This Sunday in church we will celebrate the “Baptism of Jesus” and will renew our own baptismal vows -- one of which is to resist evil and injustice in whatever forms they may present themselves. I invite you to think of that vow this week as we prepare our hearts to recommit to it on Sunday during worship. What does that mean for you as a person and for us as a collective? The opportunities are endless, so we will really need to find what really tugs at your heart. If it is communal, please do share with me.

I hope and trust that your holidays were pleasant, rewarding and peaceful. I know that holidays can be a tough time (as can be winter!) so if you ever need to talk, feel free to reach out! I have a couple of opportunities to share from ONE Northside.

With the new year having arrived and all the resolutions being made, I thought I’d wander back on over to Japan for my linguistic fun this week; ikigai is a word that was popularized in the 60s in Japan, meaning ‘purpose in life’ or ‘reason for living’ or something along those lines. It seemed appropriate for a time when we’re all examining habits and ideas and ideals we wish to keep and which we wish to break.