February 9, 2023

As noted in the Annual Meeting, six months ago, the vestry formed a committee to explore and make recommendations on a bequest and planned giving program. Committee members include Co-Chairs John Snow and Warren McFarlan; the Reverend Nick Myers, Kim Erskine, Bruce Glabe, Marie Johnson, James Wagner, and Jane White. Over a series of meetings, the committee identified bequests as an appropriate first step in installing a planned giving program at Epiphany and establishing a Legacy Society (hereafter called the Cornerstone Society). In last week’s 3 Crowns, Nick Myers talked about the importance of creating and sustaining legacy.

The committee noted that roughly 80% of church planned gifts across the USA come as bequests. Consequently, the committee’s initial focus was on starting a bequest program and establishing the Cornerstone Society at Epiphany whose members are those who have made a bequest to Epiphany. No sustained efforts have been made to secure bequests for Epiphany in the last twenty years. Such bequests, over time in other churches, have contributed substantially to their financial strength. The committee believes the same can be true for Epiphany. Accordingly, we are asking you to consider making a bequest to the Parish of the Epiphany in your will and estate plans. Just as we benefit today from the gifts of those that came before us at Epiphany, so also will those who come after us benefit from our generosity. The church can hopefully serve its community forever. All members of the bequest and planned giving committee have included, or are in the process of including, Epiphany in their wills and estate plans.

A planned giving section is being added to the Epiphany website in the next month or two to facilitate parishioner planned giving. The committee will run a 45-minute education session on planned giving this spring to introduce the topic to those who are unfamiliar with it. If interest warrants, a more extensive education program on planned giving will be offered this fall, using professional resources.

When you make a bequest or some other form of planned gift to Epiphany, we ask that you notify the church office of that fact so we can note it in our records and add you to Epiphany’s Cornerstone Society. All aspects of the gift will be completely confidential.

Continuing this Sunday, February 12 at 9:00 am, join Rev. Nick in the Chapel for a two-part series designed for inquirers and those interested in knowing more about the Episcopal Church and the life and ministry of the Parish of the Epiphany. For more details, contact Rev. Nick.

The Book of Ruth is the story of a family. But when family stories are examined closely, they can be surprising — even unsettling. Continuing on Sundays, February 12 and 19 at 11:30 am, we will take a close look at the Book of Ruth, and see what surprising things it may have to tell us about God, our ancestors in faith, and ourselves.

This Sunday, February 12 at 4:00 pm, we invite any newcomers to a social hour in Rev. Nick Myers’ office. This will be an opportunity to meet Rev. Nick and Rev. Janelle, members of Epiphany’s staff, our vestry leaders, members of the Welcome Ministry, as well as others that are relatively new to the parish. The gathering precedes a special Valentine’s Day concert by vocalist Nate Ramsayer, who will offer a program of jazz, Broadway, and pop favorites. We hope you’ll consider staying for this special musical performance.

We would love for you to gather with us for an hour of conversation and fellowship! If you are planning to attend, kindly let Jim Bracciale know so we can plan accordingly. Please know you’re welcome whether you RSVP or not. 

This Sunday, February 12 at 5:00 pm, treat your sweet to an early Valentine’s Day offering by vocalist Nate Ramsayer, who offers a program of jazz, Broadway, and pop favorites. Paired with a modest offering of chocolates and champagne, this promises to be an enjoyable mid-winter treat! Admission is free, but advanced reservations are recommended to ensure there is adequate chocolate and champagne. Reserve seats by contacting 781-729-1922 or office@3crowns.org. 

Our next intergenerational Midweek @ Epiphany is this Wednesday, February 15. Each Midweek begins at 6:15 pm with dinner and fellowship. This week, we will enjoy a special Mardi Gras-themed meal featuring jambalaya, vegan red beans and rice, pizza for the kids, and cookies. Afterwards, we'll have our beloved annual Shrove Tuesday pancake toss, followed by the burning of the palms. Join us! 

