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Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light

June 29, 2016

Gina was Right
In early April Gina, my wife, started complaining of double vision and that, in general, her vision just wasn't right.  It wasn't all the time. It came and went, but a few times it was so bad she was nervous to drive.  I kept telling her it was nothing and that it would get better.  It wasn't that I didn't believe her or that I didn't want her to go to the doctor, I was trying to be a positive voice, thinking that maybe my reassurance and positivity would right the ship.  I am so glad she didn't listen to me. 
 
After a week or two of it just isn't right, an ophthalmologist visit led to a neurologist visit, which led to an MRI, which led to a neurosurgeon visit, which then led to something called Gamma Knife. (Which also included a radiation oncologist and a physicist!)  It was discovered that Gina had a very small tumor near her brain stem that was aggravating her sixth nerve, the nerve that has a lot to do with her vision.  It wasn't a brain tumor but a tumor that was "on her brain", and it wasn't cancerous but it needed to come out.  

We both prepared for surgery, feeling pretty optimistic that it could be fixed, but that there would be some time in the hospital and some time recovering at home.  It turns out a surgery for a tumor like this is considered successful if the patient only loses their hearing!  But since the tumor was so small, it could be treated with this nonsurgical method called Gamma Knife.  Normally a tumor like this doesn't start to cause symptoms until it is bigger, and if it is too big Gamma Knife isn't an option. Something just isn't right.  I am so glad Gina listened to herself and her body instead of me.
 
In the Old Testament, from the prophet Jeremiah, God speaks through the prophet about the relationship that God will have with the people.  Jeremiah 31:33 reads:
 
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord:  I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God and they shall be my people.  
 
Most likely Jeremiah wrote these words with the future in mind. There was concern as to how the future may unfold and how this faith tradition would remain.  God made it very plain and clear that their understanding wouldn't come from outside of themselves, but that it will be part of them.  They will carry it with them, and this law will help them live, both with God and one another.  Their guide would be God.
 
I don't care if you call it God, or the Holy Spirit, karma, the universe, spidey-sence or coincidence, from time to time we all feel that something just isn't right.  There may be other voices that say it's not a big deal or it will go away, but we still feel like something isn't right. 

As a pastor, I believe that feeling is God, trying to get our attention.  Whether it's to watch, listen. or do something, it just isn't right is a subtle, holy nudge.  Whether it's your health, injustice, poverty, income inequality, war, genocide, a fractured relationship, whatever, when there is an imbalance we tend to feel it in our souls, and we can either listen to that feeling or we can drown it out and change the channel.
 
How is your soul speaking to you?  Where is God challenging you to be aware?  For Gina, I was that voice saying it's no big deal, but she knew better and I'm glad she listened to that instead of me.  This holy law is within us.  It is written on our hearts, and it urges us to do more, to make the world better.  We can't be content when things are unsettled.  We must act.  We are called to make a difference.
 
Are you listening? 

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 concludes a study of the Book of Psalms tonight. In July, we begin a study of 1st and 2nd Peter.

Come, be refreshed at the Well!

VBS is in full swing!
June 27-July 1st, 9-12 p.m.
100 children are having a blast at VBS this week! "Surf Shack: Catch the Wave of God's Amazing Love" has caught the attention of so many children from Epiphany and the community. A huge thanks goes out the entire VBS team of volunteers who are making this a very memorable Vacation Bible School! 
 
Lutheridge Camp
Our group of campers!
Summer is church camp time at Epiphany! This week, these kids and parents are at Lutheridge in North Carolina. Keep them in your prayers for a safe and fun-filled week of growing in their faith! 
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.
 
Playground Safety
There are some rules!
We are very pleased to have a wonderful playground at Epiphany. But please remember to be safe! The playground is designed for children ages 5-12! 
 
July 4th
Enjoy your Independence Day Holiday!
Next Monday our great country celebrates its independence. Many of our members are traveling or on vacation. Please be safe! The church office will be closed Monday, July 4th. Happy 4th of July!
 
Epiphany Lutheran Church
1350 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suwanee, GA  30024
770-831-1966