July 28, 2022

I have to admit, I’m a bit distracted these days. It’s the birds.

Weeks ago, I spotted a robin’s nest high up in the tree just outside our living room window. I later observed the mother sitting dutifully, presumably incubating her newly laid eggs. At some point, I spotted the father, and continued to keep an eye on things out of curiosity. One evening there was an extra flurry of activity outside the window; I’m not sure what happened, but that was the last time any birds have been seen at that nest.

A bit worried and disappointed, I was pleased and surprised to spot yet another robin’s nest, this time just outside one of our Upper Hall windows at Parish of the Epiphany. It, too, had a mother presumably incubating, and a father making regular visits. This time, however, things progressed very differently, as I later spotted two heads and open mouths bobbing up for food! In the days following, I was able to observe the coordinated feeding routine of the two parents, and to watch the amazingly fast growth of these two young nestlings. Today as I write this, only one of the two hatchlings remains in the nest; I’m hopeful that the other has become a fledgling, and that this one simply has cold feet.

“The sparrow has found her a house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young…”  Psalm 84:2a

I remain in awe of a bird’s ability to construct such a protective and well-built home, in a carefully chosen location shielded from sun, wind, rain and (hopefully) predators. I am equally impressed with the determination and fortitude of these two parents, the sole purpose of their existence dictating every action they take. I hope to take inspiration from this during the coming months as we continue to brainstorm, make decisions, and start building our own nests in advance of the arrival of the new season, of both new and familiar faces, and a full and rich year of programming.

The comparison of the two bird nests also serves as a comforting reminder to me: ultimately, we are not in control, of anything really, not at all. Two very similar occurrences, initially, can have such dramatic and opposing end results. Why is this comforting? I feel that it gives us permission to dream — to risk building the nest in the manner we think best, knowing upfront that the specific results (or any results, for that matter) cannot be guaranteed. At that point we will be tasked with taking a step back, trusting God, and observing the flow.

Jeremy

On Sunday, August 7, we welcome Janelle Hiroshige as our new Associate for Youth and Community Partnerships. We will celebrate Janelle's new ministry with us with a festive reception in the Cloister Garden (weather permitting) after the 10:00 am service. We invite you to bring a note of welcome that might include your/household photo as Janelle begins to meet us.

Beginning on Monday, August 8, access to the church campus will be available only through the Central Street door and the Church Street handicap accessible door. There will be no access via Hadley Hall/breezeway doors or the Tower entrance. Access will be restricted during construction, likely for three weeks. Sunday fellowship after the 10:00 am service will take place in the Bishop Garden.

We are grateful to many at Epiphany have helped provide healthcare, legal, educational, shopping and transportation needs for the Rawan family, who fled Afghanistan in 2021. The father, Ihsanullah Rawan, has been working part time at a restaurant in Cambridge, but the hours have changed and they cannot provide enough work for him. Ideally Ihsanullah would like to work part time - full time. He is a hard worker but his English holds him back from some positions. If you have any ideas of job possibilities in the Arlington/Somerville/Cambridge area on public bus routes, please contact Rev. Nick or Rev. Bob. 

Through Labor Day weekend, the Summer Choir will assist in leading the music at our 10:00 am services, and anyone entering second grade or older is invited to sing. Simply be in the choir loft at 9:00 am on any Sunday you choose, and we will prepare the music for that day. Contact Jeremy at jbruns@3crowns.org with questions. 

We will be enjoying punch, popsicles, and other light refreshments at fellowship hour after the 10:00 service in July. Please consider signing up to help serve or to bring a snack to share: