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Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light

February 24, 2016
The Donald vs. The Pope
You may have already forgotten, but last Thursday The Pope made a comment that many feel questioned presidential-hopeful Donald Trump's faith.  Trump, as I am sure everyone was expecting, fired right back.  I wasn't there to hear The Pope first-hand, but what I have read was that The Pope suggested that building walls instead of bridges is not Christian. "This is not the message of the gospel."  What really got some riled up was the line, "This man is not a Christian if he says things like that."  In his response, Trump made a good point.  He said that someone should not question another's faith.  "No leader, especially a religious leader, should have the right to question another man's religion or faith."  I partially agree with this statement.  
 
What doomed this exchange from the onset was how it happened.  Someone asked a question, (probably with the intent of selling newspapers or gaining publicity) and almost immediately after the words had been said, they were posted out onto the Internet for everyone to read and comment.  This was a conversation that needed to happen, but it should've happened in private, between two people, not the entire world.  Whether you are The Pope or The President or you hope to be President, we all need to be challenged. We all need to be reminded how a person of faith should live, and whether or not our words, actions, or aspirations reflect Jesus.  Here is a spoiler: we will all fail.
 
Who do you have in your life to challenge you?  Who will call you out and tell you when you are wrong?  Do you surround yourself with people who tell you what you want to hear, or do you have people in your life who tell you what you need to hear?  The question isn't whether or not you are a Christian; the question is whether or not the life you are living reflects the life of Christ. Whether we are talking about walls, immigrants, guns, capital punishment, racism, poverty, healthcare, or any other issue that we are divided on, the real question is, are your opinions formed by Jesus or by what you want?  
 
I would love it if The Pope and Trump had the chance to meet and have a challenging, open conversation about what it means to live like Jesus, to love God above all things and our neighbors as ourselves.  To honestly look at their lives and ask the question, "How can I be more like Jesus?"  I hope you have someone in your life who will challenge you and ask you the same tough questions and challenge you to be better, because we can always be better.  I hope you have the honesty and humility to admit that you aren't there yet and you need someone who will help you get there, as painful as that may be.  I believe it's worth it.  You need it, and the world needs that version of you.  
 
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 is meatloaf and mashed potatoes.  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.
Lenten Worship at 7.  
Beverley Sylvester shares tonight
Wednesday worship spotlight
Tonight at 7 p.m. worship, we will hear from one of Epiphany's youth, Beverley Sylvester. Beverley will share what "hope for the future" means to her, reflecting on our Lenten verses from Romans and the Gospel of John. During Lenten Wednesday services, several of Epiphany's youth will be sharing their faith and their reflections. Don't miss what our young people have to say!
 
Who and What are Deacons?
Find out on Sunday, February 28
Epiphany has a group of lay deacons who are commissioned to serve the congregation in several ways: prayer, visitation, at-home communion, among other services. This Sunday you will hear from our deacons and be acquainted or reacquainted with how the Deacon ministry can serve you and your family.
 
Annual Easter Egg Hunt!
Invite your kids and friends to this fun, annual event on March 19th. The event is free, but we ask you to bring a canned food item for the North Gwinnett Co-op.

Donations of pre-packaged, non-chocolate candy and plastic Easter eggs are needed. Please deliver candy and eggs to church by March 12th.

Bring a dessert or cupcakes to the event! 
Green Tips
Think: REDUCE
Buy used!: Browse thrift stores, ask your friends and neighbors if they know of someone selling something you need, garage sales, etc. Someone's discards may become your treasure!

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