February 3, 2022

In Rev. Nick’s Annual Meeting address to us, he acknowledged that many of us feel tired. Tired of Covid, tired of Zoom, tired because we are working hard to renew our communal life together. Rev Nick pointed out that we may feel tired but not exhausted; we feel the type of tired one might feel after a long walk or a hike in the White Mountains. As a hiker, I understand that analogy. After a long hike there is a sense of accomplishment — each step brings you closer to the summit with lovely rewards along the way.

I have hiked on and off for my whole life, and as a sport, it is simple: you just put one foot in front of the other. Some might call it boring, but if you are observant, there is a lot to look at and think about while hiking. In the springtime, when the trees are not yet in full bloom, you can spy the lady slipper and trillium wildflowers off to the side of the trail. Summer is beautiful with the long days and warm temperatures, and possibly thunder clouds forming in the distance. Of course, in New England the “hiking season” is the fall when the mountains are ablaze with color. I happen to really enjoy winter hiking: the day needs to be just right, cold and sunny, but the snowy woods are magical, and quiet, and the snow-covered trail is easier on the knees.

Like hiking, I am ending my six years as Warden feeling tired, but the good tired, not exhausted but tired with a reward of a long hike that is now over, with a sense of accomplishment of a job well done. Typically, a hiker’s reward are the beautiful views along the way or feeling like you are standing on top of the world and seeing for miles. The rewards for me during my time as a warden has been getting to know each of you better and working alongside you to make God’s kingdom on Earth a closer reality. Often when the trail gets steep, hikers need encouragement to continue. I have felt encouraged and supported by all of you during the most difficult times in these past six years and for that I am very grateful. Along the way you have been the vista points, the points of beauty. You have helped me in my spiritual journey; my faith is stronger and deeper knowing that not every problem can be solved, that sometimes you just need to have the faith to hand it over to God.

I have been blessed to have served with two wonderful Co-Wardens, Jane White and Dave McSweeney, both of whom I consider dear friends. Jane was a patient mentor, and we made a good team guiding the rector in organizing the fiscal and spiritual life of this place, while enjoying a few laughs along the way. Dave’s three years as a Warden have been full of unpredictability and change. I am so grateful to have had Dave as a partner to walk with during these days. His intelligence, deep spirituality, and sense of humor lightened the burden that we both carried — thank you.

It has been a joy to get to know Rev. Nick and his family. The Parish of the Epiphany is blessed to have him as our spiritual leader — we are in good hands.

Finally, thank you to our new Warden, Nelia Newell, for accepting the call, and to our new slate of officers and Vestry people for saying yes to the call to serve the good people of the Parish of the Epiphany.

Thank you again; it has been a pleasure to serve along side of you.

Yours in Christ,

Suzanne Owayda,
Warden, retired

All are invited to a solo organ recital by Jeremy Bruns at Christ Church Andover on Saturday, February 5 at 4:00 pm. The program features the works of Johann Kuhnau, J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Vincent Persichetti, George Shearing, Marcel Dupré, Jeanne Demessieux, and Maurice Duruflé. There is a suggested donation of $20/$10 for students and seniors; $35 for families. Masks and social distancing required. The recital will also be broadcast live via YouTube with a link available on the Christ Church website. 

Did you know that Parish of the Epiphany is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter? If you haven't already, we invite you to connect with Epiphany on social media. Following us is a great way to keep up-to-date and to help spread the word about Epiphany! 

Congratulations to all those celebrating birthdays during the month of February! 

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 and #2. 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, and hot dogs from 6:30 - 7:00 pm in the Cloister Garden. Starting at 7:00 pm, we will move inside for adult Bible study with Rev. Nick 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! 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for last night's Midwinter @ Epiphany! Check out a few photos of the evening below. 

Join us via Zoom on Thursdays at 7:30 pm January 20 through February 24 for a contemplative book discussion on Breathing Underwater by Richard Rohr. Please contact Sandra LaPerche with any questions.  

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!