Epiphany full logo    "that all might thrive and serve ..."

Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light

June 15, 2016

Beyond Words
Nowadays, you don't just go to the movies, you go to IMAX 3D Movies (and you donate an organ to pay for it).  But, why would anyone do that?  Not only are those tickets nearly $20, but you can just as easily watch a movie at home or, better yet, you could watch them on the privacy of that little screen you carry in your pocket; anywhere and anytime.  Why would someone go through the hassle of going to a professional sporting event?  The lines, the parking, and, unless you fork over a ton of cash, you can bet on sitting in the nose-bleed seats.  Why don't you just watch that game at home?  The beer is cheaper and the line for the bathroom is considerably shorter!  Well, as fun as it is to watch a movie at home, watching a movie on a screen that is 10 stories tall and wearing glasses that allow the explosion to come right at you is pretty cool.  As much as I love bathrooms with troughs, there is something to be said about attending a game or event live.  The atmosphere, energy, and being surrounded by 60,000 other fans is something you just can't get at home, no matter how cheap the beer is!
 
This week I am up in the North Carolina mountains with 13 of our middle school students and another adult leader.  We have joined up with another congregation as well as two other churches that are here, along with the staff and leadership of the camp.  (As you can imagine, mealtime is very interesting!)  The kids are learning, playing games, and going on daily excursions.  They are making new friends and growing in faith.  When we return to Suwanee, many parents and church members will ask us, what was it like?  And if they struggle to find the words to capture the week, that might be because words don't do the experience justice.  These 13 teen and preteen individuals could certainly try to tell their friends (or text them) about it, but unless they fully experience what it is like to spend 5 hours climbing to the top of two mountain peaks, words don't do it justice.  It is hard to capture Gaga-Ball in words, or creek walks, or ropes courses, or food prepared over an open fire; these are experiences.
 
Many of us spend a lot of time on the sidelines.  But those sidelines aren't actually on the side of a field; our sidelines are found in front of our computers or TVs.  We watch others experience life while we just sit and watch.  (Those HGTV shows still blow my mind!  How many times can someone watch someone else shop for a house?)  We talk a lot, but do we walk?  Have you actually gone on that mission trip you keep talking about?  (Let me introduce you to my friend Erin Murphy.)  Have you actually gone out and served? (Google "North Gwinnett Co-Op" or "Rainbow Village."  Tell them Epiphany sent you.)  We talk about generosity and dream about what's possible and even encourage others to do it, but when was the last time you actually sacrificed something for the sake of someone else?  (Don't just pass that plate down the aisle on Sunday.)  
 
Jesus routinely took his disciples with him because he knew they needed to experience faith, not just talk about it.  It wasn't something they could learn in a book (or scroll) but an experience that would impact their lives forever, once they took the plunge and those first few steps down that path.  The path was unknown and the future was a mystery, but it was an experience that couldn't be captured in words.  It was something that would change them and shape them, something they would take with them forever. 
 
Where and how is Jesus challenging you to get off the sidelines and into the game?  What are those experiences that you have been reluctant to jump into?  What is holding you back?  We only get one chance to live this story; make it a good one!  Make it so good that it can't be captured in words.  But the best way to tell others about it is still and has always been to invite them to join you.  The phone has been ringing; answer it!  
 
I will see you in the Gaga-Ball Pit!

Pastor Chris 
 

Wednesdays at the Well tonight
Wednesdays at the Well icon
Wednesdays at the Well is our midweek service. Come worship with us at 7 p.m.!
Community meals at 6 p.m. and Imagine children's choir will resume on August 17th.

Pastor Chris continues a study of the Book of Psalms in June. 

Come, be refreshed at the Well!

Rainbow Village Summer Lunches
Many, many thanks to all who contributed financially and otherwise to help with Rainbow Village's summer programming. Epiphany provided one week's worth of sack lunches for 87 children attending day camp in June. That's more than 250 sack lunches! When God asks, you answer! 
Going out of town this summer?
Epiphany never takes a summer vacation!
Please don't forget about your weekly giving when you do vacation! Sign up for automatic giving through your bank's bill pay or through our church website and Epiphany connect. epiphanysuwanee.org

If you would like more information or assistance getting your offerings set up, please fill out the Blue slip at church and the church office will contact you.
 
Epiphany at Lutherock
Our middle school youth are at camp this week!
Pastor Chris, Erin Murphy, and several of our middle school youth are busy climbing mountains, playing Gaga-ball, and growing in their faith this week. They return Saturday!
 
Father's Day Car Wash (this Sunday!) for Haiti Summer Camp
Car Wash art Father's Day, June 19th
Get Dad's car washed (and yours!) Sunday, June 19th. Our youth traveling to Haiti this summer will be washing cars at church before and after services. Freewill donations will support their trip!
 
The Experience Touring Choir
Coming to Epiphany June 24, 7 p.m.
Pastor Chris's former church, Christ Lutheran in Charlotte, NC, is bringing 62 high school students to our church to complete their summer tour. The Experience program, At Your Command, focuses on the 10 Commandments and their meaning for our life today. It is their mission to tell the story of Christ to the world through contemporary song, drama, dance, visual arts and much more!

Come and enjoy a family friendly night of laughter, music, and worship. This performance is free and open to the public. 

Invite your friends and neighbors!
 
Epiphany Lutheran Church
1350 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suwanee, GA  30024
770-831-1966