“Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

Dear Friends:

This week I’d like to share with you some events that may well be of interest to you not just as the church on the corner but, as who we are as the church in wider Christendom.

*Haiti. Epiphany is blessed to offer support to Haiti through mission work. The population of Haiti is troubled, hungry, and without basic needs such as electricity, clean water and education and health care. Since their independence in 1804 Haiti has struggled to emerge from slavery instituted by both the French and The United States. Over the years, The United States has taken a vested interest in its neighbor. However, much of the interest has been with our own interests in mind rather than Haiti’s. Consequently, Americans are not always so welcome in Haiti.

So, we ask the question, why do we go to Haiti? There’s plenty of need right here in the United States. Why would we go to a country who doesn’t necessarily want us?

Mission work is not necessarily about what we do to help those folks in other countries. Mission work is about how God reveals in us who weare as God’s own. Mission work often places us in situations where we are hot, hungry, challenged by the language barrier and where food and water can compromise our bodily functions. Consequently, mission work makes us vulnerable. In our vulnerability, we discover that in mission work, it’s not so much what we are doing for folks in developing countries to help. Rather, mission work is about how we are transformed and opened up by God to serve in God’s name with a boldness and passion we may not have known before.

Mission work is about relationships near and far. Establishing unlikely relationships with our new friends in Haiti builds trust and breaks down barriers that we may love and appreciate one another as children of God. Returning to Haiti year after year builds a deep, lasting trust and friendship that enables us to perhaps see God’s grace, love and mercy in ways we’ve never anticipated. These lasting relationships open doors for us to spread the good news of God’s world far beyond this space on the corner of Fairfax County Parkway and Franklin Farm Road. Again last week, we returned to Haiti to affirm our relationships as God centered, through a vibrant vacation Bible school, with God’s grace leading and guiding. Thank you for your prayers and support as God continues to reveal God’s self to us through and with our friends in Haiti.

*The Episcopal Church. Earlier this month The Episcopal Church held its general convention in Austin, Texas; a triennial of some several thousand folks deliberating the future of the church. A record number of resolutions were passed, including the ability for all Episcopalians to be married “by their priests in their home churches.” Those eight dioceses who forbade same sex unions now have agreed to invite another bishop to sanction a same sex marriage should the Diocesan bishop, in all good conscious, not be able to bless the union.

Other resolutions, including resolutions on the revision of The Book of Common Prayer will bring us more contemporary and inclusive language in worship. The Episcopal Church of Cuba as a Diocese has been readmitted into The Episcopal Church. The injustice of families separated in immigration detention centers without consideration for the dignity of folks was once again reinforced. The Israeli-Palestine relationship evoked continued concern as The Episcopal Church stretches to support avoiding conflict and unrest in the region.

Most importantly is Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s continued commitment to the Jesus Movement. To lead a Christ centered life, Bishop Curry encourages us all to engage in the “Way of Love,” the seven spiritual practices that provide a Rule of Life all Episcopalians are encouraged to adopt:

1. Turn: Pause, listen and choose to follow Jesus.

2. Learn: Reflect daily on scripture, especially the life and teachings of Jesus.

3. Pray: Spend time with God in prayer every day.

4. Worship: Gather in community for worship every week.

5. Bless: Share one’s faith and find ways to serve other people.

6. Go: Move beyond one’s comfort to witness to the love of God with words and actions.

7. Rest: Dedicate time for restoration and wholeness.

We are a blessed body of people, called Episcopal, striving to make God’s world of love, mercy and grace known to all. Thank you for your continued support of God’s good work in us as Episcopal folks, especially in our work with Haiti.

Closer to home, on Sunday, we’ll continue with The David Series as we tackle the scandalous affair of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11. Bring your Bibles and let’s get down and dirty with this sorted tale. Why is the story in the Bible? What does God want us to glean from this inappropriate display of power? Is God working healing wholeness in the story? Kids will continue to learn and grow deeper in God’s word through summer children’s chapel led by parents and leaders of the Children, Youth and Family Ministry team. Following worship we’ll share in Table Talks in the back of the worship space and unpack more of King David and his story.

We’re still reeling from the joy and celebration of the wonderful work of Vacation Bible School. Thanks be to God for the enormous effort of so many to make such a difference for our families.

I hope your summer is bringing you rest and relaxation. Let us know how things are going along by posting your flat Jesus! Summer is a great time to visit other churches. Go ahead. Remember to return with a worship bulletin!

Blessings,

Hillary