“All of these new things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and who gave us the ministry of reconciliation…”
2 Corinthians 5:18

Dear Friends:

Our Diocesan Bishops, Shannon, Susan and Ted, will be in Charlottesville on Saturday to join in the non-confrontational and prayerful opposition to the Unite the Right rally. At the bishop’s invitation to all clergy of the Diocese to join them in bearing witness in resistance to the white supremacist rally, I plan to join our colleagues and bishops on Saturday.

The Unite the Right rally is being organized by white nationalist Jason Kessler in protest over Charlottesville’s decision to remove a statute of Robert E. Lee, as well as changing the name of Lee Park to Emancipation Park. In the words of the League of the South, a group supporting the rally, “the event seeks to unify the right-wing against a totalitarian Communist crackdown, to speak out against displacement level immigration policies in the United States and Europe and to affirm the right of Southerners and white people to organize for their interests just like any other group is able to do, free of persecution.” As the church, we will stand in prayerful opposition to the rally and the tenants of its supporters.

Bishops Johnston, Goff and Gulick are calling us to attend and stand together with the ecumenical Charlottesville Clergy Collective. We are asked to wear our clerical collars or cassocks. It is the judgment of the bishops that “the Church cannot remain silent in the face of those who seek to foment division.” Recent reports anticipate thousands will be in attendance, both supporters and protestors. Our peaceful demonstration will serve as a message of hoped for reconciliation. We’re reminded that Christ died for all.

In Christ, we die to our old self and are raised up to a new self, made new in the hands of God. Therefore, according to the apostle Paul, as he writes to the conflicted church of Corinth, we are formed with a new set of standards and cannot judge as the world judges. Now, as Christ’s own, how are we to serve as loving agents of grace, hope and forgiveness? On Saturday as the Episcopal clergy of The Diocese of Virginia, we will demonstrate as visible witnesses “to the entirety of the beloved community in which people of all races are equal”. Please, pray for us in our non-confrontational and prayerful opposition. Pray for our enemies. Pray that all may be delivered from coldness of heart; that barriers which divide us may crumble; that we may be united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity.

In the meantime, on Saturday, come from nine to noon and be a part of Epiphany’s Playground Clean-up crew. Weeds need pulling and garden beds need tidying before the mulch goes down.

In worship on Sunday, we’ll be spending some time looking at Jesus and Peter walking on the water in the storms of life. During 10:00 a.m. worship kids are invited to join Ms. Emma and Ms. Dana for Children’s Chapel and return in time to share in The Lord’s Supper with their families.

Mark your calendars for next Thursday August 17. All are invited for a delightful pasta dinner and a brief overview of the Haiti Mission. Babysitting is available as you hear of plans for the future Haiti Mission trip.

Mark your calendars for Faith Day at the Nationals Saturday August 26. On Sunday in worship Doug Hansen will have more to say about getting tickets and attending the game as Epiphany.

Mark your calendars for Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday August 27th in 10:00 a.m. worship. Whatever you use to carry your load this fall, bring it to worship and fill your load with the freedom of God’s blessing.

Mark your calendars for the Grow With Us Fall Kick Off Saturday September 9 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. There is fun for all with live music, tasty picnic food, games, a bike-a-thon, the Bounce House, silent auction, a raffle and so much more!

We’re gearing up my friends. Wow, this summer is flying by so quickly. I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday, remembering always that in our cares and concerns, Christ always is with us, inviting us into his healing arms of reconciliation. We can rejoice!

Many blessings,

Hillary