October 27, 2022

When I was a hospital chaplain, we went through a training through Emory University called Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT). This training involved a series of mindfulness practices to help increase our capacity for compassion. In turn, we would introduce some of these practices to our patients, or care-seekers.

One of my favorite insights from this training was the concept of a “nurturing moment.” A nurturing moment is something in our memory that brings back feelings of warmth and security. A nurturing moment could be a memory of a time spent with family or friends. It could be a place — a beloved city, a parish, or a place outside in God’s creation. My boss would often say that if we were able to bring enough nurturing moments to mind, we would have the resilience for whatever life brings.

I didn’t get to know Ann McGovern like some of you did. But I did get to visit her twice. The first time was with Nick, my first week at Epiphany. I’m sure I was wide-eyed and notably nervous as I had just moved to New England the week before. The second time was a couple weeks later on my own. I went to The Gables without telling her in advance and knocked on her door. Being the hospitable person she is, she immediately let me in, but also said, “Wait, why are you already visiting me again?”

In this conversation she shared with me the difficulties of moving from her home to The Gables and the loss of independence in that transition. It became clear to me that what she missed the most was living next to her beloved Winter Pond. It was also clear to me, that Winter Pond was her nurturing moment. Her eyes lit up when she talked about this kettle pond that she was so passionate about. She even gave me the directions to make sure that I would drive by it on my way back to Epiphany. I promised to wave hello to the little pond for her.

The final time I interacted with Ann was on Rally Sunday. I walked over to her in her seat to give her Eucharist.

Winter Pond and this place, Epiphany, were and are Ann’s nurturing moments.

Last week in the 3 Crowns, Nick talked about coping with change — that God is with us in the midst of change and transition.

To add to that, we know that God is with us because God gifts us with nurturing moments throughout our lives. They are the moments that give us the courage to keep going and they are also the moments that make life beautiful. My hope for us as a parish, is that in our time together we are creating these nurturing moments. Perhaps one day, when we look back on this season together, we will be surrounded by feelings of warmth and deep gratitude.

With hope,
Janelle

Are you interested in learning more about Parish of the Epiphany? We invite you to our Newcomer Coffee Hour this Sunday, October 30 at 11:15 am, immediately following the 10:00 am worship service. Join us in Upper Parish Hall to find out more about who we are as a parish and how to get connected! 

There are still many ways to participate in our Christmas Fair on November 19! Bring in kid's books (preschool through elementary), donations for the Kid's Shop, white elephants, or auction items. Among the items in our silent auction will be a round of golf at Fisher's Island, a unicycle, dinner with the wardens, stunning hand-made pine cone wreaths, nutcracker collections, handmade quilts, and much more. Think of a basket or theme that you can be a part of donating to the auction.

This Sunday 11:15 am - 12:15 pm, there will be a short fair meeting to help finalize plans. Come with questions or concerns or to sign up to help. A SignUpGenius will be coming out soon. For any questions about the fair, please contact Sara Post.

Thank you to everyone who has responded to Epiphany’s Living Faith & Life Together Stewardship Campaign for 2023. This past year has been filled with renewal and reconnection. We are thankful to God for this new life together and grateful for your commitment to our shared mission and ministry. We simply would not be who we are without you.

We have heard from 145 households, who collectively pledged $743,712 towards our $1.2 million campaign goal. This includes 13 new pledges and an aggregate increase of 6.5% from those who pledged last year. We continue to work towards our goal to increase pledges by 15.7% to help support ministries and initiatives such as Midweek, Word and Table Service, and welcoming Janelle Hiroshige as our Associate for Youth and Community Partnerships.

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.

You are invited to attend the premiere showing of a new El Hogar documentary this Saturday, October 29 at 6:30 pm at Epiphany. "Esperanza – Hope in Honduras" is a beautiful and poignant film that masterfully captures the challenges El Hogar students and their families face. Produced and created by Honduran filmmakers, the film tells the story of two El Hogar students and their families showing their everyday resiliency and courage and the hope they experience at El Hogar.

Epiphany has had a long and close relationship with El Hogar over the past 25 years. We’ve sent over one hundred teens and adults to visit El Hogar and be transformed by what they experienced there. El Hogar, which provides an integral education from first to twelfth grade, and a loving home to children and youth from vulnerable situations in Honduras, is reopening its doors in 2023 for visiting teams!

Shown on the big screen in Hadley Hall, we will provide popcorn, snacks, and beverages. The whole event will last about one hour. The event isn’t a fundraiser, although there will be opportunities to learn more and get involved as you wish. All are welcome! Click to view the trailer. Please RSVP to Liz Kinchen. 

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!

Congrats to 7th-grader Mags (Margaret) Valdini on winning a scholarship from the Young Organist Initiative (YOI) of the Boston Chapter of American Guild of Organists (AGO). The YOI holds annual scholarship auditions and awards a set number of scholarships each year to 6th-12th grade students interested in studying organ. Previous organ study is not expected; the awards are designed to provide a first year of instruction for interested students.

The cash award of $1,000 will pay for Mags to study with Jeremy Bruns at Epiphany this season. In June, Mags will perform with other scholarship winners at the historic King’s Chapel in Boston. She is also awarded a free year of membership in the Boston Chapter of the AGO. You may well see and hear her at Epiphany’s organ bench from time to time during the current season — stay tuned!

The next round of YOI auditions will likely be held in the spring. If you have a current 5th-11th grader who might be interested in such an opportunity, please contact Jeremy Bruns for more information.

Congratulations to all of our Epiphany friends celebrating birthdays and anniversaries during the month of November! 

All youth (6th -12th grade) are invited to a Board Game Night on 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

After nearly 20 years of service in the Diocese of Massachusetts, Bishop Suffragan Gayle E. Harris has announced her upcoming retirement. She plans to complete her work in the diocese as of December 31 of this year and then take sabbatical time ahead of her official retirement date of March 31, 2023. Bishop Gayle will not be calling for the election of a successor bishop suffragan, opting instead to appoint an assistant bishop. Click here to learn more. 

Each year on All Saints' Sunday, we remember family, friends, and loved ones who have died during the past year. To include the name of your loved one in the November 6 bulletin, please contact Kathryn in the parish office no later than Tuesday, November 1. We also invite parishioners to bring a photo of their loved one for our All Saints/All Souls altar of remembrance. These photos can be dropped off at the parish office or brought on Sunday, November 6 before the service begins.  

Our next opportunity for baptism will be Sunday, November 6. If you are interested in being baptized or having your child baptized at Epiphany, please contact Rev. Nick. 

On 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 Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive starts now! Our Epiphany congregation will continue our tradition of contributing to the Council of Social Concern food drive for Thanksgiving dinners for families. Last year we had a tremendous outpouring. May we count on you to assist again?

A list of suggested food items is available below. Local supermarket gift cards are needed too. (Please put gift cards with amount noted on card into envelopes.) Bring donations to the narthex (church lobby) on October 23, October 30, November 6, or the final Sunday, November 13. Gift cards can also be placed in the office or in the secure drop box left of office door.

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

Ellen W. Rockefeller, Coordinator and member of Mission and Outreach Committee

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.