Blog Layout

Three Kings Day and Baptism of Our Lord in the Caribbean

Marissa Becklin

Celebrating with Global Lutherans

The liturgical season immediately following Christmas is one that often feels overlooked. December is filled with the “hurry up and wait” of Advent, the anticipation of Christmas, and too quickly our world is ready to put away the trappings of Christmas and to move to the next commercially observed holiday. Already on January 2nd I had valentines advertised to me online! 


What this rush from Christmas to Valentine’s misses, of course, is that Christmas is actually twelve days. Our observation of the birth of Jesus does not end on December 26; it spans all the way to January 6 (Epiphany). And as I mentioned in last month’s newsletter article, Epiphany is a beautiful celebration of the revelation of Christ’s love not just to Jews and people of Israel, but to the whole world–the Gentiles, too. This day is a reminder that the limitations and boundaries we put on love, equality, and justice in this world are man-made restrictions, and are not of God. 


In the continental US we tend to miss this holiday, not often observing it in a meaningful way. But in Puerto Rico, where I spent January 6 this year, Three Kings Day is a day to be honored and celebrated. Most of the stores in San Juan were closed on this day, because shopkeepers and families were celebrating the morning at home with their families. The streets were decorated with symbols of the three kings (see pictures). The basilica in town was packed with people for a noon service with the bishop presiding over worship. The service had an epiphany pageant, and concluded with the bishop blessing the whole congregation and the kings handing out bags of Puerto Rican candy to the congregation. 


The next day, January 7, was the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. This day was celebrated in ELCA congregations throughout the country and in Christian congregations throughout the world with an order of remembrance of our baptism, reflection on the story of Jesus’ baptism, and thanksgiving for this gracious gift that God has extended to the whole family of God. Each of us has a baptismal anniversary, but not all of us know ours. For those of us who do not know, Baptism of Our Lord serves as our stand-in baptismal anniversary. If you did not take time yet this month to give thanks for your own baptism, I invite you to spend some time at home lighting a candle, tracing the sign of the cross on your forehead, and reflecting in prayer on the gift that you’ve received by having the Holy Spirit poured into you. Ask God for insight and help as you move through this next year of baptized life. How might God be calling you to serve the world in love and healing this year?


I spent January 7 worshiping with the congregation of Frederick Lutheran Church in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. This is the oldest Lutheran congregation in the Americas, founded in 1666. A plaque outside the gates read:

“In 1666, the same year that the Danish West India Company took possession of St. Thomas, this congregation was founded by Pastor K.J. Slagelse as an outpost of the Evangelical (Lutheran) State Church of Denmark. Worshipping at first in private homes, a wooden chapel was later erected in the Christiansfort courtyard. When outgrown by the congregation, this property was provided and the present structure completed in 1793. Since 1917, with the transfer of the Virgin Islands to the United States, Frederick Lutheran Church has been part of the Lutheran Church in America. Although gutted by fire in 1826 and damaged by a hurricane in 1870, the structure remains solid and was completely restored in 1973 in conjunction with the 180th anniversary of the building’s dedication.”


As we worshiped together we sang some of the same hymns you did in Pennsylvania that morning (although with a bit more steel drum). The ability to worship together and honor our Lutheran faith and our baptismal promises in community was a holy thing.


This season between Christmas and Valentine’s Day (which, consequently, is Ash Wednesday this year), is more than just a rush between two calendar dates–it is a season rich with reminders of God’s divine promises to us–promises to abide with us, to forgive us, to pour out grace for us, and to love us completely.


In Christ's Love,


Pastor Marissa

Stewardship and New Year’s Resolutions

By The Rev. Marissa Becklin • January 8, 2025
A Holistic Commitment

Advent Hope: Trusting in God’s Possibilities

By The Rev. Marissa Becklin • January 8, 2025
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37

Committing to Epiphany

By The Rev. Marissa Becklin • October 15, 2024
What the Magi's journey means for us

From Palm Sunday to Ash Wednesday and Back Again

By The Rev. Marissa Becklin • October 15, 2024
Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust

The Christian History Of The Easter Egg

By The Rev. Marissa Becklin • October 15, 2024
An Ancient Symbol of Resurrection

What is Youth Gathering, Anyway?

