Loving God, look gently upon fathers of newborn and young children, give them energy, patience and happiness in these fleeting days of long nights, diapers too numerous to count and loading cars with strollers.
Bless dads, who are raising school aged children and teenagers, dads who coach teams and stay up late helping with homework, show them joy in in the moments that seem both hard and wonderful all at the same time.
Bless dads who watch their adult children live their own lives; give these fathers perspective and wisdom.
Healing God, Comfort all people who mourn the absence of their father today from death or illness or because of broken relationships. Comfort those who had hoped to be fathers but have been unable to do so and embrace those who long to be dads.
Ever present God, hold up those fathers who mourn the loss of their own children or grieve over their broken relationships with their children.
Beloved Jesus,Son of God, help us to recognize all the men who have guided us and loved us like fathers, men who send a Light forth as an example of the Light you shine upon all of your beloved children.
Bless us and keep us today in Your light. In your name we pray. Amen.
Almighty God, you rescued your people from slavery in Egypt, and throughout the ages you have never failed to hear the cries of the captives; We remember before you our sisters and brothers in Galveston, Texas who on this day received the glad tidings of their emancipation; Forgive us for the many grave sins that delayed that liberating word; Anoint us with your Spirit to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
For those who would like to know more about what Juneteenth is and what it celebrates, this article by Henry Louis Gates, Jr gives an in-depth answer to the question: What is Juneteenth?
Reducing Gun Violence
The Episcopal Peace Fellowship is a national organization that focuses on peace and justice-building in our communities,
based on our call to love and to fulfill our Baptismal promises.
They provide this resource about 10 ways our churches can reduce gun violence.
Please don't forget to mail your pledges and offerings to the church
or use PayPal on Epiphany's Website.
ONLINE PLEDGE CARD: This year, you can submit your 2022 pledge card online!
Please go to: https://epiphanychurchvacaville.org/2022_online_pledge_card (also available on Epiphany's website under the "Stewardship" tab) (it still isn't too late to turn in your pledge cards!)
PAY VIA YOUR CELL PHONE! You can now pay your pledge (or other type of donation) via text message. Just text “LIGHT” to 73256 and follow the instructions. You can make a one-time payment, or even set up recurring payments with your credit card, debit card, or ACH.
