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Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light
January 13, 2016
David Bowie and Jesus Sing a Duet
Somehow it comes up every year around Christmas. What many call the most awkward and unexpected duet in musical history.  Bing Crosby and David Bowie singing "The Little Drummer Boy (Peace on Earth)."  And now with Bowie's sudden and, at least to us, unexpected death, the duet is getting a reprise just a few weeks after we took down our tree.  As weird as the video of this duet may be (and if you haven't seen it, you really should), would folks be more surprised if Bowie and Jesus are singing a duet today?  
 
Few things have divided the church as much as answering the question of how one gets into heaven and who is there.  Over the course of history different generations have attempted to implement basic standards of requirement for entry.  We have made jokes about St. Peter sitting at the pearly gates (what a boring job that would be) and opening up a big book until the name of the recently deceased has been found and their record scrutinized. Maybe they make it, or maybe they fall through a trapdoor that leads to an eternity of warm weather.  So, how do we know what's true?  How do we know who gets in and who is rejected?  Why are we so concerned with everyone else instead of ourselves?
 
There are many passages in the Bible that speak to this exact issue, and different Christian groups over time have latched onto different passages.  (It really shouldn't be a surprise that folks outside of Christian circles find us so confusing.). The passages that one latches onto reveal a great deal about their faith and how they view God.  In the Bible there is a line where Jesus says, to his fear-stricken and confused disciples, that there will be a day when he comes to them and takes them to where he is.  They don't do anything; this is all the work of the divine. There is another story in the Bible where a thief on the cross, who we are told deserved to die by execution, asks Jesus to remember him.  Jesus says today you will be with me in paradise.  
 
I guess I hope David and Jesus are singing a duet because I need grace as much as David did.  I need a God who loves me in spite of my mistakes.  I need salvation to be God's business, not mine.  And I need to be reminded to be more concerned about my own connection to God rather than condemning someone else.  Maybe if more church people talked about God through this lens, Christians would be known for love, grace, and hope instead of being close-minded, homophobic, and judgmental.  I am working on it too.

See you in church,
 
Chris 

Wednesdays at the Well tonight
Wednesdays at the Well icon
Wednesdays at the Well is our midweek service which begins with a community meal at 6. Tonight's meal serves chicken a la king. 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.  
White twin sheet sets needed for Haiti
suitcase on wheels Immersion Trip in January
Our Epiphany team of travelers will be taking some items along for our friends in Haiti. As a housewarming gift for the brand-new Wings of Hope facility in Jacmel, they will be bringing new, white twin sheet sets. Please bring sheet sets to church by Sunday, January 24th. The team departs on January 27th. Other needs are: bar soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, composition books, ballpoint pens, wooden pencils, and large roller carry-on luggage.
 
Lenten Devotional
We want your participation!
Believe it or not, Lent is almost here! Ash Wednesday is February 10th! Epiphany members are asked to help write a devotional to be used for study during Lent. These short, daily devotionals should be 250 words or less and include a prayer. Sign up on the Blue slip on Sunday or email communications@epiphanysuwanee.org to receive your scripture. Devotions must be returned to church by January 30th.
 
Mid-term CIA parent meeting
January 19, 7 p.m.
Plan to attend this brief meeting if you have a middle-school child enrolled in the CIA (Confirmands in Action) program. As we are at mid-term of the school year, come find out what's happening in the second half of the year! Parents of 8th graders will be asked to stay a bit longer to talk about upcoming Confirmation. Guides are also encouraged to attend. The meeting will be held in the CIA classroom.
 
Epiphany Lutheran Church
1350 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suwanee, GA  30024
770-831-1966