For A New Year

Image by Salt and Gold - an Australian based Ministry

Years ago a friend of mine introduced me to the idea of a "Word of the Year." He and his wife spent some time thinking about a word for each other, and before the start of the new year they gave the other a single word they thought would help the other one grow in the coming year. For example, if one of them spent the last year focusing really hard on work, the word their spouse wanted to give them was "rest."

I love the idea! A word of the year to help us grow. In some ways this single word gives us "new" life and creation. And it makes me wonder about God when the world was being formed by God's own words. Did each new creation receive a specific and wonderful word from God to begin its life, focusing on it in its first year as it found its purpose?

Imagine it: Were the birds told "soar," and the fish "dive?" Were the plants given the word "flourish," or maybe "beauty?" And if so, what questions did those words invite? Did "soar" make the birds ask why they had wings? Did "dive" make the fish wonder why the depths called to them? Maybe God's words weren't just commands but invitations—invitations to discover purpose and relationship through curious questioning. Questions to not just seeking information. Questions seeking meaning, connection, the very heart of who we are and who we're called to be.

I'm still thinking about what my word would be for 2026. And I'd love to invite you to consider walking into 2026 with a "Word of the Year" too. Something that can draw you to a fuller life. What would that be? Maybe someone close to you can help you think about it and offer you a word.

But I'd also ask you to think about a "Word of the Year" for our church. As KUMC enters into 2026, what is a word we could set as our focus for the year? Something that would help us grow in body and in spirit. As we dive into intentional visioning work, and our new board forms, and as we continue to be shaped by God for this community, what word could help us settle into God's plan well?

Here's my invitation: In the next few weeks, pray over what word God might be speaking over KUMC for this coming year. Jot it down. Share it with me after a service, send me an email, or drop a note in the offering plate. In mid-January, I'll share what I'm hearing from you, and we'll discern together what word God is calling us to embrace as a congregation.

As I've been reflecting on words and their power to shape us, I find myself returning again and again to one word: THANKFUL. I am thankful for you continuously—thankful for your prayers, support, encouragement, curiosity, passion, willingness, challenge, and especially your love. You've welcomed my family and me with such generosity as we've begun our life here. That's the gift you've given me, and it fuels my hope for what God will speak over us in 2026.

So let's listen together. What word is God preparing for KUMC?

Will you pray with me?

One of the things we will have to practice well in this work is listening. Listening for God calling us. Listening for God’s words of wisdom and guidance. Listening for God’s voice at work in the world around us. Let’s spend a moment each day this week opening ourselves up to God’s Word for us and our community.

Great Speaker,

your words contain the essence of life itself.

The more you speak the more life flourishes.

Speak into our lives today and every day.

Speak louder than the world around us that tries to give us false words.

Speak more confidently than the words of our hearts that sometimes bog us down.

Speak softly enough that we know your Word is given to us through love.

Amen.

“Listening is the first act of loving.”

Steph