Happy New Year!
As we enter into the New Year, we also enter into a new season:
Epiphany. Nestled between Christmas and Lent, this season tends
to be overlooked, but the themes are very profound. The word
"Epiphany" means "revealing" or "unveiling", and the season
begins on January 6th, where we hear the story of the wise men
following the star to meet the new Messiah, Jesus (Matthew
2:1-12).
The light of that star is a fitting image for this time because
by its light Jesus is revealed to the world. Each week, our
readings will look at how Jesus has been unveiled to the world,
and who this Jesus really is. We hear the story of his baptism,
his miracles, his place in Israel's history, and his ministry.
This is a time that we can spend thinking about who Jesus is to
us, and how his light is entering into our lives and being
revealed. Is it through the care and attention of a friend or
loved one? Is it through a book or in prayer? Is it in the
work that you do? Where is that star shining in your life? And
finally, how can we share that with others? Grace and peace to
you as you discover where Christ's epiphany is revealed in you.
Pastor Aaron Richter
Pastor Aaron will be on vacation from January 4th-10th. If
you need pastoral assistance, please contact Pastor Linda
Thurston of St. Mark's Lutheran at 609-585-7087. Pastor David
Mangiante will be leading worship and preaching on January 10th.
 Taking
Down the Greens- January 10th
We will be taking the decorations for our Christmas
season down on January 10th after worship. Please plan to stick
around to help out. Many hands make light work!
 Fellowship
Night- January 15th
We will continue our Fellowship Night into the New Year
with watching a movie along with sharing a meal together. We
will be watching the movie
"Joshua", which tells the story of a quiet town that has an
unusual visitor. Come out and join us at 6:30!
 Lock-in
for Youth- January 17th-18th
There will be a lock-in for the youth group January
17th-18th for any young people in 6-12 grade. It will be a
great time where we will eat, watch movies, a little Bible
study, and get to know one another, so please plan to attend.
Any questions, talk to Katrina Andrejco or Pastor Aaron.
 Annual
Meeting- January 24th
On January 24th after worship, St. Bartholomew Lutheran
will hold its Annual meeting. This will be a time to review
2009 and look forward to 2010. A letter should be coming soon
with more details including the annual report, which summarizes
the ministry of St. Bartholomew in 2009. Please plan to attend
and learn about the many things that have gone on and will go on
at St. Bart's!
 Winter
Youth Assembly- January 29th-31st
The Synod Senior High Youth Assembly will be January
29th-31st for grades 9-12. The time is focused on getting to
know people, having fun, and experiencing the loving presence of
God! It will be held at Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island. For
more information go
here, or speak to Pastor Aaron.
Interested to see what else is going on at St. Bart's? Check
the
website calendar.
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