Question: What exactly is Epiphany? I’ve heard people talk about it, but no one has ever explained it to me.
#1 What is it?
Epiphany is an ancient Christian festival. The observation of Epiphany dates back even earlier even than the celebration of Christmas, possibly as early as the 100s AD in Egyptian communities. It is traditionally observed on January 6th, but the precise reason why it this day is shrouded in mystery. Some say that it was introduced to replace the celebration of various pagan feasts, or even the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, that were celebrated around January 5th and 6th with a Christian counterpart.
The word epiphany itself comes from Greek, and concerns the visitation of a king or emperor. Eastern Churches call Epiphany by a different name, Theophany, which means manifestation. Either name appropriately communicates the theme of the appearing, or manifestation of Christ to the world.[1] Epiphany is when we celebrate this appearing.
#2 Major Themes
The major theme that permeates this season is that it seeks to answer the questions: Who is Jesus? How did He reveal Himself? These questions have been answered, historically, through a number of particular readings from the four Gospels. As the church moves through the Epiphany season, each week gives a different glimpse of Christ’s identity as revealed in scripture.
- The Visit of the Magi (Matt 2)- In which Christ is manifested to the nations, as represented by the Wise men. This is the traditional Gospel reading for Epiphany. Following the light of a star in the sky, the Christ is revealed to the Gentiles. Revealing that He came for ALL people.
- The Baptism of Jesus (Matt 3)- In which Christ is manifested as the Father announces His Sonship. Here we see the whole Trinity revealed, along with the identification of Jesus as God the Son.
- The Wedding at Cana (John 2)- In which Christ’s power is revealed as He performs His first miraculous sign, by turning water into wine.
- The Transfiguration- In which Jesus manifests/reveals His glory on the mountain to Peter, James and John.
It is fitting that Epiphany immediately follows the Christmas season. In fact, as we shall see, the line distinguishing Christmas and Epiphany is often blurry in the early church. This is understandable as the Nativity is a perfect example of the appearing, or manifestation, of Christ to the world! Vicar Woodside
STUDY THE PSALMS
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2
The book of Psalms is filled with wonderful insights and guidance for living as a child of God. Martin Luther says of the Psalms, “The Psalter ought to be a precious and beloved book, if for no other reason than this: it promises Christ’s death and resurrection so clearly – and pictures his kingdom and the condition and nature of all Christendom – that I might well be called a little Bible.”
Beginning on February 10, we will study the book of Psalms in our Sunday morning Bible study. A few of the types of Psalms about which we will learn are Wisdom Psalms, Messianic (focused on Christ) Psalms, Laments, Psalms of praise, Psalms of trust, Psalms of creation. You will learn the categories of Psalms and the appropriate times to pray them. Plan to join us as we study this wonderful book.
CHRIST’S CARE FOR CHILDREN: KENYA
Christ’s Care For Children: KENYA is a child sponsorship program that is directly linked to the Project 24 sites in Kenya. It is through care and compassion for these children that they receive safe housing, food, education, and spiritual care. Shepherd of the Valley is supporting Christ’s Care For Children: KENYA during the first quarter of 2019. 1% of plate offerings has been designated to support this important mission. Micheal Henke visited Kenya a number of years ago and will share information about Project 24 and Christ’s Care For Children: KENYA on Sunday, February 3 during the Education Hour.
LWML PRAYER SERVICE SCHEDULED
The LWML Prayer Service will take place on Saturday, February 9, 9:00 AM at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mandan.
HANG OUT TO EXPLORE ESCAPE ROOM
The Hang Out group will gather on Tuesday, February 19, 6:00 PM at Bethel Lutheran Church. Bring a dish to pass and share for dinner. THEN… we accept the challenge attempt to break free from the Escape Room developed for a scheduled youth event on Friday, February 22.
PRAYERS FOR LEGISLATURE
Pastor Wolfgram will offer the Invocation for legislative sessions on February 5 and 19. Sessions begin at 1:00 PM each day. Pastor will be present with the ND House of Representatives on February 5 and on the floor of the Senate on February 19. You are welcome to watch on line by going to: https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/66-2019.
ESCAPE ROOM YOUTH EVENT
Bethel Lutheran Church is hosting an ESCAPE ROOM for youth in grade 6-12 on Friday, February 22. Vicar Woodside has teamed with others to create a challenging course where groups will have one hour to break free. More details about this youth event will be released in the coming weeks. Be sure to get this one on your calendar.
“MAIN STREET LIVING” MEDIA MINISTRY
FEBRUARY UPDATE
We are encouraged and thankful to hear from an increasing number of people who are watching “MAIN STREET LIVING”! Please continue to share information about this TV & INTERNET ministry with your friends and family! ALSO continue to introduce and/or remind all WDAY “XTRA” CHANNEL viewers that they can now watch at 10:00am Central (9:00am Mountain) each Sunday. FOX network stations continue to air at 9:00am Central time Sundays.
