April 6, 2023

According to the scriptures, something unimaginable, something unprecedented, something historically unique happened nearly 2000 years ago when Jesus, who was dead and buried, was raised to new life by God. To say it so clearly is to feel how inconceivable it is—not because such things are beyond God (in fact, such a thing could only be God's doing), but because we just don't experience the dead coming back to life. Of course, the earliest Christians knew this as well as we do. And yet, they proclaimed it as true: "He is not here"; "The tomb is empty"; "Jesus is alive, and I have seen him." These were their words. And this led them to proclaim and work for a world that was shaped by the love, mercy, justice, and peace of God. Their first words were not, "Jesus is in heaven, and we will be too, one day." Instead, they said very clearly to all who would listen: "repent and be forgiven"—really religious things in our minds, but which in reality simply mean: get back on track, turn to God; you've got infinite second chances to live and love as God has shown us in Jesus Christ—together, we can make it on earth as it is in heaven. 

Easter is the day we proclaim clearly that with God there is enough faith, hope, love and courage to dream God's dream for this world. To see the world through our tears (like Mary and the women at the tomb), and know that through the power of God in Christ, we can and will, with God, create a new world—for ourselves, and for all, where sorrow is held by joy and death is turned to life.

I look forward to being with you this Holy Week and rejoicing together on Easter Sunday. 

See you there,
Nick

We invite you to join us during Holy Week for worship at Parish of the Epiphany!

To sign up to keep vigil for one hour as part of our Maundy Thursday night watch, please click here. 

After the 11:15 service this morning, the plants decorating the altar will be brought to Epiphany members who are shut-in or are otherwise in our prayers. Volunteers are needed to make these deliveries. If you can help delivering a plant or two, please meet at the chancel steps after the service. 

Please note that the parish office will be closed following Easter, from Monday, April 10 through Patriots' Day on Monday, April 17. For pastoral emergencies such as a hospitalization or a death, please call 781-729-1922 Ext. 5. 

Our next Word & Table service will be held on Sunday, April 23 at 5:00 pm in Hadley Hall. Offered once a month, Word & Table is a casual, contemporary, and creative service based on our familiar Episcopal liturgy. Our last Word & Table service of the program year will be on May 21.  

On Saturday evening, April 29, from 4:30 – 6:15 pm, Epiphany will be serving at The Dwelling Place, a soup kitchen in Woburn for those experiencing food insecurity. Volunteers will be needed to set up, serve, and clean up on that evening (families and kids of all ages are welcome!). We will also have a cook day in the Epiphany kitchen to prepare the meals. Interested in being a part of the cooking team or the on-site The Dwelling Place team? Click the button above to sign up! Contact Rev. Janelle with any questions. 

On Sundays, April 30 and 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.

On Sundays, April 30 – May 28 at 11:30 am in Hadley Hall, 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. 

On 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.

Graduation Sunday will be celebrated on May 21! If you have a graduating senior who would like to be recognized, please contact Rev. Janelle.