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 "that all might thrive and serve ..." |
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Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light |
February 27, 2013 | |
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Talking About Teen Suicide
A message from Pastor Rick
Dear Epiphany People,
Grace and peace to you.
I am aware that the topic of this weekly message is not an easy one; therefore I doubly appreciate your willingness to receive and read what follows.
In the Gospel lesson for this coming Sunday from Luke's 13th chapter, Jesus' disciples are asking him one of life's most troubling questions: "Why?" Good people were slaughtered while worshiping in Galilee. Good people were killed on a construction project in Jerusalem. Why? Why did such tragedy befall good people? Perhaps you've asked, "Why?" when confronted with awful news. As a pastor, the most troubling "Why?" questions come in the aftermath of a suicide, particularly a teen suicide.
Nationwide, suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. Death by accident (usually car) and homicide are the first and second causes. In many affluent suburban communities, suicide is the No. 1 cause of death. Consider these statistics:
- About 20% of high school youth have seriously thought about killing themselves. That's one in five teenagers.
- About 16% have actually made plans to kill themselves. That's one in six.
- After a decline in suicide rates in the 1990s and early 2000s, rates are now rising again.
- Suicide rates among 10- to 14-year-olds have risen 100% (doubled) in the most recent years.
Click here to read more
pastorrick@epiphanysuwanee.org |
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| Sunday's Sermon | |
The title of my sermon is "The Oldest Question." Some say the oldest question is "Why?" Why did this happen? Why did such an awful thing happen to good people? Why me? There has to be a reason, right? This oldest question is at the heart of the text that comes to us for this Sunday. To this question God has a response of hope and healing. |
| Annual Appeal | |
W are halfway through the period set aside for our annual appeal to fund God's mission through Epiphany. As we approach Commitment Sunday on March 17th, prayerfully consider three things:
Make a Promise
Keep a Promise
Step up your Promise
Click here to read more |
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| Wednesdays at the Well Tonight | | |
Lenten midweek worship at 7
Our Lenten worship series continues tonight, with the theme "God Is Good: Stories of Transformation." Each Wednesday brings us an Epiphany person to relate his or her own life and spiritual journey with a selected biblical character. Through the trials and victories of biblical people, our Epiphany "preachers" are willing to share and inspire us. Tonight, we hear from MacKenzie Heck, whose focus will be the prophetess Huldah (II Kings 22:11-20). The worship service will be a simple Service of the Word with the Eucharist.
Prior to worship, join us at 6 PM for Epiphany's community meal and, at 6:30, for Imagine Wednesdays. |
| Teenage Suicide Topic of Sunday's Formation Session | | |
Pastor Rick leads community discussion
Did you know that suicide is the third highest cause of death among teenagers? And in many affluent suburbs, it ranks higher than the leading causes: accidents (usually by car) and homicide. Please join us on Sunday for a discussion on the dynamics of suicide and a faith-based response. "Addressing Teenage Suicide" will be led by Pastor Rick; join us in the worship center at 9:45 AM.
This is an important community discussion for everyone -- parents and grandparents, teachers and coaches, friends and neighbors. Please share this opportunity and invite someone to join you. |
| Life Line Screening Hosted by Deacons March 9 | | |
Register for simple tests that can prevent a stroke
 Our Lay Deacons have teamed with DeKalb Medical to offer a number of simple and painless health screenings that can help detect the risk for a stroke. On Saturday, March 9, the medical center will set up testing stations in Epiphany's fellowship hall. Click here for additional information, including the tests offered and cost or pick up a flyer in Epiphany's gathering space tonight.
You must register in advance for the screenings. Click here to register online or call 1-800-324-9458. This event is open to the community, so please spread the word! |
| Tee Up to Raise Funds for Camp in Haiti | | |
HTF Spring Classic golf tournament set for May 2
 Epiphany is sponsoring a golf tournament to help fund the 4th annual Fèt Bondye Bò Lanmè (God's Party by the Sea), the summer camp that serves ultra-poor children in the area of Jacmel, Haiti. Epiphany is sending a team of 18 youth and adult guides to Haiti June 29 -July 7, where they'll be joined by teams from Colorado and Nebraska. Epiphany's portion of funding the 2013 camp is $18,000.
The tournament will be played on Thursday, May 2, at the Olde Atlanta Country Club in Suwanee. Sign up now to play! Advance registration for a foursome is $525; individual golfer registration is $150. Sign up to be a sponsor! Opportunities range from $100 to $500; door prizes and gift bag donations also are needed. (Contributions are tax deductible.)
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| Opportunities to Serve Our Local Community | |
 Vote online to help Rainbow Village Rainbow Village is competing with nine other area non-profit organizations to win a technology "makeover" from Milner. Click here to go to the online site and vote for Rainbow Village. You can vote daily through March 10, when the contest ends. Rainbow Village would use the technology to enhance the academic resources offered to children during its after-school program.
Help build a Habitat home
 Walk in Hunger Walk 2013Atlanta's Hunger Walk is March 10. Consider that more than one in four Georgia children lives in a "food insecure" household -- meaning that they don't always know where they will find their next meal. Lutheran Services of Georgia is a beneficiary of Hunger Walk, granting funds to participating congregations for stocking local food pantries and addressing root causes of hunger. Sign up for this year's Hunger Walk and help alleviate hunger in our area; be sure to register as an LSG participant. You'll find additional information in Epiphany's gathering space. |
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Epiphany Lutheran Church
1350 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suwanee, GA 30024
770-831-1966
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