May 5, 2022

Laughter. Sitting and really talking with friends, old and new. Nature walks. Meals that somebody else plans, cooks, and serves. Perhaps an “untalent show.”

These are all things that our retreat planning committee said at our first meeting, as we each answered the question “what do you need, at our parish retreat?” 

All our various ideas came back to two core themes: Connection, and Joy. The need to know, and be known to, a loving community in true and real and deep ways. The need to play and to laugh. The need to enjoy those beautiful pleasures of retreat life (books and canoes and campfires). The need to mourn and heal, and to find peace. The need to see that God is good, and that we are standing together in a joy-filled, sometimes silly, sometimes serious, and always loving holy family. 

The Parish Weekend Away will be September 23-25, 2022, at the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center in Greenfield, New Hampshire. This past Wednesday, you received an email with all the details — accommodations, meals, costs, options. Please look back at that (and spend a few minutes taking in those beautiful, inspiring pictures), and make a plan to join us. This Sunday, May 8, you’ll receive an email with a link to our registration form. 

And on Sunday, May 15, during our Sunday forum after worship, we’ll ask you those same questions our planning committee pondered: What do you need? What would be life-giving? Soul-healing? What can this Parish Weekend Away offer to you? 

Please come. Connect. Laugh. Eat. Play. Sit. Talk. Renew.

With joyful anticipation,
Bryn

On Sunday, May 15 at the 10:00 am service, we will be honoring this year's graduating seniors, as well as the members of this year's confirmation class. Join us as we recognize their hard work, give thanks for their presence in our community, and bless their next steps forward! The celebration will continue with a reception after the service.

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 at www.socialconcern.org/waystogive under the header "Food Pantry Wish List."

Calling all high school seniors! We'd like to give you a shout-out in the Graduation Sunday bulletin, to let the Epiphany community know who you are and where you're going next! Please take a minute to fill out this form to keep us in the loop. We hope to see you on the May 15!

Join the leadership of the Property Committee and Rev. Nick for an exciting announcement and presentation on Sunday, May 22 after the 10:00 am service 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.

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. Registration will open next week and close on June 13. Please reach out to Eva Dalzell with any questions or if you'd like to help out! 

September 26-October 1, 2022

I am very excited to invite you to join me in working with master iconographer, Dr. George Kordis, for this six day workshop, the first offered by Dr. Kordis in the Boston area.  Members of Epiphany have the opportunity to register from now until May 15, to be assured of a space before the class is opened to the public. The class will include only 15 students and registrants typically come from across the country.

As some of you know, I began studying iconography about twelve years ago, first working with a wonderful teacher and acrylic paint. About five years ago, I came across a workshop on Facebook with Dr. Kordis, who works in the medium of egg tempera. It has been my great good fortune to continue working with George over the years. He is an internationally known master iconographer, creating portable icons but also painting the interior of orthodox churches all over the world. George’s work reflects a contemporary approach to iconography, while remaining firmly grounded in the Byzantine tradition.  You can see examples of his smaller scale work here, and his work in churches here.

For a full description of the workshop, go here. If you have questions, I’d be happy to talk with you as well.

Mary Street

We are seeking new volunteers for Epiphany's flower delivery ministry! Each week, the altar flowers are re-arranged and delivered to families who are grieving, recuperating, or deserving of special recognition. Consequently, the flower ministry is extended to countless parishioners. If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, please contact Julie Broderick.