November 3, 2022

The DoubleTree by Hilton in Danvers is not the first place you'd expect something transformative to happen, but it did. Last weekend as representatives from all the Episcopal parishes in the Diocese of Massachusetts gathered for our Diocesan Convention, we prayerfully considered resolutions that would shape our common life and ministry in this diocese. We approved various pieces of legislation: to encourage parishes to explore partnerships with the Poor People's Campaign, to urge parishes to foster right relationships with indigenous populations and acknowledge our place on lands once populated by indigenous peoples, to allow for the appointment of an Assistant Bishop, as Bp. Gayle Harris retires this year — just to name a few. 

Perhaps the most significant resolution was the decision to create a Reparations Fund, as part of our effort, the legislation states: "to address our legacy of the wealth accumulated through the enslaved labor of Africans and Afro-Caribbeans on our behalf and for our use today." You can read the whole resolution (along with others), here. This action will affect our diocesan budget for years to come; at this point, our parish budget is not directly affected. However, as the Diocese of Massachusetts, we agreed that such action was a spiritual and moral obligation as we seek right relationship and to live as repairers of the breach (Isaiah 58:12). Such restitution, even if microscopic when placed next to the horrors and devastation of slavery in this country, is rooted in the biblical story. Even this past week, we heard the story of Zaccheus, a tax collector, made wealthy by unjust means, pledged to right these wrongs by giving half his wealth to the poor, and paying four-fold to those who he defrauded. Those are reparations on a scale that is simply dizzying on both a financial and moral scale. 

We, as the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, have taken one first step in seeking truth and reconciliation when it comes to our accumulated material wealth. This is complicated, complex, and new territory for us as the church. The spirit in the convention hall this past Saturday was transformative, as people raised their hands to say, "yes, now is the time". Now is the time —there is no wrong time — for seeing the full truth of the world around us and I'm proud that we, as a diocese, have not turned away from seeing and knowing it.

Rev. Nick

Thank you to everyone who has responded to Epiphany’s Living Faith & Life Together Stewardship Campaign for 2023. We have heard from 153 households, who collectively pledged $774,052 towards our campaign goal $1.2 million and 250 pledges. 

The Stewardship Campaign is a month earlier this year in order to provide the parish leadership with the information that we need in order to build the budget for next year. Over the next few weeks, we will be reaching out to those who have not yet pledged and hope you will prayerfully consider financially supporting our shared mission. We hope to continue the momentum and growth we’ve experienced over the past year into a new chapter together.

Have you been called to serve? We need a servant as a leader of our parish — to lead us, and to lead others to us. We need servants to represent us to our Deanery or our Diocese – where our parish joins with others. We need assistance in serving the kingdom of God as we build and grow it here at Epiphany together. Who else do you see as a leader among us? Who else’s gifts would you raise up? Who would you call?

Over the next few weeks, between now and Thanksgiving, we’ll ask you to share your nominations, of yourself or others, for leadership roles in our church next year. You can nominate someone online or using the ballot box at the back of the church. Click here for helpful descriptions of each role. Or you can share nominations directly with anyone on the Nominating Committee: Eunice Aikins-Afful, Marie Johnson, Dave McSweeney, Reverend Nick, or Corey Hollenbeck.

As you think about who you’ll nominate, know that nominating someone is not signing them up for something they wouldn’t sign up for themselves. Rather, it’s really quite the opposite. Often a nomination is the vote of confidence that someone else sees their gifts of leadership — the nudge that someone needs to consider a calling they hadn’t considered before.

What gifts will you bring? Who will you inspire? We look forward to learning how you (or someone you nominate) will serve. Thank you!

All youth (6th - 12th grade) are invited to a Board Game Night this Saturday, November 5 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Bring a game to share. Parents and siblings are also welcome to join! Please RSVP to Janelle.

