Impossible Prayer

I was walking home from work on Monday and praying for a family member who right at that moment was in an appointment with his oncologist. Recently, some of the symptoms from his inoperable brain cancer had returned.

He thought, and it seemed most likely to me, that his cancer had come back. I was praying for the opposite as I walked, but to be honest, I didn't really even believe in the possibility of my own prayer. Even as I prayed to God for his health, another voice in my mind was saying "you know you aren't going to get that, right?"

Then, just as I finished praying, I got the text. The cancer wasn't growing again. He remains in remission. God answered my prayer even though I didn't fully believe it was possible.

One thing that the Bible says more than once is that faith matters when we pray (Matthew 21.20-22 for instance). At the same time, my personal experience is consistently that even if we don't have the faith we would like to have, we should pray anyway. Prayer isn't about the power of our faith. it is about the power of God. When we pray we are asking God to do what we cannot. We are also expressing a hope that He can and that he wants to because he loves us, no matter how embattled that hope may be. God loves that we do that, even if it is all we can do to just say the words.

Is there something in your life you should be praying for today?

God bless,

P.S. We have had to postpone our blessing of the animals pop-up event in Sterling that was scheduled for this Saturday. We still plan to have a pop-up blessing on Oct. 14 in Chantilly.

Why Take the Trip? Jesus and Jerusalem

Save the Date: Epiphany Fall Gathering, Chili Cook-Off and Dad-Joke Contest Oct. 22

We are bringing back the Chili Cook Off Contest (prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place) along with comedy karaoke “Tell Us Your Best Dad or Mom Jokes” headlined by our very own Rector, the Very Very Reverend Father Peter Frank*! (He claims to have the best Dad joke ever!)

There will be face painting and games for the kids! This will be a potluck lunch with hot dogs, chips and drinks provided (to go with the amazing chili) and if not entering the chili contest, you can sign up to bring a side or dessert. We will need volunteers to help set up and take down and to oversee the children’s activities. Sign up sheets will be available in the Gathering Place. Please reach out to Leslie Johnson or Malu Torabi with any questions. PS: We would like to have at least one vegan/gluten free entry for the chili. 

*title exaggerated purely for entertainment value

Oct 8 Pet Blessing Postponed, Oct. 14 Pet Blessing in Chantilly Going Ahead

ATTENTION: The Pet Blessing Scheduled for Oct. 8 in Sterling has been postponed and will be rescheduled.

Epiphany will have a "pop-up" neighborhood pet blessing in October. On Saturday, Oct. 14, we will be blessing pets between 8 and 10am at 13541 Point Pleasant Dr. in Chantilly. Stop by with your pets!

Save the Date - Prayer Ministry Meeting

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

What:  A Meeting of the Entire Prayer Ministry – Prayer Lines, Prayer Letter, Prayer Corner, Prayer Vigil, Stand in the Gap

Time:  10:00am – 1:00pm

Why:  A review of all the branches of the prayer ministry (how they work, what to do, what is needed), an opportunity to discuss what is working and what is not, a chance to ask questions.

Food:  light snacks and coffee/tea in the morning, lunch before we dismiss

Who:  All prayer people involved in these ministries and those who are curious and would like to learn more. 

Questions:  Call Jan Reiter – 703-620-1118 or email -  [email protected]

Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall so we know who/how many are coming.

Thanksgiving Food Drive Beginning

WFCM's annual Thanksgiving food drive, in mid November, has a goal of 1200 boxes to feed families in our local community.  Epiphany has committed to help by completing 25 boxes!  

WFCM gives us a detailed list of what to include in each box.  Here is the signup for the Thanksgiving groceries we need.  

Cash donations will be used to purchase items needed to complete our boxes and any remaining funds will be donated to WFCM. Cash donations can be made payable to Epiphany with ‘Holiday Food’ specified in the memo line.

Food & cash should be dropped off at Epiphany by Sunday, November 12. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Hanger at [email protected] or 202-436-1686. 

Vestry Nominations Open

Serving on the Vestry is an exciting opportunity to grow spiritually and be part of the leadership of Epiphany as we follow Jesus Christ on our spiritual journey.  Leslie Johnson, Senior Warden, recently shared her own spiritual journey as she was called for service on the vestry.  Vestry members serve staggered three year terms.  New members are elected each year at our Annual Meeting which will be held November 19. The Vestry Nominating Committee is comprised of the outgoing Vestry members along with two members of the congregation and is charged with preparing a slate of nominees to the fill the outgoing membership for consideration by the congregation.  This year’s nominating committee is:

Leslie Johnson Out-going Vestry Member

Geoffrey Seroka, Out-going Vestry Member

Christina Cummings, Out-going Vestry Member

Greg Harrison, Member-at-large

Ralph Morris, Member-at-large

If you are looking for an opportunity to grow in prayer, love and experiencing the powerof God’s Spirit, then pray and ask God to show you where He wants you. More information is available here.

Please reach out to the nominating committee if you have questions or would like to learn more about this important leadership role. 

Do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you. (1 Samuel 12:20, 24)

This Week At Epiphany

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

www.epiphanyanglican.net

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