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

Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light

July 20, 2016

You Can Make it Better
It has been a pretty crappy two weeks.  From shootings, to terror attacks, to political coups.  When will it stop?  When will it get better?  Maybe we can't fix everything right away, and maybe it won't ever be perfect, but I believe we can make small, subtle changes that will, eventually, make a big difference.
 
Following the shootings in Louisiana, Minnesota, and Texas, many felt compelled to express their feelings for which lives they felt mattered most.  "Black Lives Matter" quickly evolves into "Blue Lives Matter" which quickly morphs into "all", "white," "gay," etc. lives matter.  Unfortunately these social-media shouting matches seldom lead anywhere or fix the problems that continue to shatter our world and lives.  How can we make it better?
 
Can we all admit that we all have some sort of -ism that we struggle with?  Can we all admit that we make judgments of others and tend to think the worst of the person instead of the best?  Can we all admit that we tend to stare at someone who seems to be different than we are, for a little longer than we should?  Can we all admit that we can be better?  Don't worry about someone else or their issues.  Talk about what you struggle with, admit the weaknesses that you carry, and maybe, just maybe, that can be the starting point for a better story.  
 
If you tend to make judgments about young black men who dress a certain way, that is a problem; not their problem but your problem.  If you think all Muslims are terrorists, that is a problem.  If you think of gay, lesbian and trans people as all less than you, that is a problem.  And until that can be admitted, we won't go anywhere.  Racism is a problem, it is real and it is here, but until I can admit my own judgments and assumptions how can I be a part of the solution?  I can't.  If my default is to talk about someone else and their issues, instead of my own, I am only throwing gasoline on an already raging fire.  I am not making it better.  
 
We have an opportunity here to make things better but it has to start with me and it has to start with you.  How can I be better?  Where have I messed up?  What judgments have I made of others without ever even talking to them?  This is the perfect opportunity to reach out to those whom I struggle with, to put a story and a face with the issue.  To remove my false assumptions and acknowledge the beating heart and soul of a person that I would have initially thought less of.  
 
Maybe I should stop worrying about the speck in my sister's eye and worry about the plank in my own.  It starts with me and it starts with you.  We can make a difference.  We can make it better. Will I?  Will you? I hope so. 
 

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!

Gift Registry for our new intern
Anders Nilsen
In anticipation of our intern Anders arriving in August, a college registry has been created at Target. Items will be shipped to church or you can pick them up at the store and bring them to church. If you want to help out but don't have time to shop, monetary donations are helpful as well! Let's make Anders feel welcome and comfortable for the time that he is with Epiphany!

http://www.target.com/ Click on Registry tab, first name: Epiphany, last name: Church. For a 15% discount, enter NWKGYKY374HWDCM as the promo code.
 
Rainbow Village
Serving Dinner, July 19
We had a large group serving a taco bar at Rainbow Village last night! Thank you to all who served, thank you for bringing your friends, Franklin Family, and thanks to many of you who stayed to play games and read to the kids at Big Recess!
 
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/ 
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!
 
Playground Safety
There are some rules!
The fence is now installed! 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