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Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light

March 9, 2016
Thank You
When was the last time you were really thankful for something? Anything?  A time when you couldn't stop thanking a person for something they did for you?  Maybe you were so caught up in the moment that you found yourself crying, or you couldn't keep yourself from hugging the person (whether they wanted to be hugged or not)?  What did that thankfulness turn into?  
 
On Sunday we are going to read a story about a woman, Mary, who was so thankful to Jesus that she washed his feet with a perfume that was valued at nearly a year's wages and then dried those same feet with her hair.  Have you ever felt that thankful?  When Lazarus died, Mary's life was turned upside down, and she was overcome with emotion.  When Jesus called her brother from the tomb, she was so thankful this was her response.  Her thankfulness turned into worship.  
 
I don't think we are naturally thankful people.  A good parent teaches their kid to say please and thank you from an early age.  When the house is on fire or the diagnosis is surgery, we are thankful for the fireman and the doctor, but what about on a daily basis?  Are we thankful when life is normal and things are good?  Do adults need to be reminded to say thank you too?
 
In the story of Mary washing Jesus' feet, it says that the aroma of the perfume was so strong that it filled the entire house.  We aren't just talking about Febreze here; this act had an impact on everyone who was there.  They were covered by it.  
 
How would our world be different if we all were more thankful?  Would we treat each other better in that world?  Here is a challenge: say thank you more often.  Look at your life and see all of the things that you have to be thankful for.  How will you respond?  Maybe your thanks will turn into worship too.
 
Be thankful.  Say thank you.  Impact those around 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 BBQ pork sandwiches and mac and cheese.  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.  
Kellyn Posey shares tonight
Wednesday worship spotlight
Tonight at 7 p.m. worship, we will hear from one of Epiphany's confirmands, Kellyn Posey. Kellyn 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!
 
Reconciling in Christ
Official Affirmation of Welcome
Epiphany has a Reconciling in Christ Team that is developing an Official Affirmation of Welcome to publicly welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as others that might feel unwelcome in church communities. There will be an info and Q&A session on Sunday, March 20th during the formation hour. Visit this website for more information https://www.reconcilingworks.org/
 
Communion Retreat
chalice and bread Sunday, March 13 at 9:45
Pastor Chris, Candace Perkola, and Melanie Landry will give a communion refresher and newcomer course to kids Pre-k through 3rd grade. Adults, please accompany your children! Children, bring your Spark Bibles. Communion will be the focus for the formation hour in all classes this Sunday!
 
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 this Sunday, 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! There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex with detailed information. Check it out!
Good Friday Fish Fry
March 25, 5:30 p.m.
Join us for beer-battered fish, broiled tilapia, sides and desserts on Good Friday! Your freewill offering benefits HTF's annual summer camp in Haiti.

Good Friday worship begins at 7 p.m.
 
Green Tips
Think: REDUCE
Purchase in bulk!: And then store in smaller reusable containers. Saves on packaging and cost!

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