April 27, 2023

It is now two weeks after Easter Day, and though not yet recovered from the Holy Week experience, or from a quick trip to perform in Maryland, I find myself immersed again in admin work, and the end of the season rapidly approaching. Amidst making plans for the choir’s joint Evensong with Christ Church-Andover IN Andover, our own Evensong  on June 4, and an upcoming Service of Ordination, I am also already booking musicians for Christmas Eve, Lessons & Carols, and for Easter Day 2024. It is surprising just how much of my job is serving as a booking agent, both for outside ‘guests’ but also our core group of volunteers! Yet, how exciting it is when all of the planning and preparation actually comes together; planets line up, and the Spirit takes over. If I take a mindful moment and reflect on this, I realize that what I want to say in this article is quite simple — thank you!

Indeed, a very large Thank You goes to all who made the Holy Week and Easter Day services so meaningful and inviting. Many folks were involved, from the planning and preparation to the final execution, and I felt that the journey from Palm/Passion Sunday through Easter morning was offered with sincerity and had great impact both on those worshipping and also those participating. In particular, I’d like to thank the volunteer choir members and choristers, who so generously donated their time and talents. Many of the Parish Choir adults sang the entire Holy Week and Easter Day rota; those folks would have been ‘on duty’ in their vestments for approximately 16 hours that week (a part-time job!). After having sung on Palm/Passion Sunday, five of the eight young Choristers chose to also sing on Easter morning, and three of those five choristers sang both services— this is hardcore dedication at an early age!  Or, perhaps they just wanted the food, which reminds me to thank Marie Johnson for once again snapping her fingers and creating an amazing Easter Day brunch between the services.

In closing, I’d like to list all of the volunteer singers who offered their time and talents during Holy Week/Easter, and to again say Thank You for a remarkable week together.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Jeremy

Soprano
Leslie Aitken, Melanie Blake, Mary Lou Burns, Juliet Hollenbeck, Jennifer Khudairi, Mary Ann Marcinkiewicz, Margot Young

Alto
Susan Almquist, Linda Davidson, Susie Kendall, Martha Lewis, Nelia Newell, Sara Post, Jenifer Tidwell, Jane White

Tenor
Allen Ernst, Corey Hollenbeck, Neville Lee, Frederick Spencer, Gabrielle Stott, Pierre Trepagnier

Bass
Ron Almquist, Bruce Glabe, Josh Reynolds

Choristers
Josie Bing, Reagan Clare, Katherine Cumming, Ilario Faienza, Caleb Keith-Lucas, Bennett Myers, Zoe Rossettos, Mags Valdini

This Sunday and next Sunday, May 7, join Rev. Nick in the Chapel at 9:00 am for this two-part series designed for inquirers and those interested in knowing more about the Episcopal Church and how we understand and engage scripture and our lived faith. For more details, contact Rev. Nick.

Beginning this Sunday and continuing weekly through May 28 at 11:30 am, we are excited to welcome back Dr. Brian Litzenberger to our Faith Forum in Hadley Hall. During the season of Eastertide, we will explore the seeds of possibility and wholeness as we discern God’s voice in our own lives and life together. Reflecting upon the post-Resurrection stories in the New Testament, Dr. Brian and Rev. Nick will invite us to explore, through dialogue and teaching, where God is calling us as a community. 

The Parish Weekend Away is a joyous time of rest, renewal, and fun. Epiphany parishioners of all ages are invited to come together at the Barbara C Harris Camp and Retreat Center in Greenfield, NH, the weekend of September 22-24. Registration begins at 1:00 pm this Sunday, April 30. The registration link will be emailed to you at that time. Please visit our website to read more about our time together.  

This Sunday, April 30 at 5:00 pm, enjoy an evening with two of Epiphany’s Parish Choir section leaders, soprano Ann-Marie Iacoviello and mezzo-soprano Cindy Vredeveld. Both seasoned performers, they combine forces to offer a program of their favorite solos and duets. This event is free; donations are gladly accepted.

Do you have a birthday or anniversary during the month of May that you would like remembered in the May 7 bulletin and next week's 3 Crowns? If so, please send the details to Kathryn in the parish office by this Sunday, April 30. 

All are invited to our next Midweek @ Epiphany on Wednesday, May 3. Each Midweek begins at 6:15 pm with dinner and fellowship, followed by formation opportunities for adults, youth, and children. On May 3, join us for an early Cinco de Mayo feast featuring: Green Posole (vegan); Red Pozole; and Quesadillas for the kids. Click here to sign up to help prepare dinner! 

Graduation Sunday will be celebrated on May 21! If you have a graduating senior who would like to be recognized, please contact Rev. Janelle no later than May 5. 

Are you interested in learning more about Parish of the Epiphany? We invite you to our Newcomer Coffee Hour next Sunday, May 7 at 11:15 am, immediately following the 10:00 am worship service. Join us in Upper Parish Hall to find out more about who we are as a parish and how to get connected! 

Like Rumpelstiltskin spinning straw into gold, rummage sales turn your discards into cash for Epiphany, contributing thousands of dollars toward our yearly budget. While these semi-annual sales are little miracles, they aren't magic. They need your participation. Here are the ways you can help: 

• Start bringing in your re-usable, re-sellable items: clothing, housewares, toys, collectibles. 
• Spend one or two hours sorting and preparing for the sale. Join in anytime between 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Tuesday, May 9 through Friday, May 12. 
• Be a cashier on sale days: Friday, May 12, 5:00 - 7:00 pm or Saturday, May 13, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. 
• Take part in clean-up, bagging unsold items, and distributing them to area Red Cross and Salvation Army donations sites on Saturday, May 13, 2:00 - 4:00 pm.

Contact Gabrielle Stott with any questions: gr8stott@yahoo.com; 781-721-5796.

On April 22, the last Spring outing of the Epiphany Golf Challenge, the intrepid golf crew overcame the chilling wind and successfully survived the Woburn CC course. While the scores weren’t memorable, our outing will not be soon forgotten despite no holy-in-one recorded. We look to add to the gang next year and hope the promise of Sogno pizza and salad will be enough of a lure. Join in the fun at least for lunch, no matter how or if you play! For more information, contact Rich Bartels for possible play in the fall or early spring 2024.

On Tuesday, June 6 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm, all are welcome for the third annual PRIDE Fest, a student-organized celebratory and educational festival on the Winchester Town Common. This event is free and open to families and children of all ages. Join us for arts and crafts, speakers, a DJ, education, advocacy, vendors, and more!