March 30, 2016
Dear Friends:
"Will you give this to God," my little friend asked on Sunday as she handed me another one of her beautiful drawings she crafts during worship. Her parents and I have pondered over how best to give her drawings to God. So, finally, I said, "I'm going to tape your drawings to my office door for all to see; and ask God to see and then God will have them." That seems to have satisfied our precious young friend. Because, it's very important that she is able to give to God.
This Wednesday in Easter Week, we're especially reminded of what God gives to us. As we sing out aplenty with Alleluias, we give thanks to God for the resurrected Christ in our lives, raising us up to eternal life in God's love. At the same time, we may ask, what will we give to God?
In today's reading from Acts 3:1-10, Peter and John are entering the Temple in the afternoon, to say their prayers. At the entrance they're greeted by a man crippled from birth who makes his way daily begging at the Temple gate. As Peter and John approach, the lame man reaches up for a handout. Peter and John are followers of Christ, the earliest of Christians who own everything in common. They've sold all their goods and possessions and shared the proceeds among themselves according to what is needed. They give what they have. But, their giving is not what the crippled man expects. Peter firmly says to the beggar, "I don't have a nickel to my name, but what I have, I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!" Peter, pulls the man to his feet and instantly, he is able to walk. Jumping for joy, the man gives thanks and praise to God. Peter, entering the Temple, addresses the people as they await an explanation in awe: "Faith in Jesus' name put this man,...on his feet-yes, faith and nothing but faith put man healed and whole right before your eyes." Peter and John, give their faith.
This Easter season, what will you give to God?
On April 9th, your vestry and I will be giving a day for retreat in Middleburg, hoping to grow in our relationships with one another, strengthen our understanding of our leadership roles and have some fun. We'll be looking at best practices for initiating, implementing and completing responsibilities within our various ministries. Equally important is how our various leadership roles are a part of the bigger picture of Epiphany: what we give to God. Pray for your vestry as we trust in Jesus' name, pulling one another to our feet for the glory of God: Mary Erdeljon, Senior Warden; Dave Parkerton, Junior Warden; Scott Meyer, Treasurer; Phil Mead, Communications; Bob Otten, Outreach; Keola Nosaka, Servanthood Development; Susan Simmons, Newcomers; Ben Jerauld, Buildings and Grounds; Jeanne Trimble, Fellowship; Don Brill, Worship, Finance and At Large; Melissa Woodhead, Children and Family Ministry; and Ryan Hale, Adult Ministry.
We live in a turbulent world. At times, I find myself feeling crippled by so much turmoil and discord. I'm grateful for our community of Epiphany. In the name of God in Christ, we lift one another, and all those in our path to wholeness. Together, like those first apostles, we too, as Epiphany give what we have, providing a safe haven from brokenness to one another and especially to the community surrounding us. God has given us much and expects much from us. As we continue to journey along as Epiphany, the church on the corner, where God loves us, no exceptions, it may well be that our greatest work is still before us as we continue to serve, grow and build. There is still much in store for Epiphany.
This Easter season, as we live with faith in the resurrection hopefulness of our risen Lord, may we always be mindful of Christ's invitation to us to share who we are and what we have. We've learned it well from our little friend who gives so happily what she is able to give, as she asks, "Will you give this to God."
Saturday from 10:00-2:00 participate in the Blood Drive hosted by Epiphany and organized by the Franklin Farm Foundation.
Sunday at 10:00 a.m. come for Family Worship and enjoy fellowship with some holy donuts!
Next Saturday, April 9th come early to help with the Parish Work Day!
Happy Easter my friends! The Lord is Risen, The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Many Blessings,
Hillary
