Blessed Epiphany!

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Always on January 6th, Epiphany is the day the Wise Men come to greet the newborn king! In this way, Christmas is bookended with the shepherds and the wise men. The main themes in Epiphany include Christ's baptism, His first miracle at Cana, global unity under God, stars, and revelation. The first Sunday following Epiphany is Baptism of our Lord Sunday. This is typically a day of baptisms (as we will have this year!). Depending on the Easter calendar, the number of Sundays following Epiphany varies but it always ends with the Feast of the Transfiguration (when Christ is on the mountain with three of his disciples and He is transfigured/revealed before them). The Wednesday following the Transfiguration is always Ash Wednesday, starting Lent.


Be sure to join us in worship on Epiphany Day at 6:00PM!


On this page you will find:

-our parish Devotional

-each church's Giving Tree

-Kid's activities

-Advent Videos/archived videos

-and pictures of the churches!


Devotional: advent_devotional2020.pdf

House Blessing

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Epiphany 2021

It is custom that around Epiphany (always Jan. 6) we pray to God to bless us and keep us in his grace throughout the new year. We gather around the main entrances of our homes, nursing home rooms, hospital rooms, churches, and ask God's blessing on these dwellings and on all who live or visit there.

 

Below is a service you can hold by yourself or with your friends and family! Chalk is available in the drop-off bins outside both churches. It was given as part of the children’s Sunday School goody bags as well! Examples of “chalking the door” are below.

 

The Leader's part (L) can change from person to person or remain the same person.

 

L: Peace be to this house and to all who enter here.

 

L: A reading from Proverbs: "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."

 

L: Let us pray: Gracious God, as a shining star once guided the magi to the birthplace of the infant Jesus, so enable those who dwell here to be your light in the world; through Jesus Christ we pray.   C: Amen.

 

Using chalk (hence, "Chalking the Door"), people are invited to inscribe on the the horizontal frame above the door with the inscription shown below. The letters C M B come from the Latin "Christus Mansionem Benedicat" which means "May Christ bless this dwelling!" It is also ascribed by tradition to be the names for the "three kings" -- Caspar, Melchior & Balthazar.

 

Each person is afforded a turn to make one or more of the marks. The year (2021) is bookended on either side of the blessing. In between each marking is a little cross that signifies our salvation:

 

20 + C + M + B + 21

 

L: A reading from Isaiah: "The effect of righteousness is peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and quiet places."

 

People may join hands or extend their hands outward and upward for the prayers (however you feel comfortable praying):

 

L: Let us pray: Sovereign God, we pray that you will bless this home and all who live here with your gracious presence, that your love may be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our light, and your peace our benediction; through Jesus Christ we pray. C: Amen.

 

L: Lord, remember your children and teach us to pray (pray the Lord's Prayer):

C: Our Father...

 

People make the sign of the cross in remembrance of their baptism.

 

L: May the Lord watch + over our going out and our coming in, from this time forth and forevermore.  C: Amen.

Baptism of Elias Bowe!

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Elias Michael Alexander Bowe will be baptized for Baptism of our Lord!


We give thanks to God and the Bowe (Tesch) family for this miracle. 

Parents: Orianna Marie Bowe (Tesch) and Mitchel Robert Bowe

Godparents: Chad and Kendra Bowe
Brother: Griffin Steven Robert Bowe

Giving Tree

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Pilgrim and Bethany separately collected presents for anonymous families in our community for Christmas and the generosity has been outstanding!!! Thank you to all who have given! If you missed this year's Giving Tree  do not worry--there will be more ways to give of yourself in the weeks to come. For now, know that several families will enjoy a happy Christmas. 

Christmas Tree Donated by Stiemann Family!

Talk about a "Giving Tree"! We give thanks for the  Stiemann Family for donating a gorgeous, massive Christmas tree for the front of Bethany! 

Thank you, Phil and Sheryl, for sharing the gift that represents hope and life! Thank you to the Kosloski and Lindquist families for putting up the lights! Thank you to Formanak and Bryant families for donating the lights!

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Kids Activities!

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Families are encouraged to gather around their devotionals to learn about God and pray. A great Advent devotional for kids is Journey to the Manger.  There is a section for adults to read to their young ones and then a corresponding puzzle section for youths grade 3-6th. It also includes a foldable Advent map with stickers! Check it out: Journey to the Manger Book.


Sunday Dec. 13 is Santa Lucia Day! Print this Lucia crown out (Lucia_Crown_For_Print_1.jpg and talk about the importance of light with your family! Why is Jesus called The Light of the World? Read John 1!


Any Advent Calendar is great for kids to learn about the patience and hope of Advent. Join us on Sunday and Wednesday evenings at 6PM as we light our Advent Wreaths and Pastor Emily will have something fun for the kids to do!


Read along with Pastor Emily and the Church Mice as we all learn about Advent and Christmas and Epiphany! See below in the video section!

Advent Videos

The Bible Project is a YouTube channel that features awesome  graphic videos for people of all ages to enjoy. The series below is their Advent Series. Check out this amazing non-profit org at bibleproject.com

We are very grateful for their work and ministry!


The Sundays of Advent in order: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. 

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