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Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light
January 20, 2016
Huh?
This past Sunday, Bishop Julian Gordy of the Southeastern Synod, preached at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Suwanee, GA.  I may not have the quote completely accurate, but at some point he said something to the effect of how ironic it was that he was preaching at a church named Epiphany in the season of Epiphany. "But," the Bishop said, "I don't have to tell you what Epiphany means because you already know!" I wonder how many folks were unavailable for eye contact after The Bishop said that?

How do you respond when you don't know something that you probably should?  That person who you have met numerous times but you just can't remember their name?  The question the teacher asks that everyone else seems to know, but you are the only one not raising your hand?  That Bible story you have heard many times, but you're not sure if it was Nicodemus or Zacchaeus who climbed the sycamore tree?  Do you respond with honesty that you just don't know, or are your eyes glued to anywhere but the person asking the question? 

Over the years many pastors, myself included, have made fun of how dense the disciples seemed to be.  These were the chosen 12 that spent 3 years with Jesus, yet they still didn't get it.  They had seen incredible things, heard life-changing sermons, and had been a part of events that echoed across the region, yet they were still missing the big picture.  It can be easy to look down on someone because when we do, maybe no one will pay attention to us and the fact that we don't have it all together.  Maybe they won't notice that you don't know the answer either.  

I went to high school with this kid who didn't try to hide the fact that he didn't know everything.  When the teacher asked if everyone understood, he was the first one to raise his hand and say that he didn't.  The rest of us let out a sigh of relief because thankfully, someone asked the question that we all wanted to but didn't have the guts to ask.  And because of his question we all learned something.  Pretty cool, huh?  I always appreciated and admired his courage.

Epiphany is many things.  It is a story about visitors from the East who bring weird presents to a toddler.  It is the baptism of Jesus with a dove descending from the sky and a voice speaking.  It is Jesus turning water into wine.  This is a season when the light bulb comes on and we begin to get a sense of who Jesus is.  What once was dim is now shining brightly, but something had to turn it on.  How will we know if we don't ask the question?  It's OK not to know.  In that way we are like the disciples, and just as Jesus chose them, we are chosen too.  It's OK to ask the question because the person standing next to you might not know either.  So raise your hand, ask that question, and maybe we all will learn something together and lots of light bulbs will shine bright!

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 a taco bar, nachos, salad, and an ice cream bar. 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 this Sunday!
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 this 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.
 
Be a part of our 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.  No writing experience required!
 
Save the Date for VBS!
June 27-July 1st
Now is the time we start planning our summer vacations. We don't want your children to miss out on another fantastic Vacation Bible School at Epiphany, so save June 27-July 1st for VBS! Sign-ups will begin in March.
 
HTF Golf Tournament in 2016
tee shot Save the date for Thursday, September 29th, 2016
The annual HTF Golf Tournament has been a successful fundraiser for our summer camps in Haiti. We will once again hold this event this year in September at Olde Atlanta Golf Club in Suwanee, GA. Mark your calendars and plan to be a big part of this fun and mission-filled day!
 
Epiphany Lutheran Church
1350 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suwanee, GA  30024
770-831-1966