“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:11

Dear Friends: 

Happy Epiphany! The story of the wise men paying a visit to the Christ child is an epiphany. Epiphany means: to reveal. When the wise men saw that the star brought them to Christ, they were filled with joy. What was revealed to the wise men that brought them such joy? The prophet Isaiah writes to God’s people, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you…Nations shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn” (Isaiah 60:1, 3). 

Happy New Year, my friends. With 2020 may you know the glory of the Lord risen upon you. To know the glory of the Lord is to know joy. Scripturally, “joy” derives from the Greek word for grace. Grace is God’s favor upon us, given to us from God, in our baptism. We don’t earn grace. We can’t make grace happen. God has chosen us to be God’s grace-filled faithful followers in Jesus Christ. With God’s grace, we can know joy. These days, we need joy in our lives. With fires raging, the earth shaking, and war pending, we need to know the joy of God’s saving grace within us. 

Our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry promises us a revelatory revival of joy, right here in Washington, D.C. January 26th. Get your free tickets now and be a part of the joy! First, go to the Episcopal Diocese of Washington website: 

https://www.edow.org/news-events/more-jesus-more-love-revival

and learn more about the “More Jesus More Love” revival at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast Washington, D.C. Get up to six free tickets. Invite friends and family to join you with others from Epiphany and beyond for this afternoon of “spiritual dedication and renewal”. With the topic, “More Jesus More Love” we’ll be given a pathway to draw closer to Jesus; to grow in loving ourselves and loving others as Jesus loves that we may be an epiphany for all.

Earlier on Sunday January 26th we’ll host our annual meeting. All are encouraged to attend this one hour meeting immediately following a shortened worship beginning at 10:00 a.m. A light lunch will be included and the meeting will begin at 11:15 a.m. and conclude at 12:15 p.m. During this time, we’ll look at where Epiphany has come in the past year, and what God has in store for us. The Finance Ministry Team will present the approved 2020 budget and you will vote for new vestry members as we say thank you and farewell to Richard Durkin, Bob Otten, Dave Parkerton and Elaine Perry who have completed their elected term with diligence and commitment. Following the meeting, we’ll pile into our cars and head for the metro station to catch the green line to the Congress Heights Station for the revival. What?! Episcopalians at a revival!!! Yes! It can happen for you! Raise up your arms in joyful thanksgiving as the love of Christ is revealed to you in this monumental gathering! 

This Sunday, Jesus reveals the joy of God’s Spirit upon him through his baptism as told in Matthew’s gospel. Joy continues following worship as we pack 200 meals for Fairfax County School kids. A special thank you to Brian Russo and his son Toby who oversee the food purchasing, assembling and packing. Help the Russos in this ministry by letting Outreach know that you and your family can shop for food, assemble the food or deliver the packed bags one Sunday: outreach@EpiphanyEC.org. Your joy will be complete in helping with the Food4Thought ministry! 

Then, youth are encouraged to attend Sunday Circle after the food packing until 12:45 p.m. Bring a friend! 

Blessed Epiphany,

Hillary