Epiphany full logo    "that all might thrive and serve ..."

Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light
December 30, 2015
A Fresh Start Every Day
January 1 is a magical day for many people. For some it is a chance to make some changes and live a better life. Whether it's removing something (a bad diet and some extra pounds) or adding something (a gym membership and a healthier lifestyle), January 1 always seems like a good place to start. But, sadly, those changes oftentimes are short lived. The changes come easy at first and the commitment seems strong, but after awhile we slip back into our old habits and those resolutions are packed away until the next new year. If we let those resolutions fall, do we have to wait until the next January 1 to start them again? That seems like an awfully drastic approach. What if every day were January 1?
 
In many churches their services might start off with something called a confession and forgiveness (or absolution, if you are really old-school). If you grew up in a Lutheran Church that used (uses) the (now old) green hymnal, you might recall the pastor saying something like, "Please turn to page 78 in the front of your hymnal." (I can still hear my dad say those exact same words.) Whether via this approach or something similar, this was a time when the congregation confessed their sins. Maybe words were said or maybe there was silence, but this was a time when everyone shared with God their sins, regrets, etc. The process didn't end there but had another essential second step. After this silence, or communal sharing, the pastor or leader would then declare to everyone that they were forgiven. I can hear my dad saying, "As a called and ordained minister of the Church of Christ, and by his authority, I declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins." That sounds powerful, right? This is a fresh start. This is a clean slate. This is January 1.  
 
There is this famous line in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus says, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." As famous as this line might be, its meaning might be a tad more elusive. If we know much about pre-mechanized farming, a yoke would have been attached around an ox or a team of oxen and they would have pulled the plow to prepare the earth. In Jesus' day this would have been the case too, but here Jesus is talking about the teachings of a rabbi. There were some rabbis whose teachings were rigorous and strict, and if one wanted to attain some sort of righteousness they had to strap on this burdensome yoke that weighed heavy on their soul. Before this line about an easy yoke Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Jesus concludes, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  
 
How many of us are carrying heavy burdens? How many of us carry baggage strapped to our souls for the mistakes of our past and the times when we were wounded? How many of us are striving to attain this level of perfection that we will never achieve?  How often do these pursuits get in the way of receiving forgiveness?
 
Every day can be January 1. Jesus invites us to experience rest, to sit in the shade of the empty tomb and receive this gift. The best part is we don't have to wait until January 1 to find it; we can find it daily. If you have some resolutions planned, don't tear them up but remember that when you slip up, and you will, we will, you don't have to throw everything out. Grace is a beautiful thing. May we all take on this yoke and find a freer, more fulfilled life in the beautiful gift of a God of grace and love.
 
See you in church,
 
Chris 

Wednesdays at the Well does not meet tonight! Join us again on January 6th!
Wednesdays at the Well icon
Wednesdays at the Well is our midweek service which begins with a community meal at 6. Suggested freewill offering is $6 for adults and $3 for children. 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. Beginning on January 6, Pastor Chris will lead us in a 30-minute worship service focusing on the book of Ecclesiastes. 
Congregational Meetings
Epiphany full logo Mark your calendar
On January 10, between the 8:30 and 11 services, Epiphany will hold a congregational meeting to approve our ministry budget for 2016. Another meeting will be held on February 7 to talk about our Annual Report and vote on changes to our by-laws. We'd love a full house!
 
Volunteer in Sunday School!
The formation team is looking for people interested in volunteering in Sunday School next semester beginning January 3, for ages Pre-K through 5th grade. If you'd like to help, email formationteam@epiphanysuwanee.org, or click on the link to Volunteer Spot:  http://vols.pt/WfzQEX
 
MOPS and MOMSnext
Starting up in January!
The first meeting of MOPS and MOMSnext is set for January 17, 4-7 p.m. at church and will meet monthly.
Small Groups
Evans small group serving dinner at Rainbow Village
Are you looking for a small group?
A place where you can connect, learn, grow, and service with others? A place to build relationships that matter? We are planning on starting a number of new small groups and would like for you to be a part of one. We believe life was meant to be shared with others! To sign up, email pastorchris@epiphanysuwanee.org.
 
Epiphany Lutheran Church
1350 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suwanee, GA  30024
770-831-1966