Our monthly 5:00 pm worship service, which is called Word & Table, will be offered on varied Sundays in the coming months due to holidays and our high holy day of Easter. Please note the Sundays we will be having Word & Table this winter and spring: February 26, March 19, April 23, May 21. This casual, contemporary, and creative service is based on our familiar Episcopal liturgy and takes place in Hadley Hall. We invite you to come and bring a friend, as Word & Table is a wonderful space to welcome those seeking a spiritual home.

Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) is mobilizing with long-term partners after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Working through Action by Churches Together Alliance (ACT Alliance), ERD will rapidly respond to the disaster through existing networks by providing supplies including winterization kits, hot meals and other food, medicine and emergency support. In addition to your prayers, you can support relief efforts by donating through the ERD fund found here. 

This Lent, as a parish together, we will be reading Tattoos on the Heart by Father Gregory Boyle. Fr. Gregory Boyle is a Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. This book is about solidarity with our neighbors, compassion, and ultimately about God’s love. Sojourners said this about the book: “Reading this book is a spiritually cleansing experience that won’t leave you the same.” 

We will be gathering in small groups as we journey through the book together. We have a number of offerings at different times throughout the week in various locations, with some groups meeting at Epiphany, some in homes, and potentially an online option. We are hoping that this book and the discussions that come out of it will help guide us through Lent and further into the future as we learn to better embody Christ's love in our time. Click on the button above to sign up to participate in our Lenten Book Study! 

The Malden Warming Center provides a warm and safe shelter for those experiencing homelessness during the winter months. They are currently on the lookout for these items:

• Hoodies/Sweatshirts
• Sweatpants
• Coats
• Winter Boots
• Backpacks
• Small or Medium Suitcases with wheels
• Thermal Underwear

Let’s care for our unhoused neighbors! Leave donations in the back of the church in the shopping cart in the Nave until March 5. Rev. Janelle is also gathering a group (18 and older) to be trained to volunteer at the center. If interested, please email her. You can learn more about the Malden Warming Center here. 

On Saturday, March 25 at 4:00 pm in Hadley Hall, join Rev. Nick and the Executive Director of Locally Haiti, Wynn Walent, as he visits Boston and introduces the amazing work and innovative approach to sustainable, vibrant, and impactful non-profit work in Haiti. This Episcopal-affiliated and Haitian-led organization focuses on community health, education, agriculture, and girls' empowerment in the community of Petit Trou de Nippes. Come for a festive reception and evening together as we learn about Locally Haiti.

We are excited to announce that Epiphany will be taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land on February 3-14, 2024. If you have interest in this opportunity, please contact Rev. Nick. You can join an informational meeting and presentation on the planned pilgrimage on Sunday, April 2 (Palm Sunday), after the 10:00 am service. Please mark your calendars!

One participant said recently, “The Group buoyed me through times of self-doubt, sharpened my job-search skills, encouraged me to use my professional network, and kept me accountable to the work I needed to do.” Another said, “My job transition took more than a year, and the Employment Group was a crucial basis of support over that time.”

If you are looking for a new position or are thinking about initiating a job change, you are welcome in our group. If you would like to join in or find out more about us, please contact Jen or Robie.  

Fr. Bob Davidson and Rich Bartels are organizing an early season golf challenge — are you interested in playing? The format would include 2 nines and one 18 hole round. Suggested date are:

• Saturday, April 1, 9 hole tee times (maybe at Tewksbury again)
• Friday, April 14, 18 hole tee times (maybe at Butternut Farms or some fun course you might recommend)
• Saturday, April 22, 9 hole tee times (maybe at Pine Meadows in Lexington) 

Everyone can play any or all of the matches. Feel free to bring along a non-Epiphany friend! The format could be best ball or Captain’s choice depending on what your foursome would like. 

We will offer a 50/50 raffle, no skill required, for each outing to raise some funds for a parish program. Two tickets for $10, 5 tickets for $20.

If you’re interested, please contact Rich Bartels by February 15 indicating which date(s) you want to play. If you have one, please include your handicap to help form foursomes.

Hopefully we can have someone shoot a HOLY-in-one like Fr. Bob did last year!