10/13/2026
Dear Friends and Beloved Church Family,
This past Sunday, we heard Jesus’ parable in Matthew 22:1–14, in which he compares the kingdom of heaven to a wedding banquet. Through this story, we are invited to reflect on what it means to accept God’s invitation and to be intentional about wearing our “banquet robes,” in other words, wearing our faith in the way we live each day.
The Apostle Paul reminds the Colossians to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” He also tells the Galatians that all who have been baptized into Christ have “clothed yourselves with Christ.”
Our faith is not simply something we profess with our lips; it is something we put into practice through our daily lives. We wear our faith when we forgive, seek reconciliation, show up for one another, welcome the stranger, and make room for those who might otherwise feel left out. These are the garments that reflect Christ’s love in the world.
This week, we invite you to wear your faith wherever you go. Let your words offer encouragement, let your actions express kindness, and let your presence remind others that they are loved and welcomed by God. May the people we encounter recognize something of Christ in the way we live and love.
As we continue our journey together, we invite you to join us this month at Epiphany as we celebrate God’s presence in our midst, grow in faith, and strengthen the bonds that make us a church family.
1. Young Adult Gathering — Let’s Talk Dating and Sexuality
Dating, relationships, attraction, boundaries, faith, and all those questions we sometimes hesitate to discuss. Let’s talk about them honestly, openly, and without judgment.
Join us today at 6:30 p.m. at Hickory’s Union Square, by the cannon, for a relaxed gathering with our young adults. Bring a friend, bring your questions, and come just as you are.
No lectures and no pressure, just honest conversation, good company, and a welcoming space to explore what love, respect, and faith look like in real life. We look forward to seeing you by the cannon!
Upcoming topics:
October 13 — Dating and Sexuality
October 27 — Race and Justice
November 10 — Politics
November 24 — Work and Rest
December 8 — Doubt
2. Wednesday Evening Prayer
In the middle of a busy week, we all need a moment to pause, breathe, and remember that God is with us through every season of life.
Join us every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. for Evening Prayer, a peaceful time of Scripture, reflection, and prayer. Together, we bring before God our joys, concerns, questions, and burdens, trusting that we never walk this journey alone.
We would love for you to join us on Wednesday, October 14, as we make space for God in the midst of our week. This week, we also remember Joseph Schereschewsky, Bishop of Shanghai.
3. Holy Eucharist — Sunday, October 18
You are warmly invited to join us this Sunday, October 18, at 10:00 a.m. for the celebration of Holy Eucharist.
The Eucharist is at the heart of our life together. As we gather around God’s table, we remember Christ’s love, receive his grace, and find strength for the journey ahead. Whether you worship with us every week, are returning after some time away, or are visiting for the first time, there is a place for you at God’s table and in our church family.
Come as you are, and let us worship, pray, and share in God’s love together.
Readings for Sunday, October 18:
Exodus 33:12–23
Psalm 99
1 Thessalonians 1:1–10
Matthew 22:15–22
4. Sunday Adult Bible Study
Come and join us for our Sunday Adult Bible Study, a time to explore Scripture, ask questions, share insights, and grow together in faith.
Each week, we spend time reflecting on the Sunday readings, considering their historical, cultural, and theological backgrounds, and discovering how God’s Word continues to speak to our lives today.
Whether you have studied the Bible for many years or are just beginning to explore its stories and teachings, you are welcome. Bring your Bible, your questions, and an open heart. There is room for everyone as we learn from one another and grow closer to God.
5. Wednesday Adult Bible Study with the Rev. Dr. Lynn Orville
You are invited to join the Rev. Dr. Lynn Orville every Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. for an online Bible study. This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of Scripture, reflect on God’s Word, and grow in faith alongside others.
Join the Zoom meeting on Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m.:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81596262586?pwd=NSgnACkDE85WfCRJgzRz9gE4MoH9QY.1
We hope you will join us!
6. October Vestry Meeting
Our October Vestry Meeting will take place on Thursday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m.
If you are able, please bring a dish to share as we enjoy some fellowship and conversation before the meeting begins.
We are deeply grateful for the faithful leadership of our Vestry and for everyone who gives their time, gifts, and energy to support the life and mission of Epiphany. Our ministry is strengthened whenever we come together to listen, discern, and serve God’s people.
7. Game Night and Potluck — October 24
Being a community of faith is about more than gathering for worship. It is also about sharing life, building friendships, laughing together, and making room for everyone to feel that they belong.
Join us on October 24 for an evening of board games, good food, laughter, and fellowship. Bring a favorite game, a dish to share, and invite your friends and neighbors to join the fun.
Let’s continue building a church family where faith grows through worship, service, friendship, and the simple joy of being together.
8. Children’s Gathering at Epiphany — October 24
We want our children to know that they are deeply loved by God and that they have a special place in the life of our church. This fall, we are creating opportunities for children and families to come together, build friendships, discover the joy of faith, and grow closer to God.
Our next Children’s Gathering will take place on Saturday, October 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The day will include arts and crafts, new songs, joyful games, and activities that help children explore God’s love and connect with one another.
We look forward to welcoming our youngest members and their families for a day of learning, laughter, and faith-filled fun!
9. October Hike — Crowders Mountain
Let’s step away from our busy routines and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation together!
Join us on October 17 at 10:00 a.m. for our monthly hike at Crowders Mountain in Gastonia, along the Lake Trail. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, and a spirit of adventure as we enjoy the outdoors, share conversation, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
Meeting location: 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
We hope you can join us for this opportunity to connect with one another and experience God’s presence in the natural world.
10. Prayers of the People
Prayer is at the heart of our relationship with God and with one another. It reminds us that we are never alone and that we can bring our joys, struggles, hopes, and concerns before God.
If you have a prayer request, please share it with Rev. Oscar. It is a privilege to pray with and for one another as we walk together in faith.
This week, let us ask God to help us live with greater intention, carrying our faith wherever life takes us and allowing Christ’s love to shine through our words and actions.
Let us pray:
Loving God,
Walk with us as we journey through life, and teach us to wear our faith with courage, humility, and love. May our words bring hope, our actions reflect your goodness, and our hearts remain open to those who need kindness, compassion, and understanding.
When the road becomes difficult, strengthen our steps. When we feel uncertain, guide our way. When we encounter others, help us see them through your eyes and remind us that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, grace, and love.
Clothe us in compassion, kindness, patience, and forgiveness. Give us the courage to welcome others, the humility to seek reconciliation, and the generosity to make room for those who feel forgotten or excluded.
Lord, may our faith be more than something we believe or profess. May it be something we embody, something others can see in the way we live, and something that draws people closer to your welcoming love.
Send us into the world as living witnesses of your grace, wearing our faith wherever we go.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen.