March 23, 2023

Recently, this friend of mine, a priest in central London, told me that they had taken a group of parishioners for an outing—a walk in the countryside as a parish activity—a way of making new relationships and getting outside the hustle and bustle of the city. While they were walking, they noticed commotion ahead near a fence-line as a farmer was struggling with a sheep. As the group approached, it was clear that the sheep was struggling to deliver her lamb. The farmer, no longer knowing how to help, stood up frantic and worried for both mother and baby. At that moment, a member of the parish came forward, rolled up their sleeves, got down on the ground and after a few moments, pulled the lamb into the world. The farmer, my priest friend, and all the parishioners were shocked. "Are you a sheep farmer too?" asked the farmer. "No," said the man; "I'm an obstetrician." This man was a newcomer to the parish and few knew much about him. My priest friend did know the man because the man was a recent arrival, not only to the parish, but the country. He was a refugee, fleeing persecution because of his sexuality, and now, struggling to start a new life. In his previous country, he was a doctor, a leader, a person well respected by those who knew him personally. But in central London, he was seen primarily as someone in need.

It was on the walk back to the bus that the man looked at my friend and said: "All I want is for people to see my humanity." He needed opportunity; not mere charity.

I am reminded of this simple and core moral call of our faith: Respect the dignity of every human being. Simply because we are—we are of infinite worth and dignity. 

This Saturday, I hope you'll join our Reception for Locally Haiti at 4:00 pm in Hadley Hall. We will have food and fellowship and the gift of hearing from Wynn Walent, the Executive Director, about the innovative approach to development and the incredible leadership and work of the people of Haiti. We will learn how we can support opportunity, not mere charity. Wynn joins us on Sunday as our preacher, as well as our Forum after the 10:00 am service. I hope to see you there!

Rev. Nick

All youth (grades 6-12) are invited to a progressive dinner on March 26 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. We will be going to three different parishioners’ homes around the area. Please RSVP to Rev. Janelle. 

On Sunday, March 26 at 5:00 pm, join violinist Paola Andrea Caballero and pianist Jacob Hiser for an intimate chamber music event with works by Brahms, Blanco, Oliva, Copland, and Gershwin. This event is free and open to the public. 

After spending over a decade performing in Barcelona, Paola Caballero is now Music Director of Symphonia at Phillips Exeter Academy, and is involved with the Lexington Chamber Music Center and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Jacob Hiser is currently on the faculties of both Phillips Exeter Academy and the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and also serves as the Premier Choir Accompanist for the Boston Children’s Chorus.

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 Monday, March 27. 

After conversation and consideration, we have made the decision to no longer offer our Tuesday morning Eucharist and Bible Study. Our final Tuesday morning Eucharist and Bible Study will be March 28. We will determine if and when we might offer a weekday worship service. 

An update on  the Rawan family, in case you have not already heard. The Housing team has faced the same challenges we are all reading about in the news: there just isn't sufficient affordable housing available and waitlists are years-long in Massachusetts. As much as the Rawans love Massachusetts and Arlington in particular, they have made the decision to move to Virginia in late June, after the end of the school year. They have family there (Ihsanullah has two brothers, Zahida has one), and there is a significant Afghan community to offer support. It's difficult for us  to see them leave the area, but they will be near family and a community network to help them find a home and a lifestyle they can afford. At the last Housing meeting, Isanullah said how are very grateful they are for all we have done for them.

The Housing team  will be needing volunteers to help with this move: to pack up; load on moving day; drive as part of a possible "caravan"; do post-move light cleaning at 72 Harlow St; dispose of what the family does not take.

If you would like to and are able to  volunteer for  any of these moving tasks (tentative timeline between June 20 - June 27), please contact Housing Team lead, Roz Nazzaro.

NOTE: The children do not yet know about the move, so if you interact directly with them, please DO NOT mention the move. Thank you so much!

On Sunday, April 2, our entire congregation is invited to join together in Hadley Hall and the Cloister Garden between our two services, from 9:00 to 10:00 am, for a special Palm Sunday reception. This will be a wonderful time of fellowship, hot cross buns, and activities for children. At 9:45 am, we will begin gathering for the Palm Sunday Procession, which will lead us into our 10:00 am service of worship. 

We are excited to announce that Epiphany will be taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2024. If you have interest in this opportunity, please contact Rev. Nick. You can join an informational meeting and presentation on the planned pilgrimage on Sunday, April 2 (Palm Sunday) at 11:30 am.  

We invite you to join us during Holy Week for worship at Parish of the Epiphany!

To sign up to keep vigil for one hour as part of our Maundy Thursday night watch, please click here. 

On Saturday evening, April 29, from 4:30 – 6:15 pm, Epiphany will be serving at The Dwelling Place, a soup kitchen in Woburn for those experiencing food insecurity. Volunteers will be needed to set up, serve, and clean up on that evening (families and kids all ages are welcome!). We will also have a cook day in the Epiphany kitchen to prepare the meals. Interested in the cooking team or the on-site at The Dwelling Place team? Please let Rev. Janelle know.