Why Confession?

Confessing my sins and hearing God's forgiveness spoken over me by a priest has been something I have theoretically appreciated, but rarely taken advantage of.

That is not really a problem. For Anglicans, personal confession has never been understood to be a necessity in the same way that it is in the Roman Catholic Church. The classic phrase describing how the Anglican Church thinks about personal confession is "All may, some should, none must." When we acknowledge our sins to Him, God directly offers us forgiveness through His son, Jesus Christ. A priest is simply there to say that truth to us out-loud.

Over time, however, I have moved from being a theoretical appreciator of personal confession, to someone who practices it. Why? Well, I have realized a few things. First, the most basic action of being a Christian is to repent (Matt 4.17). That is to turn from our sins. Personal confession is the first step on the road to repentance, and one that has a strong scriptural foundation. "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed" (James 5.16). Second, confessing my sins and hearing from another person that they are forgiven is a great comfort, just like our prayer book says it in the exhortation we hear in church on the first Sunday of Lent and Advent. "to do so will both satisfy your conscience and remove any scruples or doubt." Personal confession really does do that. Finally, personal confession is a wonderful tool for me to face the things in life I am most ashamed of by openly acknowledging them before God and in the hearing of another person. Then I get to hear that God's forgiveness is more powerful than whatever I have hidden away in the dark corners of my heart and life.

Lent is a good time to practice personal confession. If you are interested in doing so, but aren't quite sure about what personal confession looks like or how to prepare for it, here is a quick write-up about what to expect. Both Mtr. Pamela and I are happy to hear personal confessions. Just let us know and we will work with you to make an appointment and answer any questions you have.

Just Two Things...

Confession and Absolution

Epiphany's priest are available by appointment to hear confession and offer God's absolution of our sins. This is a particularly appropriate spiritual practice during the season of Lent, and a wonderful way to be reminded that God's grace is more powerful than anything we have said or done. Contact Fr. Peter or Mtr. Pamela to learn more.

Seniors, Join Us for Lunch

SENIORS, mark your calendars for an almost-spring lunch at the Chantilly I-HOP near Lowe’s.  We’ll meet at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, and enjoy a 50% reduction on food and a drink for each person plus lots of informal conversation.  No reservations are required.  For additional information, contact Vonda Sines at 703-850-1230.

Coates Food Pantry Deadline March 17

What we need:

Dried beans, lentils and rice (1 pound bags)

Canned chicken and tuna

Canned corn, carrots and diced tomatoes 

Pasta (penne and spaghetti preferred)

Macaroni and cheese boxes

Our next delivery is March 17. Please place food donations in the bin next to the receptionist’s desk.

You can also donate cash, specifying Coates, or use the Giving App, selecting Coates under Missions & Outreach.

Donations can be placed in the bin next to the receptionist’s desk.

Cash donations can also be made specifying Coates. If you have any questions about this ministry, contact Sally Eckard (sseckard@verizon.net) or Melanie Kobos (melkobo@yahoo.com).

Lenten Quiet Day

Focus can be a problem these days. Have you ever told yourself you would take extra time on a Saturday to pray and read the Bible more deliberately, only to find yourself distracted by something at home? It's so easy because we are in our comfortable place. Consider taking some time this Lent to join us at church on Saturday, March 29 between 9am-noon. Come for Morning Prayer at 9:00 or slip in some other time. We are coordinating childcare for those with little ones at home, but we need to know details ahead of time. Contact Mtr. Pamela about childcare. Sign up on the app or in the Fellowship Hall. 

This Week At Epiphany

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

www.epiphanyanglican.net

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