October 6, 2022

This past Sunday we were able to celebrate the sacrament of Baptism together. When the service began, I could already feel the energy in the room. The families and godparents sitting in the front rows. The choristers joining the choir for their debut after practicing for a few weeks with Jeremy. A full church singing “We Know that Christ is Raised” together for the processional. During the Baptismal liturgy, all of the kids came up to sit at the front. When it was Katherine’s to be baptized, she stepped up on the stool and then I heard from the kids sitting up front, “Go Kate! You got this Kate!”, as the water was being poured over her head.

In all the baptisms I have been at, I had never heard this before. The kids who had already been baptized cheering on the newly baptized. There was something so sacred to have a literal cheering on and rooting for someone who was experiencing a formative and sacramental moment in the life of our church.

I hope this image can be one that we carry forward with us as we enter this fall season. We get to be people who root for each other — through all the moments of life. I don’t know about you, but knowing that I have a community supporting me makes a world of a difference and gifts me with the courage to embark on the things God is calling me to. Let’s be that for each other, like those kids sitting up front cheering Kate on.

Blessings,
Janelle Hiroshige

Newcomers to pledging, and even veterans of numerous stewardship seasons, sometimes ask why they should pledge. What does it matter whether they sign a pledge card (or pledge online), or drop cash or a check in the plate from time to time? One person might say that pledging is a way to give thanks; to another pledging is a demonstration of commitment; yet another wants to “do their part” to support Epiphany’s budget. 

We all have something we are thankful for: a New England fall, fulfilling work, an enduring friendship, the smile of a new grandchild, the unconditional love of God. That gratitude fills us and often leads us to want to share our gifts.

Making and fulfilling a pledge over the year is also a way to express commitment to the Epiphany community, to the Episcopal Church, to the work of God’s Kingdom. Finally, Epiphany’s leaders must operate the church on a sound financial basis. Understanding the revenue that the church can expect enhances the vestry’s ability to plan responsibly for the coming year costs that include staff, worship, ministries, and the upkeep of our buildings. Our stewardship campaign happens in the fall because that’s when the vestry develops next year’s operating budget.

“What’s the right amount?” There’s no single answer. Your pledge is between you and God. We encourage you to give a gift that is meaningful, even sacrificial, and we encourage you, if you can, to increase the percentage of your household income that you commit each year. If it helps as you think about this, Epiphany has annual pledges of $100 and others that exceed $25,000. Our average annual pledge was $4,900 last year, our median $2,475. The chart below lays out the full range of 2022 commitments:

Thanks to everyone who was able to attend our State of the Church forum this past Sunday. One of the questions we received was about some of the detail behind some of our emerging strategies from 2023. This article written by Dave McSweeney earlier in the summer provides some additional context, and we are sending it out again for those of us who would like to explore it further.

Join Rev. Nick and Jeremy Bruns as they lead a three-part series on the spirituality and music of Johann Sebastian Bach. This forum will be an exploration of the personal faith of Bach through a combination of conversation, audio excerpts, and musical performance of organ and vocal pieces. Join us on Sundays, October 9, 16, and 23 after the 10:00 am service for this exciting adult forum series. This offering will not be livestreamed.

On Sunday, October 9 at 5:00 pm in the Sanctuary, all are invited to “JSB Plays JSB,” an organ recital featuring the music of Johann Sebastian Bach performed by Director of Music Jeremy S. Bruns. Admission is free; donations gladly accepted. 

On Sunday, October 16 at 11:15 am, immediately following the 10:00 am Holy Eucharist, we invite you to our eighth annual Ciderfest! Celebrate fall with Epiphany friends, and enjoy fresh apple cider donuts and cider. We hope you will join us for this beloved Epiphany tradition! 

There are still six weeks to prepare for our Christmas Fair. How can you help? The Silent Auction is a significant part of the fair raising many thousand dollars. They are also a great way to start your holiday shopping. Can you donate tickets to a sporting or cultural event? Do you have a unique skill or talent you can share? How about putting together a basket? Join with friends and come up with your own theme — maybe the best of your hometown, or share a love of cooking, gardening, sports. Donations should be received by Sunday, November 6 and should include a description of contents and value. Contact Sara Post with any questions or donations.

Beginning on Thursday, October 20 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm, Susan Bailey and Carol Delaney will be leading a Bereavement Support Group. We will meet in the Chapel. The group will run six consecutive Thursdays, skipping Thanksgiving. Please contact Susan Bailey at 781-570-9196 or bailey13@comcast.net if you are interested.  

Calling everyone who has been involved, who is currently involved, and who would like to be involved in Mission & Outreach. On Sunday, October 23 from 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, we will be having a fall discernment day where we can reflect on where we have been and where we would like to go together as a parish family. If you are thinking about attending, please contact Janelle. 

It has been a rite of passage over generations for youth to explore the tunnels and clock tower at Epiphany. Join us on Sunday, October 23 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm for some fun and ice cream! Please RSVP to Janelle.

We are looking forward to fellowship hours on Sundays in October, 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. 

You are invited to attend the premiere showing of a new El Hogar documentary on 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.

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. 

Here is a summary of the Wincheser Climate Solutions Week that we commended to the parish in the last 3 Crowns. Click on the link for tips, action items and exciting updates to support you and your households efforts toward creation care and sustainability.