The STAR April 2016

Sharpening our Vision, Stewardship Campaign, Trip to Israel When I was in the newspaper business, now and then we would take a bunch of small, newsy, tidbits and make them into a single story. For reasons that are fairly obvious, that sort of article is called a “round-up.” Well, my column in this month’s Star is a bit of a round-up. A lot is going on at Epiphany. Instead of just focusing my column on one thing, I want to mention several. Trip to Israel: I’m thrilled to announce that Andrea and I will be traveling with a small group from Epiphany to Israel for a 10-day trip February 13-22, 2017! We need at least 8 people to join us. If you haven’t been to the Holy Land, I can’t recommend it enough. When I was able to travel there a few years ago, I came back with a new understanding of Scripture, and lots of great memories. For more details about this trip, as well as some photos from my last visit, turn to pages 6-7. I’ll be hosting informal informational gatherings to share more details after the 10 am service April 10 and 24. If you are interested, also feel free to contact me directly, [email protected]. Sharpening our Vision: Last November during our annual meeting I laid out some work that the vestry and I have been doing together to sharpen our focus as a church on God’s call for us. While some work remains, this is the picture God is giving so far: The first and most important thing we do as a church is worship God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our worship, our ongoing personal and corporate thanksgiving to God, is what makes us a church, and it is at the center of our life. Secondly, we are building a multigenerational congregation that particularly disciples children and families. Finally, our sense is that we are called in a new and focused way to equip every member to publicly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.

There is more work to be done, both refining and sharpening this sense of God’s call to us, and then applying it to our life here at Epiphany, but I am excited by the new clarity God is giving us and hope you are as well. Expect to hear more about this in the future. Stewardship Campaign: April is Stewardship Month at Epiphany. Through your tithes and offerings, God continues to meet our needs, and allow us to be generous to others in Christ’s name. Thank you. That said, please prayerfully consider your pledge for the coming fiscal year. Continued on page 2

TO STAND for Jesus Christ, GROW TOGETHER as God's family and MAKE HIM KNOWN through the power of the Holy Spirit!

The STAR

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April 2016

Continued from page 1

Our staff expenses will go up somewhat as we make decisions about the filling the associate’s position. I am hopeful that we can also continue our pattern in recent years of increasing our giving outside of our church. We are within striking distance of meeting a long term goal of designating 10 percent of our church income to ministry outside of our congregation (we are at about 8 percent now, up from 5-6 percent a few years ago). It would be great to be able to get the rest of the way over the next couple of years. Expect to get a packet in the mail with details about this year’s stewardship campaign in the next two weeks. If you don’t receive a packet, we will have extras at church. God bless,

Evangelism Idea of the Month! "Just walk across the room," is how one author puts this evangelism instruction. Hopefully you have walked across to a neighbor's and invited them to Alpha. Now, while at Alpha, walk across the room and introduce yourself to someone new. This will mean pausing from chatting with church friends to make conversation with a stranger. Christ's commandment was to love one another. Step one is getting to know that person. Welcome them to Alpha. Find out who they are and what they hope to get from this course. Share with them who you are. Remember their name and greet them the next week. Walk across the room and make a friend.

Associate Search Update Our search for Epiphany’s next associate rector continues. I remain convinced that God is calling the right person to Epiphany and our job is simply to discern who that is. That said, this process continues to be a longer journey than I initially thought. In the last month, we have talked with several more candidates. In three of those cases, we were able to hold an initial interview. In one of those cases we got the point of scheduling a parish visit, only to have that candidate accept a call to another church. I’m grateful for the personnel committee that continues to look at applications with me, and Mtr. Pamela, who is serving ably as our interim through the middle of June. Please pray for this process and clarity discerning God’s will.

The STAR

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April 2016

Speaking to a Fearful Soul Many of you know of my and my family’s deep love for Turkey. After eleven years in a country it would be impossible to be unconcerned about the more recent news of attacks and violence there. . We continue to have deep ties to friends there, both foreign and nationals. Some may know that my husband still takes trips to Turkey as he endeavors to see church planting among the Kurds. When David travels there he is usually gone for two weeks at a time, but his calling is to the more dangerous Southeast. When we lived there, raising our young family, I did not have any fear for our security. I actually preferred the feeling of security in comparison to life in the United States. The world has changed since then and we are all more aware of risks regardless of where we live in the world. But why do I bring this up? It is easy to give in to fear, to allow fear to dominate your life. The very fact that we have risk assessments as part of our everyday life speaks to how much more aware we are right now. Walking the fine line between wisdom, awareness and caution with gripping fear that threatens to affect everything we do is not always easy. We come to a point in our lives where we have to look at life and decide what is the very worst that we could be afraid of. But as Resurrection people we look at these dangers and say that cowering, anxiety, and overwhelming caution is not the way we can live our lives. For the adventurous types out there, taking risks is easy and even necessary. Becoming a parent or being responsible for another human being usually changes even the risk takers, though. Sometimes our fears speak to how important our relationships really are and how devastated we would be if we lost someone. That is the good side of assessing risks. Once we face the fear head on, we can more easily say to our soul, “Soul, you will be okay even if the very worst thing happens. The reason is that you won’t face it alone.” Once we recognize that our Father cares for us in ways too deep to even articulate, we are freed up to trust Him at a more profound level. I think I have gotten there more recently when my husband travels to dangerous areas of the world. It is because I trust that no matter what happens, I will never be truly alone. Jesus has already walked this road, so I trust him to show me the way if the need arises.

