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Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light

July 13, 2016

It Takes Time
Two weeks ago my parents moved to southeast Iowa. That statement alone doesn't mean much, but they had spent the last 39 years in either western Oregon or western Washington.  To say that they had grown accustomed to the moderate climate of the Pacific Northwest is an understatement.  Growing up, when we lived on the Oregon coast, the temps might have climbed into the 80s one day a year and we seldom saw freezing temps.  If you can handle the rain, weather wise, it is a great place to live.  So when I call them on the phone, one of the first things we talk about, every time we talk on the phone, is the weather.  I don't think anyone really loves hot, muggy, summer weather, but after a while, you get used to it.  It takes time. 
 
Imagine someone goes to the gym for the very first time and they are in their 40s or 50s.  They throw around some weights, maybe do some squats, and finish with some cardio on the elliptical machine.  Chances are they are going to be sore in the morning.  And not just a little sore but, "I don't want to get out of bed" sore.  It would be really easy to say, "I am never doing that again!" And based on how their muscles feel when they get out of bed, that might seem like a smart move.  But, over time, your body adjusts, and maybe you even look forward to those muscle pains because you know it means you are doing something.  It takes time.  
 
Pretend someone has lived on fast food for years and one day they decide to go healthy, cold turkey.  Not only will their body crave that junk food, their system might even reject the healthy stuff they are putting in their body, but, over time, they adjust and they feel healthier after switching to a clean diet.
 
Things that matter rarely happen overnight.  Maybe that's why Jesus spent 3 years with his disciples before he sent them out on their own.  They needed that time to adjust, figure out this new way of life, and internalize it to the point that they could actually be effective.  It took time.  
 
Are you patient with your faith?  Let's say you have an experience and in response to that, you want to become more generous.  Emotionally it might feel good for a period of time, but after a while you start to second-guess yourself and you revert back to your old ways.  It takes time.  Or you want to be better with praying or reading the Bible, or anything faith related.  You start off well, but it's such a change that after a while you go back to what you know.  It takes time.  
 
So when you make these big changes, remember you need to be patient with yourself.  It won't happen overnight, but over time this new way of living will become your new normal and you will be better for it.  It takes time.  (But it's still really hot in Iowa.)
 
Be patient with yourself.  God has been patient with you.  It's worth it. 


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.

We are discussing 1st and 2nd Peter in July.

Come, be refreshed at the Well!

Epiphany Seniors Group
Lunch on July 14th at Suwanee Pizza Tavern
Meet us at 11:30! 1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suwanee. All are welcome!  
Epiphany's Labyrinth
Come discover our new labyrinth
Many thanks to a local Eagle Scout who constructed this labyrinth. The labyrinth is located across the parking lot from the playground and can be accessed through a small path leading into the woods. A labyrinth is not a maze but a walking meditation device with a single path leading from the edge to the center and then back out. There is one route as you enter the path and slowly wind your way through. Labyrinths can be used for prayer, meditation, or relaxation. The labyrinth is open to anyone! Check out our new labyrinth and spread the word!
 
HTF Summer Camp begins this week!
8 Epiphany youth, along with Erin Murphy, will be traveling to Haiti July 14-22nd to serve in leadership roles at a summer camp for some of the poorest children in Haiti. For eight days they will be in Jacmel and Mirebalais, Haiti. On Sunday, July 31 they will share their stories of transformation during worship services!
Lifeline Health Screening
August 8, 2016
Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings is offering a preventive health event at Epiphany. 5 screenings will be offered for $139, ($10 discount goes to Epiphany). All 5 screenings (carotid artery/plaque, heart rhythm, abdominal aerotic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, and osteoporosis risk assessment) take 60-90 minutes to complete. Register online at http://www.lifelinescreening.com/ 
Playground Safety
There are some rules!
The fence will be installed July 13th! 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! 
 
Epiphany Lutheran Church
1350 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suwanee, GA  30024
770-831-1966