About Next Week...

I have been weighing for some time whether to say anything about the upcoming election.

To begin with I am glad for Epiphany's culture of mutual respect and civility toward each other even when our political loyalties differ. This is increasingly rare as our culture has sorted into political camps. I hope that continues to be part of who we are as a church. At Epiphany we cling to the culturally subversive proposition our mutual membership in the body of Chris is absolute, and our politics are relative. Thanks be to God for that.

Secondly, there are many voices that would love to co-opt us and claim our votes; sometimes particularly because we are Christian. We get piles of emails and text messages and letters all telling us in apocalyptic terms what we must do and who to vote for. I have heard more than one person say that this year in particular they are looking forward to next Tuesday just so the massive and ever-increasing propaganda bombardment stops.

Finally, let me speak this clearly as your priest. I have no particularly Christian advice to give on who to vote for (though I do, of course, have my private political opinions). I do have a very strong recommendation to make. Read Psalm 146 in the next few days. Hear its very clear message that we look to God, not to any human leader to place our hope in. This is true no matter who wins, who loses and how we feel about it.

Friends, next Tuesday is a rubber meets the road moment for us. No matter how we vote (and we should vote), where are we placing our faith and our hope? Is it in the God of Heaven and Earth, or someone else?

"Blessed is the one who has the God of Jacob for his help and whose hope is in the Lord his God..." (Psalm 146.6).

God Bless,

P.S. Most of us who have been traveling to Uganda got back yesterday. We are jet-lagged, but amazed by what we saw on our journey to Uganda Christian University's graduation. Here are some photos of that event. We will be sharing more over the next few weeks.

You're Invited!

Post-Election Praise & Worship Service

As our nation votes, we invite you to gather with us the following evening to reflect on what our deeper citizenship — in the Kingdom of God. Join us for an evening of worship and prayer as we seek guidance and wisdom in light of our faith, and remember that our ultimate allegiance is to God's Kingdom. Let’s unite our hearts in praise, lift our voices in worship, and encourage one another as we move forward.

Come and be renewed in spirit!

We look forward to sharing this special time with you!

Vestry Nominations

2024 Vestry Nominations - (pdf)

Prepare to vote for new vestry members by going to the link above. Serving on the vestry is an important way for lay members to work together with the clergy for the health of the church and for financial accountability. We are grateful for these two who have agreed to serve for the next three years.

All Saints and Annual Meeting Sunday

Don't forget to put two things on your calendar.  On Sunday, we will be remembering and giving thanks for those who have died in the past year.  If you would like to include someone in our prayers that Sunday, hurry and contact Mtr. Pamela (pmeeks@epiphanyanglican.net).

Annual meeting is Sunday.  Plan to stay and hear about the church while we elect a new vestry and hear about the health of the congregation.  



Jesus hears Bartimaeus and us

Daylight Saving Time ends on Nov. 3

 Our clocks fall back! 

Next Coates food delivery November 4

We will make our next delivery to the food pantry at Coates Elementary School on Monday, November 4. We are learning more about the kinds of foods that the families need to make meals for their children. We especially need donations of foods such as beans (canned or dried), rice, grains, and pasta as well as canned tuna, chicken, and vegetables. Cash donations can also be made, specifying Coates.Any questions? Contact Sally Eckard (sseckard@verizon.net) or Melanie Kobos (melkobo@yahoo.com). 

Thanksgiving Food Drive Begins

Epiphany is helping WFCM with their holiday food drives again this year.  We have committed to packing 25 boxes for the Thanksgiving food drive.  WFCM will have a drive through event in late November with the goal of 1200 boxes.  

Here is the signup link for the Thanksgiving groceries we need.

You can also help by donating cash and we’ll buy what’s needed.  Use the app and select ‘Holiday Food’ or write a check payable to Epiphany with ‘Holiday Food’ specified in the menu. Any remaining funds will be donated to WFCM.

 Food & cash should be dropped off at Epiphany by Sunday, November 17.

 If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Hanger at zaboom@verizon.net or 202-436-1686.

Coffee Hour now uses Sign-Up Genius Link

Each Sunday Epiphany provides food for coffee hour and many of us gather together to talk and build relationships after the service. We need people who can take that provided food, plate it up, and place it on the coffee hour food counter before the 10:15am service begins. Then, when coffee hour is complete, clean up. Many hands make light work and if we can get several groups in the rotation, we could each take a Sunday every 4 to 6 weeks or more. Thanks so much for your willingness to help! Please click on the SignUp Genius link to pick a few Sundays between now and the end of March. Thank you!

SignUp Genius

This Week At Epiphany

Church of the Epiphany | 3863 Centerview Drive | 703-481-8601

www.epiphanyanglican.net

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