We don't see many checks anymore. So, I wonder what today's equivalent is of writing the wrong year for the first few weeks of a new year. Whatever it is, I hope you're settling into your routines and finding joy along the way.

This weekend is Baptism of the Lord Sunday. We'll recall Jesus' baptism and remember what our baptism means to us and the world. Do you remember when you were baptized? Do you have pictures or memories of that day? Let's focus on what it means to be baptized and ask God to help us live into our calling. 

Next weekend, we're starting a 3-week worship series over the 3 general rules for Methodists: Do no harm; do good; stay in love with God. Over those 3 weeks, we'll reconsider how those rules fit into our modern life and what kind of ministry they help us build. 

Also, we're starting the 4th season of The Chosen next week. Every Wednesday at 10am, we'll read a passage from the Bible that relates to each episode, watch the episode, and then discuss how we see the Bible come alive through it. If you're available, join us. 

And just a heads up. I'm going to ask everyone to bring their offering to the front this weekend. It's part of a congregational reaffirmation of faith. Have a great rest of the week!

Stay blessed...john

P.S. This Sunday is also Noisy Offering. 

This weekend, I mentioned a professor who recommends bird watching to his students. Believe it or not, it's a way to learn to pay better attention to God. So, I thought it'd be helpful to share some tips with you. Also, a few people raised their hands on Sunday when I asked if there were any birdwatchers at Kelsey. Is that a Kelsey birdwatching group I hear coming along?

What happens when we learn to truly pay attention to God’s presence? In Matthew 2, the Magi see what others miss, showing us that God is not absent, but that our attention shapes our direction.

This message invites us to ask a better question than “What should I do better?” Instead: What have I been missing?