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Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light
November 18, 2015
Guns, Refugees, and Jesus
What to do with evil?  I don't think anyone is arguing about whether or not we live in a world marred by evil.  What we are arguing about is how to deal with it.  We live in a 140-character-opinionated-repost-happy world, and it isn't getting us anywhere.  So what do we do?  Well, if faith is part of who you are, do you look at your opinions and knee-jerk reactions through said faith?  Can you see the world through Jesus' eyes?  Does your faith have an impact on your opinions, or are you forcing your faith to be what you want it to be? 

The latest headlines are of governors publicly stating that Syrian refugees are not welcome in their state.  Now to an extent, maybe I get what they are suggesting. Maybe this is a power play to put pressure back on Syria in hopes that they will be forced to deal with the troubles of their nation directly, (there certainly isn't any political agenda here) but would Jesus support this stance?  Don't we have an obligation to protect all God's children?  If you are a person of faith, do you remember that Jesus was a refugee and sought asylum in Egypt from a tyrannical political leader?  

If Jesus were walking the streets of the world today, would he carry a gun?  For many in the world it seems the answer to violence is more violence, and from a human standpoint I guess this makes sense.  I played sports when I was younger, and there were times when I was looking to "hit" someone else to protect a teammate or for revenge.  I have been a rage-monster in horrible traffic, and road-rage seemed to come all too naturally.  But aren't people of faith called to rise above our animalistic, human reactions?  

There aren't easy answers to these questions, but we as Christians are exhorted to wrestle with these questions through the lens of our faith.  Maybe open borders isn't the answer, but I don't think a wall is either.  I am not suggesting that we ban all firearms, but is a bigger gun or a bigger bomb the answer?  Are we so paralyzed by fear that we see those who are different from us as the enemy?

The real question is "how can we work together to combat evil?"  We are divided when we need to be united.  Instead of trying to force our views on others, how about we honestly look at our faith and how our faith is calling us to respond?  Maybe the cliche is the answer: "What would Jesus do?"
 
See you in church,
 
Chris 

Wednesdays at the Well tonight
Wednesdays at the Well icon
Community meal at 6 serves breakfast for dinner. Suggested freewill offering is $6/adult, $3/child; cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.
Imagine Children's Choir at 6:25 welcomes all kids pre-K through 5th grade.
Worship at 7. Pastor Chris will be leading a discussion about the book of Hebrews. Come, learn something new and be refreshed at the Well!
Find out first-hand what Epiphany is doing in Haiti through an Immersion Trip, January 2016
We would love to have new, first-time travelers on this trip!
Epiphany will be part of a HTF (Haitian Timoun Foundation) group traveling to Haiti January 27-February 3, 2016. If you are interested in being a part of this life-changing immersion trip, contact Erin Murphy, Executive Director of the Haitian Timouan Foundation, at erinmurphy@htflive.org. 
Epiphany starting a MOPS & MOMSnext group
 
MOPS & MOMSnext International will soon be available to Epiphany members. MOPS & MOMSnext brings the key fundamentals of spiritual hope, personal growth, and mothering support to both working mothers and stay-at-home mothers. Epiphany MOPS welcomes all mothers with children birth through Kindergarten, and Epiphany MOMSnext welcomes all mothers with children elementary through teen years.

A MOPS & MOMSnext interest meetings will be held tonight, November 18th after Wednesdays at the Well service.

For more information, contact mops@epiphanysuwanee.org
 
Small Groups: What are They?

Small groups at Epiphany are an integral part of faith growth and community. We have many small groups of varied ages that meet once a month to discuss God's word through a study guide, as well as provide support for members and participate in service projects, like serving dinner at Rainbow Village. Small groups are a great way to get to know your faith community on a deeper level.

If you are not already in a small group and would like to become part of this ministry, contact pastorchris@epiphanysuwanee.org
 
Evans Small Group Serves Dinner at Epiphany
Recently in November, the Paul and Diane Evans small group served dinner at Rainbow Village. Would you like to be a part of this ministry? You don't need to be in a small group to participate. Sign up on Sunday's blue slip to prepare and serve dinner to our families at Rainbow Village.
 
Epiphany Lutheran Church
1350 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suwanee, GA  30024
770-831-1966