“Therefore, I conclude that we shouldn’t create problems for Gentiles who turn to God.” Acts 15:19 

Dear Friends: 

Okay, so maybe we’re late coming to a life belonging to God. The chosen ones, the Israelites, certainly have a leg up on us when it comes to faithful following. We can give thanks to God that in Christ we, Gentiles, are able to know God, turn to God, belong to God. Today is the feast day of James, possibly brother or half-brother or cousin to Jesus. Converted to follow Jesus after the resurrection, James gave his life that all would know the meaning of belonging to a life with God in Christ.

Belonging can be a challenging path to follow. We step carefully and often timidly. We wait before we give of ourselves, share our gifts, trust in the truth of belonging. But, for James, his belief in belonging to Christ simply made him more bold. As a first century leader and eventual Bishop of Jerusalem, James prayerfully gave his life to bring others to Christ, especially the outsiders. His vigilant witnessing brought large numbers to Christ. Belonging was a severe price to pay for James. His evangelism angered the Jewish authorities. They insisted that he preach conversion away from Jesus. James, atop a rooftop of the temple instead testified to belonging to Jesus Christ. James was thrown to his death from the pinnacle of the temple. His belonging cost him his life. 

We can hope and pray that our belonging will not cost us our life. But, rather that perhaps we will throw aside our old life to a transformed, trusting walk with Jesus. And, in so doing, perhaps we’ll come to know a new life of belonging as we’ve never known before. This is our hope and prayer in the commitment we make to live a life with Jesus Christ at the center. 

These past weeks, you’ve read and heard much about what it means to belong to Christ through the life of Epiphany. Youth are in Confirmation class learning about what it means to make a mature commitment to belong to Christ. Adults in Episcopal 101 have been walking the same walk. Our Shining Our Light campaign is a witness for all as we share the good news of a life belonging to Christ through Epiphany. 

Thank you for making your pledge promises to belonging. Last Sunday we all had an opportunity to make our official promises to belonging by submitting our pledge promises to God through Epiphany. Our goal for the 2020 budget supported by pledge promises is $275,000.00. As of last Sunday $172,000.00 in pledge promises have been received. So, please, if you’ve not had an opportunity to pledge, it’s not too late. Simply go to Epiphany’s website: www.epiphanyec.org and click on “pledge now”. Rather have a paper copy? Pledge forms for all are on the Welcome table in The Gathering Space. Feel free to complete your pledge form and place it in the offering plate or send it into Epiphany c/o the Servanthood Development Chair (3301 Hidden Meadow Drive, Oak Hill, Virginia 20171). 

Here are some answers to questions folks have been asking about making a pledge…

*Does my pledge roll over? I pledged last year. No. Pledges are annual commitments. Please, pledge for 2020 and increase your generosity.

*Can I adjust my pledge? Yes. Perhaps your circumstances change during the year. Simply let the Servanthood development team know: (finsec@EpiphanyEC.org) and all will be well.

*Who sees my pledge? Your pledge promise is between you and God. One person on the Servanthood development team sees your pledge to record it in the data base system. 

*Is the Shining Our Light Campaign over? I forgot to pledge. The campaign continues. We’re striving to meet the $275,000.00 goal. It’s never too late to pledge and/or adjust your pledge.

*How did we come to a $275,000.00 pledge goal? The Finance Ministry looked at your generous giving from 2019 and reached to meet the budget needs for increased staff hours and compensation, building repairs, Outreach funding, education, program and worship needs and projections for growth. 

Again, thank you for your belief in belonging through your generous pledge promises. Friends, there are many ways to give. Your giving of your time, talent and treasure through the church is the one purposeful way the kingdom of God is made known and for all to belong. 

See you this weekend. Don’t forget the region Wellness Fair at Holy Comforter, Vienna 543 Beulah Road on Saturday. This is an amazing opportunity for the entire family in body, mind and soul. Check it out: http://www.holycomforter.com/Customer-Content/holycomfortervienna/CMS/files/Wellness_and_Spirituality/Wellness_Fair_2019_Flyer.jpg

Tonight, the Women’s Bible Study continues at 7:30!  This powerful group of warm hearts, trusting souls and brilliant minds will continue with the gospel of John.  Don’t miss it!!!  

On Sunday, following worship, youth are planning worship during Sunday Circle. Senior Warden, Elaine Perry will lead a discussion on our stand on gun violence. Later, from 6:00-7:30 theologian John Rybicki will wrap up his final teaching on Christian Discipleship, “What is Required”. Looking forward to seeing you this weekend. 

Many blessings,

Hillary