“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

Dear Friends:

We’re unplugging. This Friday, March 9 at sundown, through Saturday March 10 at sundown, is the National Day of Unplugging.

We need to unplug. Last night Freddie and I had the great blessing of attending the National Cathedral. Our ten year old granddaughter, Dale, along with her fellow school choristers sang in a choral concert with five other lower school choruses. Some hundred plus beautiful lower schoolers in their uniforms, matching colors, and Sunday best, full of the thrill of the privilege of singing in the National Cathedral sang out their angelic best. The kids were beyond beautiful and the event was spirit lifting. The nave was full of hundreds of parents, siblings, grandparents, and beloved folks happy to share in such a most memorable moment. The concert didn’t last long. It was a school night. In just over an hour we were back out the door. That is why it seemed so incredulous to look throughout the congregation to see so many folks on their devises. Naturally, those who were filming and taking pictures would have their phone aloft. But, what is the excuse for the number of adults with their phones pulled out, answering texts, emails, and googling this and that? What could not absolutely wait for just an hour? We need to unplug.

The Sabbath Manifesto (http://www.sabbathmanifesto.org/) is a project created to help us slow down our lives. Consequently, they have called us to pledge to the National Day of Unplugging (www.nationaldayofunplugging.com) beginning this Friday, March 9th. You can unplug by pledging to unplug and receive a free sleeping bag for your cell phone. You can down load and share your unplugging post (https://www.nationaldayofunplugging.com/unplug-posters) then upload it. See how others are unplugging during the National Day of Unplugging!

Let’s not miss out on those important moments because we’ve unnecessarily got our head down and our nose buried in our devise. Have you taken on a Lenten discipline? It’s not too late! This season of Lent we’re reminded of God’s covenant promise to us, to be our God, who rescues us. Our God saves us from those parts of our lives that simply weigh us down with burdens that clutter and crowd our lives. God asks us to remember God’s Fourth Commandment: take a Sabbath Rest! Unplug and make room for God by taking a break from those things that keep us from God’s saving love. Below are ten ways to unplug as recommended by the Sabbath Manifesto. In practicing these, how might we see and hear God liberating us?

  • Avoid Technology
  • Connect with loved ones
  • Nurture your health
  • Get outside
  • Avoid commerce
  • Light candles
  • Drink wine
  • Eat bread
  • Find silence
  • Give back

Unplug for twenty-four hours. Disconnect to connect with friends, family, loved ones, and ourselves, in real time, God’s time. Unplug Friday night at sundown. Spend Saturday at Parish Work Day, anytime from 8:00-Noon! (unplug #2, 4, 5, 9 and 10!!). Plug back in Saturday night at sundown. Come to church Sunday morning. We’ll be looking at sin through God’s people in the book of Numbers, their whining in the wilderness and God’s healing grace. Kids in Sunday School will be learning about the different faces of Easter and then join everyone as we share in the Lord’s Supper. During fellowship time, tell others your unplugged story! We want to hear what you’ve discovered! Following worship, we’ll give back by packing 200 meals for Fairfax County School kids with Food4Thought. EYC is gathering and Seldon will continue leading us through the gospel of John with our Bible Study.

Don’t forget, Daylight Savings Time begins Saturday night. Set your clock ahead one hour.

Once again, God blesses Epiphany that we may be a blessing to others. Thank you for the opportunity to unplug with you, grow in God’s grace with you, worship God with you and serve with you.

Many blessings,

Hillary