Midweek Message from Rev. Aaron Baughman (1/20/21)

A Midweek Message 
Hello everyone at St Paul,

I hope you enjoy using the attached activity over the next few week. Blessings to all of you!in the name of Jesus, Rev. Aaron BaughmanIT’S SOUP…ER BOWL TIME!!   
We’re collecting SOUP for the LSS Food Pantry. Pease bring the soup (prefer cans) to the inside bin at church or a collection bin located in Rehbecks’ carport. Last year we collected almost 1000, let’s do our best to help out. Thank you.At-Home Communion for Everyone 
Would you like to participate in communion from home?
 St. Paul is now offering at home communion to everyone who is worshiping from home. Simply send an email to Jeanine at jeanine_secretary@sbcglobal.net or call her at 614-563-3230 to sign up communion kits will be blessed by Rev. Aaron before distribution. Be sure to note how many people are in your family. Our next installment will be for the season after Epiphany.  If you are interested in helping with distribution please let us know!
 An Epiphany Activity: Star Word Prayer Practice Attached to this email you will see a link to star word. In a time when many of us are at a loss for words, I hope these star words will help lead you in prayer. “The use of star words, also called “star gifts,” is a prayer practice connected to Epiphany and the new year that has been growing in popularity in Protestant churches for nearly a decade now. The idea is that a list of intention words, or guiding words, are written or printed on paper stars. Individuals are often encouraged to place their star word somewhere they will see it regularly throughout the year to allow consistent reflection on how God has moved through, around, or in connection to that word. (A Sanctified Art)” Here are some ideas on how to use your word in prayer: Look up the definition of your word, even if it is a word you know well. You may even look into the etymology of the word and how its meaning has changed throughout history. If you drew a non-English word, do as much research as you can into the meaning of the word in its original culture.
 What does this word remind you of? Does it recall any memories or experiences? How might God be speaking to you through this word?
 See if you can find your word—or a synonym—in the Bible. What scripture passages can you find? How is the word used in these passages? Are there other scripture passages that remind you of your word?Write or speak aloud a prayer using your word.  

 How to use star words in your daily prayer life at home:Begin by cutting out the list of words that are included. Place them face down on a table and shuffle them up. Pick a word. Now follow one of the prayer practices above. You can pull one word a day, or for each time you pray.  .  There Are Several Theological Statements Being Made in this Tradition:1. The Magi followed a star, which ultimately led them to Jesus. Therefore, we too use all the resources we have available to us—including creative prayer practices and intention words for the new year—to move closer to Jesus.  2. We trust that God uses multiple ways to guide us and speak to us. Star words are one such lens that might provide us a way to look for God in our midst, both actively and in hindsight.  3. We trust that it is often easy to miss God in our daily midst. Having an intention word to consider both in present days, as well as to reflect on at the end of the year, allows for us to see God in ways we may not have seen God before. This is the greatest gift.  4. We know that the most common prayer practice for many involves speaking to God as opposed to silence or contemplation. We believe that star words invite a new prayer rhythm of reflection and review that can be a powerful new way to connect with God.5. By not looking or sorting through the star words at their selection, we practice the spiritual task of receiving. It is not we who are in control at this moment. Instead, we trust that God is present, and we let go of our desire to cultivate or control. 
   Star Words are adapted by Rev Aaron Baughman from Sarah Are | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org.



CLICK LINK BELOW:Star Word’s Activity PDF
This Sunday will be livestream ONLYInstructions to watch Live StreamYou don’t have to watch it live.
You can watch it anytime during or after the service.You can go to youtube.com and search: “St. Paul Lutheran Church New Rome, OH” You can subscribe and get an email when we are live. It is also posted on our website and Facebook page.Facebook-www.facebook.com/stpaullutherancolumbusohiochurch website: http://stpaulnewrome.com
By Ryan Kennedy | January 20, 2021 | Uncategorized |