Pamela

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April 2016

Missions Update: Sudan Fran Boyle shared with us her year-in-review report, detailing how her efforts in the Sudan are bearing fruit and the challenges they still face. Here are some excerpts. Let us all give thanks for Fran’s work: 2015 has been a year of progress, despite many challenges, in Aquak Rak! The year began with a visit to our orphanage school by Scott Thompson and me where we witnessed our first graduating class of 8th graders. Thanks to many of you, each child that qualified was able to enter secondary school in Marial Bai. While we were there, Scott and I also held a trauma healing workshop for the community. The attendees included Darfurian refugees in the area and solders from a local garrison who were assigned to us as security detail. It is clear that the Lord is answering our prayers for others to come alongside us to carry the vision for rebuilding and revitalizing this community which has been so devastated by war. The Lord wants to redeem and restore the lives of those affected, there, especially the children orphaned and enslaved during the peak of the war. My role there is growing smaller and this is the way it should be. I smile like a proud grandmother! We look forward to the graduation of our second class of eighth graders in January. Ambitious outreaches to the Darfurians are being organized as well. In the spring, Answering the Call teams from Pensacola, Florida, gave a huge boost to the community by bringing in plows and irrigation equipment and starting construction of another much needed classroom building. The AFRECS (American Friends of the Episcopal Church of the Sudans) Conference was held in late October in Alexandria, Virginia. Scott and I were happy to see our friend Bishop Samuel Enosa Peni. I have known Bishop Peni since he was a young priest in Yambio. Scott and I held a trauma healing workshop in his diocese two years ago. All reports from these leaders indicate that the South is at a very critical crossroads. There is great instability across the South right now. Most of the current attacks are being waged by internal tribal groups. I suspect that Khartoum still has a hand in promoting the divisions and violence. Corruption in the government adds to the difficulties and hinders progress. Please pray for a miracle in the South.

The STAR

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April 2016

Spring Seasons – Saturday, April 9 What would it be like to grow up in Malaysia, an ethnically diverse and culturally rich country where 80% of the population is Muslim or Buddhist? Where would you hear the Gospel? How would you grow in your faith? Shahmala Kamalanathan will answer these and other questions at our Spring Seasons gathering at Epiphany on Saturday, April 9, from 10 – noon. Shahmala will share her testimony while helping us to better understand the people and culture of Malaysia, the land where she grew up. She will have Malay music and Indian dress, Malay spices and foods to sample, and she and her mother will even show us how to prepare a traditional Malaysian dish. Feel free to bring your mothers, daughters, and friends. Please sign up at the table in the Gathering Place. Questions? Contact Diana Pino, 703-391-9481.

Alpha Course off to a Strong Start Under the leadership of Fred Apelquist and Gin Edmunds, and with the help of a strong team of volunteers, Epiphany is holding and Alpha Course! This course, which has been used around the world for decades, introduces attendees to the basics of Christianity in an informal and open environment that is designed for questions and conversation. Epiphany’s Alpha Course is meeting every Tuesday night beginning with a meal at 6 pm through June 14. Newcomers are always welcome to join in.

The STAR

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April 2016

Epiphany is going to Israel! At least eight pilgrims needed to join the Franks on a Trip Feb. 13-22 There is nothing like the experience of walking where Jesus walked, of standing the Temple steps, of experiencing the stories of the Old and New Testaments in the places where they happened. Next year, a small group from Epiphany can have the opportunity with Fr. Peter and Andrea Frank. The Franks are joining with friends from St. James’ Anglican Church in San Jose, CA, to lead a trip to Israel, Feb. 13-22, 2017. The tour is organized by Imagine Tours and Travel (ittworld.com), a major tour agency. Departure is from Dulles or Baltimore airport. The group, which will be limited to between 30-40 (with 10 from Epiphany including the Franks) is covering a lot of ground in 10 days, including but not limited to Nazareth, Galilee, Capernaum, Caesarea Philippi, Qumran, the Dead Sea, Bethlehem and of course the holy sites of Jerusalem.

The Dome of the Rock on top of the Temple Mount, viewed from the Mount of Olives.

“Spending time in Israel, being in the places were the Bible happened, was an amazing experience for me when I had the opportunity several years ago. Once you have been to Israel you will read the Bible differently. For lack of a better way to put it, you will have pictures to go with the words. I am excited for others at Epiphany to have this chance,” said Fr. Peter.

