May 19, 2022

At our vestry retreat last month, we spent Saturday Morning in our chapel, praying the Morning Prayer service together. One of our readings was from Joshua 1:1-9, God’s commissioning of Jacob in the aftermath of Moses’ death.

After reflecting on the scripture reading, we shared how it resonates in our own lives now. Some shared they are motivated by specific words such as “be strong and very courageous,” and others are comforted by “I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.” Some spoke of how the passage provides hope for the future, even during our challenging times. For me, it focused my heart and mind to lean into what’s next, trust in God’s presence, and remember our baptismal covenant. Easier said than done for sure, yet for me, a helpful reminder of how scripture comes alive and resonates daily in unexpected ways.

Next, we wrote down our thoughts on the following questions Rev Nick had prepared for us: 

1. Where have we been over the past year together? 

I wrote:

• We have been able to be together in our worship spaces again.
• God has provided new friendships.
• It has been hard and exhausting. 

2. Where are we now, and what crossroads are we facing? 

I wrote:

• We can see each other again.
• We can embrace each other again.
• New life can result from hardship, what do we want to do about it?
• How do we balance looking back and longing for what was, with what is forever changed?

How might you answer these questions?

Next, we each shared one answer to each question with the group, many with responses similar to the ones I’ve written above. The ensuing discussion led us to formulate a new question: “Who is God calling us to be now?” The surprise for us is that even though the questions were filled with where and what, our discussion led us to focus on our identity, who we’re called to be. 

While we had other work planned for the rest of our day together in retreat, we kept this new question in our hearts and minds. Having that question hanging in the air (and literally hanging on the wall) helped shape our work that day and will continue to do so. For us today, where and what is at the service of who.

We look forward to sharing more outcomes from our retreat time together in the coming weeks.

Dave McSweeney

To register for Epiphany's intergenerational Parish Weekend Away at the Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center in Greenfield, NH the weekend of September 23-25, 2022, please click the button below! 

Please note that our overnight registration is currently full. Please fill out the registration form if you are interested in being added to our waitlist. We are actively trying to secure additional lodging. You are also welcome to register for Saturday full day only or Sunday morning and lunch only. 

Join the leadership of the Property Committee and Rev. Nick for an exciting announcement and presentation this Sunday, May 22 at 11:15 am in Hadley Hall. We look forward to sharing updates on the care of our buildings and grounds and the news of intended work and improvements to our property. Click to participate via Zoom.

The Confirmation Class of 2022 is sponsoring a food drive for the Woburn Council of Social Concern. Please drop off donations at Epiphany May 15-22 at the designated table in the entryway. They accept all non-perishable food within date, and they always need reusable grocery bags! A more detailed list of suggested items can be found under the header "Food Pantry Wish List."

Do you have a birthday or anniversary during the month of June 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 Thursday, May 19. 

Epiphany's Parish Administrator Kathryn Dominguez will be on vacation Wednesday, May 25 through Wednesday, June 8. If you would like to include an announcement in 3 Crowns or the bulletins during this time, please send it to Kathryn by Sunday, May 22.

We are saddened to announce the death of former Epiphany parishioner Kent Lawrence at age 86 following a battle with cancer. Kent's family was with him — his beloved wife Erna, his daughter Kimberley, and son Richard. An Episcopal Memorial Service with Holy Communion will be held at The Old North Church in Boston on Saturday, May 28 at 10:00 am. Click to read Kent's obituary. 

Cards and letters can be sent to: Mrs. Erna Lawrence / 536 Lewis Wharf / Boston, MA 02110. Please hold Erna, Kim, Richard, and the whole Lawrence family in your prayers. 

Sunday, June 5 is the celebration of Pentecost. Church School children should meet Bryn and the teachers by the tower door at 9:55 am, so we can be part of the Pentecost procession. We will then proceed to the Bishop Garden for Church School. Everyone should plan to stay for our festive fellowship time after the 10:00 am service, as we enjoy strawberry shortcake and celebrate the completion of a wonderful program year together. 

If you are interested in baptism, please contact the Rev. Nick Myers. Our next opportunity for baptism will be on Sunday, June 5 as we celebrate Pentecost. For more information, please call the church office at 781-729-1922 or complete the inquiry form available on our parish website.  

All are invited to a service of Choral Evensong on Sunday, June 12 at 5:00 pm. Choral Evensong is the most particularly Anglican service in all of Christian worship. Originating from monastic hours, it consists of the distinctive parts of the ancient offices of Vespers and Compline. The choir offers canticles, prayers, and anthems so that everyone’s devotions at the end of the day may be enhanced by music, scripture, and candlelight. 

Our wardens, in collaboration with the Altar Guild, are commissioning a red chasuble and stole to match our red altar frontals and hangings in thanksgiving for Nick Myers and in connection with our Renewal of Ministry and Welcoming of a new Rector celebration. We are working with Trevor W. Floyd & Co to design and produce the pieces. If you would like to contribute to the commission, please give online (select "Red Chasuble and Stole Commission" from the "Fund" dropdown menu) or by check. Please make checks payable to the Parish of the Epiphany and write "Red Set" in the memo line. Drop your check in the Sunday offering plate or mail it to: The Parish of the Epiphany / 70 Church Street / Winchester, MA 01890.

Please save the date for a Youth Group Lock-In! We'll gather the evening of Friday, June 24 for a progressive dinner, games, and fellowship. On Saturday, we will learn more about a local organization making a difference in the community, and spend a couple hours working with them. Please reach out to Eva Dalzell with any questions or if you'd like to help out! 

The date of this year's Christmas Fair is Saturday, November 19! To make the Fair a success, we need many volunteers. While some have committed to Leadership roles, there are opportunities galore.  

Co-Chairs are needed for 2023, so come and learn the ropes this year as interns. This year we need leaders for White Elephant and Children’s Activities. These are easier jobs with a friend! We also will need contributions to the Knit Table, the Bake Table, White Elephant, and to the Auction.

If you are new to the Parish, this is a great way to get to know others.  If the pandemic has kept you away, this is a great way to reconnect. The Fair really is a ton of fun, so, come and join the team. Please contact Sara Post with any questions.