God Doesn't Worry

I had a strange, but also obvious realization this week. God doesn't worry. He doesn't worry about the past. He doesn't worry about the present or the future. He doesn't worry about His busy schedule. He doesn't even worry about the state of the world, or the church, or the weather. He just doesn't worry.

This is no great theological insight. Of course God doesn't worry. How could He? God knows all things. He is all powerful. He is not caught up in the changes and chances of this life, but sees, and is, the beginning and the end, the alpha and omega of everything (Rev. 22.13).

But what about us? We worry. Sometimes we worry a lot. Jesus tells us not to of course. "Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6.34). But if you are like me, being told I shouldn't worry doesn't tend to snap me out of it. Sometimes I even dig in, wanting to justify my worries.

So, where is the hope for us in all of this? Well, this is where I find it. We are creatures made in God's image. God, who is responsible for an entire universe holds us and everything in being without even a moment of worry. While our progress to setting our worries aside may be slow this side of God's kingdom, there will be a day when we lay all our worries down.

I'm looking forward to that. God Bless,

P.S. Thank you to everyone who picked up cards to invite your friends and neighbors to Christmas Eve worship. We had about 60 cards picked up this year.

Christmas Eve Worship and

New Year's Eve Lessons and Carols

Christmas Eve is on Sunday this year.  We will mark the fourth Sunday of Advent with a single service at 10:15am on Dec. 24.  Christmas Eve services will be a family service (with children and youth Gospel presentation) at 5pm and a traditional service at 9pm.  Lessons and Carols will be at 10:15am on Dec. 31. There will be a 8am Eucharist on Dec. 31.

Sign-up forms are now available in the fellowship hall to sponsor Christmas Eve flowers. Secure your beautiful blooms for $25.00. Act fast – the deadline is December 17.

This Year's Epiphany Gift: The Bike Ministry

One of our Christmas traditions at Epiphany is giving a gift as a congregation to support a mission partner or local outreach. This year, we are supporting The Bike Ministry. Our gift will allow this local ministry which is lead by the Rev. Robbie Pruitt to fix 250-500 bikes over the next year. Learn more about this year's Epiphany Gift here.

Stewardship Update - Still Time to Pledge

Last Sunday was Stewardship Sunday at Epiphany. We are very grateful for the 60 pledge cards that you offered to God as part of our worship. So far, we have collected a few more pledge cards than we had at the same time last year, which is great to see. That said, we are still a few short of the total number of pledges we had for 2023 (63). It would be great to see equal or better participation in this year's pledge drive than we had last year. Pledging is anonymous at Epiphany. Pledge cards can be placed in the offering plate on Sunday or mailed to the church office. Extra pledge packets and pledge cards are available in the fellowship hall or by contacting the church office.

What about the Soul? - A Sermon

by Stan Wallace

Christmas Caroling on Saturday

Caroling last year was a success, and we want to do it again this year! We will meet at the church in the afternoon on December 16th at 4:30 and will divide into groups to visit different spots. Last year we visited several church members who were housebound or in assisted living and could not make it to church. They were all very touched by the visit. Depending on how many we have sign up, we would like to do the same this year, as well as visit neighborhoods to spread some Christmas cheer!

There is still time to participate in this year's caroling. Just let Don Holt ([email protected]) let you know that you are planning to participation and meet other carolers at the church at 4:30pm this Saturday, Dec. 16.

Coates Weekend Food Bags Due Jan. 7

Please bring your donations of individual food items or packed gallon bags by Sunday, January 7 for our next delivery. Not sure what is needed? Contact Sally Eckard ([email protected]) or Bea Long ([email protected]). 

Stand in the Gap Prayer Ministry Needs People to Pray for Epiphany's Leaders

December is the last month of the Stand in the Gap assignments and it is time to sign up for January through April.

What is Stand in the Gap? Once you sign up for this ministry, just before the beginning of January, you will be given the name of a Priest, a Staff Member, or a Vestry Member, their email address and phone number. They will be given your information as well. You are to pray for them during the months of January through April. In addition to speaking to them directly, you will be given a guide to help you in your prayer time.



These leaders have stepped up to serve the Lord and you through some very challenging times. Will you Stand in the Gap for them? If you wish to be a part of this ministry, call or email Jan Reiter ([email protected]).

This Week At Epiphany

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

www.epiphanyanglican.net

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