March 17, 2022

This past Sunday I taught the youth confirmation class as we reflected upon the Nicene Creed. I'm happy to report that no one fell asleep. They had insightful questions and brought a good dose of curiosity. And, of course, we all wondered: "What difference does this make?" After all, I'm not sure many of us are losing sleep these days wondering about the hypostatic union of the divine and the human in Jesus Christ. More often than not, Episcopalians (with so many others), say: it's a mystery. But, in the 4th century, as Christianity was becoming a global and more dominant religion, people felt obligated to unify and define Christian thinking. I reminded the youth that for over 300 years, good and faithful followers of Jesus thought differently about who and how Jesus Christ was in this world of ours — and beyond it. Unity is more important than uniformity, we might say. 

There is another creed that came before the Nicene Creed. It is evident in Paul's writings, and, we assume, predates Paul. The heart of that creed is found in Galatians 3:28: "There is no Jew or Greek, no slave or free, no male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." You may, or may not know this, but that biblical verse, that early creed of the followers of Christ, is in our stained glass windows up near the high altar in our sanctuary. From the earliest days of Christianity, this simple belief transformed the way people lived their lives — oftentimes, bringing them in direct conflict with the world and culture around them. The earliest followers of Jesus included women in leadership (Luke 8) and sexual minorities as first converts (Acts 8); there was reconciliation across lines of division (Galatians 3), equal dignity across class and status (1 Cor. 12), and commitment to peace-making and mercy (Eph. 4:32). You can imagine what a difference it makes to believe that all are children of God, that we belong to one another through the power of Christ. 

The Nicene Creed, or this ancient creed from Galatians 3:28, may not be the totality of your faith. That's okay. As I said to the youth at Confirmation class: a mature faith is always growing. And yet, a creed binds us together across space and time and gives direction and vision to our living and our lives. At the end of the day, this is true: our believing shapes our living. We extend welcome to our neighbors because we believe such hospitality is God's heart; we forgive because we believe forgiveness frees the wronged as much as the forgiven; we pour our lives into others because we believe that it is here that true life is found. If you're running low on trust, belief, faith these days — take heart, you are not alone. Let's lean on one another and maybe even let God... I'll let you finish the sentence. This I know: no matter what we believe, God still calls us each by name. 

See you Sunday,
Nick

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. 

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. 

Do you have a birthday or anniversary during the month of April 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, March 27.

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.

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. 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. 

Join us on Tuesday, May 3 at 6:00 pm for a grand celebration as Bishop Alan Gates leads us in a worship service to welcome Rev. Nick as our eleventh rector. It will be an evening of celebration, song, and good food. More details to come.

St. Stephen's Youth Programs (SSYP), one of our Mission and Outreach organizations, is creating a playspace for children (ages 5-10 years old) in their afterschool program. They are looking for the following, in new or gently used condition: 

• pans / dishes / food items for a play kitchen
• veterinary clinic / doctor's office items — tools, stuffed animals (clean and like new), doctor / vet outfits
• puppet theater / puppets
• dress up clothes / costumes
• dolls / doll clothes / doll accessories (racially diverse dolls preferred)
• cars / trucks — both large and small
• wooden train set
• building toys — blocks (wood, magnetic), marble runs, gears, no Legos please (we have lots)
• bracelet making materials — beads, thread
• craft kits for groups of kids

If you would like to donate something new, click here for our Amazon wishlist. If you would like to donate something gently used, please contact me at 781-249-6554 or betsygwalsh@gmail.com. I am happy to pick up items in and near Winchester.

Thank you so much!
Betsy Walsh