August 18, 2022

Before I open Gmail, I close my eyes and pause. Three deep breaths. A silent prayer. Click the browser window. Begin.

Since 2013, it’s been an honor for me to participate in Epiphany’s Prayer Team Ministry. Our team manages our parish’s intercessory prayer list and communicates with parishioners who have requested prayers for themselves or for those we love. We send out a weekly prayer list to folks in the parish who have expressed a commitment to praying for our loved ones — lifting them up to God and asking for healing, strength, and peace.

Maintaining a spreadsheet and sending out emails doesn’t immediately sound like the work of discipleship, but I have found these tasks to be unexpected gifts. It’s a deeply humbling experience to ask for prayers and to pray for others. The emails we send, I hope, are a small gesture of love and a reminder that we are indelibly connected – made one in Christ. Week after week, I discover that prayer softens my heart and reminds me of what’s most important.

Jesus may not have sent emails — but he taught his followers the importance of prayer and encouraged them to pray for themselves, and for the world. Will you join us? Please consider

1)   Reaching out with prayer requests when you or your loved ones are in need.
2)   Signing up to receive Epiphany’s weekly prayer list via email so that you might join our community of prayers.

We can be reached at prayer@3crowns.org.

Grace and Peace,
Jake Montwieler for the Prayer List Team 

Each third Wednesday of the month, Rev. Bob Davidson offers a Prayer and Communion Service at the Gables Assisted Living Center from 11:00-11:45am. All residents are welcome to attend, but particular effort is made to connect with members of Parish of the Epiphany who reside at the Gables. The monthly service provides a spiritual and supportive space for residents to interact with one another, pray, discuss the scriptures and receive communion. Through the months of offering this service, members of many Christian denominations have attended, some from non-Christian faiths and others who just want to be a part of a loving group.

The Gables Prayer and Communion Service is one of the seven Caring Ministries of Parish of the Epiphany. Any member of Epiphany who would like to accompany Rev. Davidson to come meet the residents, help with singing or reading scripture, and just be a loving presence are more than welcome to come along.  

Please note the church building will be closed Monday, August 29 through Friday, September 2 for our annual floor cleaning. There will be no access to the building during this time. For administrative assistance during the building closure, please contact Kathryn at office@3crowns.org. 

2:00 pm on Saturday, August 27 in Hadley Hall

The piano studio of Jia Shi will hold a fundraising concert in support of the children in the The Home for Little Wanderers in Boston (www.thehome.org). Eight young students will perform, and a light reception will follow. Entrance is free of charge, and donations will be accepted at the door. All are welcome, and should enter via the Church Street kitchen door due to courtyard construction.

Children in grades 2-8 are invited to join Choristers! Rehearsals are weekly on Wednesdays from 5:15-6:15 pm (a snack and optional skills session will also be offered from 6:15-7:00 pm on many Wednesdays). They will receive music theory and vocal training free of charge as part of being a chorister. This choir will sing in church monthly during the season, in addition to other engagements as announced. Contact Jeremy at  jbruns@3crowns.org with any questions or to enroll in the program.

On Sunday, September 11 following the 10:00 am service, all are invited to Epiphany's annual Rally Day celebration! Join us for fellowship and a lunch catered by Bella Isla. You won’t want to miss the crafts, games, bounce house obstacle course, or your chance to see the rector get wet in the dunk tank! To register to volunteer, please use our SignUpGenius form. We hope to see you at this fun event! 

Tuesday, September 13: 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Please join us for an evening training session before our new year begins! This training is for all who are interested in volunteering in our Children's Ministry—from seasoned teachers to newcomers considering becoming involved. We will introduce you to our creative (and simple!) curriculum; share practical tips for the classroom; and show you how fun and rewarding Children's Ministry really is. Please contact Bryn at bhollenbeck@3crowns.org for more information or to RSVP. 

Church School begins Sunday, September 18 at 10:00 am. All children in preschool through fifth grade are invited to join our classes full of storytelling, crafts, prayer, and a playful exploration of the Christian faith. Classes for younger children meet in Upper Parish Hall and classes for older children meet in the Church Library on the 2nd through 5th Sundays of the month. Contact Bryn at bhollenbeck@3crowns.org for more information.

On Wednesday, September 21 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Parish of the Epiphany will co-sponsor Health Begins at Home, a panel on how quality, affordable housing strengthens a community's well-being. Panelists will include Thea James, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center; Dana LeWinter, Municipal Engagement Director, Citizens' Housing and Planning Association; and Sarah Betancourt, Reporter, GBH News' Center for Investigative Reporting. This event will take place in the auditorium at Winchester Town Hall. 

Access to the church campus is currently only available only through the Central Street door and the Church Street handicap accessible door due to forecourt/Cloister construction. There will be no access via Hadley Hall/breezeway doors or the Tower entrance. Access will be restricted during construction, likely for three weeks. Sunday fellowship after the 10:00 am service will take place in the Bishop Garden.

Welcome to Sustainable Epiphany: A monthly look at what Epiphany is doing and what you can do to care for the creation.

Epiphany Composts: You may have seen this sign near the kitchen. Over the Summer, Epiphany has contracted Black Earth Composting LLC to compost our food waste and turn it into deep, rich soil to grow new vegetables, flowers and more.

The next time you enjoy a meal at Epiphany, look for a composting station like the one near the sign to place your food waste. Do your part by putting any edible food into the green bag and Epiphany, with the help of Black Earth Compost, will turn it into compost to renew our food supply in an earth-sustaining manner!

We are looking forward to fellowship hours on Sundays in August, and would greatly appreciate your help! Please click on the button below to contribute a baked good, a gluten-free snack, fresh fruit, or your help with serving and clean-up.