It has been a while.. Linda has just blogged here…
https://linda-with-an-i.blogspot.com/2020/02/star-words.html
Here’s a copy:
This year at Athelstone Uniting Church I have introduced Star Words.
In the church calendar, this is the season of Epiphany. In remembering that night long ago when God used a star to reveal the newborn Christ to the world to the wise men (magi) and to all of us, I gave each person their own star.
Each star has a different word and was randomly selected out of a basket.
I invited everyone to journey with their star all year long – to see where the word moves them in prayer, pushes or pulls them in faith, and how it opens their hearts to God’s call on their lives. I encouraged them to ponder what significance it might have in their life, and how God might be speaking to them through it. I told them to expect to be challenged and stretched and to expect God to lead them to places they never expected through this word!
This isn’t an original idea. A growing number of church communities have been doing it for some time. Read what Kristin Stroble says about Star Words here.
Over the last two weeks there has been a buzz around our congregation as people have shared their words with one another. Some have quietly smiled to themselves, some have laughed out loud, some have been a little disturbed, some puzzled. The process was designed to be completely random, yet the words in so many cases have been such a good fit. I can’t wait to hear how God will work through these words in our community and beyond.
I received a Star Word too. Mine is Thankfulness. My plan is to blog about my Star Word as much or as little as I am able this year.
Star Word Entry 1
Today I had an impromptu lunch with a delightful friend who I haven’t seen in way too long. We had a lovely conversation and I left with a deep sense of joy and love and being loved.
Just now, as I reflected on this, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for all the people and those relationships that I have in my life. My husband, family, close friends, new friends, old friends, colleagues, mentors and mentorees.. all are a blessing to me in so many different ways.
Each one brings a smile to my face as I think of shared memories, laughter and tears.
For this I am so Thankful.
Do you have a Star Word?
I would love to hear your reflections as the year progresses. What insights have you received? Please email them to me:
minister@athelstonechurch.org.au
Would you like your own Star Word?
Email me and I’ll ‘draw one out’ for you.
Blessings,
Linda