February 10, 2022

Right about this time, in midwinter, I'm beginning to hit a wall. Even though I grew up in northern Indiana with some terrible winter weather, it is right about now that I notice my tank is approaching "E." I suppose this is one way that I am reminded of the need for rest, for sabbath. Tomorrow, the family and I head out for some vacation time together as extended family gather to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of my in-laws, Bob and Linda. This kind of rest is punctuated by celebration and renewing relationships with family that we haven't been able to see in quite some time. Likely, a familiar story. I hope it is a time of rest, release, and reconnection.

This past week I met with my spiritual director who reminded me how we often approach rest as something to be done, instead as a way of being. Sabbath, as a religious practice in the Jewish and Christian traditions, is all about recognizing this simple truth that we often turn away from: we are not at the center, God is. This kind of rest is about open-handed living, not white-knuckled control on our lives. I hope that each one of you can know some rest, sabbath, and renewal in the days ahead. Each one of us is carrying different things: grief over the death of a loved one, frustration over what feels like another diminished school year, exhaustion or overwhelm from it all, or maybe optimism for the beginning of the end of the pandemic, gratitude for another day, joy in the gift of this life. For me, I take with me a readiness for rest; and I am excited for the year that is ahead of us. So full of possibility, renewal, rebuilding—we are at a new chapter in Epiphany's life thanks to God's faithfulness, your commitment, and a trust that we are not the center of it all, God is.

In Christ, 
Nick 

Join Rev. Nick and Rich Goldhor as we explore the story and theology of our Episcopal tradition. We will explore both the history and story, the theology and thinking, the vision and vocation of our branch of the Christian faith. This is a great space to ask questions and explore answers together about our church. This course is great for those new to the Episcopal Church, as well as those who are interested in deepening their understanding of and calling within the life of the Episcopal Church as a spiritual home.

Please click to view recordings of Sessions #1, #2, and #3. Even if you didn't attend the last class, you are always welcome. This course will be hybrid, hosted in Hadley Hall and available via Zoom. 

Over 130 films have been made about Jesus since the advent of cinema, and like no other art form, these movies have influenced the perception and understanding of Jesus for Christians and non-Christians alike. This class will examine some of the most influential of these films and delve into how they have been shaped by the Gospels, Christian tradition, and the film’s own cultural context. But perhaps more interesting is the way they have fed back into the culture and influenced spirituality and theology on a large scale. We will begin with the silent era, move through to the wide screen Biblical epics, and on to more modern and subversive interpretations of traditional elements.

Even if you didn't attend the last class, you are always welcome. The class will be a hybrid offering, hosted in the Chapel and via Zoom. Bring your popcorn wherever you are!

In this mini-course, we will explore various perspectives on prayer in our lives using Margaret Guenther’s book The Practice of Prayer as our initial guide. The course will be an interactive discussion based on our reading and experience. Many of us were raised to believe that prayer was practiced only in quiet, on our knees, possibly in church, but prayer can be and is so much more.

We will read and explore a select number of chapters in Guenther’s text, and use some of her suggested group questions for deeper discussion. Reading of the book will be helpful though not required to participate in the discussion. 

Even if you didn't attend the last class, you are always welcome. This course is available only via Zoom. 

During the month of February, our Midweeks will become Midwinter @ Epiphany! Please join us on Wednesday, February 16 for a time of fellowship, warming snacks in the Cloister, and indoor formation for all ages. 

On February 16, we will offer cocoa, cookies, homemade tomato soup, and grilled cheese sandwiches from 6:30 - 7:00 pm in the Cloister Garden. Starting at 7:00 pm, we will move inside for adult Bible study with Jason Kinchen in Upper Parish Hall, and creative arts programming for children with Bryn in Hadley Hall. We'll wrap up our evening at 7:30 pm. Please grab your boots and join us! 

Do you have a child, in fourth grade or older, who would like to become an acolyte? 

Acolytes are important members of the worship team, who participate during our 10:00 am worship service on a rotating basis. You've probably seen them; young people in white robes, who have special roles throughout worship. Acolytes serve as torchbearers and crucifers (the person who carries the cross in the procession), and they assist the priests, deacons or vergers at the altar or during the reading of the Gospel. This is a wonderful opportunity to participate in worship in a unique way, support our priests, and serve with friends. It's also really fun!

We will hold an Acolyte Training after worship on Sunday, March 6. We'll start at 11:15 am and go for about an hour. After training, we'll ask families to fill in a scheduling Doodle Poll with your availability, where you can let us know how often and when your child would like to be an acolyte. 

If your child is interested in becoming an acolyte and will attend on March 6, please let us know in this Sign-Up Genius. 

Not sure? You are very welcome to come to training and check it out, without committing to serving in any services. Can't come on March 6 but would like to be trained as an acolyte? Please let Bryn know and we can work on finding a time that works for you.

Dear Friends,

Our prayers of the people are one way we connect with each other and with our loving God. If you have a friend or family member you would like placed on our weekly prayer list, please email Kathryn, our Parish Administrator, or the prayer list team.  

The prayer list team communicates regularly with those who have requested prayers and sends out a weekly prayer list on Monday night. If you are interested in learning more about this important ministry, please drop us a line!

Grace and Peace,

Jake Montwieler
Martha Lewis
Cindy Neels
Fred Rowland

Confirmation class is approaching! Our first meeting will be Sunday, February 27 from 12:00 - 1:30 pm in the Garrett, with an option to join virtually. The class will conclude with a confirmation service on Saturday, May 21, at St. Anne's Church in Lowell. Please find the tentative schedule posted here and reach out to Eva Dalzell to register, or if you are interested in joining the team as a mentor!