and consider bringing a friend as we come to the water again to be swept up in grace and love.

With anticipation –

Jenn.