Hope Sight
On one of our first Sundays of online worship back in March 2020, Rich Goldhor preached, and from the pulpit he looked out over the empty pews and he saw us. He pointed to where we usually sat and called out to many of us by name. We were, Rich said, “a veritable cloud of witnesses.”
What he saw was a combination of memory and hope; and it was one of my most poignant and holy pandemic worship experiences as I sat listening, surrounded by Legos, on my living room floor.
It has remained Rich’s way of seeing, that first Sunday, which has given me “hope sight” through the shutdown. It was a long year (and then some) while the staff and I worked here in our nearly-empty church building – photocopying mailings, writing emails, making recordings, or packing faith-at-home boxes. We knew the privilege of being onsite and were always grateful, but it was also lonely and often sad here in this big, dark, unoccupied church. It wasn’t the same place without you all.
But like Paul in Romans 8, we hoped for what we did not see but waited for it patiently. I often envisioned us back together again, reunited and growing stronger as a community. I’ve seen you in pews and around tables, in classrooms and walking down hallways. And now! We can truly see again. We can be together, pass the peace, and share coffee as we talk face to face. Grab this joy with me, friends!
While we celebrate our homecoming, this summer is also a period of vigorous planning here at Epiphany. Your vestry, staff, committee members and leaders are all holding these past months prayerfully before us while looking, with hope, into our future together. Over these next weeks of summer as new ideas and plans are shared, you will be asked to join in, to try new things, to help, and to lead with us as we plan for days full of hope. I look forward to walking these new roads together.
With love,
Bryn |
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Midweek @ Epiphany
Beginning on September 22, join us on Wednesday evenings for a time of community and connection! Midweek begins at 6:15 pm with a dinner, followed by formation and fellowship.
From 7:00 - 8:00 pm, we will offer musical enrichment and creative, hands-on children’s programming to explore our faith. During this time, adults are invited to gather for a clergy-led Bible study that is rooted in asking questions, exploring answers, and growing in faith. Find nourishment at Midweek.
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The Rev. Bob Davidson
The Wardens and I are pleased to share the news that the Rev. Bob Davidson will act as Assisting Clergy among us at Epiphany. Bob is my father-in-law and has been licensed to preach and preside within the Diocese of Massachusetts as a retired clergy person. The role of an Assisting Clergy is to assist in the liturgical and worship life of the parish and support other areas of our shared ministry together. The role of an Assisting Clergy is not a paid ministry position. Bob will assist with preaching and presiding at Sunday worship on occasion, help provide sacramental ministry to parishioners, and offer his gifts as a trained Social Worker to support the care and social justice ministries of the parish when needed. Bob earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky in 1978 and was ordained in the Diocese of Colorado, having served in both parochial and community ministry partnerships.
God's peace,
Nick |
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Sunday Morning Bible Study
In-person Sunday morning Bible study is back! Please join us at 9:00 am in the Suter Room. We gather to reflect on this week's readings and how we might apply the lessons to our lives. Our conversations are full of wisdom and laughter – no preparation is necessary. Feel free to contact Jake Montwieler with any questions. |
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August Birthdays and Anniversaries
Do you have a birthday or anniversary in August 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 August birthdays and anniversaries in worship on Sunday, August 1. |
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Parent Night Check-in
All Parish of the Epiphany parents are invited to a Parent Night Check-in on Thursday, July 22 at 8:15 pm. We'd love to know how you all are doing and feeling, as we enter summer and navigate this new (hopefully better!) stage of reopening! Please join us via Zoom. We hope to see you there! |
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Baptisms and Confirmation
If you or someone you know is interested in baptism or Confirmation, please contact Rev. Nick Myers at nmyers@3crowns.org or call the parish office at 781-729-1922. Visit our website to learn more about baptism or Confirmation at Parish of the Epiphany. |
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Outdoor Family Worship
This summer we invite all families with children aged preschool through sixth grade to join us for a series of new outdoor worship services. These short, 30-minute services are created especially for children and their caregivers to worship together.
Our last of this summer's Outdoor Worship for Young Families will be held in the Bishop Garden this Sunday, July 25, at 5:00 pm. Pre-registration using SignUpGenius is encouraged but no longer required, and last-minute additions are always welcome! We hope you will join us. |
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Come Join the Fun in August!
For our 16th summer, Epiphany will again partner with the B-SAFE (Bishop’s Summer Academic and Fun Enrichment) program run by St. Stephen’s Youth Programs in the South End of Boston. This means we will:
- Provide and serve lunch to 60 children (ages 5-11), 32 teen CITS, and 8 adult staff for three days, August 2-4, onsite at St. Stephen’s, 419 Shawmut Avenue, Boston.
- Welcome the B-SAFE group to Winchester for a morning of swimming and sand. play at Shannon Beach on Mystic Lake, for games and crafts on the nearby fields, for a cookout and an afternoon with a magician at Epiphany on Thursday, August 5.
- Pack and deliver 50 bags of groceries for families of B-SAFE campers experiencing food insecurity.
- Have fun and begin to build relationships across age, race, economics, and geography.
We encourage individuals and families to join in the fun in whatever way works best. Please use the following links to sign up: - To donate food - click here
- To volunteer - click here
Please contact Betsy Walsh for more information or if you have questions. Thanks for supporting our partnership with St. Stephen’s Youth Programs!
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This Week's Calendar
Click here to access the complete parish calendar.
Thursday, July 15
5:30pm Men's Group via Zoom
7:00pm Healing Prayer via Zoom
9:00pm Compline via Zoom
Sunday, July 18
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, July 19
6:00pm AA Meeting in Hadley Hall
7:30pm AA Meeting in Hadley Hall
Tuesday, July 20
8:30am Employment Transition Group Meeting via Zoom
9:30am Staff Meeting in Hadley Hall
12:00pm Noonday Prayer via Zoom
Wednesday, July 21
7:30pm Vestry Meeting in Hadley Hall
Thursday, July 22
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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