Join Tara as she explores the significance of Epiphany and the journey of the Magi. In this episode, Tara discusses traditions like chalking the door and the importance of choosing a "star word" to guide you through the new year with courage, wisdom, and grace. Learn how small actions of good can light up your path in 2025.

To try "Chalking the Door" at home, you can use this liturgy from Sundays and Seasons:

 Greeting

May peace be to this house and to all who enter here. By wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Proverbs 24:3-4)

 Reading

As we prepare to ask God’s blessing on this household, let us listen to the words of scripture.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being, and the life was the light of all people. The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (John 1:1-4, 14, 16)

 Inscription

This inscription may be made with chalk above the entrance:

20 ☩ C + M +  B ☩ 25

Write the appropriate character (left) while speaking the text (right).

The magi of old, known as

C Caspar,

M Melchior, and

B Balthasar,

followed the star of God’s Son who came to dwell among us

20 two thousand

25 and twenty two years ago.

☩ Christ, bless this house,

☩ and remain with us throughout the new year.

 Prayer of Blessing

O God, you revealed your Son to all people by the shining light of a star. We pray that you bless this home and all who live here

with your gracious presence. May your love be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our light, and your peace our benediction; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

In this special Christmastide episode, Tara reflects on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love that have been unwrapped throughout Advent, and shares how the message of Christmas continues to inspire daily life. She is joined for an insightful conversation with Reverend Dr. Lisa Cressman, founder of Backstory Preaching. This episode delves into the transformative power of connecting spirituality with preaching. Additionally, the episode includes heartwarming holiday greetings from various guests and a special Christmas blessing in the form of a poem. Join us as we discover how to keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year round!

Thanks to the following special guests for sharing Holiday Greetings:
Rev. Dr Eileen Campbell Reed
Rev. Ruth Hetland
Rev. Dr. Katy Stinta
Tim Kerr (Wildgoose Festival)
Rev. Dr. Stephen and Rebecca Grabill
Rev. Dr. Lisa Cressman, Backstory Preaching

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara reflects on the theme of love, sharing personal stories and encouraging listeners to connect meaningfully with others through acts of kindness. Discover how a childhood memory of olives on a relish tray transformed into enduring acts of love and friendship. Delve into the Gospel of Luke, embrace your love language, and learn how to spread love through simple, heartfelt actions this holiday season.

Listen to our Advent Playlist HERE

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara delves into the theme of joy for the third week of Advent. She reflects on the life and legacy of her family friend, Pat, known for his exuberant joy even amidst personal struggles like his MS diagnosis. Tara shares personal anecdotes, encouraging listeners to embrace joy in everyday life, and offers practical steps to invite joy throughout the holiday season. The episode concludes with evocative questions, a poem personifying joy, and actionable suggestions to spread joy and reconnect with loved ones.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

This week Tara reflects on peace through stories, reflections, and practical tips. Learn about the significance of Advent, discover inspiring anecdotes, and explore ways to cultivate peace in your everyday life. This episode includes a special Advent poem and a list of actionable steps to help you embrace peace this season.

Check out this week's sister article for Peace here at: Chautauqua Gazettee

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Welcome to this first episode of the 6th season of Holy Shenanigans. Advent is a time for reflection and new beginnings. This festive season, Tara invites you to slow down and embrace hope. Download a new episode every Tuesday in December for uplifting stories and spiritual insights.

 A sister article to this podcast episode at the Chautauqua Gazette HOPE Edition. 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Pastor Tara  welcomes authors Rebecca & Steven Grabill to discuss their new book, The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent and the 12 Days of Christmas. Explore how this resource helps families find deeper meaning and joy during the Advent season. Learn about the inspiration behind the book, practical tips for creating family traditions, and the importance of nurturing faith in the home. Plus, enjoy a special prayer and blessing for the season adapted from Saint Augustine.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Pastor Tara invites you to reflect on the seasons of Halloween & All Saints Day as a time for soul-searching and new beginnings. She reminisces about her childhood love for Wonder Woman, drawing parallels between superheroes in comics and everyday acts of love and service inspired by Jesus' teachings. Tara shares spiritual practices and reflective questions for the week, encouraging us to be agents of love and change in our daily lives.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

In today's fast-paced world, finding ways to connect spiritually while staying grounded in our daily lives is crucial. In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, host Tara Lamont Eastman and Pastor Kyle Delhagen have an impromptu conversation about the evolving landscape of digital ministry. They highlight the unexpected nature of ministry work and how the pandemic has reshaped their roles. Tara explains the inception of the Holy Shenanigans podcast, designed to make theology engaging and accessible through diverse forms of storytelling. They stress the importance of leveraging technology to foster community, combat loneliness, and amplify marginalized voices, providing spiritual connection in both digital and physical spaces. The conversation underscores the need for practical, relatable spiritual discussions.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara has a heartfelt conversation with Dawn Trautman & Ruth Hetland of the Created Creative podcast, as they explore creativity during tumultuous times. They discuss their unique practices, such as car poems and morning pages, and share insights on processing emotions and encouraging creative expression. The dialogue delves into societal challenges, including the undervaluation of women's voices and the need for supportive, nurturing communities. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, they inspire listeners to find their creative outlets and connect with others on their journeys.

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Support the show

Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.