“Almighty God, in whom is no darkness at all: grant me your light perpetually…” William Knight

Dear Friends,

There is no room for hate, anywhere. In fact, somehow, we’re called to do good, bless those, pray for those, turn the other cheek, give, expecting nothing in return to those who hate us. This is no easy task Jesus commands of us. Jesus never said to follow him would be easy. But, we will follow Jesus. Because the hate we’re witnessing is intolerable. So, instead, we’re going to take actions of love.

This Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. we’re invited to visit with our friends with the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation in Reston and join in Shabbat worship as a sign of love conquering hate. Please, plan to be with NVHC at 1441 Wiehle Avenue. NVHC wants to be ready for us. If you’re planning to attend, please let me know: clergy@epiphanyec.org; 703-466-5200 ext. 102 or 804-467-4212. I’ll relay the message that Epiphany is coming. Feel free to invite family, friends and neighbors as well. There is no time like the present to demonstrate healing hope.

The invitation to worship with our friends of NVHC is in response to a campaign by the American Jewish Committee as a reaction to the anti-Semitic mass shooting last Saturday morning of eleven worshipers with Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Such terror warrants nothing less than an outpouring of love. CEO, David Harris, is quoted as saying, “I encourage all members of the Jewish community and all people of conscience across our country to join…” in worshiping together as a sign of solidarity, peace and healing strength.

There are more signs of things shifting. On Friday The Diocese of Virginia will celebrate the ministry of The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, XIII Bishop, as he formerly retires. Bishop Johnston’s almost twelve year ministry was colored initially by the litigation over property lost that resulted in churches returning to the Diocese. Epiphany is considered one of the most substantial concerns during that troublesome time. Now, after some six years of litigation and six plus years of having returned to the building, The Diocese and Epiphany have much to celebrate. On Friday, during Annual Convention, Epiphany will be featured as one of Bishop Johnston’s accomplishments during his ministry as bishop. God blesses Epiphany with enough foolishness to believe that as the church on the corner in the North Fairfax Region of the Diocese, we may well make a difference in the world. Thanks to your strength and courage, and especially your deep love and devotion to who we are as God’s own, Epiphany is still on a road to making God’s kingdom known here and now. Well done and thank you.

Tomorrow is All Saint’s Day, the day in the church when we remember all those who have given their lives in particular devotion to God in Christ. On Sunday, we’ll celebrate those saints of God who have entered into the great cloud of witnesses and now rest in God’s eternal glory since the last All Saints day. Just following the prelude, we’ll read each name aloud and give thanks. At the same time, the Praise Band will play on Sunday as we celebrate 10:00 a.m. Family Worship. Kids are invited to bring their favorite hero and we’ll talk about what it means to be a hero for God. Also, kids, remember to bring your coins for Christ to drop in the tin buckets to make a joyful sound for Christ. As a sign of God’s transforming generosity in each of us, we’ll be returning our pledge forms with our annual commitments. A feast will follow worship guaranteed to include holy donuts. Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. we’ll rest in the holy quiet of candlelit Celtic Worship with Holy Communion and the sacred sounds of piano and harp. Plan to be with us on Sunday for a day of remembering, celebrating and giving thanks.

As all go about trick or treating tonight, be safe. Did you know there is a witch in the Bible? Read 1 Samuel 3-25 and learn about the witch of En-dor as she talks with ghosts!

Where there is hatred, let us sow love.

Many blessings,

Hillary