New Sun for the New Year





Lubec, the easternmost town 
The first place to see the Sunrise in the U.S.



Youngeun Joyce Kang

The sun of 2025 has set.

The sun of 2026 has dawned.


Indifferent to the biting chill of the winter ocean wind

and unbothered by the thick blanket of clouds resting upon the sea,


It first peeks its head out, highlighting the edges of the clouds,

Until finally, draped in magnificent golden robes, it reveals its majestic form.


Since You grant us such a mysterious and precious gift freely every morning,

My heart flutters with anticipation for the gifts You will bestow this year.


At times, I may wait while shivering in the cold wind;

At times, I may resent the clouds and cry out for them to scatter.


But in the end, the New Sun will surely rise.

 The "New Sun" granted for this New Year is already a grand gift in itself.


Happy New Year!

Our family watched the first sunrise of this New Year season! It reminded me that God grants us gifts every day—freely, graciously, and generously.

Are we currently standing in the dawn? Are we burdened by thick clouds of sickness, financial struggles, or family problems? Our church has been busy navigating our own "thick clouds" following the Patten fire at the end of 2025 and into the beginning of 2026. However, the NEW Sun is rising in this New Year!

Last year, many new people began a new journey with us. I can’t wait to continue this walk together, especially as we journey through the Bible this year.

  1. Celebrate John: If you finished reading the Gospel of John in December, please let me know! We will celebrate your achievement this Sunday.

  2. Join the Bible Plan: If you want to join our New Year Bible reading plan, let me know. I am excited to start an online Bible reading support group where we can share favorite verses, prayer requests, and questions daily. You can find many ways to read the Bible here. 

  3. Still Thinking? If you haven’t decided yet, that’s okay! We can talk more about it this Sunday—Epiphany Sunday!

I look forward to seeing you at 10:30 AM at Stetson Memorial UMC!


Blessings,

Pastor Joyce 

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