Dear Friends in Christ, 

This year’s Annual Giving campaign theme is: Reimagine the Possible. This theme brings out a personal note for our family but also announces a hopeful message to honor the glory of God for our Vestry and ministry leads, our new Rector and our wonderful parish members.

Sarah and I became Episcopalians after our marriage over 50 years ago when we moved to a new and wonderful neighborhood community where many of our neighbors worshiped at Truro Episcopal Church, Fairfax. After several years, we followed Father Bill and Marilyn to a new church, aptly named Epiphany. Looking back, those were busy and hectic times with the intersection of work and travel, family commitments, sports, and of course, church activities. For many, this sounds familiar and is reality!

We were present at the Epiphany building groundbreaking. Our children were active in youth group activities which included trips to Shrinemont in the Shenendoah Valley. Such good memories! Years have passed. More recently, we were faced with unexpected and unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic affecting family, friends and those within our community church. But, during these times, a hopeful path was lit, and maintained, by our belief and unwavering commitment to the Lord. We now see Epiphany sticking with us for years to come. We are confident and secure in knowing that the path forward will be bright for our parish community. 

This leads us to describe our theme, Genesis 11:6, which says: “There is now one people and they all have one language. This is what they have begun to do, and now all that they plan to do will be possible for them.”

We have seen how working together here at Epiphany, i.e., being one people, can transform lives with God’s help. Our parish has a long history of helping those in need and those outreach programs have as importantly transformed the lives of Epiphany volunteers. The church building, which we affectionately call the “Church on the Corner” is our focal point as a meeting place for services, our preschool, and for the numerous tenants that call it home. There is such a feeling of calmness and reverence when coming into the building that it makes it welcoming to be a member of our church community. 

To imagine the possible, a quote from a church-based author, William A. Ward, is inspirational: “Judge each day not by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” 

We are all looking forward to what we may refer as a “new normal.” It may not be the same as it once was, but coming together with Rev Dina will inspire a hopeful and helpful change because God will lead us to support and renew our mission and ministries at Epiphany. Now, let’s see how many seeds we can plant!

In closing, your love and pledge of time, talent and giving is so important. Plus, the announcement on Sunday (September 11) that Epiphany leaders are united and all have submitted pledges to kick-off our annual giving campaign is a truly blessed beginning.  

Thank you for joining with us so that we can, and will, “Reimagine the Possible” for Epiphany. 

Blessings to you All, 

Myron & Sarah Laible
Senior Warden; Alter Guild Member