By The Rev. Marissa Becklin • October 15, 2024
As I prepare to travel with three of our youth from Faith United to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans this July 15th, I wanted to take some time to tell you about what Youth Gathering actually is–and why I am so passionate about it as a pastor. The ELCA Youth Gathering is an extraordinary event that brings together thousands of Lutheran youth from across the country for a week of faith, fellowship, and service. It happens every three years, and is organized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for high school youth, adult leaders, and volunteers. The Gathering aims to provide an opportunity for young people to deepen their faith, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with peers who share their Lutheran identity. So, what exactly happens at the ELCA Youth Gathering? Picture this: thousands of youth and adult leaders converging in a host city for a week-long experience filled with worship, Bible study, workshops, and service projects. The Gathering is structured around a central theme that guides all activities and discussions, allowing participants to explore relevant topics and issues in light of their faith. This year’s theme is “Created to Be”, and the host city is New Orleans, Louisiana. One of the most impactful aspects of the Gathering is its emphasis on service and social justice. Participants have the opportunity to engage in hands-on service projects within the local community, addressing issues such as hunger, homelessness, environmental stewardship, and racial justice. These service experiences not only make a tangible difference in the lives of those served but also challenge participants to live out their faith in practical ways. The Gathering took place in New Orleans in 2009 and 2012 as well, and played a big role in the city’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina. In 2018 it was in Houston, right after Hurricane Harvey went through the previous year, and most of the service done that year was hurricane cleanup. In addition to service, the Gathering provides a space for worship and spiritual growth. Each day begins and ends with powerful worship experiences, featuring dynamic speakers, inspiring music, and opportunities for reflection and prayer. Through these worship gatherings, youth are encouraged to encounter God in new and meaningful ways and to deepen their relationship with Christ. But perhaps the most significant aspect of the Gathering is the sense of community and belonging that participants experience. For many youth, the Gathering is a chance to connect with peers from different backgrounds and cultures, forming friendships that last a lifetime. It's a place where youth can be themselves, ask tough questions, and explore their faith in a supportive and affirming environment. The ELCA Youth Gathering is more than just a conference—it's a transformative experience that equips young people to live out their faith in the world. It's an opportunity to encounter God, serve others, and build meaningful relationships with peers who share a common Lutheran heritage. I’m passionate about the Gathering because I attended as a high schooler, and I got to experience the feeling of being surrounded by thousands of other teens from across the United States who were Lutheran and were proud of that fact. It would be hard to overemphasize how important it is for young people (especially in today’s more secular society) to experience that community, and that space of pride and joy in one’s faith. The Gathering made me think about myself and my role in the church in a different way, and it was on the bus back to Iowa that I first wondered if I might feel called to be a pastor someday. This will be (I hope) a life-changing event for Lily, Haley, and Gabby. Please pray for them in these months as we prepare to head out, and please be ready to ask them questions about their experience when they get back. Lastly, thank you for your generous support of this trip for them–the Gathering is not inexpensive, but it is worth it, and your financial support makes this experience possible for them. Thank you for helping them feel valued by you in this way. In Christ’s Love, Pastor Marissa

What It Means To Be A Lutheran In An Election Cycle

By The Rev. Marissa Becklin • October 15, 2024
Faithfully Navigating Politics With Grace And Conviction

Harvest Praying

By The Rev. Marissa Becklin • September 1, 2024
Taking cues from the season for how to pray 

Navigating The Media Landscape

By The Rev. Marissa Becklin • July 1, 2024
In a world inundated with media messages clamoring for our attention, it is essential for us as Christians to approach our consumption of media with discernment and wisdom. Just as we seek guidance and direction in our daily lives through prayer and scripture, so too should we turn to God in prayer before engaging with the various forms of media that surround us–be they television, radio, print, film, social media, podcasts, etc. The words and opinions of this world are human, not holy, and we do well (especially as we approach the media onslaught before an election this fall) to ask for God’s guidance, peace, and wisdom as we wade through it all. Below I am sharing with you a “Liturgy for Before Consuming Media”. I invite you to tear this out of your print newsletter or pick up a copy at church in the back of the Sanctuary, so that you can put it on your fridge or somewhere in your home as a guide for prayer over the next number of months. Prayer is a habit that we develop and build, and at first it will feel strange to stop and pray before every time you open your phone to scroll the news or Facebook, or every time you turn on the TV or radio, or open the newspaper. In time, I hope that this habit becomes natural to you, and that you become comfortable enough with the prayer that you don’t need to lean on the words of this liturgy anymore–I hope that you’ll develop your own short prayer that works for you. The truth is that there are SO many words, opinions, angry messages, and fights out there vying for our attention. Our country is quite polarized right now, and our political parties (all of them) benefit from us feeling afraid and angry, because those feelings motivate us. God calls us away from these feelings, though, and invites us instead into a position of prayerful peace. We cannot listen to the still, small voice of God guiding us if we are shouting, or if our ears are ringing with fear and rage. God is with us, beloved. Always. And God is accompanying us through these months ahead, calling us to patience, curiosity, and to the task of listening to God and one another. May we be guided by the Holy Spirit to discern that which is true, noble and uplifting, and to recognize and reject that which is deceitful or harmful. A Liturgy Before Consuming Media O Discerning Spirit, who alone judges all things rightly, now be present in my mind and active in my imagination as I prepare to engage with the claims and questions of broken human beings. Shape my vision by yours, and tutor me, Holy Spirit, that I might learn to discern the difference between those stories that are whole, echoing the greater narrative of your redemption, and those that are bent or broken, failing to trace accurately the patterns of your eternal thoughts and so failing to name rightly the true condition of humanity and all of creation. Grant me wisdom to divide rightly. Bless me with the great discernment to be able to celebrate the stamp of your divine image. Guard my mind against the old enticement to believe a lie simply because it is beautifully told. Let me not be careless. Give me right conviction to judge my own motives in that which I approve, teaching me to be always mindful of that which I consume, and thoughtful of the ways in which I consume it. Impart to me keener knowledge of the limits of my own heart in light of my own particular brokenness, that I might choose what would be for my flourishing and not for my harm. Let my own freedoms in Christ never be flaunted or exercised in such a way as to give cause for confusion, temptation, or stumbling in others. May the stories I partake of, and the ways in which I engage with them, make me in the end a more empathetic Christ-bearer, more compassionate, more aware of my own brokenness and need for grace, better able to understand the hopes and fears and failings of my fellow humans, so that I might more authentically live and learn and love among them unto the end that all of our many stories might be more beautifully woven into your own greater story. Amen. From A Liturgy Before Consuming Media Found in Every Moment Holy Volume 1 In Christ’s Love, Pastor Marissa
Share by: