Setting The Table for 2026
- edenmunciepastor
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
For most pastors and church staff, the new year begins long before January 1. Living in the tension of being fully present to today while planning worship and ministry months ahead can be exhausting, even for the most faithful among us. Years ago, recognizing this strain, I began shaping our ministry around a semester rhythm. Within that rhythm, each quarter includes a designated “Rest, Refresh, and Prepare” month.
If you’ve spent any time in church leadership, you know there is often intense pressure to launch, produce, and perform in September, January, and May. Instead, I chose a rhythm that may seem counterintuitive at first. It is rooted in a conviction that soul care must be central for those who lead and serve. Jesus reminds us that apart from him we can do nothing, and it is learning how to be with Jesus that sustains everything we place our hands and hearts into. January, as an RRP month, invites us to slow down and listen—to grow in our ability to discern the voice of our Shepherd. This is our first and most important work.
January invites us to slow down and listen. Scripture reminds us that before God brings renewal, He often calls His people to reflection and refinement. This is not about fear or urgency—it is about faithfulness.
As we look toward 2026, we are not rushing to answers. We are returning to prayer, to community, and to trust. We are setting the table together—making room for what God will bring and for those God will invite.
The future is not ours to control. It is ours to prepare for—faithfully, prayerfully, together.
Epiphany is a season of light.
It is the season when God makes things known—not all at once, not all clearly, but enough for us to take the next faithful step. The star does not reveal the entire journey to the Magi; it reveals where to look. And that has always been how God works.
As we move from Advent into a new year, Scripture invites us not to rush ahead, but to pause, reflect, and discern. Before God brings renewal, God often brings clarity.
Through the prophet Malachi, God speaks to a people still worshiping, still showing up—but weary and distracted:
“Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. (Malachi 3:7)
This is not a word of condemnation. It is a word of invitation. God is not asking for perfection, but attentiveness. Not performance, but faithfulness. Epiphany reminds us that light reveals not only where we are going, but also what needs to be refined along the way.
Malachi offers the image of God as a refiner, sitting patiently over the fire:
“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” (Malachi 3:3)
Refining is careful work. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is wasted. What does not belong is removed so that what is true can remain. As we look toward 2026, perhaps God is less interested in adding more to our lives and more interested in clarifying what matters most.
As Christ’s church, we have spent Advent gathered around The Welcome Table—receiving hope, peace, joy, and love. Now, in this Epiphany moment, we are invited to begin setting the table for what comes next.
Setting the table is not about having all the answers. It is about preparing space. Making room. Aligning our hearts with God’s purposes. Trusting that the same God who revealed Christ to the world will continue to reveal what we need, when we need it.
Faithfulness, Scripture reminds us, is often quiet. It looks like continuing to pray. Continuing to love. Continuing to gather. Continuing to welcome.
Preparing with you,
Pastor T
Enjoy this video for Epiphany from Childlike Media: It's remarkable! Invite the kids, young and old, it's the blessing of seeing scripture come to life!
P.S. We're celebrating our 2 year completion of the 730 Challenge next Sunday, January 11th. We will share stories of God's presence among us and be inspired for our next 2 year journey with 730+ and Lectio 365. Download Lectio 365 through your app store and begin intentionally connecting with God through this amazing resource!
Reflect & Small Group Discussion Questions
Where do you sense God inviting reflection rather than action right now?
What does “refining” look like in your own faith life?
Which practices help you remain steady in uncertain seasons?
How can our church prepare hearts—not just plans—for the future?
Who might God be preparing to welcome next?
Spiritual Practice: In the next few weeks set aside some time for your Annual Examen to reflect on 2025, you will begin to recognize where God has been showing up in your life:)
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