“Christ is just like the human body – a body is a unit and has many parts; and all the parts of the body are one body, even though there are many.” 1 Corinthians 12:12
Dear Friends:
On Sunday, with its ever-growing Youth Group of fantastic sixth through ninth graders will be leading worship in 10:00 a.m. worship! The Youth will remind us of the importance of serving as a community, a group of faithful people united in Christ with all our differences and growing as the body of Christ. They will dramatize the appointed epistle for the day: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 where we are all reminded that in Christ each of us is a part of the one body of Jesus Christ we know as the church.
“My gift to God is to become more prayerful and intentional with thankfulness to Him and all those around me.“
As the church we care for one another and the community around us. As is the Epiphany way, this weekend, we’re again excited to care for our wider community. Epiphany on Saturday from 9:30-3:00 with The Diocese of Virginia with Bishop Goff offering the plenary, we will host the Intercultural Summit. This Summit is worth coming to with small group discussions being led by experts on Immigration, Gun Violence and Climate Justice. Lunch is included and Epiphany is invited to attend as guests of The Diocese. To register, please sign up now:
Use SUMMIT19as your code to register. This day promises to take us deeper into the understanding of who we are as the body of Christ caring for one another and our world.
“To grow deeper in God’s love to be a better servant, dad and husband.“
There’s more. Many in the greater Washington, D.C. region are being impacted by the government shutdown as they are furloughed from government positions. The concern is rising. Epiphany, again a community of faithful folks, has instituted a Furlough Fund for Families. Generous folks have contributed anonymously to the fund enabling others to feel some relief from the weight of lost income and bills mounting. Confidentiality is maintained. Simply come to me for assistance (clergy@epiphanyec.orgor 703-466-5200 ext. 102), and we’ll ask you to agree to repay the funds within a reasonable time upon restoration of salaries. Let the community of Epiphany help.
“Give all I can in peace and hope.“
Sunday night from 5:00-7:00 come to the community neighborhood dinner. This invitation is extended to all to join in pot luck fellowship; and most especially to those households who are suffering from the government shut down. Please, let friends, neighbors, family members, co-workers know of Sunday’s night’s dinner and invite them along. Just come, bring your favorite dish, and spend time getting to know one another. Learn more on our website: http://epiphanyec.org/dinner/. The Bounce House will be up for kids. Let’s not let the shut down shut out hope! Be a hand for another’s arm, or the ears for another’s head, or the feet for one’s legs. We’re much better together than we are apart.
“Reach out to new members.”
Finally, you’re noticing throughout this message mention of your Epiphany “gifts” offered up to the Christ child on Epiphany Sunday on January 6th. Well done good and faithful servants. Your gifts are coming to life throughout the faithful ministry of Epiphany. You truly are a gift to our Lord and Savior.
I look forward to being with you this weekend, and most especially in worship on Sunday as we support our youth leading worship.
“Hope for a better world!”
Many blessings,
Hillary