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Journal Prompts to Welcome 2026

By Pr. Lisa Rygiel

A week or so ago, I had lunch with a friend so we could catch up. She shared with me a practice that she had just completed. She mentally reviewed her 2025 year and made lists of things that she didn’t want to repeat and things that brought her joy. I was suitably impressed, especially with the number of items on her list that brought her joy. I must be doing something wrong!

Then, today, as I was browsing online through the January edition of Living Lutheran magazine, I found an article entitled Journal Prompts to Guide Your Self-reflection. It is intended to help you set your faith intentions for the new year. I guess my friend was onto something! Below is the guidance that Living Lutheran shared:

  • Is there anything you need to forgive yourself or others for? Write it down so you can move forward in the new year.
  • What was the most impactful way you connected with your faith this past year?
  • Take a moment to reflect on 2025. What do you feel energized about from this past year? What drained you? How do you feel about the ways you engaged with your faith?
  • What did you pray for in 2025? How did you see those prayers answered, and were they answered in the way you expected?
  • Thoughtfully consider one word to wrap up your relationship with your faith in 2025. Then think of one word to describe the relationship you’d like to have with your faith in 2026.
  • Think of two goals for 2026—one that is related to your faith and one that is not. Consider ways these goals can relate to each other or work together.
  • This time next year, how do you hope to be looking back on your faith journey? What do you hope to have accomplished?
  • Write out your hopes and prayers for the new year.

January 11 -- 10 a.m. Sunday Worship

Baptism of Our Lord

Announcements

  • Fellowship: Join us after worship in the Fellowship Hall for coffee and conversation.
  • Church Council: Our church council will meet downstairs in the Fellowship Hall after worship on Sunday. All are welcome to attend. If you are interested in serving on the church council this is a good opportunity to attend a meeting and to talk with current council members about their roles and service to Zion’s.
  • The Way Ministry: At 1 p.m. each Sunday, Zion’s welcomes the Way ministry to our Fellowship Hall as they offer food and worship to the unhoused and others in need. Please keep this ministry in your prayers this winter season.
  • Church Directory Updates: Julie Wersal is working on the Zions 2026 Church Directory. She placed a copy of the 2025 directory in a pink binder in the Fellowship Hall. Please take time to look at that directory and make any changes or updates to your information. If you have questions, please talk to Julie.
  • Wednesday Book Club: Pr. Lisa is leading a new Wednesday Book Club beginning with What if Jesus was Serious – A Visual Guide to the Teachings of Jesus We Love to Ignore, by Pr. Skye Jethani. The gist of the book is that if we compare Jesus’ teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, to a quick survey of how Christians live, it becomes apparent that we often ignore much of what he says. The books are available hardcopy or electronically from many online services. The club meets at 10:30 each Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall.
  • Altar Flowers: The 2026 Flower Chart is on the door of the Robing Room in the Sanctuary. Please write your name and a few words identifying your donation. A donation of $35 is requested for flowers.
  • Save the Dates:
    • 18 – At noon, Pr. Lisa will conduct a class entitled Lutheran Basics for new members and anyone who is interested in understanding the basics of the Lutheran faith. Talk to Pr. Lisa for details.
    • 25 – RIC Sunday worship and special fellowship
    • 1 – Annual Congregational Meeting (after worship & potluck)
    • 6-7 – Rev. Dr. Jan Everhart will lead a Women’s Conference at First United Methodist Church in Raton. Topic is the Five Women in Jesus’ Genealogy. Contact Rev. Jan or Pr. Lisa Rygiel for registration information.

 

E-formation – Jan. 11, Baptism of Our Lord

Throughout the Sundays after Epiphany, the lectionary readings feature stories in which Jesus is shown forth as Christ, our Savior. The gospel for this coming Sunday tells of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus and a voice from heaven naming Jesus the Son of God. We who are baptized are also called sons and daughters of God. Come to worship, to remember and celebrate your own baptism.

Matthew 3:13-17

At his baptism, Jesus hears the voice of God, receives the Spirit of God, and is acclaimed Son of God. For Christians, this narrative illumines Christian baptism, when believers also are adopted as children by the name of the triune God.

Isaiah 42:1-9

The first Servant Song is appointed because Christians have seen in it a description of Jesus Christ, the one chosen by God to bring forth justice throughout the world. By baptism, believers are called into the way of Christ to be a new creation, to receive the name of God and become lights in the world.

Acts 10:34-43

This passage from Acts is chosen to coordinate with the gospel from Matthew 3. The sermon put into Peter’s mouth places baptism as the beginning of Christian ministry. All who believe in the name of Jesus receive forgiveness.

Zion's Lutheran Church

zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785