A Message from Pastor Dianne

To the People of God at Harwich  UMC,

We are in the liturgical season of EPIPHANY for the entire month of February. Some years there are only a few weeks between 12^th Night and Lent, and this year we have a rather significantly long season of Epiphany which began January 6th and will continue to March 1^st.  The last days of Epiphany are celebrated with observances of great extravagance in some parts of the country including the observance of Mardi Gras! Fat Tuesday is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday,

You know what an epiphany is:  a moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way…..

The Epiphany of God is revealed in the Christ child and the announcement to the entire world by the Star and the Magi acknowledging him.  Jesus is revealed to the people at the Jordan River when he is baptized and the voice of God declares him God’s Son. Jesus takes on the prophetic mission statement of liberation from Isaiah in the synagogue in Nazareth [see Luke 4:14-21] revealing himself as the Messiah.  In this cold time of year we are encouraged to warm the places where we live with God’s Good News that All are welcome, All are precious.  All creation was Beloved by its Creator God and deserves Respect and Inclusion in the Abundance of life.  Epiphany is God’s celebration of Life in Community!

I pray for you the fullness of God’s Epiphany during the coming month: a moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way…..

Peace in the Love of the Lord,
Pastor Dianne

PS I thank you for the generous Christmas gift to our family.  Both Gerry and JP will celebrate birthdays this month and we all look for opportunities to grow in faith as well as age!