“...that we all may be one…” John 17:21

Dear Friends:

Earlier this month I was able to join with more than a hundred colleagues across The Diocese at Shrine Mont for a brief Spring Clergy Conference. Thank you for helping to steady the ship while I was away.  Shrine Mont is our Diocesan principal Cathedral site as well as camp and retreat center. For those of you who have not been to Shrine Mont, I highly recommend it. Relaxation, rest and recreation are the three “Rs” of Shrine Mont. There is always something for everyone. But, this time, while at Shrine Mont Bishop Susan Goff reminded us of the importance of helping folks stay connected with our wider community of The Diocese.

As you know, The Diocese is one of 111 dioceses in The Episcopal Church which is one of forty world-wide autonomous communions under the umbrella of The Anglican Communion. The Anglican Communion is the third largest Christian community in the world. Each of the forty communities in the communion have their differences while at the same time we share and respect our similarities. We’re all Biblically centered and sacramental in nature, which we’ve drawn from the Roman Catholic tradition. At the same time, we’re also Protestant in nature identifying us as via media (the middle way). The Diocese of Virginia, the largest Diocese of The Episcopal Church in North America, with 180 parishes and about 72,000 members, rests in Province III stretching from Delaware to West Virginia, to Virginia. The Diocese is divided into geographical Regions. Epiphany situates itself in the North Fairfax Region composed of nine churches located as far as McLean, across to Oak Hill. We are blessed as we benefit greatly from the advantage of belonging to a wider community which stretches across the state, up and down the east coast, and throughout the world.

Our collaborative efforts enable us to be the church far and wide. At the same time, our breath and depth offers a perspective of Jesus’ will for us that is Biblically centered, but often politically controversial. Most recently Bishop Goff, following numerous conversations with folks throughout The Diocese, published a statement regarding the position of The Episcopal Church on the issue of abortion and women’s reproductive health. Her message is grounded in John’s gospel where Jesus commands us to love one another. We’re reminded that the 69th General Convention of The Episcopal Church in 1988 affirmed that “all human life is sacred…from its inception until death.” As well, we have declared “unequivocal opposition to any legislation on the part of national or state governments which would abridge or deny the right of individuals to reach informed decisions [about the termination of pregnancy] and act on them.” As recently as last summer The Episcopal Church General Convention resolved that “equitable access to women’s health care, including women’s reproductive health care, is an integral part of a woman’s struggle to assert her dignity and worth as a human being.” Consequently, the sanctity of life and women’s right to make informed decisions about their bodies and their reproductive health is done so wrapped in the love of God in Christ.

Recently, our vestry, the governing body of Episcopal parishes, found itself defending The Episcopal Church’s commitment to inter-religious and ecumenical dialogue as a means for uniting one to another with healing peace. TEC (The Episcopal Church) is thoroughly engaged in conversations throughout the world. We recognize ourselves as a Christian community acknowledging that “we all may be one” even in our differences. Consequently, we look forward to participating in an Iftar meal over these next days and continuing our interfaith dinner and dialogue with our Muslim friends and neighbors. More to come in the next little while.

All of our wider demonstrations of Christ’s love are possible because of outstretched arms willing to embrace a different viewpoint. Thank you for being the church on the corner striving to be the church in the world. Continue to stay connected with The Diocese through the various sites found on: http://www.thediocese.net/news-and-events/which will link you to the quarterly Virginia Episcopalian, its blog, the weekly news letter e-communique, the News Room for breaking news, Facebook, etc. While we may be just one small part of the wider communion, we can give thanks for the two million folks in the Anglican Communion around the world who, even in our differences, strive to learn, understand, and grow united in God’s love.

Just a bit more…what good news to learn of several of you taking on the 56 day Christian Ethics Challenge mentioned in last week’s Hump Day. Well done! Often, a guiding verse of scripture just changes our day in how we treat one another.  Thank you to all who are participating in the Raise the Roof Campaign. Most recent reports tell us we are just over twelve thousand dollars and getting closer and closer to reaching the matching goal of $15,000.00! Raise the Roof good friends! Last evening, several dozens of us truly enjoyed Taco Tuesday, welcoming the neighborhood and supporting the Faith, Hope and Love mission team for Haiti. Tonight, the Women’s Bible study continues at 7:30 p.m. Women, you do not want to miss this time of authentic truth telling and trust. Tomorrow, we’re cooking and preparing 100 meals for our homeless friends on the streets of Fairfax. Come, be with us for a bit, or throughout the morning and afternoon.

On Sunday we’ll remember those who have given their lives defending the rights and liberties of our country, while serving in the Armed Services. Please, send Lisa any names you may wish to have remembered in 8:30 and/or 10:00 a.m. worship: admin@epiphanyec.org. May your Memorial Day holiday be one of prayerful reverence and celebration of the freedoms God so generously provides and protects.

Thank you good friends! Once again, there is not a day that goes by when I do not give thanks for God’s love, grace and mercy in you as Epiphany.

Many blessings,

Hillary