Thank you for joining us for self-guided worship today. Because of the projected snow and ice storm, our church building is closed and we are not gathering on site or on Zoom. For everyone’s safety, no activities will take place in the building, and it is likely the building will remain closed into the early part of the work week.
Today we invite you to worship where you are. You have two options and you are welcome to do either one or both. A recording of an Epiphany season service from last year is posted below. You will also find a beginner-friendly guided prayer experience based on Matthew 4:12–23 posted below.
If you would like to share the experience with others, consider setting up a personal Zoom call and inviting friends, family, or members of your Sunday school class or community circle to join you.
As we prepare, let us hold in prayer those most affected by the storm, especially our neighbors who are vulnerable, and those caring for our wider community throughout the weather event, including
• Crews working to restore power
• Those clearing and treating our roads
• Emergency personnel and medical staff
• Outreach teams responding to people in crisis
• Neighbors helping neighbors
Looking ahead, please plan to join us next Sunday, February 1, at 11:00 a.m. for our Communion service, followed by a church-wide business meeting and lunch. We look forward to being together again and celebrating all that God is doing in and through our church family.
We are holding you in prayer and trust that you will stay safe, warm, and connected in the days ahead.
Continue below for the Guided Colloquy Prayer on this week’s Gospel Lesson, Matthew 4:12–23 and/or the Epiphany season service video.
Guided Colloquy Prayer
An imaginative, gentle conversation with Jesus or someone from today’s Gospel. For individuals, families, or small groups.
What you need: A Bible, a journal or paper, a pen. Optional candle.
Time: About twenty to thirty minutes.
Scripture
- Read Matthew 4:12–23 aloud, slowly.
- If you are with others, invite one person to read clearly.
- If you are alone, consider reading it twice, a little softer the second time.
Prepare your heart
- Sit comfortably. Place your feet on the floor or rest in a seated position that feels steady. Close your eyes or lower your gaze.
- Take three slow breaths. With each breath, remember you are already in God’s loving presence.
- If you wish, light a candle as a simple sign that you are entering prayer.
Enter the story
- Read the passage again. As you listen, picture the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee.
- Notice the sounds of water.
- Notice the feel and smell of the nets.
- See the faces of Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John.
- Hear Jesus say, “Follow me.”
- Let one detail stand out to you.
- Do not force it. Simply notice.
Begin the conversation
- Open your journal.
- Choose one person for a short, written conversation
- Jesus
- Simon Peter
- Andrew
- James or John
- Zebedee, the father who remains with the boat
3. Write the name at the top of the page.
4. Imagine sitting or walking with them by the water.
5. Write a few lines as if you were talking with a trusted friend. Keep it simple and honest.
Try one prompt to get started
Jesus, what do you see in me today that makes you say, “Follow me”
Andrew, what was it like to drop the net so quickly
James or John, what was hardest to leave and what felt unexpectedly easy
Zebedee, how did you experience God as your sons stepped out
1. After you write a question or two, pause.
2. Listen quietly for a moment, then write the response you sense. You are not forcing God’s voice. You are offering your imagination to the Holy Spirit and testing what you hear by what you know of Jesus’ goodness in Scripture.
3. Keep writing back and forth for five to ten minutes.
Listen again
- Close your journal.
- Sit quietly for one full minute. If a word or phrase from the passage returns to you, receive it as a gift.
- If your mind wanders, gently return to your breath and to Jesus’ invitation, “Follow me.”
Respond: Write a short prayer of two or three sentences.
- Name one “net” you sense Jesus inviting you to release today and one step of following you can take this week.
- If you are with others, each person may share one sentence about what they noticed or received.
- Honor that God may be working in different ways in each person.
Closing prayer
Jesus, Light in our darkness, thank you for stepping onto our everyday shoreline. Give us courage to release what we cling to and to follow you with open hands, open calendars, and open hearts. Amen.
Previously Recorded Worship Service
Epiphany Season: January 26, 2025: Scripture John 2:1–11