We thank all of the congregations and individual members who have faithfully supported MSLN financially over our first two years! A reminder of the matching funds offer from the Main Street Living NETWORK continues until $16,000 of new donations are received! To add your much needed financial support, checks may be sent to “Main Street Living NORTH”, 821-5th Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58103, or donate by Credit Card or your PayPal account. Thank you and God’s blessing in Christ!
“Main Street Living North” for February 2019:
All February worship services are being led by pastors from our recent expansion into the western half of the ND District.
We will return to alternating between the ND and MN North Districts again in March.
February 3: Rev. Matt Thompson, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND, and St. John’s Lutheran Church, McClusky, ND, presents the message: “Healing in Body and Soul” based on Luke 4:31-44. Today’s This Is The Life program is “Point of No Return”.
February 10: Vicar Brock Schmeling, Zion Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND, presents the message: “Lord, save your people of unclean lips” based on Isaiah 6:5. Today’s This Is The Life program is “Mr. Big”.
February 17: Vicar Justin Woodside, Bethel Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND, and Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND, delivers today’s message: “The Truly Blessed” based on Luke 6:20-26. Today’s This Is The Life program is “The Day We Lost Ella Mae ”.
February 24: Rev. Toby Heller, Concordia Lutheran Church, Beulah, ND, and Zion Lutheran Church, Glen Ullin, ND, presents the message: “The Firstfruit of Those Who Have Fallen Asleep” based on I Cor. 15:21-26, 30-42. Today’s This Is The Life program is “Out of Bondage”.
“MAIN STREET LIVING” is a locally produced TV program that includes a 30 minute worship service led by participating pastors of the North Dakota and Minnesota North Districts of our LCMS, along with a 30 minute Lutheran Hour program (normally “This Is The Life”, along with occasional church-season specials). Programs are broadcast KBMY Xtra Channel 17.3 (ch. 594) Bismarck/Dickinson– as well as the cable and satellite systems carrying these stations, some of which may have a different channel number, and archived on www.mainstreetliving.com.
| BAPTISMAL BIRTHDAYS
Matthew Kalonick 2/15 Norm Sorge 2/16 Fred Hartlieb 2/17 Keaton Davis 2/19 Max Nelson 2/20 Jesse Kitzman 2/21 Linda Houfek 2/22 Tyre Leapaldt 2/22 Carter Davis 2/23 Corrine Aukland 2/23 Luella Richter 2/26
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| FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
Tyre Leapaldt Muriel Espinoza Paige Spomer Reagan Dever Daniel Dinger Matthew Lapp Arianna Roll Sara Behrens Timothy Maloney Gavin Vannett Dick Dever Anita Neels Bill Prokopyk Jacob P. Fetzer Zeva Burkhardsmeier Miranda Albrecht Henry Harling Pam Dever Cindy Olson Ruby Reiner Cody Maloney |
| February Elders
Feb 1-15 Ken Purdy Feb 16-31 Steve Reiman
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| THE PURPOSE OF SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH IS TO PROVIDE SPIRITUAL NURTURE THROUGH WORD AND SACRAMENT, LIVE THE FAITH AND REACH INTO THE COMMUNITY WITH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. |
| FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES
Mark & Anita Neels 02/14/15 Jeremy & Becky Gildea 02/20/10 Norm & Clair Sorge 02/21/70
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February Ushers 2019
*Feb 3 Don Geinger & John Hoffman 815am
Leon Lippert & Cheryl Purdy 1045am
Feb 10 Rob Burkhardsmeier & Kevin Brockel 815am
Curt Krecklau & Dan Jackson 1045am
*Feb 17 Eliot Reinke & Craig Helm 815am
Kari Kramer & Laith Hintz 1045am
Feb 24 Micheal Henke & Lonny Lang 815am
Greg & Melvin Sutheimer 1045am
February Greeters 2019
*Feb 3 Lowell & Corrin Fahrni 815am
Walter & Bernice Rehling 1045am
Feb 10 Marion Meske 815am
Bridget & Arianna Roll 1045am
*Feb 17 Wayne & Joy Doll 815am
Tony Aukland 1045am
Feb 24 Becky & Jeremy Gildea 815am
Bob & Heather Ziebarth & Lily 1045am
February Acolytes 2019
*Feb 3 Gabe Lawyer 815am
Max Nelson 1045am
Feb 10 Hunter Peterson 815am
Reagan Dever 1045am
*Feb 17 Miranda Albrecht 815am
Lindsey Watson 1045am
Feb 24 Blake Nelson 815am
Kallen Hintz 1045am
[1] Pfatteicher, 111