This Sunday falls on New Year’s Eve. For some, this day includes celebration with friends, or being allowed to stay up until midnight as a kid, or watching TV as the ball drops at midnight in New York City's Times Square. It is also a reflective time for many: of the year that is ending, of where we find ourselves in the present, and, perhaps, our hopes and resolutions for the year ahead. It reminds us that we are part of the whole of God’s creation, and that each of us has a role in the sacred dance of past, present and future. This day can be one of those touchpoints when we recognize and reflect on our connection with one another. What role(s) might we play, as individuals and as a community of faith, in that sacred dance?
The scripture passage this Sunday (based on Luke 2:22-40) gives us a glimpse into how Mary and Joseph, devout Jews, raised Jesus in the traditions, beliefs and practices of their faith. They travel, with their infant child, for Jesus’ presentation at the Temple. In the Temple, they meet a devout man. Simeon and the prophet Anna. Both were waiting for many years, preparing for the birth of this child that God had promised. As Biblical scholar, Fred Craddock, wrote about his passage, “God is doing something new, but it is not really new because hope is always joined to memory.”
We will first gather and greet one another. All children are invited to ring us into worship. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us in music. There will also be a Children’s Moment. We will pray and reflect. The scripture passage is from the Gospel according to Luke (Luke 2:22-40). The sermon is titled “The Sacred Dance of Past, Present and Future”.
To connect to our livestream worship Sunday morning, click the link on our website www.smumc.church. The service starts at 10:30am. Livestream starts at 10:25am.