Costs for this trip are $3959 per person from Dulles Airport with airfare, hotels, gratuities, and all meals but lunch included. Early registrations earn a small discount. There is also an optional four-day extension to visit Petra and other significant sites in the Kingdom of Jordon. If you would like to learn more about this trip, we will be having an informational meeting after the 10 am service on April 10 and 24 in the library. The full trip description is here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9PuaUGIOHslME9JUDhPQXphUGM/view?usp=sharing

Pilgrims kneel to touch the rock of Golgotha at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem

The STAR

The Tower of David In Jerusalem

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Arches in Jerusalem's Old City

April 2016

Pilgrims visiting the spot where Jesus’ body was said to have been laid out for burial.

The Dead Sea at first light

A Jerusalem Old City Market

Despite their “difficult neighborhood,” traveling in Israel is easy and pilgrims are welcomed with open arms

Clicking this image will take you to the full trip description.

Editor’s Note: All the photos on these pages are ones that Fr. Peter took on his visit to the Holy Land several years ago.

The STAR

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April 2016

The STAR

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April 2016

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! - Easter at Epiphany We had a joyful Easter Celebration at Epiphany with strong attendance and involvement at all of our Easter and Holy Week services. Thanks to George Hamlin for taking photographs of the Easter celebrations on March 27.

Clockwise from top, left: T.J. Bixler receives his first communion; Mtr. Pamela with Izzy Turner and Evelyn Noble; Fr. Peter, Merle Stromberg, Evelyn Noble and Katie Bixler preparing for the processional hymn; Friends get their picture taken in their Easter dresses.; An Easter blessing for Charlotte Camak; Epiphany’s choir; Every seat at Epiphany was full on Easter Sunday, with about 50 extra chairs needed in the fellowship area.

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April 2016

Publishing Information The Epiphany STAR is generally published monthly and contains articles and information about what God has and is doing in us and through us as the Epiphany Family. It is intended to encourage each of us in our ministry and discipleship by relating how God is working in the midst of us. The Epiphany Candle is published weekly by email, highlighting what is coming in the days ahead at Epiphany and other information that the staff and vestry feel is important to emphasize. Articles and Subscription requests: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (for weekly bulletin) Deadlines: STAR: 21st of the month Bulletin: Monday, 8 AM Candle: Wednesday, 8 AM BIRTHDAYS 1

4

7 10 11

Marilyn Tangonan Rachel Easton Kyle Lewis Kurt Wiegand Caitlyn Bender Roger Miller Mary Kendrick

12 15 18 20

21 22

Stephanie Merrill Charlie Westerman CJ Plummer Courtney Holmes Debby Morris Greg Harrison Beth Monroe

25 27 30

Jimmy Crawford Christopher Easton III Barbara Peake Robin Ridinger

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

2 4 6 12

VJ & Kent Johnson Nancy & Bill Knight Lesley & Jeff Ermalinski Amie & Scott Boncher

20 26 28

Ellen & Greg Harrison Annette & David Rhoads Ann & Zan Dial Rachel & CJ Easton

The STAR

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April 2016

Resources Epiphany Staff

Email

Extension

The Rev. Peter Frank, Rector

[email protected]

104

The Rev. Pamela Meeks, Interim Associate Minister

[email protected]

106

The Rev. David Welch, Parish Deacon

[email protected]

703-309-0527

Jimmy Crawford, Music Director

[email protected]

101

Janice Monaghan, Financial Director

[email protected]

105

2016 Vestry David Bassert Jan Coffee Ann Guest George Hamlin Beth Monroe, Barbara Noble Andy Plummer Bryan Saddler, Dave Schreiner Merle Stromberg Carol Williams

Vestry Officers Senior Warden ................................ Merle Stromberg Junior Warden ................................... Andy Plummer Registrar ...................................................... Ann Guest Finance Committee Chairman ......Dennis McNeely Treasurer ................................................... Tom Miller Assistant Treasurer ...........................Charlie Monroe Chancellor .................................................David Reed

Intercessory Prayer Letter Requests can now be submitted by email at a secure site, [email protected] or written and left in the prayer request box in the Fellowship Area. All prayer requests are collected after the Sunday morning services and prepared for Monday morning distribution. For more information or questions, contact Faith Fisler at 703-591-6645 or email her at [email protected].

http://anglicanchurch.net/

http://anglicandoma.org/

13515 Dulles Technology Drive, Suite # 1 Herndon Virginia 20171 Main Number: 703.481.8601 Prayer Line:703.389.7292 Visit our website at www.epiphanyanglican.net

TO STAND for Jesus Christ, GROW TOGETHER as God's family and MAKE HIM KNOWN through the power of the Holy Spirit! MARK YOUR CALENDARS

April 2, 30

5:00 PM

Youth Connections

5, 12, 19, 26

6:00 PM

Alpha

15, 16

Women’s Retreat

15-17

Youth Retreat: Watermarks Camp

24

Stewardship Sunday May

3, 10, 17, 24, 31

6:00 PM

Alpha

14

Alpha - Day Away

15

10:00 AM

Pentecost in the Park June

7, 14

6:00 PM

Alpha

Worship Schedule Sundays 8:00 and 10:00 AM Eucharist and Healing At the 10 am service: Nursery available for infants through 2 years old Sunday School for children 3 years old through 5th grade

Weekdays at 9:00 AM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: Daily Morning Prayer Wednesdays: Holy Communion