January 10th Order of Worship

11 a.m. Traditional Service

Flower Dedication

The sanctuary flowers are given today in loving memory of Donald, Darlene and William Tidball and grandparents given by Ruby Tidball, Donald and William.

January 10th

Greetings Family of God at Union Church!

I suspect that the way that we mark time, especially the turning of the calendar to a new year, does not serve us well emotionally or spiritually! The arrival of the new year, with all its hype, carries the weight of our longings – a weight it cannot bear. Time doesn’t work like that – a magical and dramatic change of fortune, putting behind us all the worries, frustrations, and sufferings of the year past at the stroke of midnight on January 1st! That might work in the world of fiction, in the world of Disney, and Hollywood, and the like, but not in the real world. The events of these past few days remind us that the flow of time remains constant. The burdens of 2020 carry over and are the same as we start 2021: the burdens of loving our neighbors, even and especially those with whom we disagree, politically and otherwise; the challenges of an economy struggling in the face of COVID-19 pandemic; the lifelong pursuit of faithful discipleship and the need for a regular reminder of the Lord’s grace and mercy that undergirds that pursuit.

This past Wednesday, in addition to being a day that will be forever etched in the collective memory of our nation because of the events that took place at the Capitol, is also the day the Church designates the Feast of the Epiphany (this is how the Church marks time!). The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates the revelation of the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. The traditional passage associated with the Epiphany is the story of the Magi’s visit from the Gospel of Matthew. The visit of the Magi depicts the long promised effect of the birth of the Messiah, the embodiment of the Lord’s Glory – God with us. The Magi represent the peoples of the world, being drawn to the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The juxtaposition of these two events on January 6, 2021 (the one a reminder of the vulnerability, limitations and insufficiency of any and every political system, the other a reminder that the true hope of humankind in every time and place is a person, Jesus Christ, and a message of salvation in him alone) is a call to us as disciples to reaffirm what is most important for us. It is a call to be reassured about our hope, as has been the case for the people of God in every century. It is a reminder of our joyous privilege to be a light to the world as the Body of Christ in the midst of the darkness.

This Sunday I’ll invite us to consider the testimony of Simeon from Luke’s Gospel. Simeon’s longings are answered when he holds the baby Jesus in his arms and declares Jesus to be the Glory of Israel and a light to the nations – the epiphany of the Lord. Come and worship with us on Sunday. Come and let the light of Jesus Christ shine; let his life break forth like the dawn of a new day into your heart and life. Come and be renewed in your confidence in the Lord’s love for you, and for His world!

You may join us online or in person as we open the sanctuary back up for those who are comfortable to come in person. Please remember that beginning this Sunday, January 10, worship will begin at 11 a.m. Also, if you come in person, be advised that we will continue to observe the necessary guidelines for health safety. Please wear a mask. We will also have pews in the sanctuary marked off to help worshippers maintain safe distancing as they are seated. You will see instructions as you arrive in the sanctuary.

May your day be blessed with the joy of the Lord’s presence! See you Sunday!

Peace,

Tom

January
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Knitters and Crocheters Outreach

Looking for a mission project? Come and learn how to knit or crochet baby afghans. We just gave 85 baby afghans to Magee Women’s Hospital picked up by Medspeed and delivered to Magee and clinics throughout Alleghany County. They are given to the less fortunate newborns. We thank all of you who continue to give yarn and monetary donations, they are much appreciated. Call Ellen at (724)601-6268 or Loraine at (412) 452-0297.

2021 Offering Envelopes

The 2021 Offering Envelopes are available for pickup in the sanctuary.

Open Flower Calendar Dates

If you would like to purchase flowers to honor or remember a loved one, call the office. $30 check payable to Union Church Deacons [placed in the offering any Sunday]. Flowers can be picked-up in the kitchen after service or donated for delivery to a Union Church member. Remaining available dates for 2021 are January 24th, 31st, April 18th, May 23rd, June 20th, October 24th, 31st, and December 5th.

LOCATION
Union Church of Robinson Twp.
6165 Steubenville Pike
McKees Rocks, PA 15136

Ph: 4127871818
Email: Click Here

Services
Sunday Morning Combined Worship is at 11 a.m.