Tuesday, January 6, 2026
The Chapel St. Chronicle
Welcome to the Chapel Street Chronicle, your weekly St. John’s digest. This is our first Chronicle for 2026, as we have resumed our standard weekly schedule after the break.
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Sermon Series
"Overwhelmed by Joy"
The Rev. Anne C. Williamson
Today we celebrate the Feast of The Epiphany marking the arrival of the Magi, the wise ones, in Bethlehem, after a long journey and some uncertainty on the way. When they arrived in Bethlehem, they were "overwhelmed by joy." I imagine they were expecting to find a King in a palace, and instead encountered God in a stable manger.
In the midst of world strife and personal heartbreak, how might we be overwhelmed with joy in this moment, how might we encounter God, in this new church season of Epiphany, in whatever season we are in as individuals and as community?
As Jan Richardson notes in her blessing "For Those Who Have Far To Travel," from her book "Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons," our path, the trajectory of our lives is not always what we expected, what we hoped for. But just as the wise ones wisely chose to leave by a different road we too can recalibrate our way.
I invite you to follow your path until you arrive at the place of offering the gift that only you have to give. May we be open to meeting God in any and all places, in the people and the situations of our daily lives, both the joys and the sorrows, that we too might be "overwhelmed by joy" as we encounter God in all things.
Blessings,
Anne
MUSIC
“Oh Watch the Stars,” Traditional Carolina Sea Islands Song, arr. Johannessen, featuring the Chapel Street Band. This performance was recorded live at St. John's Episcopal Church, Portsmouth, NH, on January 4, 2026. Arrangement by Olin Johannessen and inspired by Elizabeth Mitchell and Friends' rendition featured on her album "The Sounding Joy."
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FAR TO TRAVEL
BY JAN RICHARDSON
from Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons, Wanton Gospeller Press, 2015
If you could see the journey whole,
you might never undertake it,
might never dare the first step
that propels you from the place
you have known toward the place
you know not.
Call it one of the mercies of the road:
that we see it only by stages
as it opens before us,
as it comes into our keeping,
step by single step.
There is nothing for it but to go,
and by our going take the vows
the pilgrim takes:
to be faithful to the next step;
to rely on more than the map;
to heed the signposts of intuition and dream;
to follow the star that only you
will recognize;
to keep an open eye
for the wonders that attend the path;
to press on beyond distractions,
beyond fatigue,
beyond what would tempt you
from the way.
There are vows that only you will know:
the secret promises for your particular path
and the new ones you will need to make
when the road is revealed by turns
you could not have foreseen.
Keep them, break them, make them again;
each promise becomes part of the path,
each choice creates the road
that will take you to the place
where at last you will kneel
to offer the gift most needed—
the gift that only you can give—
before turning to go home
by another way.
DISCOVER YOUR STAR WORD
As the Magi followed the light of a star to find the Christ child, we, too, can look to the stars for guidance, inspiration, and reflection in our spiritual journeys.
What Are Star Words? Star Words are single words written on stars, each chosen with prayerful intention. These words are meant to serve as spiritual companions throughout the year. They offer a focus for reflection, an invitation to prayer, and an opportunity to deepen your awareness of God’s presence in your daily life. Words like “Hope,” “Courage,” “Listen,” or “Patience” may resonate in different ways, providing guidance, challenge, or affirmation as the year unfolds.
How to use your Star Word
Receive with Openness: Approach your Star Word with curiosity. Whether it feels immediately meaningful or puzzling, trust that it has something to offer you this year.
Reflect Regularly: Place your star where you will see it often — on your mirror, desk, or refrigerator. Consider how the word shows up in your life or how God might be inviting you to engage with it.
Journal or Pray: Use your Star Word as a focus for prayer or journaling. Ask questions like, “What might God be saying to me through this word?” or “How does this word challenge or comfort me?”
Share Your Journey: Discuss your Star Word with friends or family. Sharing insights or experiences can deepen your understanding and encourage others on their paths.
Receiving Your Star Word: During this past Sunday's services, attendees had the opportunity to select a star, either at random or by being drawn to one that spoke to them. Trust that the word you receive is meant for you.
Carrying the Light Forward: As we enter this new year, let your Star Word remind you that the light of Christ is with you always, guiding your steps, illuminating your path, and connecting you to the divine and to one another.
Didn't get one? It's not too late - Star Words are still available!
If you haven't yet received a Star Word, there will be extras available at worship next Sunday, or you can come by the office during regular office hours (Mon-Thursday 9am-3pm). If you worship online and would like one sent to you, please contact Aaron at associate@stjohnsng.org and we will get you set up!
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