Look on Him Whom They Have Pierced

This is the heel bone of Yehohanan ben Hagkol, a 20-something man from Jerusalem who was crucified by the Romans in 21 AD. Yes, that is a nail that has been driven through his bone. It is one of only two pieces of physical evidence for crucifixion we have.

Personally, I am both drawn to Yehohan's heel bone, and repelled by it. I have been ever since I saw it and took this picture at the Israel Museum in 2018.

I am drawn to it because it makes what Jesus suffered real to me in a way that nothing else does. I can see the iron nail piercing as Jesus must have been pierced by the nails of his crucifixion. I am repelled because of the suffering to which it bears witness. The dying pain of Yehohanan ("John" would be our modern pronunciation) is locked up forever in a way that I can almost feel in my own body more than 2,000 years later.

Take a minute and look at this photo. What do you experience? What does it bring to your mind?

This Sunday we begin Holy Week. In the days ahead we will gather several times to walk with Jesus to the cross and then to "look on him whom they have pierced" as John 19.39 says.

Join in on the journey (service information is below).

God Bless

P.S. We need ushers for Holy Week! If you can welcome people into the sanctuary on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Great Vigil, or Easter Sunday, please send me a note. This is a simple job, only requiring that you come to church a half hour before worship begins, hand out worship booklets as people enter the sanctuary and assist those who need assistance in getting seated. Send me an email if you can help letting me know which services you are available for.

Sign Up Now for Seder Dinner - Almost Full!

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, 95 people have signed up. We have seating for a maximum of 110. Passover Seder is a family friendly event. Registration will close on Sunday!

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)

Lost and Gained

Read Galatians in May with Fr. Peter

Fr. Peter will be leading an informal reading and study of the Book of Galatians during the month of May. The group will meet at 9:15am to read Galatians chapter by chapter and reflect on it together beginning on Sunday, May 4 and concluding on Sunday, May 25. This is meant to be a small group so it is limited to the first ten people who sign up. Please only sign up if you can commit to participate on most Sundays in May. Sign up here.

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 online, or through the Church Center app or contact Brad Johnson (bravhorn22@aol.com) for help or more information.

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!

Seniors' Luncheon Next Wednesday

SENIORS, tuck a relaxing lunch with fellow parishioners into your Holy Week schedule.  Epiphany seniors will meet at the Chantilly I-HOP at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16 for an informal meal and lots of conversation.  An entrée plus a drink means a half-price lunch from a very extensive menu.  No need to make reservations—just appear and mention that you’re part of the group.  For any additional information, contact Vonda Sines at 703-850-1230.

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

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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