Pastor’s Letter – Epiphany
“Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:1)
Early in January, we move from the Advent-Christmas season to the season of Epiphany – the season of light. As the amount of light grows longer each day, so too does the light of God’s presence in our lives through the manifestation of Jesus. The Sunday lessons reflect the world’s growing awareness of who Jesus is and what he is to become. Beginning with the visit of the Magi, through Jesus’ baptism, and on into the various ways Jesus reveals himself as the Son of God, the time between Christmas and Lent is an opportunity to abide in the brilliant light of Christ. It’s a time to see for yourself the abundant light of life Jesus offers.
This is also a time for growing in your willingness to share the light of Christ. Traditionally, the season of Epiphany is given to emphasizing mission, both abroad and here at home. During the month, you are likely to hear more about the mission work in Liberia as efforts continue to build a guest house. Watch for information coming from both Pastor Sam and Pastor Dave regarding this mission opportunity.
But overseas missions are only part of our call as a people to share the light of Christ. Here in our own community, amongst our family, friends, and neighbors, it is a good time to talk about your journey of faith. Knowing that Jesus has come into the world to strengthen bonds between us, share the light by sharing love, care, and concern for others. As folks continue to struggle with food insecurity, donate time or resources to local agencies. For those distressed following the holiday letdown, let the light of hope shine through your companionship and joy.
We heard during the Christmas season that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness could not extinguish it.” May that light – the light of Christ – shine in and through you this Epiphany season.
Sharing the Light of Christ with the World
Pastor Dave
Daily Devotions
Each day, Monday through Saturday, Pastors Beth and Dave publish brief devotions based on the Sunday texts. If you are interested in receiving them by email, please contact Pastor Dave at pastordavedelc@gmail.com.
You may also access them on the St. Luke’s website: www.stlukeslima.org
Adult Bible Study
Each Sunday morning, 9 am, come and explore the Bible with your friends at St. Luke’s. Meeting in the Pastor’s Office, and led by Mila, the class discusses the Bible passages scheduled for that Sunday. Come, enjoy the conversation, and find renewal in the Word of the Lord.
Blood Drive – Thank You
For those who attended our Red Cross Blood Drive, Sunday, December 21, thank you for your donation. Your ministry helped save the lives of those in our community who need blood. Please be sure to watch for our next drive.
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Bread, the soup kitchen of Downtown Lima, serves thousands of trays of food every year. Open every day but Sunday, the kitchen serves meals for those in need in Lima.
Reaching out in faith, St. Luke’s helps with volunteers on the fourth Friday each month, 11 am – 1 pm. This month, our service date is Friday, January 23rd. You many volunteer to serve by contacting Linda Mann at 419-303-9793.
Undecorating the Church
Early in January, Advent and Christmas come to an end. The season of Epiphany begins. Plan to stay following worship on Sunday, January 4, so that we can “undecorate” the church. Many hands make light work. Help is needed and appreciated. Thanks for your assistance!
Congregational Meeting
At our congregational meeting in December, we approved the proposed 2026 budget (a copy is available from the church office), elected Perry Luhl to a second, three-year term on council, and heard a report by the Call Committee. The meeting was brief. Many thanks to Rick Moritz for his leadership.
Thank you
The Advent-Christmas season was filled with many opportunities for worship and praise of our Lord. Thanks to all those who made our various experiences joyful and inspiring. We especially thank Sandy, our organist, and Brian, our choir director for leading music during the season. Also, we appreciate the work of Rachael and the Altar Guild members who prepared for each service. Finally, to those who played instruments, sang in the choir, read lessons, lit candles, and ushered guests, you have our deepest thanks as well.
God has blessed us with a wondrous and joyful community of faith. May those blessings continue throughout this new year.
Pastor Dave’s New Book
In November, Pastor Dave published his third book: Journey of the Spirit – A Spiritual Autobiography. Available through Amazon, the book offers the reader an opportunity to reflect on how the Spirit has been active and alive in their life as they hear about how the Spirit has been present with Pastor Dave during his life. Through it, Pastor Dave hopes that the reader will discover for her-or-himself where, when, and through whom the Spirit provided counsel, comfort, compassion, and companionship for them.
This is the third of Pastor Dave’s books. Previous titles include: Thy Will be Done in Me – Living the Lord’s Prayer – devotional based on the Lord’s Prayer (Xlibris Publishing), and Give Us This Day – Living Each Day to the Lord – a guide for daily living. These are also available from Amazon.