Epic Family,

I began the rhythm of writing weekly letters to our Epic Church community on April 20, 2020. We had been in this pandemic for about a month and I was trying to figure out the best way to lead our church in a season where we couldn’t be together in person. I made it my aim to share what God was teaching me, in hopes that it would encourage you too. I had no idea I would be writing this every week for over a year.

Now that we are finally seeing glimpses of “normal” life emerge, this is my last COVID-19 letter to you. Yes, I know we aren’t done with this virus for good. But it is time for me to turn my attention, our staff team’s attention, and your attention to RELAUNCHING EPIC CHURCH.

Here are a few big truths we’ve learned over this past year:

• A crisis doesn’t build our faith as much as it reveals our faith. Storms come in various shapes and sizes for all of us. And when they come, we’re able to learn some things about our faith. What have you learned about your faith over the past year? Jesus tells us the secret about how to have our faith still standing after the storm. Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
• God meets us in our grief and lament. Some of us learned how to truly grieve and lament over this past year. Whether your grief was due to all that you lost during this pandemic or to the political divide in our country or to the racial injustice we’ve witnessed, many of us have learned how to bring these things into the presence of God. Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
• God is faithful. God hasn’t abandoned us, even though life has been so hard. He’s not walked away. The main thing I’ve come to peace with in my life is this: I AM IN HIS GOOD HANDS. I’m going to be okay and so are you. I can lose my job and still be okay. I can lose my dreams and still be okay. I can even lose my life and I’m still going to be okay. I’ve just learned this verse over the past week and I encourage you to memorize it and meditate on it - Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

For the past 10 years, it has been my joy to be your pastor. That joy has only deepened over the past year. Thank you for how you have continued to lean into Jesus and into playing your part during this time. Thank you for not giving up your faith, even when it was challenged.

Will you join me in thanking God for all He has done and in turning attention to all He wants to do in us and through us over the coming season?

With all my heart,
Ben

P.S. On Sunday, we announced that we plan to return back indoors for in-person gatherings at Epic each Sunday starting June 20 at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. In order to create a great experience, we need to grow some of our serving teams. If you're not currently on a team, here's how you can play your part.