July 13, 2016
Dear Friends:
Yesterday, President Obama, in addressing the community of Dallas, grief stricken over the loss of officers who gave their lives in public service quoted from 1 John 3:18: " Little children, let's not love with words or speech but with action and truth." The President's words are a call to action to end gun violence, police brutality and racial injustice. While the actions are mammoth in their undertaking, we're reminded that we begin with actions of love and truth. In so doing, we take steps in acknowledging the right of dignity and decency in all God's children. We must take steps. We pray. We join in discussions. And, we act.
Epiphany's Sally Savas is a faithful practitioner of action with the Food Pantry, a weekly ministry we share with our neighbors across the street, Community of Faith. She sent the following story of thanks...
"I would like to share this with all of you. About six months ago a new guest came to pantry. As I was registering "Andy" I could tell that he was very apprehensive. As the evening progressed I was able to spend some time talking with him. Andy is a carpenter by trade and was recovering from open heart surgery. Unable to work, no paycheck, no food for his family. He came to pantry every week and was so grateful for the food he received. Two weeks ago he came in and looked for me. He was so happy that he was back to work. He gave me his card and said that he would be happy to help someone who needed repairs to their home and couldn't afford it. I asked him if he wanted to shop. He said no - I'm OK now. This food needs to go to people who really need it as I did."
"WOW! This is just one example of the people we are serving at food pantry."
The Food Pantry supplies food to anywhere from 80-100+ households each and every week. Anyone who needs food is welcome to "shop" at the "grocery store" in the transformed worship space of Community of Faith, across the street at 13224 Franklin Farm Road. Not many questions are asked. If you need fresh vegetables, baked goods, meats, dairy products and canned goods to feed your household for the week, the Food Pantry is open for you each Tuesday night beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Sally Savas is happy to guide you along in taking action, helping with the Food Pantry.
Help on Mondays and/or Tuesday with the set up. Help on Tuesdays moving food across the street from Epiphany's freezers and refrigerators. Help pick up food from Giant, Trader Joes, Famous Daves, Bob Evans, Panera, and Chipolte, some of our generous donors. Help guests shop for food on Tuesdays. Help on Sunday mornings as you come for worship by bringing non-perishable food items, empty egg cartons and plastic grocery bags and diapers to the basket in the worship space. Help some. Help often. There is room for everyone to take action with the Food Pantry.
The combined action of Epiphany, Community of Faith and dozens of other groups each and every week makes a difference. As Sally so rightly witnesses, "
So many hard working folks living right on the edge. One missed paycheck can be catastrophic. We have so many dedicated volunteers from Epiphany and Community of Faith who work tirelessly every week to make Food Pantry happen. Would you like to join us? Please contact Sally Savas at [email protected] to learn about volunteer opportunities."
More action...
*On Saturday, we're gathering here about 8:00 a.m. and getting ourselves into The Mall to worship, sing and pray with about one million others in a "generation-defining moment of unified prayer, worship, and a call for catalytic change." Let me know if you'd like to attend.
*In our baptism we're called to act, responding to God's grace. On Sunday, we'll gather for 10:00 a.m. worship as God's love breaks forth once again as we witness Lucas James Walter, son to Michelle and Sean, brother to Elisa, and grandson to John and Donna Culp, welcomed as the newest member of the body of Christ through the sacrament of baptism.
*Following worship we'll celebrate Lucas' baptism and peruse the Christmas in July items for sale with proceeds supporting an education for school kids in East Africa.
*Parent Support Group #2 for parents and newborns, toddlers and preschoolers will meet Sunday evening 5:30-7:00 p.m. to build relationships through a casual dinner, conversation and prayer. Babysitting is provided.
As we serve, pray, worship, celebrate, fellowship, and support, may our actions always be signs of God's love and truth.
Many blessings,
Hillary
