Sharing Something Good

You may know Judy and Gary Hall from Sunday morning at Epiphany. I unexpectedly ran into them in front of a local supermarket this week smiling and holding up this sign (right) for everyone to see as they walked out with their groceries.

Does this sort of evangelism work today? Well, according to Gary, it sparks a lot of good conversations with people passing by. "We are really just having out to give people an opportunity to ask questions, to pray, and to join us."

I also know their sign is accurate. Everyone who calls on Jesus will be saved. Putting that good word in front of people who might not otherwise see it a good thing.

Now, somewhere between many and most of us are not of the sign-carrying kind. I understand that. That doesn't mean we have no way to carry the good news of Jesus to other people. Right now each of us could think and pray about personally inviting someone to Easter Sunday worship at Epiphany. My personal experience with inviting people to church for Easter is that they are more likely to say yes than we may expect. I also promise that if you bring them, they will hear the good news of Jesus on Easter Sunday.

And...I won't make you carry a sign.

God Bless

P.S. The Halls practice personal evangelism every Wednesday and Sunday in the Chantilly area. If you like signs and want to try something different, they would be happy for you to join them. For those that wonder what it's really like, Gary said "It’s not that big a deal, really we just stand around and chat with people and share the gospel.  We enjoy it."

Sign up for Seder Dinner - Limited Seats

You are invited to a special Maundy Thursday meal at 6pm on April 17.  The Rev. Canon Daryl Fenton will be with us after spending the last several years in Jerusalem.  He will be showing us how the Passover meal is celebrated and how it points to Jesus Christ.  Sign up online now or in the Fellowship Hall. Already, 50 people have signed up. We have seating for about 100.

Beware the Yeast of the Pharisees

Stations of the Cross Available Now

A new Lenten discipline we have added to Epiphany this year is one we have done in the past. Stations of the Cross plaques are on the walls along the classroom and office corridor. Following along the road that Jesus takes towards the cross can add depth to Lent that might surprise you. Don't forget to pick up the booklet to guide you, returning the booklet to the little table when you are finished. As you prepare to remember the life-changing announcement of the resurrection, consider making time for reflection during Lent. 

Stand in the Gap Needs People to Pray

This ministry is a way to pray for our church’s leaders. Sign up for a four-month period to pray for our Vestry and Staff from May to August. If you have served in the past, thank you!  Please consider signing up again or returning if you took a break. This is a no-meeting ministry where you pray anywhere. Contact Brad Johnson at (bravhorn22@aol.com) or call/text 703-599-2709 for questions or to sign up. Our leaders need your prayers.

Good Friday Prayer Vigil Sign-up

Our annual tradition is to hold a prayer vigil to continue our prayers from the Good Friday service up to the start of the Easter Vigil. We seek to have a presence of prayer AT THE CHURCH, and we ask you to consider giving some of your time in this busy season and even through the overnight hours to pray for one hour or more. Those that are out of town or otherwise not able to get to church are welcome to join us in prayer (please email me and let me know that you will pray off-site). A prayer guide will be provided for those who wish to use it. Please sign up through the Church Center app or contact Brad Johnson (bravhorn22@aol.com) for help or more information.

Holy Week and Easter Schedule

We will be celebrating Jesus' resurrection soon. Mark the following Holy Week and Easter events on your calendars and plan to attend.

April 13- Palm Sunday (8:00 & 10:15am)

April 17- Passover Seder with the Rev. Cn. Daryl Fenton (6pm)

April 18-Good Friday (12noon & 7:00pm)

April 19-Great Vigil of Easter with Baptism (7:45pm)

April 20-Easter Sunday (10:15am)

Easter Lilies & Flowers

Easter is a time of renewal and celebration! Honor a loved one or help beautify our worship space by ordering Easter lilies and flowers. The order deadline is April 13 and the cost will be $35. You may pay through the Church Center App (select "Flowers") or write a check or pay with cash at church. The sign-up sheets are available in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you for helping make our Easter celebration even more beautiful!

Coates Food Pantry Needs

Coates Food Pantry Donations Needed:

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

Thanks to your generous donations we were able to include corn flour that had been requested by a number of families as part of our delivery to the Coates food pantry last week.  

Our next delivery is Monday, April 21. 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. Questions? Contact Sally Eckard (sseckard@verizon.net) or Melanie Kobos (melkobo@yahoo.com).

This Week At Epiphany

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

www.epiphanyanglican.net

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