Note from Pastor Jana Even though the calendar has already turned, the season of Epiphany invites us to keep paying attention—to notice how God is still revealing light, guidance, and meaning in our everyday lives. Your Christmas decorations may still be up, the sanctuary still glowing, and the story of Christ’s birth still fresh in our hearts. Epiphany reminds us that God is not finished speaking once the season changes. One of the ways we lean into this listening is through the practice of Star Words. Star Words are a simple Epiphany tradition. Each person receives a paper star with a single word printed on it—a word meant to be carried, pondered, and prayed with throughout the year. The word is not chosen or curated. It is received. Sometimes the word feels immediately right; other times it feels confusing, even inconvenient. That tension can be holy ground. These words are not fortune-telling or self-help slogans. They are invitations. Like the star that guided the magi, a single word can draw our attention toward Christ and help us notice where God might be moving in our lives. For example, if your word is integrity, God may be inviting you to pay attention to alignment—between your values and your actions, your faith and your choices. You might notice moments when integrity is easy, and moments when it costs something. The word may show up in unexpected places: a conversation, a decision, a Scripture passage that suddenly feels personal. If your word is laugh, it may be a reminder that joy and holy play matter. God might be nudging you to take yourself a little less seriously, to notice delight, to make room for lightness in a season that has felt heavy. Laughter, too, can be a form of grace. Other words might call you toward courage, patience, rest, mercy, or hope. Over time, the word may deepen, shift, or surprise you. What matters is not “figuring it out,” but living with the word—holding it in prayer, watching how it weaves itself into your days. Star Words invite us into a rhythm of listening and trust: Trusting that God speaks in many ways; Noticing how a simple word can open our eyes; Listening for the Spirit in both the ordinary and the unexpected. As we move through Epiphany and beyond, may your Star Word continue to shine— quietly, steadily—guiding you toward deeper awareness of God’s presence in your life. In Christ, Pastor Jana
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