When Mary Mullenbach approached me and asked if I would write a short message for this year's annual appeal, I immediately said yes. It was an easy decision for me to make.

When my family and I moved here two years ago from New Jersey, we were looking for a church with a deep commitment to children and a mission focus.  One of the first things we realized about Epiphany is that the children and youth are fully incorporated and integrated into the worship life.  Epiphany is blessed to have a group of dedicated and talented adult asset-builders who make our youth a priority. What we also found in Epiphany is a church whose mission does not stop at its own doors. Epiphany's wings reach out not only to the community, but as far as Haiti.

I have seen firsthand the effects of Epiphany's First Fruits giving during my recent immersion trip to Haiti. The relationships, love and commitment between HTF and its supporting organizations, all serving the poor in Haiti, can only be equated to that of a family. I can tell you it is glorious and transformational to witness and to be a part of. In addition, Epiphany's support locally of Rainbow Village, Habitat for Humanity and North Gwinnett Co-op are examples of true servant leadership. "In as much as you did it to the least of these, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:40)

Epiphany is a congregation that cares and invests in one another, as well as the people in our community and Haiti.  I believe that to continue to grow as disciples of Christ and to further align our hearts with Christ, we need to say yes to making and keeping our financial promises. I know my family and I will continue to invest our time and resources in God's mission through Epiphany.