“Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice.” Proverbs 1:20-33

Dear Friends:

It’s a time of wisdom. Wisdom as interpreted in the New Testament actually suggests we plan ahead; be ready for the unexpected. With Hurricane Florence fast upon our heals, now is the time to batten down the hatches and keep watch as record high winds and storm surges flood the East coast. While planning and preparation are sensible signs of wisdom, wisdom also implies knowledge. The knowledge gifted to us by God in the Holy Spirit and the knowledge we acquire through instruction and learning. With minds and bodies eager to learn with the start of school; we, as Epiphany, are on the track for learning and acquiring some wisdom.

Many of you are responding daily to the 30 Day Evangelism Challenge posted on Epiphany’s Facebook. Tonight we’re starting the online course: Heretics in Good Company at 8:00 p.m. It’s not too late to sign up:

https://www.churchnext.tv/library/heretics-in-good-company/about/

Episcopal 101 begins Sunday from 6:00-7:30 and will be held September 23 and 30th for all those desiring to learn more about how the Bible and the Church take us on a deeper journey with God.

Episcopal 101 also equips us to be confirmed, received, reaffirmed in the Episcopal Church and baptized into the church. To broaden our wisdom, the Interfaith instruction continues on Sunday evening from 6:00-7:30 promising to generate stimulating dialogue with our Muslim friends. When we think of wisdom we imagine possibility, understanding, intelligence, and uprightness.

Scripture teaches us of wisdom. The Bible categorizes its sixty-six books into various genre for our learning. History, the code of Law, prophecy, songs, what’s to come, the good news of God’s saving grace in Christ, letters on how to be “the church” and, of course, wisdom literature. Wisdom literature is featured in the assigned readings this Sunday. Proverbs from the Old Testament and James from the New Testament are both considered wisdom literature. We learn from the book of Proverbs, believed to have been crafted by King Solomon, Son of David, King of Israel, supposedly is intended to be directed toward youth. There are many steps along the way and Solomon writes with words of instruction and warning; even harsh warning. There are consequences to our complacency, or disobedience and our apathy. As well, wisdom is believed to be a woman. Lady Wisdom raises her voice crying out for us to take heed.

The follower of Christ, and author of the New Testament reading assigned for Sunday, James, is also considered a wisdom writer. James writes of the real world. Wise folks consider how we use our tongues to form words of cursing or words of blessing. We’re all too aware of the danger of words in our instant information culture. Now, more than ever, is the time of wisdom, a season for learning.

Take heed, good friends, as wisdom is from God, given to us for our learning. See you Sunday!

Be safe over these next storm filled whirlwinds.

Many blessings,

Hillary