Some Good News 1/12/23

by Rev. Mary Kay Collins on January 12, 2023

Read this week's First News Weekly here. 

Last Sunday was Epiphany, the day we celebrate the Magi, who traveled a long way from a foreign land to worship the Christ Child. The Magi were guided by a star.  

We too can be guided by a star as one of the many ways that we seek to worship Christ. On Epiphany Sunday we passed out star words to all in worship, either in the morning, online, or at our evening worship service. 

Amy described this practice in her sermon saying, “A star word is meant to guide you in the coming year, a year that for many of us has already started out with more than its share of hardship and grief. A star word is not a word you choose but one that chooses you. It is meant to give you something to guide you, day by day, no matter what unexpected joys or challenges emerge. In this way, considering your star word each day, maybe by putting it on the bathroom mirror, becomes a kind of spiritual practice, a reminder, through good times and bad, that God is with you and guiding you.”

I enjoyed sharing Star words with over 25 of our online worshippers, and I am still getting emails requesting a word. My star word for this year is “prayer.” I am waiting to see how and why this word chose me.  

If you would like a star word, we have more available. There will be a table set in the commons with star words, or if you would like me to choose and send you a word, just send me an email at  .

Once you get your word, tell someone what it is. Then pay attention, be aware, listen and see how this star will guide you in this coming year.

– Rev. Mary Kay Collins, Associate Pastor

About the Author

Rev. Mary Kay Collins

Questions about pastoral care, the deacons, Neighbors at First, baptism, weddings, memorial services, membership, and fellowship events can be directed to Mary Kay.

Favorite... 

  • Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:12
  • Movies: Life is Beautiful, The Piano, Babett’s Feast, Inside Out
  • Books: Life of the Beloved, Traveling Mercies, Telling Secrets, Uncovering Happiness, The Magic of Tidying Up
  • Podcasts: Unlocking Us with Brene Brown, Good Life Project, and other podcasts my colleagues recommend
  • TV Shows: The Daily Show, This is Us, Nashville, Parenthood, Friday Night Lights, and whatever new interesting series are available
  • Music: U2, Indigo Girls, eclectic, folk, jazz, classical
  • For fun, I like to: Go for walks, watch movies, and eat good meals.

About Mary Kay

I grew up in Central Florida, the youngest of four children. My parents worked for Young Life and I spent every summer from ages two to 18 at Windy Gap, a Young Life camp in North Carolina.  I graduated from Flagler College in St. Augustine,  Florida in 1990. After working as a youth minister, and then a barista at an espresso bar, I went to the Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

My first call in ministry was in Nashville, Tennessee. My second call was to my home church in Maitland, Florida. In 2007 I was called to First Presbyterian Church and it has been a wonderful place to raise my three amazing young adult kiddos Maya, Alex, and Charlie. Each year that I have been serving in the church has brought with it new adventures, wonderful relationships, and great opportunities to learn more about how we are called to be Jesus's followers. I feel called to help make connections, strengthen relationships, and grow God’s church, all things that I get to participate in at FPC.

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