Dear Friends:

Lately, we’ve been hearing and reading quite a bit about what it means to trust. Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines trust as: “the belief that someone or something is reliable, good, honest or effective.” Often we look to our leaders as examples of those whom we can trust; those in positions of power because we have believed them to be reliable, good, honest and effective. Leaders are those folks who spark a call to make a difference for the betterment of others; people whom we can depend on; those honest folks who have an ability to communicate well with others that they want to be involved in the goodness of the cause. Leadership is about connecting with folks and building trust.

On Sunday, as we once again look at the gospel of John, Jesus is continuing to build trust among his leadership. His disciples are close by as Jesus offers up words of farewell before going to the cross. Trusting in their good ministry to produce fruit, and their belief in him, Jesus announces a new understanding of their ministry as he calls them “friends”. Friends are not slaves. Slaves are commanded to oblige. Friends follow and fulfill because of mutual commitment, love and affection. Friends show responsibility, especially when the going gets rough. To live as a friend of Jesus Christ is to share in the abundant love of God where most importantly, we trust.

On Saturday, your leadership, the vestry, the governing body of the church, and I will gather for a day long retreat in the beautiful rolling hills of Upperville, Virginia for a time of story telling, reflection, prayer and trust building. We’re bringing out snacks, our food and our beverages. As well, we’ll be wearing our hiking shoes, and layers of clothes to assure we can wander all over the grounds of Trinity Episcopal Church, our hosts, for the day. Pray for us as we do our best to unwind, surrender to God, build trust in God, in one another and that together, we may serve as a strong body of believers in God’s love for us all as Epiphany ventures forth.

Family Worship welcomes all at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday with a special emphasis on young families. Kids, don’t forget to bring your coins for Christ and drop them in the buckets during worship that they may make a joyful noise for Christ. Also, the resurrected praise band will grace us with their most sacred and spirited music in worship. The children’s choir has been rehearsing with vigor and will sing during the offertory. Return Sunday evening at 5:30 for Celtic Worship, a time of prayerful reflection as we encounter God’s presence in the air we breathe, the holy sounds of the evening, the brightness of the evening candle light and in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Susan Buckner will bless us as she offers up a personal reflection in worship. Celtic Worship is a most peaceful close to a busy weekend and fuel for the week ahead.  Following Celtic Worship, at 6:45 p.m. John Rybicki will offer his final teaching on The Philosophy of Religion.  You won’t want to miss Sunday with Epiphany!  I’m grateful for how God is forever working in our common life, my dear friends.

Blessings,

Hillary