Words that come to mind when I reflect on my experience with Epiphany:  fellowship, worship, congregation, support, relationships, forgiveness, acceptance, and Jesus.  All of these things are a living part of me now.  Epiphany to me is not a place that I go once a week to hear a positive reflection of how God loves each and every one of us. Epiphany is an opportunity to know God and to use the gifts God has instilled in each and every one of us.  Plus, it's great to be part of a church that children run to instead of running away from.

I have been attending church all of my life, but it wasn't until I got involved with Epiphany that my life changed.  Growing up in an alcoholic family, you learn early on the tactics of self-survival.  So very early on, I closed myself off to the outside world and became a self-reliant man with very low self-esteem.  If events didn't benefit me somehow, I wouldn't partake.  My life became about the next biggest and best adventure, trying to fill an empty void.  The only person I truly trusted was me.

It wasn't until I starting getting engaged with Epiphany and allowing others to love me and accept me that the walls started coming down.  God's love through many Epiphany people broke down those walls that I had put up.

When you are around positive people sharing their gifts, accepting themselves as well as others around them, it's easier to accept who YOU are and own the gifts you have to offer.  God has changed me through others, and I pray with his guidance and strength that I might make a positive difference in others' lives.  That's what it's all about - relationships. For me, Epiphany gives us every opportunity in the world to be a part of them.  Thank you!