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Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light

August 10, 2016

Something to get Behind
Frank Wagner is a Lutheran pastor from Juno Beach, FL. Thirty years ago he discovered a place in the North Carolina mountains called Lutherock.  Not only has this place become a huge part of his life professionally (as a pastor he has taken over 1,000 people to Lutherock), it is a huge part of his family.  He, his wife, their 4 kids, and 5 grandkids have not only been there but continue to return.  This place is so special to Frank, and he has received so much from this camp, that he wants to give something back.  As both he and the camp turn 60 years old, Frank, as he bikes from Florida to North Carolina, is raising $60,000 so that Lutherock can add a zip line to the camp.  What a cool gesture.  What a selfless act.  Isn't this something that I can get behind?
 
As the entire world has been watching the Olympics, one of the comments that I have heard is how this event brings us together.  In a time when we are anything but unified, in the Olympics not only do we find unity as a country but in the very games themselves.  Certainly these athletes dream of standing on a podium, wearing a medal as their country's anthem is played, but there also seems to be a great sense of support between the competitors.  Their goal isn't to win at all cost, but to do the best they can and push each other to be better.  What a powerful example of unity.  
 
As cool as it is to watch something on TV that talks about unity, and maybe even causes pride to swell up in my chest and a lump to form in my throat, once these games are over where will my source of unity come from?  Maybe this is why I like what Frank is doing so much.  I am not going to set a world record and there is no way I am going to settle for the bronze, but I can be a part of what Frank is doing. Not only that but when I take my own group of middle school students up to Lutherock, with 2 of my own kids, I can look at something that was built and say, "I was a part of that."  Unity that makes a difference, unity that lasts long after the closing ceremonies.
 
So we have a choice: will we add to the unity or to the division?  The division is easy, we are surrounded by it, and although unity might be the more difficult choice, the hard work is worth it.  So what will you get behind?  Certainly continue to chant USA, but don't wait 2 more years to be inspired.  Look around you and find something that matters, find something that you can be a part of.  It might even be better than winning a gold medal.
 
The ball is in your court.  What's your choice? 
 
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 continuing our discussion of 2nd Peter.

Come, be refreshed at the Well!

Welcome and support Pastor Frank Wagner!
Ice Cream Sundaes, Saturday, August 13th, 7 pm
Come and meet Pastor Frank as he bikes his way from Florida to Lutherock! He will be riding his bike to Epiphany to share about the awesome challenge he is leading. Epiphany will provide the ice cream; you provide a topping!  If you'd like to financially support his efforts to raise $60,000 to build a zip line at Lutherock, visit his web page at https://www.generosity.com/faith-religion-fundraising/zip-the-rock
 
Sunday School Launch Carnival this Sunday
August 14, after the 11:00 service until 3 pm!
It's time for Sunday School to begin! Our teachers and the Formation Team have been preparing for another great year of Spark! Sunday School, CIA, and Real Time. Come celebrate the new year with your family with water games, food, a bounce house, and much more! Bring your pop-up canopies and a dessert to share: cookies, cupcakes, or brownies. See you Sunday!
 
MOPS and MOMSnext Begins
"We are the Starry Eyed"  
Epiphany's chapter of MOPS and MOMSnext invites all mothers of preschoolers and school-age children to join us for our first gathering, Sunday, August 21 from 4-7 p.m. at Epiphany. As mothers enter the school years, new challenges and issues arise, and MOPS is a place where community and hope remains. MOPS and MOMSnext is an open, accepting place for all mothers to experience personal growth, practical help, and spiritual hope. For more information, visit our website at http://www.epiphanymops.com/
 
3rd Annual HTF Golf Classic
Thursday, September 29
The annual HTF golf classic is the major fundraiser for summer camps in Haiti. It's also a terrific event! Join the team to help make this year's tournament a great success! It's now time to register yourself as a player, your foursome, sponsor a hole as an individual or as a corporation. Visit our website and register TODAY!
http://htfgolfclassic.weebly.com/
https://www.regonline.com/2016HTFGolfClassic 
 
Epiphany Lutheran Church
1350 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suwanee, GA  30024
770-831-1966