Updated Parish Guidelines
Dear people of Epiphany,
With the continued increase of COVID-19 caseload and testing positivity rates in Middlesex County and Massachusetts, the Bishop’s office has issued updated guidelines for parishes within the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. Here at Parish of the Epiphany, we will continue to follow the directives of public health officials, adhering to guidelines rooted in emerging scientific data, and the guidelines of our Bishops.
Effective immediately, we will adhere to the following practices and guidelines at Parish of the Epiphany:
- Masks are required for all individuals aged two years and above in all indoor spaces except where an individual is unable to wear a face-covering due to a medical condition or disability. This includes Sunday worship, as well as small group or committee gatherings that take place indoors. Masks are not required while outdoors.
- Sunday fellowship after the services will only take place outdoors and will be weather dependent.
- Social distancing will occur within the sanctuary, as every other pew will be roped off. At this point, we are not in need of limiting attendance and returning to a reservation system—but this is possible in the future depending upon future directives.
These renewed practices will help us continue to care for one another, especially those who have not or are not able to be vaccinated at this time. I know that I am not alone in the frustration, disappointment, exhaustion, and feelings of anger that accompany this continued and rising pandemic. We will continue to bind our hearts and minds together, offering ourselves in Christ’s love, adapting our ministry, parish life, and care for and with one another in the coming months. We do this work in hope that such love and community will help us return more quickly and more resolutely committed to our shared ministry, as well as the moral call of Christ "to love our neighbors as ourselves."
With the continued changes in this pandemic, we want you to know that both the staff and vestry leadership will seek to adapt to the challenges we face and remain committed to helping renew our relationships, ministry, and parish life. While much remains uncertain about the coming months, you can rest in the certainty of our commitment to one another and this parish, as well as the faithfulness of and the hope we have in God. Indeed, as the great hymn proclaims: All our hope on God is founded.
I pray for you daily and want you each to know that I am available, along with our pastoral care team, to offer any support, prayer, or care that you need at this time. In Christ, through all things, we are bound together—thanks be to God.
God’s peace to you,
Rev. Nick Myers
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3 Crowns Submission Guidelines
Please note that articles for Epiphany's 3 Crowns must be submitted by Tuesday for inclusion in the Thursday newsletter. Submissions should be no longer than 200 words. Thank you for your cooperation!
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Conversation on Justice Advocacy with Melanie Merkle Atha
Melanie Merkle Atha, the Executive Director of Episcopal Peace Fellowship, will join us for worship on Sunday, August 29, and offer an informal gathering after the 10:00 am service in the Suter Library to discuss the work of EPF. The Rev. Bob Davidson will welcome and host Melanie in this conversation. All are welcome. Since Epiphany, 2019, Melanie and her husband, Steven, have been traveling the country, visiting Episcopal parishes and EPF peace partners to learn what justice advocacy is happening within the Church, and sharing information and resources to support advocates in their work. We hope you can join the conversation.
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Epiphany Office Closed on Fridays
As of Friday, September 3, the Epiphany office will be closed weekly on Fridays. This decision is rooted in our commitment to care for our staff and the shared desire to work remotely one day per week. Epiphany's office hours will now be Monday - Thursday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Scheduled events, programming, and activities on Fridays will still occur. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Rev. Nick or call the parish office at 781-729-1922.
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September Birthdays & Anniversaries
Do you have a birthday or anniversary in September that you would like remembered in 3 Crowns and the Sunday bulletin during the first week of the month? If so, we invite you to send the details to Kathryn at office@3crowns.org. We will also be commemorating September birthdays and anniversaries in worship on Sunday, September 5.
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Storymakers: Our New Sunday School Program for 2021-2022!
This year our children’s programming focuses on sharing stories: Bible stories from long ago that are central to our faith; stories from our community; and stories from our own lives. Through our stories, our faith, our love for God, and our love for one another take root and flourish.
In Sunday School we all will become Storymakers. Our Storymakers curriculum creatively retells stories from the Old and New Testaments through art, fun facts, theater, hands-on projects, and social-emotional prompts. Each child will receive a “zine,” which is a combination guide, workbook, and magazine (get it, “zine”). This is a fabulous program that will bend and flex with us, as we continue to adapt to the ever-changing realities of community health—whether we’re gathered under fresh-air canopies in our Cloister garden (tents like Abraham and Sarah!), or within our homes. We’ll share details and ways to participate in September.
Registration for Sunday School begins on Rally Day, Sunday, September 12. Our first day of Sunday School will be on Sunday morning, September 26. Sunday School is open to all children in PreK through 5th grade; and 6th graders, we have a special invitation for you this fall, as well. It’s going to be a great year!
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Blessing of the Backpacks & Rally Day
Join us on Sunday, September 12 for the Blessing of the Backpacks immediately following our 10:00 am Holy Eucharist. This is the Sunday each year when our children physically bring a piece of their school lives into our church, and we as a community pray for them.
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. Children can enjoy a bounce obstacle course, an outdoor scavenger hunt, a collaborative art project, and more. To register to volunteer, please use our SignUpGenius form. We hope to see you at this fun event!
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Join the Children's Ministry Committee
Would you like to be part of the Children's Ministry Committee for our 2021-2022 program year? The CMC is composed of parishioners and staff who are called to champion the many ministries of this church that support the spiritual formation of children from birth through fifth grade, and their families. This includes Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, children in worship, fellowship events, mission and outreach work, parent support, and intergenerational programming (like our new Wednesday evening Midweek!). The CMC meets seasonally as a large group, and works in sub-committees as needed.
The work of the CMC needs ALL ages and kinds of people! Parents, non-parents, grandparents; those deeply invested in education, in mission, in building true community, in having fun.
Please email Bryn if you are interested in serving on the Children's Ministry Committee or have any questions.
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Kids4Peace Kids4Peace is a global interfaith youth movement dedicated to ending conflict, with a network of local chapters offering dialogue, leadership, and social action programs. In 2021-2022, there are two great ways for youth in grades 7-12 to be involved!
First, learn about a social justice issue you're passionate about through Circles of Action. Work with a diverse interfaith group all school year to create an action project that will make your community more just and equitable while developing new skills and making friends. Second, discover different faith traditions and deepen your own religious identity by participating in Community Workshops. Questions? Contact Megan Hopkins at megan@kids4peaceboston.org for more information.
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This Week's Calendar
Click here to access the complete parish calendar.
Thursday, August 19
5:30pm Men's Group via Zoom
7:00pm Healing Prayer via Zoom
9:00pm Compline via Zoom
Sunday, August 22
8:00am Holy Eucharist in the Sanctuary
9:00am Bible Study in the Suter Room
9:00am Coffee Hour in the Cloister Garden
10:00am Holy Eucharist in the Sanctuary and via YouTube
11:15am Summer Punch in the Cloister Garden
Monday, August 23
6:00pm AA Meeting in Hadley Hall
7:30pm AA Meeting in Hadley Hall
Tuesday, August 24
9:30am Staff Meeting in Hadley Hall
5:30pm Property Committee & Sustainability and Creation Care Meeting via Zoom
Wednesday, August 25
5:30pm Sustainability and Creation Care Group Meetings via Zoom
Thursday, August 26
5:30pm Men's Group via Zoom
7:00pm Healing Prayer via Zoom
7:30pm Healing Ministry Team Meeting via Zoom
9:00pm Compline via Zoom |
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70 Church Street, Winchester, MA 01890
781-729-1922
www.3crowns.org
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