Happy Hump Day!!!
   
    
July 20, 2016

" So for anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation...now is the time of God's favor..."  2 Corinthians 5:17; 6:2
 
Dear Friends: 
 
Save the Date!    
 
Save Thursday August 11, 2016 beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a light reception and at 7:30 p.m. continuing with a visit from the Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, Bishop of The Diocese of Virginia, for a "Celebration of a New Ministry". 
 
Epiphany has come a long way from its first Celebration of New Ministry in 1987 as God led the Rev. Bill Reardon to plant Epiphany.   Years of joyous growth in ministry pursued until Epiphany, sadly, found itself in a wilderness period.  God meets us where we are, especially in those desert places.  Faithfully remaining as a continuing congregation, Epiphany met in a nearby school while the courts battled over possession of property.  God, in time, returned Epiphany to its property shortly after the Virginia Supreme Court ruling in 2012.  Boldly embracing the belief that: "God loves us, no exceptions" Epiphany has moved forward serving, growing and building with some significant support from the Diocese under the ministry of Dayspring.  Now, with Dayspring no longer necessary and Epiphany flourishing, thankfully, we come together for a Celebration of New Ministry for a new Epiphany! 
 
The Celebration of New Ministry August 11 includes all. 
 
The Celebration of New Ministry includes the institution of a new rector. This holy action marks a significant milestone in our life as Epiphany. As well, the celebration of our vibrant mutual ministry is equally, if not more so, important in this achievement in our common life.   So, on August 11, God willing, our senior warden, Mary Erdeljon and junior warden, Dave Parkerton, representing the good people of Epiphany, will stand before the Bishop and present me as your new rector.  I am most deeply humbled by this honor as I continue in this trust and responsibility.  The bishop will ask for your support in my ministry as rector of Epiphany.  At the same time, we are a team, called by God to be about the ministry of Christ's church in the world.  By virtue of our baptism, we've been given gifts of the spirit, to use to build the body in Christ's name.   The Celebration liturgy will reflect our mission as a community, growing in God's grace, welcoming all in love, and providing for God's world.   Representatives of our various ministries will present tokens of ministry as signs of my obedience to the Word and sacraments, pastoring, healing, keeper of the people and the place, and my ministry in the wider Church.  Likewise, those same representatives will receive tokens as signs of grateful encouragement as we go out into the world in our mutual service.  Together, we will witness this Celebration and together we will renew our commitment to be Epiphany!  Thank you and congratulations! 
 
You'll hear more about this along the way.  In the meantime, save the date and mark your calendars. I'm very excited to share this Celebration with you on August 11!   Let me know if you'd like to be a part of the Celebration playing or singing in an ad hoc choir, helping with the fellowship feast, or as an usher and/or greeter.    
 
In the meantime, saved dates, happily, are now upon us.  Saturday we'll celebrate God's union of Kristina Marie Alff and Adam Joseph Yeany in the sacramental covenant bond of holy matrimony.   A special thanks to Epiphany's altar guild in keeping such special watch over the details of this blessed event.   Sunday Emma Irby will offer up the message, teaching the Lord's Prayer, as I join with Dana Hale to lead Children's Chapel.  Also on Sunday, you'll hear briefly from Dave Parkerton with the first of several short stories,  from faithful souls, on:  "Celebrate the Joy of Giving", our theme for the 2016 annual giving season.  Melissa Woodhead will warm our hearts in worship playing the harp.  Following worship shop with African Team Ministries Christmas in July and help educate and provide clean water.  Some of us have been saving this time to travel, visit and take vacation. 
 
Summer is a wonderful time to refresh.  We miss folks when you're away traveling.  You're with us in spirit.  We're keeping you in our prayers for safe travels, rest and re-creation.   Wherever you may be, we're saving the date and look forward to having you back with us soon.   Otherwise, we'll plan to see you on Sunday if not before! 
 
Many blessings,
 
Hillary