Life Jackets - Epiphany News for June 21-June 30

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost - June 23, 2024

Life Jackets

I was recently on a wilderness canoe trip with friends. For the first time in years, I wore a life jacket. In the past, I confess I have tended to use my life jacket as a seat cushion. Life jackets are hot and add just one more thing to think about. Plus, I would tell myself, I am a good swimmer.

What changed my mind was hearing how one of my good friends who is a very experienced canoeist had his life flash before his eyes last year when his canoe tipped over and dumped him into cold water on a windy day. He said that even with a life jacket, doing the work of staying afloat and getting to shore was exhausting.

Sometimes, it is good to be reminded of the real dangers we face. It also helps us be more sympathetic to others when they face dangers. Hearing of my friend's experience not only changed my behavior, but has also made me more sympathetic to Jesus' disciples in our Gospel reading for this Sunday from Mark 4.35-41. They had very good reason to be terrified in the middle of a storm, in the middle of the night, in the middle of a lake (without life jackets, no less). At the same time, there is nothing like terror to uncover where our greatest hope lies. For the disciples, their greatest and only hope was Jesus. They called out to him for help and he answered by calming the storm. May we turn to him to in the middle of the wind and waves of our lives (and wear a life jacket).

God bless,

P.S. If you or a family member is ready for baptism, please contact me. We would love to have you join in the celebrations on July 28.

Headphones for Cub Run Elementary School

For many years, Epiphany has helped students return to school by donating backpacks. This Summer, WFCM has matched us up with Cub Run Elementary School. Instead of backpacks, we have committed to donating 50 over-the-ear headphones. The kids will use the headphones to listen to educational content. The over-the-ear headphones block out classroom distractions and allow the kids to work at their own pace.

You can purchase any over-the-ear headphones with a jack to connect to a laptop/PC. Or here's a link to an Amazon's gift registry with an approved set.

If you’d like to make a monetary contribution, a donation of $18 will buy one headphone. Cash donations can be made payable to Epiphany with "Headphone Drive" specified in the memo line or via the mobile app by choosing the "Missions and Outreach - Headphone Drive" fund. Any remaining funds will be donated to WFCM.

Please drop-off all donations at Epiphany between now and Sunday, July 28.

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Hanger at zaboom@verizon.net or 202-436-1686 (mobile).

Election of Anglican Archbishop

Begins Today

On June 20, the bishops of our church, including our own bishop, the Rt. Rev. Chris Warner, will begin the process of choosing the next Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). Our current archbishop, the Most Rev. Foley Beach, is asking that we all pray for this election and our church during this time. Please make a point to pray for the Anglican Church in North America as part of your personal prayers in the days ahead. Here is a prayer to get us started: "Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of the bishops of our Church who shall choose a new Archbishop for this Province, that we may receive a faithful pastor who will preach the Gospel, care for your people, equip us for ministry, and lead us forth in fulfillment of the Great Commission; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Joy on the Phone Prayer Line

Talking with God through prayer for others brings great joy. The Bible tells us that we are to pray for one another and also assures us that God hears and answers prayer. Our Phone Prayer Line is in need of additional people who are committed to lifting prayers upon request regarding needs/concerns of our Church Family.

We have two groups of people lifting prayers, one in the daytime and another in the evening time. We have a basic outline to follow when taking these requests. They are confidential. We do not offer any counseling. We are committed to lifting prayers.

Please prayerfully consider if this is a call to you to be a part of our Epiphany Prayer Ministry in becoming part of the Phone Prayer Line. Please feel free to contact Debby Morris 703-631-1687 or (debby1950morris@gmail.com) with your interest / your questions.