About Epiphany Lutheran Church

In 1976, Pastor Robert Holley came to Dale City, Virginia to start a mission congregation. He traversed the streets of the young community, inviting people to join him in worship at the Hillendale Fire Station. The first service was held in June 1976. The visitors eventually grew in numbers and commitment and, on April 2, 1977, Palm Sunday, the charter was signed by 145 members establishing Epiphany Lutheran Church as part of the Lutheran Church of America.

By early 1979, the congregation had grown to over 200 baptized members and was beginning to find it more and more difficult to fulfill its ministry goals within the confines of the rented space. Plans were begun to build a new "home" from which to minister. It was an exciting and uplifting time. A building fund was begun. Plans for the church building were drawn up. A site was chosen. It turned out this lot was on top of a large rock outcropping. Hence, the motto of the building project: "Built on a Rock - Our Church Shall Stand".

From the making and giving Crismons at Christmas to the "Burning of the Greens" on the Feast of Epiphany; from the development of a quality preschool to the creation of a Vacation Bible School program, the members of Epiphany Lutheran Church began creating traditions and reaching out to serve their community.

In August 1985, Pastor Holley left Epiphany to accept a new call and Ronald Shipman was installed as Epiphany's second pastor. Throughout the late 1980's, the Church continued to welcome all who came through its doors and to add to the traditions that define Epiphany Lutheran Church. Mid-week Lenten Services, also called Service of the Light, were started and eventually coupled with the Soup Suppers. The Upstairs Room, an interactive play that depicts the Last Supper, was performed each year, giving the congregation a chance to experience both a Seder dinner and the emotional atmosphere of Holy Week.

In January 1994, Pastor Ron and his wife Susan, who had recently completed her Seminary studies, answered calls to serve two churches in California and Pastor Bill Ridenhouer served as Interim Pastor for the next 15 months. Under Pastor Bill's guidance, the congregation strengthened the infra-structure of the Church that was Built on a Rock by re-examining who we were and our purpose as a congregation. Pastor Bill and his wife Grace, warmed the congregation with their gracious hospitality and left a tradition of their own: the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner and the laughter and fellowship that goes with it.

In March 1995, Pastor Mary Kieser was installed as Epiphany's third pastor. Old traditions were revived and new ones started. Friday morning Bible Studies, dinner groups, Kid's Klub, Orioles' and Cannons' ball games, feeding the homeless at the Homeless Prevention Center, continued involvement with ACTS and CCOM, the Wittenberg Learning Center, and the Epiphany Preschool are just a few of the activities members of the church are involved in.

After 10 years of dedicated service, Pastor Mary retired and Epiphany welcomed Pastor Ray Michener as interim pastor. At the same time, the congregation elected to begin re-examining its Mission in the everchanging Dale City area. It is an exciting time as we look how we can best serve the needs of the community while continuing to share the Good News of the Gospel with those around us.

In honor of Epiphany's 20th Anniversary, a quilt was pieced together and embroidered with the names of all people who have been baptized at Epiphany. The bottom edge remains un-hemmed, a symbol that God's work here is not yet finished. The incomplete quilt serves to inspire us to grow in Christian faith and love and to remind us that God will continue to pour out His grace upon Epiphany Lutheran Church and feed us with the Bread of Life in the days ahead.

"Through all the passing years, O Lord,
Grant that, when church bells are ringing,
Many may come to hear God's Word
Where he this promise is bringing:
I know my own, my own know me;
You, not the world, my face shall see;
My peace I leave with you. Amen."

Built on a Rock, This Church Shall Stand
Text: Nikolai Grundvig
Tune: Ludvig Lindeman

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