January 26, 2022

Our Annual Meeting this coming Sunday will be different from previous gatherings. Before all else, this is the first in-person Annual Meeting we have had in three years. We will share in a simple lunch together as we gather to reflect upon the past year, celebrate some wonderful strides we've made as a parish, and look to the future of our beloved parish. What I have to share on Sunday is about the near-term, and what I believe is also the long-term vitality and life of our parish. I urge you to come, be present, and offer your voice, vote, and presence for our shared life together. 

As we elect new leadership, we will share our deep thanks for retiring vestry and a warden who has led us through the challenging recent years. We will hear from staff about exciting new ministries and a vision for what is next in their particular areas. I will share with you what I see as the most consequential and urgent work as we enter this new year. I am excited for this time together and pray you will join in this celebration of our shared mission.

See you Sunday,
Nick

All are invited to a service of Choral Evensong this Sunday, January 29 at 5:00 pm. Choral Evensong is the most particularly Anglican service in all of Christian worship. Originating from monastic hours, it consists of the distinctive parts of the ancient offices of Vespers and Compline. The Parish Choir offers canticles, prayers, and anthems so that everyone’s devotions at the end of the day may be enhanced by music, scripture, and candlelight. 

The organ prelude will begin at 4:45 pm, played by guest organist and parishioner Louise Mundinger. The service will also be available for viewing via livestream on Epiphany's YouTube channel. 

Do you have a birthday or anniversary during the month of February that you would like remembered in 3 Crowns and the Sunday bulletin? If so, please send the details to Kathryn in the parish office by Sunday, January 29. 

The Mission & Outreach community at Epiphany is in a season of discernment about where God might be calling us to next. We are taking some intentional time to hear from the greater parish community and exploring new partnerships in our community. We want to hear your voice! Please fill out the survey below as an act of compassion and justice.

Our next Midweek @ Epiphany is this Wednesday, February 1. Each Midweek begins at 6:15 with dinner and fellowship, followed by formation opportunities for adults, youth, and children. Dinner on February 1 will include baked ziti, salad, garlic bread, pizza for the kids, and cookies for all! 

On Sundays, February 5 and February 12, join Rev. Nick in the Chapel at 9:00 am for this 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 February 5, 12, and 19 at 11:15 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.

We are returning to Honduras for an immersion trip this coming summer! Tentative dates are set for July 1-9, 2023. If you are interested in more details, please join Rev. Nick on Sunday, February 5 for an informational meeting in the Chapel after the 10:00 am service. 

All youth (6th – 12th grade) are invited to Exploring our Faith, Sundays after the 10:00 am service from February 5 – April 2 (skipping February 19). For those interested in being confirmed (must be 10th grade or older), these classes will be required and fulfill all confirmation qualifications. This week is the last call for anyone interested in being confirmed. Please email Rev. Janelle with any questions. Pizza will be provided! 

6th – 12th graders are invited on February 5 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm to join with the youth from Temple Shir Tikvah in the Epiphany kitchen. We will be cooking lasagna and brownies for The Dwelling Place, a soup kitchen in Woburn. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with youth from another faith community in Winchester and help provide food for our neighbors! RSVP to Rev. Janelle.

On 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. 

On 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. 

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 homes, online, and at the church as we journey through this book together. There will be various times, days, and locations as we meet in small groups for five weeks. Stay tuned for sign-ups! 

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 (https://www.locallyhaiti.org).

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 January 31 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!

If you are one of about 25 households who wasn’t able to fulfill your 2022 pledge by year-end (and wishes to), please know that you have the option of directing gifts to your 2022 pledge OR your 2023 pledge during the month of January. After January 31, all pledge payments will be directed to your 2023 pledge. 

If you are making a payment online, you can make that choice yourself. If you make a physical payment via the plate or directly to the parish office, you can indicate your wish on the check or envelope. Or you can contact Epiphany's bookkeeper Maryann, and she will take care of it. Absent any direction from you, we will apply payments to any balance on your 2022 pledge until the end of the month.

Please contact Jane White or Bill Brickman if you have any questions. Thank you for your ongoing support of Epiphany!