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Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light

May 4, 2016

Jesus Took a Gap Year
With Malia Obama announcing that she plans to take a gap year before she enrolls at Harvard, this year off, although not a new concept, is once again a topic of discussion. There are those who see this as an opportunity for the just-out-of-high-school, not-quite-an-adult, 18-year-old to decompress from a rigorous and demanding high school (and possibly middle school) career that was filled with AP exams, standardized tests, deadlines, and decisions that at times had these young people wound so tight it is a miracle they didn't explode (and sadly, some have.)
 
Others aren't quite as supportive of this year off.  After all "time is money" and "the world stops for no one."  We all need to get out on our own, and the sooner we complete the prerequisites, the sooner we can begin our careers and get ahead.  There are, after all, only 24 hours in a day.  Even though my story parallels the second argument, I wish someone had suggested that I consider a gap year.  A time to decompress and prepare for another rigorous 4 years (which, with seminary, was actually 8 years).  A time to do something meaningful that helped me figure out more about myself and how I could use my gifts to make a difference in the world.  I don't regret the path I took, but I do wonder what if?  
 
I would argue that Jesus took a gap year.  Whether you want to call the 40 days in the wilderness his year, or the obvious gap between his birth and the next time he appears at age 12 or when he appears on the scene in his early 30s.  Jesus seemed to take some time off.  One can only run at full speed before they need a break.  God was aware of this, so much so, that one of the commandments specifically talks about rest.  Maybe we can learn something from these 18-year-olds.  Maybe we can learn what it means to breathe too.  If we believe time is money, maybe we need to find a new station.  
 
One of my college professors spent many years as a missionary in India, and although he took a position as a professor, he was still very much involved with missionary work and continued to invite and challenge others to join him.  Most of these trips took place over the summer, and the excuse he heard most often (myself included) was, "I need to work over the summer so I can make some money."  He always had a great response, "You have your whole life to work and make money."  I wish I could've heard that then.  
 
On their deathbed no one ever says, "I wish I would've worked more overtime."  A gap year not only seems like a good idea, when spent doing something meaningful, it almost sounds biblical.  And it's not just for kids.  In a world that shouts "speed up! do more!", I am grateful for those who go against the grain and do something different.  Maybe their actions can encourage us all to breathe too.
 
You have your whole life to make money,
 
See you in church,

Chris 
 
Wednesdays at the Well tonight
Wednesdays at the Well icon
Wednesdays at the Well is our midweek service. Imagine children's choir rehearses at 6:25, and worship begins at 7. 
Community meals at 6 p.m. will resume on August 17th.

Pastor Chris will continue to focus on the book of Revelations in May.

Come, be refreshed at the Well!
Teacher Appreciation Brunch
Sunday, May 8, 9:45-10-45
All Sunday School teachers and guides are invited to be honored with a brunch this Sunday to thank you for your investment in our youth! Donations for food are still needed. Sign up tonight!
 
Gwinnett Co-Op Summer Food Drive
Begins this Sunday!
Epiphany's Outreach Team will be handing out grocery bags with lists attached for the Co-Op's summer food drive after both services. Be sure to fill a bag or two to feed our hungry neighbors in need over the summer!
 
Parent's Night Out!
Raised $538 for summer camps!
Thank you to the Bluhm family, the youth helpers, and all the parents who took part in Parent's Night Out last Saturday night! 
Rainbow Village Summer Lunches
Great opportunity for kids to meet the 12-hour challenge!
To help with Rainbow Village's summer programming, Epiphany will be providing one week's worth of sack lunches for their children attending day camp. That's 250 sack lunches! Our children and youth will be adding a personal touch to these lunch bags by decorating them during the formation hour on May 8th. This is a fun way for them to earn an hour of service for our 12-Hour Challenge. We are asking each child to bring a jar of peanut butter and/or jelly with them on Sunday, May 8th. See you then!
 
Epiphany's New TerraCycle Recycling Program
Decrease our environmental footprint
and raise money for our church! TerraCycle is a program that recycles "hard to recycle" items for free and earns points and money for non-profit organizations. Epiphany has 3 new bins, located by the doors downstairs, where you can deposit #6 rigid plastic cups (Solo type), personal care products (toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrushes), and plastic triggers, pumps and caps, and flexible product packaging. Pictures on the bins identify what is accepted. Check it out! For more information visit our website http://www.epiphanysuwanee.org/terracycle.
 
Reconciling in Christ (RIC)
Information session Sunday, May 15th at 9:45 am.
Epiphany has a team that is developing an Official Affirmation of Welcome to people of all sexual orientation and gender identities, as well as others that might feel unwelcome in church communities. If you have questions about RIC, attend the info session May 15th during the formation hour. You may also visit Epiphany's website for more information. 
Vacation Bible School 2016
"Surf Shack" Catch the Wave of God's Amazing Love
It's time to register for VBS! Our vacation bible school will be held June 27-July 1 from 9-12. Register here or sign up to volunteer:
http://2016.cokesburyvbs.com/epiphanysuwanee
 
Green Tips
Save your plastic bottles for VBS!
Please save your clean, empty plastic juice bottles (Naked, Bolthouse) with lids, 16 oz. Pepsi product plastic bottles with lids, or ICE plastic bottles with lids. Place in bags and mark VBS. Thank you! 

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