Interfaith Hospitality Network

A couple weeks ago, I had the privilege and joy of hosting a night at the Greene County Interfaith Hospitality facility with other Epiphany members.  The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) of Greene County is a nonprofit ministry committed to uniting the religious community in Greene County to provide shelter, meals and assistance to homeless families. Their mission is to reach out as messengers of God, reflecting His unconditional love with compassion and acceptance, providing help, hope and a safe haven for our guests while they seek permanent employment and affordable housing. There are many opportunities for us as a church to get involved. When assigned for the week, we provide meals, hosting, and opportunities just to meet and greet the families.

The old Francis Inn in Xenia, Ohio was transformed into a facility for this program for the past three years. Epiphany Lutheran Church is one of 10 hosting churches that are involved in the program. The building has 10 bedrooms, four bathrooms with showers, a host room, storage and office space, a laundry room, kitchen and eating space, computers for homework and job searching, and even a quiet lounge area for some downtime for those staying there.

There is an Executive Director, and Administrative Assistant, a Kitchen Manager, a Training Manager and a weekend staff person who make the program work. A dedicated Board of Trustees and an Advisory board offer support and guidance as well. The goal of the program is to serve 50 displaced families a year with case management, temporary lodging, and nutritious meals, and placing at least 40 of these families in permanent housing each year. 

What I appreciate about the ministry is the opportunity not just to serve, but to be with the people you are serving. There is a great sense of community that happens in this place. While I was there, I had the opportunity to meet the parents and kids who are currently there. One little girl, just three years old, became my shadow – I will call her Tiffany. As Jim Evans (Epiphany member and chair of the IHN Board) was giving me a tour, Tiffany wanted to show me everything on the walls, on the floor, and more! I could tell she felt at home in this place, a place that is safe and welcoming. I realized that while I had come to be her host, she wanted to be mine. 

This ministry relies on the support of donations and gifts to keep this ministry going. One way you can support this is through the IHN Golf Marathon 2013. We hope to have 40 golfers participate (I am one of them) who will be playing 100 holes of golf to raise funds for IHN. If you would like to sponsor me or my partner, Ted Urban (we are splitting the holes and doing 50 each!), contact me and I will send you more information (cwoodward@epiphanydayton.org). 

Thanks and Peace,

Pastor Charlie

We Have Never Done It That Way!

The good news of Jesus Christ - the one who takes on himself the sins of the world, the one who loves us, forgives us and promises to be with us, the one who desires the best for us - his is the message we, the church, are called to share. That is why we exist. That is what we do. That is our mission!

How do we do it? With whatever methods and gifts we have at our disposal. At Epiphany, we are blessed with great facilities, wonderful music, gifted teachers and leaders, a pantry that assists many in the community that is staffed by many volunteers, many other outreach ministries and volunteers, a great drama ministry, inspired worship, fantastic youth programs, joy in fellowship, and so much more. These things happen because people find joy in serving, and through these many facets, the good news is proclaimed.

The message is what is important. We have to be careful not to get in the way of the message being shared even if it is done in a way that is not the way we would do it.  Someone once said, "The last seven words of the church will be 'we have never done it that way.'" As the church continues to grow and move forward, may we be focused on our purpose, "We love Jesus by serving others." How that might look? Let's be open to where God is leading us.

I give you an example of what I mean. One of my favorite music groups is "The Piano Guys." In this video clip, you will see how a piano can be used in ways one never imagined. And yet, the music is shared.  (sorry for the advertisements at the beginning)





I encourage you to be a partner in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ for all who have ears to hear. May we encourage one another to use the gifts in sharing the good news even if we have never done it that way before.

Peace,
Pastor Charlie

Be Still and know!

I have just returned from vacation. I promise to not bore you with pictures or stories of my time away, but I will tell you it was good to have some "down time" as we like to say. The phone was turned off, and the only clock we used was the placement of the sun in the sky.  Ahhhhh.................

Okay, I am back! I was reminded during the time away how important it is to take time to stop, to be still, and to be at rest. I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel like I am in such a rush that I get ahead of myself, and maybe even get ahead of God, and I soon forget that I am not the leader. How important it is to take time to stop, be still and rest.

A favorite verse of mine is Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God." Be still! What is surprising is that this verse comes at the end of the psalm Martin Luther used as the basis for the Lutheran fight song - "A Mighty Fortress." Singing that hymn never conveys silence and peace to me. But maybe there is a sense of hope and comfort knowing that God is in charge. Peace. Be still.

I have found this verse to be a great prayer.  Simply take off a word or two at the end of the verse each time, and there you will find a new reflection:

• Be still and know that I am God - God is in charge
• Be still and know that I am - that is the name of God given to Moses to share with Pharoah - "Tell Pharoah that 'I Am' has sent you."  I Am = Yahweh. God IS.  Not "God has been" or "God will be." NO. "God Is!"
• Be still and know - know that God is the one who loves you. God knows YOU. And the one God knows is the one God loves.
• Be still - there is nothing you can do to make God love you more. There is nothing you can do to make God love you less. Be still.
• Be - God created you. In God's eyes you are precious.

I pray you find time to be still and know.

Peace,
Pastor Charlie

A great song based on this verse

Risen Indeed

Christ is Risen!

He is Risen Indeed.  Alleluia!

What a great week of worship from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. Jesus the Christ has won the battle over sin and death for you!  Rejoice!

This song, which we sang on Easter at our contemporary services, sums up the Easter message so very well.

In Christ Alone



More posts to come after vaction!

Happy Easter!

Peace
Pastor Charlie