CFNA at Epiphany Hair & Care
/Simple Acts lead to Lasting Impact
Christian Friends of New Americans joined with Epiphany Hair & Care for a special braiding event after worship on Sunday, March 8th, at Epiphany Lutheran Church. New Americans from Congo, Haiti, and Sudan participated in the worship service, had a spaghetti meal fellowship hosted by church members that day, and had their hair braided at the Hair-Care event. The event was a day of fellowship, care, and meaningful relational connection.
Two skilled braiders from Genesis African Braiding spent the day at Epiphany working carefully and attentively. By the end of the event, five braids had been completed. Anyone familiar with braiding knows that the process takes time. Five braids may not sound like a large number, but anyone who understands the work knows that it represents an entire day of service, attention, and relationship-building. Debra from Sudan, who was resettled in St. Louis in 2025, expressed her gratitude for the hair-braiding: “I have to work night shift and am always tired after I come home…so I don’t get much time to braid my hair. This is so nice that the church can do this for me for free. This is so helpful to me.”
This event has now been hosted three times at Epiphany for New Americans connected with CFNA over the past several years. With each gathering, relationships continue to grow, and the ministry becomes more familiar to others in the community. What may seem like a small event represents many hours of service, conversation, and connection within the church community. During the event, the youth who had their hair braided also worked on Bible Activity Sticker Books, learning the entire story of Scripture!
For Epiphany Lutheran Church, that rhythm reflects what this ministry is about—welcoming people into the life of the church while offering practical care and hospitality. Scripture reminds us that meaningful work often unfolds slowly. As James writes, “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it” (James 5:7). Good things take time.
The Epiphany Hair & Care ministry is one small way Epiphany Lutheran Church seeks to serve neighbors in South City St. Louis—by offering space, time, and care to the community around us. They live by their motto, “Jesus Washed Feet, so We Wash Hair.”
We look forward to many more opportunities to serve together.
By Pastor Tim Staffeld
Pastor – Epiphany Lutheran, St. Louis
