March 10, 2022

Where were you, this time two years ago? It was that second Thursday of March, 2020, when our beloved wardens, Dave and Suzanne, sent out a parish-wide announcement that our church building was closing due to the growing threat of the coronavirus. 

That night after getting my children into bed, I scratched the Family Newsletter I had written for the next day and wondered What now? What could I possibly write to people on that Friday, the 13th of March, as we huddled at home with no school or daycare, and no idea what was coming? Finally, I offered my ever-favorite scripture: 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

While ever remembering these words of Jeremiah, today I think of another favorite scripture. In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. It’s the story of a master entrusting his servants with money while he is away, and his resultant happiness with those who used what they were given–great or small–to further the master’s kingdom. “Well done, good and faithful servant,” the master exclaims in Matthew 25:23, “enter into the joy of your master.”

This parish has not buried what we were given, while the master was away. This parish leaned in and grew. 

The work of our Mission and Outreach teams, getting food into the hands of our neighbors in Chelsea, and resettling refugees. The tech team, running wires and building bridges. Our formation and ministry leaders, engaging the legacy of racism in our lives and churches. Volunteers from across all ministries putting church school materials on children’s doorsteps. The bravery of our new rector and his whole family, accepting our call and moving across the country at a time when summoning the energy for anything new or difficult is a herculean task. And so, so much more.

For two years, you all have kept loving your fellow parishioners; kept showing up in any and all ways possible; kept running the race. I hope you can hear “Well done, good and faithful servants.” What joy to serve beside you, beloved friends. 

Bryn

Join Rev. Nick and Dr. Brian Litzenberger in Hadley Hall each Sunday during the season of Lent after the 10:00 am service for a forum series that will help us explore the many feelings of grief and loss and disorientation that we've experienced through the pandemic. Nick and Brian will host conversations to engage both the theology and practice of moving from trauma to healing. These sessions are open to all ages, as Dr. Litzenberger is particularly engaged with parents, youth and young people in his practice. 

Are you looking for a way to help refugees fleeing violence in Ukraine? Click the button to below to make a contribution in any amount. Your urgent support will help Episcopal Relief & Development, working with ACT Alliance and Anglican partners in Europe, to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian refugees.

Epiphany's Parish Administrator, Kathryn Dominguez, will be on vacation March 9-14. Please be aware that the parish office will be staffed by volunteers for limited hours, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm on Wednesday, March 9; Thursday, March 10; and Monday, March 14. The office will be closed on Friday, March 11.

Many thanks to volunteers Marie Johnson, Laurie Minniti, Joan O'Connor, and Pat Aldrich for their help! 

All are invited to our next Midweek @ Epiphany on Wednesday, March 16. Dinner will be offered from 6:15 – 7:00 pm, with seating available in Hadley Hall and the Cloister Garden. This week's special St. Patrick's Day menu will include corned beef and cabbage, roasted carrots and potatoes (vegetarian), roast vegetables (vegetarian), bread, pizza for the kids, and Guinness cake. From 7:00 – 7:30 pm, join us for Bible study with Rev. Nick in Upper Parish Hall and creative art and music programming for children with Bryn and Jeremy in Hadley Hall. 

"Freedom from anxiety, worry, and tensions at home and work, comes when we give ourselves to something greater. We need to seek wisdom rather than simply facts, to think before speaking, and in turn create respectful communities." 

Join us for six Thursdays, March 17 — April 28 (skipping Holy Week). There are two options to participate: 12:45 - 2:00 pm in person in the Chapel at Epiphany or from 7:30 - 8:30 pm via Zoom. We will be discussing two chapters per week. Please RSVP to Sandy LaPerche to receive the weekly Zoom link and reflection questions. Used books are available in the Suter Room (church library). (Reimburse Sandra $10 when you see her — no hurry.)  

All are invited to a benefit concert by Jeremy Bruns in celebration of the birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach. The concert will be held on Friday, March 18 from 7:30 - 9:00 pm at Old West Church (131 Cambridge Street, Boston). Proceeds will benefit Old West Organ Society. Tickets are $25; click here to purchase your ticket. Students may request complimentary tickets. 

On Saturday, March 19, Parish of the Epiphany will be hosting a daylong retreat for middle and high school students, organized by the Diocesan Youth Council. The event’s theme, The Human in All of Us, invites participants to put aside their stress and anxieties and reconnect with their own humanity, their soul and center; and at the same time, recognize the humanity in others. The event will include workshops on wellness, small-group time to share experiences of other young people, speakers, and an invitation to participate in a service project to support unhoused people in our diocese. All middle and high school students are invited to attend. More information and a link to register can be found here. 

Let there be lights in the dome of the sky! On Friday, March 25 (rain date: Saturday, March 26), middle and high schoolers are invited for an evening of stargazing, science, and snacks. We’ll meet at 6:00 pm at the foot of Whipple Hill in Winchester and make a short hike up to set up our stargazing equipment before sunset, and plan to wrap up with a brief Night Prayer around 8:00. You can fill out this interest form to stay in the loop for this event, or reach out to Eva Dalzell with any questions.

Join us on Sunday, March 27 for a festive 10:00 am service as we celebrate those young ones among us who have participated in our Communion Enrichment program, as well as those being baptized or preparing for Confirmation.