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Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light

March 2, 2016
What About Today?
If yesterday was Super Tuesday, what is today called? Those who came out on top might call it Winners Wednesday.  The winners might refer to their opponents as Whining Wednesday (as I am sure the comments in the days ahead will be anything but mature.)I am prone to call it Weeping or Wailing Wednesday because we are in such a sad state.  
 
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."  Early on in his life, Jesus preached this sermon that we now call "The Sermon on the Mount," and if we believe this verse, how many of us deserve to be called children of God? How many of those in the public arena, who claim to be Christians, could be called children of God?  Are you working for peace?  The things that you read, listen to, and watch, do they speak of peace, or do they add fuel to a fire that has been raging out of control for far too long?  Do you have the courage to call out and expose those who preach division and hatred instead of peace? 
 
Yesterday the church where I serve was used as a polling place.  It was an interesting scene to watch as these crowds of individual strangers walked into a church to cast their vote.  Everyone seemed civil, although there was little conversation.  But if those privacy dividers didn't exist and they saw who their anonymous neighbor was voting for, would they still be friends?  
At the top of the hill that leads into the church's parking lot, someone had placed a campaign sign for a candidate that I don't believe has any interest in peace.  (But to be honest, are any of them working for peace?  Aren't they most concerned with doing whatever it takes to win?).  I really wanted to rip that sign out of the ground, but that didn't seem like the Lutheran way.  How different would the news be if we all, collectively, worked for peace?  How different would our politics be if peace was our main goal and agenda?  

You can't change anyone else, but you can change yourself, and maybe that's enough.  Maybe that's a start.  You can work for peace.  You can choose to turn off that TV station that spews hate and division. You can challenge your friends and family members who regurgitate this toxic message and repost it blindly.  The change can begin with you.  It might be lonely, some might look at you like you are from another planet, and you might even lose some friends, but I would hope that we can all agree that the world needs more peace.  I need more peace.  It might not be the easiest thing, but no one said being a child of God would be, and good things rarely come easy.
 
Work for peace.  
 
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 rotisserie chicken and rice pilaf.  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.  
Bailey Bigott shares tonight
Wednesday worship spotlight
Tonight at 7 p.m. worship, we will hear from one of Epiphany's youth, Bailey Bigott. Bailey 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!
 
Rainbow Village's Boutique needs our help!
Easter attire needed for youth
The children and young adults at Rainbow Village need gently used Easter attire for both girls and boys! If you have items to donate, please bring them to church by March 13!

We also are looking for dinner servers for May 10 and Big Recess volunteers for March 18.
 
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! 

Many volunteers are needed to make this event a great success! Check out Epiphany's Facebook page to see the opportunities.
Good Friday Fish Fry
March 25, 5:30 p.m.
Join us for beer-battered fish, and broiled tilapia, sides and desserts on Good Friday! Your freewill offering benefits HTF's annual summer camp in Haiti.
 
Green Tips
Think: REDUCE
Borrow and Loan!: Everyone in the neighborhood doesn't need "their own" everything! SHARE!!!

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