Sharing Christ, Changing Lives

 Dear Members, Friends, and Guests,

Our Gospel for this weekend is from John 2:1-11, where Jesus performs his first miracle at the wedding in Cana.  Present with Jesus is his mother Mary, who for the first time sees her son display His divine power.  Mary is a key figure in Jesus’ ministry and three years later, would be present to see Him die on the cross for the sins of the world.  As His mother and as a human being who Jesus came into the world to redeem from sin, Mary has some unique lessons to teach us.

This weekend, we will also have a door offering for the “SoCal Wildfire Relief” of the Pacific Southwest District – LCMS.  Victims of the fires have a significant immediate need for financial resources to purchase basic items, pay for hotel stays, pay for meals, etc.  The Pacific Southwest District (PSD) has a standing fund which you can donate funds to for this purpose.  The PSD has already distributed about $4000 in gift cards to area congregations and will continue to do so.  A generous donor has offered a donation challenge to the congregations of the PSD, matching your donations up to $10,000.

There are three ways to give:  a door offering this weekend at all three services, via PayPal on the district’s website (psd-lcms.org), or checks may be mailed to:

Pacific Southwest District – LCMS

16355 Laguna Canyon Rd. #300

Irvine, CA, 92618

Memo: SoCal Wildfire Relief

100% of the donations to this fund will be used to support the congregations, schools, and individuals who have been affected by the fires.  Any excess funds will be saved for future emergency/disaster relief.

Joyfully Serving Jesus,

Pastor Mark 

 Dear Members, Friends, and Guests,

This Sunday we answer a simple question, “Why was Jesus baptized?”.  I will also join our confirmation students for the next three weeks as I teach them about Confession and Absolution, and Holy Baptism.  Later in the year, I have the privilege of teaching two lessons on Holy Communion.  My Sunday morning Bible study will continue as scheduled.

As we settle into a New Year, I want to thank EVERYONE who has volunteered at Epiphany over the last year.  We have a strong volunteer base at Epiphany and I pray that all of our volunteers find joy in serving Jesus in His Church.

Joyfully Serving Jesus,

Pastor Mark