Pastor Mary Dotson
Happy, Happy New Year, friends! Do you have your 2025 New Year’s resolutions in place? I used to make a list in my journal every year. It was my practice before the first of January to reflect on the previous 12 months and consider what areas of my life needed to be strengthened. And then I’d make a list of five areas to work on. Of course, it always included exercise and diet. But I would always include a special goal, like take a pottery class, attend a concert every month, or special time with my grandchildren. As it turned out, I always accomplished the special goal, but not the exercise and diet resolutions. Guilt and shame would set in and no one likes to feel like a loser.
About 10 years ago I let go of the need to have New Year’s resolutions and focused on something that felt more spiritual for me: Star Words! A Star Word is connected to the star that guided the magi to Jesus. Epiphany, the day we celebrate the magi, marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas and is always on Jan. 6. This year at Vista de la Montaña United Methodist Church we will celebrate Epiphany on Sunday, Jan. 5 and will offer a Star Word to attendees. Just as the magi followed a star long ago, we too can be guided by our Star Word for the coming year. As folks come to worship, they will be invited to randomly choose a star without knowing the word printed on the reverse side.
The star is a metaphor to the Magi’s journey of discovery. Unsure exactly what they would find, the Magi let the spirit guide them. Similarly, in church we will let the Spirit nudge people towards a word, allowing a star word to choose them. Once everyone has a star, I will invite them to keep the star someplace special, someplace they will see it throughout 2025—wherever they will notice it regularly so it can serve as a guide. For some, the word they choose will have meaning immediately. For others, the meaning may emerge over the coming months.
If you are interested in a Star Word, but not able to attend worship on Jan. 5, feel free to call or come to the church office and our receptionist will gladly share a Star Word with you.
It’s my prayer that as folks receive God’s gift in the form of a word, they will allow it to guide them/inspire them and maybe even challenge them in throughout the year.
Star Words will be available after Jan. 5. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; we are closed between noon and 1 p.m. for lunch. Call 520-825-1985 to learn more. Vista UMC is located at 3001 E. Miravista Lane in Catalina, west of Oracle Rd. just south of Golder Ranch Rd.