On January 6, the church celebrates Epiphany, the story of when the magi (or “wise men”) followed a star to find the Christ child, as detailed in Matthew 2:1-12.

After that day, the Church celebrates a season of light as we remember the stories of Christ’s early ministry, and the revelation of Christ’s light to the world. This season also just so happens to coincide with the days getting longer here in the Northern hemisphere, adding nicely to the effect! This season will end on Fat Tuesday as Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which falls this year on March 2.

As we celebrate this season of light, consider the ways that you might share the light that Christ has given to you. If you can’t think of anything, well, we have some ideas!

IDEA #1: FOOD FOR FRIENDS
Food for Friends Volunteers Wanted
“A feel-good job” is how our volunteers describe the work they do. And, with a requirement of just a few hours one Saturday a month, it’s an easy commitment to keep (and if you can’t make it on a given month, it’s OK!). We are adding to our current rotation of volunteers, with these jobs available

• Kitchen prep (8:30 – 11:30)
• Packing Coordinator (8:30 – 11:30, plus planning work)
• Packing Assistants (8:30 – 11:30)
• Driver Coordinator (10:30 – 1pm, plus planning work – computer skills required)
• Delivery Driver (11 am – 1 pm)
• Kitchen clean-up (10:00 am – 12 pm)
• Substitute chef (2 or 3 times a year)
• Program manager (Oversees all functions, could combine with Packing or Driver Coordinator role – computer skills required)

If you are interested in volunteering, or want more information, please contact program manager Charlotte Buijnarowski at 413-374-6022. Food for Friends is a group of volunteers from Center Church, Our Savior Lutheran Church, United Methodist Church, LifePoint Church, Morning Star Baptist Church, and the South Hadley Democratic Town Committee. We prepare and deliver an average of 100 meals one weekend a month to home-bound elderly clients in the South Hadley and Granby communities. Our clients are generally also clients of the Meals on Wheels program, which delivers meals only on weekdays – creating a significant gap on the weekends. While we share our client list with three other churches who cover the remaining weekends of the month, Food for Friends is solely responsible for all other aspects of our program including organizing our volunteers and generating funding through donations and grants to purchase the food and packaging materials.

IDEA #2: MUTUAL MINISTRY
The mutual ministry team serves as a link between the congregation and the pastor, helping the pastor set the covenant with the congregation each year with a list of priorities, helping to set Pastor’s compensation for each year, and generally fielding concerns from both the pastor and the congregation. We’re looking for new members! If you’re interested in joining this important committee which meets about four times per year, talk to Pastor Anna or Laurie Stawicki. 

IDEA #3: DO SOME YOGA (it’s not too late to join in!)
When: Mondays 4:30-5:30pm Starting January 10 – February 14^th
Where: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 319 Granby Road, South Hadley MA

Serenity Yoga is partnering with Our Savior’s Lutheran Church to provide a Free 6-week beginner yoga series. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church received grant monies which are being leveraged to bring the practice of yoga to community members that have not yet had the chance or opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga. The practice of yoga can help reduce stress, ease pain, increase flexibility, strength, and balance, and improve overall health.  This beginner course, taught by Michele Lyman, Owner of Serenity Yoga, is fun, safe and comfortable for students who’ve never done yoga before, are beginners, or have done yoga before but would like to return to the basics. Reserve your spot by going to: https://serenityyogastudio.net/beginnerseries. 
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Christ’s blessings to you, however you choose to share your light this season, from all of us here at Our Savior’s!