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Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light

February 3, 2016
Would Jesus Wear Cam's Jersey?
On Monday my daughter asked me if she could get a Carolina Panthers t-shirt to wear to school on Friday.  We lived in Charlotte for 6 years and went to a few Panthers games, so it makes sense to cheer for the team that was our "home-team" for over a half-decade in Sunday's big game. That night we logged onto Amazon, because that's where you go to buy t-shirts (and socks, and soap and food, and...) but there weren't any Panthers shirts to be found.  (I felt like a digital Mother Hubbard.)  I guess we should've expected this. The Panthers are in the Super Bowl, and apparently everyone else had the same idea that we did, just earlier. If there is a shortage of Panthers' and Broncos' gear I bet they have an abundance of Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans shirts.  (For those of you who aren't versed in the NFL, those two teams had the worst records this year and their stuff probably isn't flying off of the shelves.) Thus continues the curse of the fair-weather fan.  
 
Why is it that when you are winning you have an abundance of new best-friends but when you aren't, you don't?  When you hit the winning shot, are awarded the large contract, or win the lottery, friends seem to come by the dozens, but when you cost the team the game, get fired, or declare bankruptcy, you might as well have leprosy and yell out "Unclean!" because no one wants to be near you.
 
In a world where this is reality, maybe Jesus isn't wearing a Cam jersey, but instead he is wearing Johnny Manziel's number.  One day you are a redshirt-college freshman winning the Heisman Trophy and a few years later signing a multimillion dollar contract to play professional football and the next, following a series of bonehead mistakes, you are a liability, a high-risk mistake, and a football player without a team.  Jesus isn't excusing Johnny-Football's behavior, but, when everyone else has abandoned him, Jesus is there.  
 
I wonder how many folks will be sporting those new Panthers (or Broncos) shirts after they have a bad season or two?  Because that will happen.  It is impossible to stay on top forever.  Who will be cheering for them then?  How about the peaks and valleys of your life?  Who was there when it seemed like you would never find the bottom?  Or your friends, co-workers and family members when their lives hit a tailspin, were you there with them or did your schedule suddenly become really full?  
 
This is the Jesus that I follow, the Jesus that is there when life sucks, the Jesus that is there when I make a dumb move, the Jesus who picks me up and dusts me off when I have found myself face down in the mud.  It is cool when the winners thank God, but I hope the losers know God is there too, because that is when they really need it.  When everyone else leaves that jersey at the bottom of the closet, Jesus wears it with pride.  Through thick and thin, Jesus is wearing your number.  This is true love. 

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 fried chicken. 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.  
Annual Meeting February 7th!
We need your voice and presence!
We will be voting on changes to the Bylaws and Constitution, as well as discussing plans 2016 in greater detail. You will receive a copy of our Annual Report and hear about how our faith partners are living out their missions through our gifts and generosity. Be there at 9:45 a.m., immediately following large group opening!
 
Haiti Immersion trip returns today!
We will hear from them on Sunday
Be sure to be in church on Sunday, February 7, to hear our Epiphany member travelers share their life-changing experiences in Haiti during services.
 
What does True Love look like?
True Love Sunday, February 14
Valentine's Day this year is on a Sunday! Epiphany would like to share what true love really looks like, and it isn't diamonds, cards, flowers, or chocolate. It's about living generously and giving to others. Be here and invite your friends to this very special morning with guest speakers from our faith partners, who will share how service and giving have been gifts of true love. How much more can you love?
 
Green Tips
Think: REDUCE
Observe an eco-Sabbath: Pick one day/week when you don't buy ANYTHING!

Epiphany tip: Bring your own cup to Wednesdays at the Well dinner and coffee cup on Sunday to reduce plastic and styrofoam waste.
 
Epiphany Lutheran Church
1350 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suwanee, GA  30024
770-831-1966