A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Chris

This Sunday, I'll be doing something that I haven't been asked to do for more than a decade. I will be reading a pastoral letter from our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Chris Warner, on Sunday morning. Pastoral letters that the bishop requires to be read in all the churches of the diocese are weighty things, so bishops are sparing in their use of them. That said, they are part of being Anglican and being a member of a diocese that understands itself not just to be a loose collection of local churches but the gathered body of Christ.

Bishop Chris' letter to us this Sunday reports on the recently completed investigation into past child sexual abuse in one of our diocese's churches, the Falls Church, in the 1990's. While this may seem like long ago, Bishop Chris is clear that a public accounting and public repentance remains deeply important.

Bishop Chris' letter is available here.

In any case, please read Bishop Chris’ letter. On Sunday, I will read it as part of the prayers of the people. Children will return to the sanctuary from Sunday School after I have read it. If you would like to delve further, the report he references is available on the front page of The Falls Church’s website along with a very good letter from the Rev. Sam Ferguson, rector at the Falls Church. It is very heavy reading, but also a good example of the kind of accounting Bishop Chris is calling us to make normal when an abuser gains a role of trust in any of our churches and hurts people.

At Epiphany, we continue to take very seriously our responsibility to be a safe place for all, particularly for children. Our policy on the care of children is here. On Sunday, May 5, Mtr. Pamela and I will be leading a brief meeting after the 10:15 service to outline the key points of how we protect children at Epiphany to all who would like to attend. We believe that the more people who know what our standards are, the more people can help us make sure that they are followed. Finally, if any of this information puts you in a place where it would be helpful to talk to someone or share something, please know that we want to hear from you.

P.S. It can hard to know how to pray about things like this. This is the prayer that I have been using: "God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the cross. Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them. Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth. Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people's wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen."

The Cupboards are Bare: Help with Coates Elementary Food Bags

The cupboards are bare! We are in desperate need of donations for the next monthly delivery. Donations are needed by Sunday, April 28, for the last food bags of the school year. Each month we need 100 breakfasts, 100 lunches, 100 dinners and 100 snacks. Donations can be individual items or one-gallon bags containing 2 of each type of item. Items must be nut-free, non-perishable and non-crushable. If you’re not sure what is needed, pick up a list of suggested items on the Coates donation container by the receptionist’s desk or contact Sally Eckard (sseckard@verizon.net) or Bea Long (bduquelong@gmail.com). 

Good and Bad Shepherds

Praise and Worship Night May 8

Join us on Wednesday, May. 8, at 7pm for an evening of Praise and Worship provided by CrossOver. A Praise and Worship service includes scriptural readings and contemporary praise songs that offer an environment for prayer and reflection. Singing and clapping along are encouraged. Invite a friend and we look forward to seeing you!

Activity bags for young children

We are grateful to be blessed with children as they join us in the sanctuary during communion. At the same time, we understand they can be restless. To help parents, we have put up colorful "Activity Bags" along the wall outside the cry room. Feel free to grab a bag. We ask that you try to return the bag to the area at the end of the service. 

"Apostle" Magazines Available

The most recent edition of our Anglican jurisdiction's magazine, "The Apostle," are available to pick up in the entryway and fellowship hall at church. Pick one up and learn about what is happening among Anglicans throughout North America.

Three Adult Education Classes in May

This May, Epiphany’s clergy will be teaching three adult education classes from 9:15 to 10:00am each Sunday.  Fr. Peter will be teaching Anglicanism 101 which introduces our way of being Christian and is a great way for newcomers to learn more about Epiphany.  Mtr. Pamela will be teaching Knowing and Going.  By the end of this class you will be able to know and share the most important points of the Gospel with others.  Deacon Sally will be teaching Writing a Lament which will help us express the griefs in our lives to God.  Sign-ups for all three classes are in the fellowship hall.  Classes will begin on May 5 and run through May 26.

This Week At Epiphany

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

www.epiphanyanglican.net

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