Come, let’s shout praises to God, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us! (The Message Psalm 95:1)

Dear Friends: 

We’re dancing and celebrating today! History tells us that throughout most of the world May 1st is the celebration with joy of the entrance of spring. Flowers adorn heads of statues. Baskets of fresh flowers are arranged and left on doorsteps as a cheerful surprise of hope for what’s ahead. There is parading and dancing in the streets. It’s May Day! With Easter still close on our heels, a season of new life, beginnings, and opportunity pairs well with May Day. As Epiphany, the celebration begins as we introduce our campaign to RAISE THE ROOF. 

Over these next several weeks from May 15 through June 15 all are invited to join in participating in the RAISE THE ROOF campaign.  

We are a blessed people. Throughout this past decade Epiphany and six or seven other congregations walked a rocky road. Having been displaced, worshiping in a school up the road, and eventually returning to Hidden Meadow Drive after a lengthy, contentious court battle, we found ourselves, as Epiphany, growing and thriving in some 40,000 square feet of beautiful space where we now reside. However, those years of exile returned us to a facility in neglect. The leaking roof could not be ignored. Mold creeping throughout needed remediation. Lighting was substandard. Praying regularly over the heating and cooling system, original to the building, is a common occurrence. Solutions are being sought as priorities have been made. We’re on a mission to RAISE THE ROOF. 

With the generosity of each of you; with prudent savings; with the continual support of The Diocese of Virginia and with the partnership of our good friends, and beloved tenants, New Hope Baptist Congregation, we are securing a new roof. The roof on the original building was replaced in the Fall. Work is currently underway to replace the roof over the Sunday School wing. Eventually the roofers will work their way around to the roof over the Worship Space; an estimated cost of $36,500.00.  

During the month between May 15 and June 15, please help raise $21,500.00 toward the total cost of the roof.  

The Diocese of Virginia, who believes strongly in Epiphany as the church on the corner, is speaking their support with their promise of a $15,000.00 match. When we raise $15,000.00 The Diocese will double our funds. Better yet, raising the full $21,500.00 will secure the necessary funds for the roof. Let’s do it! Help RAISE THE ROOF.  

Over the next weeks, please place your checks and cash earmarked “RAISE THE ROOF” in the offering plate when you’re in worship. Or, simply send, or stop by and bring your gift to the church office. Come through the Garden Entrance door marked 2, and visit for a bit so we’re able to say, “thank you”.  

Thank you for believing in God’s belief in us as Epiphany as we go about our mission to RAISE THE ROOF.  God hears our shouts of joy as we raise the roof in grateful thanksgiving to God for uniting us, leading us, and building us to be a faith community of inviting welcome in a world that too often has doors closed to the freedom of grace and love. Let’s continue to be about God’s mission to make God’s world known, here on this corner.  

On Sunday we’ll be worshiping from The Book of Common Prayer Holy Eucharist Rite II at 8:30 a.m. and celebrating with Family Worship at 10:00 a.m. as we look at the miracle of Jesus’ command for a great catch of fish and to love, from John 21. Kids, we need you for the great catch of fish! Children will also want to bring their coins to drop in the buckets to make a joyful noise unto the Lord during the offertory. Children, Youth and Family Ministry will bless us with a feast to accompany the holy donuts following worship. Return Sunday evening at 5:30 to relish in the gift of sacred music, candle light and reflective prayer with Holy Communion as we gather for Celtic Worship. 

God blesses us on this corner, that we may be a blessing to others. Come along and thank you!!!  

Blessings good friends, 

Hillary