Upcoming Youth Event: 

• December 10: Christmas Movie Night, 7:00 - 9:00 pm *Note date change

There are many ways you can help be a part of this fun affair which is Epiphany's largest single fund raising event. Watch for the SignUpGenius which will give many places to sign up for direct help.

If you live on a street with high traffic, volunteer to take a yard sign to advertise us. Take a flyer to post in a local shop, library, community bulletin board, etc.

There is still time to contribute to our Silent Auction, Kids Room books and small items which they can purchase as gifts, and our White Elephant room.

Contact Sara Post with any questions.

Each year on All Saints' Sunday, we remember family, friends, and loved ones who have died during the past year. We invite parishioners to bring a photo of their loved one for our All Saints/All Souls altar of remembrance. These photos can be brought this Sunday, November 6 before the service begins.  

This Sunday, November 6 at 5:00 pm in the Sanctuary, we invite you to a choral requiem for All Souls’ Day. Remember the souls of the faithful departed in this service sung by the Parish Choir, featuring the beloved setting by Gabriel Fauré. 

Our Epiphany congregation is continuing our tradition of contributing to the Woburn Council for Social Concern's food drive for Thanksgiving dinners. This year, Thanksgiving is early and donations need to be brought in by Sunday, November 13 for delivery November 14 to the food pantry.

If you have already contributed food items and/ or grocery store gift cards — thank you! If you will be shopping soon, may we count on you to assist with this much-needed food drive? A list of suggested food items is available below and at the church. 

Gift cards may be placed in the collection plate, mailed to the office, or put in the secure drop box to left of office door during the week. Please write the dollar amount on the card or envelope.

The Council of Social Concern’s mission is serving individuals and families who are in need with their food pantry and early education/child care programs.

Any questions? Contact Ellen W. Rockefeller

All are welcome to Epiphany’s annual, free holiday tradition on Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm! Support this age-old tradition spanning three decades, and browse through a variety of unique and beautifully crafted gifts, including works of art, costume jewelry, White Elephant treasures, and knit and craft items. To entertain the kids while you shop, check out the Kids Store for a "kids only" holiday shopping experience (no adults allowed!) where children can purchase family gifts, some crafts, and children’s books.

This year’s Silent Auction will have items such as golf at Fishers Island, three holiday-themed gift baskets, two handmade quilts, two tickets to a Boston Speakers series talk, a unicycle, beautifully made pinecone wreaths, nutcracker collections, sets of jigsaw puzzles for all seasons, plus other festive baskets. We will also sell homemade apple pies for $15 each, cookies, breads, treats, lemon curd, homemade jams, and butter pickles. The cafe will offer a delicious menu and a nice place to gather with family and friends. 

We are looking forward to fellowship hours on Sundays in November, and would greatly appreciate your help! Please click on the button above to contribute a baked good, a gluten-free snack, fresh fruit, or your help with serving and clean-up. 

Every year, the sanctuary is decorated with beautiful poinsettias and greens in memory of loved ones or in gratitude for blessings received. To dedicate a poinsettia using our online form, please click here. Submissions must be received by Sunday, December 11 so that your dedication may be included in the Christmas bulletins.

To make a contribution in any amount for the poinsettias and greens decorating the church, or to the music during our services, please give online. Select "Christmas Flowers/Music" from the "Fund" dropdown menu. You can also drop a check in the Sunday offering plate or mail it to the parish office. Please make checks payable to the Parish of the Epiphany and write "Christmas Poinsettia/Music" in the memo line. 

On Sunday, December 4 at 5:00 pm, all are invited to a harpsichord concert performed by Peter Sykes. One of the most distinguished and versatile keyboard artists performing today, Peter Sykes is on the music faculties of both Boston University and the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. He will offer music by Froberger, Buxtehude, Bach, and Couperin, playing his own 2005 Allan Winkler harpsichord that is patterned after a 1719 Carl Fleischer original from Hamburg. Admission is free; donations are gladly accepted.