April 27, 2016
But the remnant of my flock I myself shall gather from all the countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; they will be fruitful and increase in numbers.
Jeremiah 23:3.
Dear Friends:
Several years ago, God called me to Epiphany. The call was clear and, at the time, manifested itself through several conversations with the Bishop as well as with leaders of Epiphany. All were gracious, loving and traversed the process with remarkable peace. The leadership reinforced my call with their sense of resolve. Clearly, the remnant of Epiphany, having overcome many obstacles, had been through enough and God equipped them well to handle whatever shifts and changes were ahead. During one decisive phone conversation, when asked how I understood the call to Epiphany, my eyes fell onto Jeremiah 23:3, "Yahweh declares...the remnant of my flock I myself shall gather...and bring them back to their folds..." Epiphany, having been sent into exile, was now on the return, back to their folds where they will be fruitful. Alleluia! So, on I came to Epiphany, humbled and with joy in my heart at the opportunity to serve with such a faithful flock.
On Sunday, we'll remember Epiphany's return to its property of four years ago, May 6, 2012 as we say our prayers. We'll remember the congregation of that special day and how overjoyed they were as they joined in worship presided over by the Rev. Jennifer McKenzie. Marilyn Reardon, wife to the Rev. Bill Reardon, and the original church planter of Epiphany in 1987, remembers how excited everyone was. She said she felt, "surrounded by love" and that finally "we were home again" after years of worshiping in the local public school. Art Buck remembers the pole of streamers waving throughout the worship space by Andy Pettigrew and recalls a true sense of relief and how the celebration was a sign of everyone feeling open to the good news of growth which lay ahead. Sally Savas reflected on how, through tears of joy, that finally, they had "arrived". Love filled the worship space, especially as the band from Good Shepherd Burke happily filled the place with a joyful sound. Other churches joined in the celebration, including the five other Dayspring churches who now join with Epiphany in their return to ongoing prosperity.
Throughout this time as Epiphany has continued to serve, grow and build there has been a common thread among the folks who have found a home with Epiphany. Because Epiphany has much in store, and is still learning how God is calling us to be the church on the corner, there is an excitement in the air. Folks want to share their gifts and be a part of something happening. They find a place with Epiphany where they're needed and their gifts truly matter. It's not so easy to simply sit in the back row unnoticed. Before long, someone will have you up and going to be a part of this faithful, dynamic body of people who love so abundantly and give so generously of their time, talent and treasure. With Epiphany, we're all a fruitful part of making God's world known.
So, we give thanks for God shepherding us along as Epiphany. On Sunday, we'll keep going. Following Family Worship, Children and Family Ministries will hold their meeting to plan more for Youth Group, summer Vacation Bible School and the Parent Support Group. Later on Sunday afternoon, the Youth ages eleven and up will gather at 6:00 p.m. to bowl at Bowl America Chantilly. Episcopal 101 will continue for those seeking to know more about the Episcopal Church. And, if you're "crafty" come at 6:00 to work on knitting or sewing projects! That's just on Sunday! On Monday and Tuesday, the staff will be at the Diocesan retreat center: Shrine Mont, Orkney Springs, Virginia, for the Bishop's Spring Conference on Wellness! Please, keep us in your prayers as we strive to be well! The life of Epiphany moves along. Don't forget your items for Food4Thought for next week, Mother's Day, May 8th as a special worship honoring mothers will culminate with food packing. No worries. There will be plenty of time to pack and still get to wherever folks need to be for their Mother's Day feast.
Epiphany, as we continue, may we remember that God has gathered us, and has declared that we are God's, called to be fruitful and may we give glorious thanks for God our shepherd king. Happy Anniversary Epiphany!!!
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Many Blessings,
Hillary
