"Questions in the Dark"
Dear St. Andrew's & Bethany UMCs Family,
The night sky in winter holds a special kind of mystery. The other night, while walking the dog, I was admiring the fairly clear sky and all the stars, and found myself full of questions. Like the Magi who followed celestial guidance, we often journey with more questions than answers. That's the beauty of faith, isn't it? Not that we have everything figured out, but that we're willing to follow the light we're given, even when we can't see the whole path ahead.
As we begin this new year, I'm learning that questions can be as sacred as answers. The Magi didn't have GPS coordinates or a detailed itinerary – they had a star and a holy curiosity. Their journey began with questions: "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him" (Matthew 2:2).
Sometimes I think we're afraid of questions in our faith journey. We worry they signal doubt or weakness. But what if our questions are actually invitations – doorways into deeper relationship with God? After all, some of the most amazing stories in scripture began with questions:
- "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?" (Moses)
- "How can this be?" (Mary)
- "Will you really sweep away the innocent with the guilty?" (Abraham)
As we approach Lent beginning February 18th, we're entering a season specifically designed for holy questioning. Lent invites us to examine our hearts, challenge our assumptions, and wonder anew about God's presence in our lives. Like a winter night sky, it offers both darkness and light, mystery and revelation.
What questions are you carrying into this season?
- Where do you see God's star leading you?
- What mysteries are you being invited to explore?
- Which comfortable certainties might need gentle challenging?
Remember, questions don't diminish faith – they deepen it. Like the Magi, we're all wanderers and wonderers, following divine light through holy darkness. Sometimes the greatest act of faith isn't having all the answers, but being willing to live the questions.
As we journey together through these winter months, let's create space for holy curiosity. In our prayer times, our Bible studies, our conversations – let's welcome questions as friends rather than threats. After all, every great journey begins with a question, and every star followed leads to unexpected grace.
In the spirit of wonder,
Pastor Brian
P.S. Join us beginning Monday, January 5th at 9 am. for Monday Morning Mocha. We will meet in the conference room of the Bethany UMC offices. Bring your "Faith Questions," and we'll explore our deepest wonderings together in a safe and supportive community.
PB READS THE BIBLE
PB Reads the Bible will make its long awaited return on Tuesday, January 6 on St. Andrew’s Facebook page at 9:00 a.m. Sessions will usually take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In response to a request by a regular participant, we will start with the book of Revelation.
SAD: SPIRITUAL EFFECTIVE DISORDER (Shining a Light on the Blahs)
Seasonal Affective Disorder happens when a lack of sunlight affects our moods and ability to cope effectively. Spiritual Affective Disorder can also be a condition when we’ve had prolonged stress and life is disturbingly uncertain. What is our faithful response to our strained mental health? What if everyday life activities could become spiritual practices — deepening our experience of a meaningful life and helping us shine a light on the “blahs?
Join us for our new series beginning on January 4th.
LENT
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 18th. This year’s series will be “Cross Words” in which we take a look at the last statements of Christ delivered while he was hanging on the cross. Ash Wednesday worship will be combined and take place at Bethany UMC at 7:00 p.m.
Rev. Brian Lucas, Pastor | blucas@susumc.org
Be sure to check out this article in our full newsletter from Jan / Feb 2026 - Click Here!
