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

Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light

September 21, 2016

Harry Bains, My Neighbor
 
On Tuesday morning, on the TV atop an elliptical machine, I caught an interview of Harry Bains.  Who?  Harry is the owner of a bar who had a chance encounter with Ahmad Khan Rahami (the man allegedly responsible for the recent bombings in NY.) This encounter led to Rahami's arrest.  As he was being interviewed he said, through an accent, "I did what every American would have done.  My Sikh faith has taught me to stand up against atrocities and persecutions.  We will be stronger together."  I wonder how many viewers stumbled over his words? I wonder how many had a hard time seeing Harry as American?  I wonder how many stumbled over his reference to his faith and his Sikh beliefs?
 
I once listened to a lecture that talked about the danger of calling America a Christian Nation.  If our country is a Christian nation, what about those who identify as Jewish, Muslim, or Atheist, is this country not for them?  I think the presenter would agree that when someone uses the phrase Christian Nation they aren't intentionally being exclusive or elitist, but it does reveal our ignorance and lack of awareness for those who aren't like us.  Maybe Harry is a great reminder that we need to broaden our understanding of who our neighbor is.
 
Not surprisingly, the Bible is full of stories that challenge the understanding of neighbor.  But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"  Is Harry your neighbor?  One of my all time favorite Sunday School songs is called Father Abraham.  Playing off of the account in Genesis the chorus goes, Father Abraham, had many sons (and daughters), I am one of them and so are you.  

Thank you for being a prophet, Harry, because you are right, we are stronger together.  When so many voices are trying to divide us, we need Harry's voice, a voice that reminds us of the beautiful diversity in God's family, a voice that speaks of strength in unity.  More than just an American, Harry is our brother.  
 
Preach on, Harry!

Wednesdays at the Well tonight
Wednesdays at the Well is our midweek service. 
Community meal at 6 p.m. serves chili dogs, coleslaw, chips and ice cream floats! Imagine children's choir at 6:25, and worship begins at 7.

Suggested freewill offering for dinner is $6/adult, and $3/children. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted.

Intern Pastor Anders continues to lead a study of Proverbs.

Come, be refreshed at the Well!

Choir practice Wednesday evenings!
Beginning October 5
Come for Wednesday at
the Well and stay for choir! We'd love to have new voices. Wednesdays at 8:00-9:15, beginning in October.
 
Church Work Day!
Saturday, October 1st, 8:30 a.m.
It's that time of year again! Fall cleanup, inside and out, is upon us! Plan to help us out for a few hours sprucing up Epiphany! Bring paintbrushes!
 
New Adult Bible Study
The Gospel of Matthew
In addition to our Animate adult Bible study class Sundays at 9:45, a second class is now being held downstairs in the choir room. This is a "straight up" Bible study, led by Pastor Chris, our Intern Anders Nilsen, member/Pastor Landa Larson, and member Tim Sanders. 
 
3rd Annual HTF Golf Classic Next Week!
tee shot There is still time to register!
The annual HTF Golf Classic is the major fundraiser for summer camps in Haiti and is held next Thursday, September 29 at Olde Atlanta Golf Club in Suwanee. 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 
 
New! Community Bulletin Board
Have things to buy/sell? Wish to advertise your home business?
We now have a place for church members to advertise things for sale, things wanted, personal businesses, etc. Visit our new board by the downstairs entrance!
 
College Care Packages
Items must be returned by October 9!
Epiphany has a wonderful tradition of providing care packages for our college students during fall finals week. We collect many supplies all college kids need/love, including candy, snacks, Starbucks gift cards, and personal notes of care. Pick up a tag or two from the display in the lobby and bring your large shoeboxes to church! Also, sign your own college students up to receive these packages, delivered over the Thanksgiving holiday, plus one for a friend!
 
Epiphany's Fall Festival
October 30th, 4:30-7:30
Mark your calendars and start planning your costumes for our annual Fall Festival! Once again, we will have a cooking contest, costume contest, and Trunk or Treating for the kids! Stay tuned for more information. Sign up sheets for food coming soon!
 
Epiphany Lutheran Church
1350 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suwanee, GA  30024
770-831-1966