In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
-Matthew 2:1-12

20/20. What one normally sees at 20 feet. Perfect vision, or rather, normal vision, the standard for human capacity to perceive.

However, this assumes that perception and division are the same thing. I know better. I am sure you do too. How many times have I looked for my car keys over and over again only to find them laying in plain sight? How many times has a comment by someone who knows me well opened my own inner eye to inner truth that had not yet been seen?

This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany. The word evokes the uncovering or revealing of light, or truth – the truth about Jesus. During Epiphany season we are going to be looking at ways that our stories and Scripture’s stories revealed the nature of Christ in the world. During this Epiphany season all the way to Ash Wednesday, we will be looking at what the Scriptures say about Jesus and how the story of Jesus shines light on our own stories. We begin with the story of wisemen from the east revealing the nature of the baby born in Bethlehem.

We can all tell our own Epiphany stories. These are moments when the truth of Jesus shone light on our past, revealed truth, or opened up a path forward. If you have a story you would like to share, please email it to Father Paul. It may be worked into one of the Epiphany sermons.

The Rev. Paul Moore
Priest at St. Paul’s (email)

“One thing this year of pilgrimage and my sabbatical of pilgrimage have taught me is that with each step, we are changed. We arrive at every new turn or hill or stream new and different. Each day we leave behind the person we were yesterday.”

Bishop Rickel shares his thoughts and reflections on our year of listening and discernment, and he gives his decision to the diocese about his next steps on the road ahead. (transcript)

Emergency Preparedness
St. Paul’s Emergency Preparedness Team has some information on what you can do and who you can call in the event of a power outage at your home. Volunteers are willing to drive and pick up anyone who would otherwise be able to due to poor conditions or night driving. Contact Sandy McDougall (alecsandym@gmail.com or 360-630-9405) for more information.

POWER OUTAGE – WARM HOMES
Call first! All the volunteers will pick you up as needed.
Alec & Sandy McDougall: (360) 424-6510 or (360) 630-9405 at 16387 Calhoun Rd. – Beds, 2 Queen & 2 – 4” pads.
Andy & Bonnie Schuh: (949) 735-9895 or (949) 735-6289 at 405 S. 9th street – Beds 1 T & 1 D.
Margie Lauer: (425 )248-9336 – 23840 Nookachamp Hills Dr. – Bed 1 Q.
Barbara Cheyney: (360) 391-3899 – 2521 Stonebridge Way – Beds 2 T.
You may call the McDougalls 24/7.

Safe Food without Electricity:
A full refrigerator will maintain safe temperatures for up to 6 hours. A full freezer will maintain safe temperatures for 2 days, and a half-full one for 1 day. Frozen foods that are still somewhat frozen are still safe. If in doubt, throw it out. The most potentially hazardous foods are meat, dairy products, eggs, soft cheeses, cooked, beans, potatoes, pasta, custards, and puddings. Some food may not be hazardous but the quality may be affected; salad dressings, mayonnaise, produce, hard cheeses, etc. Foods that are safe: ketchup, mustard, relishes, jams, peanut butter, barbecue sauces, bottled beverages, etc.

Gimme Shelter – A Tasty, Musical, Friend & Fund Raiser
January 4, 2020 • 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Lincoln Theater, 712 S 1st St, Mt Vernon, WA. Come mingle and enjoy a night of musical fun, tasty treats & local art. To support our neighbors on our southern border*.
*Proceeds To Benefit: Madre Assunta Shelter for Women and Children & Al Otro Lado Legal Services in Tijuana Mexico

Holy Day Schedule
Epiphany Eucharist: This Sunday, January 5, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

Choir
Choir practice for the month of January 2020 is on the 9th and 23rd at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Parish Annual Meeting Reports
Our Parish Annual Meeting will be held Sunday, January 19, 2020 following the 9:30 a.m. worship service. Please plan to join us for this opportunity to celebrate and reflect on what we have done and to pray our way forward together. Your reports are due by January 10, 2020 via email to stpaulmv@comcast.net. Thank you for all you do!

Serving This Sunday: January 2, 2020
8:00 a.m. Epiphany Eucharist
Presider: The Reverend Paul Moore
E.M.: Margaret Bird

9:30 a.m. Epiphany Eucharist
Presider: The Reverend Paul Moore
Music Director: Pam Pryor
E.M.: Mary Ann Taylor
E.V.: Bob Johnson
Greeters: Paul & Judy Thompson
Lectors: Alec & Sandy McDougall
*Coffee Hour: The Fredericks
Counters: Susan Cooper, Alec McDougall
Sound: Ben Worrell

E.M. is Eucharistic Minister.
E.V. is Eucharistic Visitor.
* Sign-up sheet is in the Parish Hall.