September 1, 2022

Greetings Epiphany,

This week for me marks one month at Epiphany and also one month of living in Boston!

I have never driven so many rotaries in my life and I have learned that it is important to have a winter hobby in order to have something to look forward during the cold days. I am currently taking suggestions for winter hobbies so that I can prepare for my first New England Winter.

I am so grateful for the welcome I have received from those of you whom I have met and I look forward to continuing to meet more of you. It’s already clear to me that Epiphany is a special church and I have enjoyed hearing your sacred memories of these people and this place. I also sense an energy and excitement about you all for what is to come. That is something that excites me as well. It feels like a gift to be at a place that is looking forward to the days ahead as we continue to grow together in community.

As I get to know you all, here is a little bit more about me:

• I am from San Diego, CA and am very proud of my California roots.
• I come to Boston from Atlanta where I went to seminary at Candler School of Theology at Emory University.
• I spent this past year as a hospital chaplain, specifically in a rehabilitation hospital, skilled nursing facility, and behavioral health units.
• I am in the ordination process which means that you all get invited into this journey with me. I will be ordained to the transitional diaconate this December in Atlanta and next summer to the priesthood. My first call is with you all and that is really meaningful to me.
• I studied Graphic Design/Art in college.
• The primary reason for moving up here (besides you all!) is to be closer with my fiancé, Peter, who is about to start his second year of law school at BU. We are getting married October 8th in Atlanta!

As we come to the end of summer and prepare for the upcoming fall, I find this time of year to be fertile ground for reflection.

One of my favorite authors, Frederick Buechner, passed away a few weeks ago. To me, his words often felt like coming home. In his book Now and Then he says this: “Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.”

Perhaps the invitation in these winding down summer times and in this season of ordinary time is: to listen. To reflect on this year and acknowledge all the ways that God has gently been guiding us to this time and to this place.

I am excited to journey alongside you all,
Janelle

Please note the church building will be closed Monday, August 29 through Friday, September 2 for our annual floor cleaning. There will be no access to the building during this time. For administrative assistance during the building closure, please contact Kathryn at office@3crowns.org. 

The construction work for the Forecourt and Cloister Garden will begin Monday, August 29. Entrance to the church will only be through the Central Street door or the handicap accessible door on Church Street until the project is complete.

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

Beginning Tuesday, September 6, we will offer a weekly Eucharist at 8:00 am on Tuesdays in the Chapel. Following the service we will host a conversation and study of the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday.

Children in grades 2-8 are invited to join Choristers! Rehearsals are weekly on Wednesdays from 5:15-6:15 pm (a snack and optional skills session will also be offered from 6:15-7:00 pm on many Wednesdays). They will receive music theory and vocal training free of charge as part of being a chorister. This choir will sing in church monthly during the season, in addition to other engagements as announced. Contact Jeremy at  jbruns@3crowns.org with any questions or to enroll in the program.

On Sunday, September 11 following the 10:00 am service, all are invited to Epiphany's annual Rally Day celebration! Join us for fellowship and a lunch catered by Bella Isla. You won’t want to miss the crafts, games, bounce house obstacle course, or your chance to see the rector get wet in the dunk tank! To register to volunteer, please use our SignUpGenius form. We hope to see you at this fun event! 

Tuesday, September 13: 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Please join us for an evening training session before our new year begins! This training is for all who are interested in volunteering in our Children's Ministry—from seasoned teachers to newcomers considering becoming involved. We will introduce you to our creative (and simple!) curriculum; share practical tips for the classroom; and show you how fun and rewarding Children's Ministry really is. Please contact Bryn for more information or to RSVP. 

Church School begins Sunday, September 18 at 10:00 am. All children in preschool through fifth grade are invited to join our classes full of storytelling, crafts, prayer, and a playful exploration of the Christian faith. Classes for younger children meet in Upper Parish Hall and classes for older children meet in the Church Library on the 2nd through 5th Sundays of the month. Contact Bryn for more information.

On Sunday, September 18, Parish of the Epiphany will hold Ministry Fair Sunday in Hadley Hall following the 10:00 am service. This will be a chance for parishioners to learn more about the many committees, groups, and ministry opportunities available to them at Epiphany. If your group is interested in participating, please contact Kathryn in the parish office.

We are launching a new worship service on the third Sunday of each month at 5:00 pm. Our first Word and Table service will be Sunday, September 18 at 5:00 pm in Hadley Hall. This casual, contemporary, and creative service will be based on our familiar Episcopal liturgy as we explore an ancient and modern worship experience. We hope this service will engage those new to or familiar with our tradition, but also meet the needs of those who are unable to attend Sunday morning services.

On Wednesday, September 21 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Parish of the Epiphany will co-sponsor Health Begins at Home, a panel on how quality, affordable housing strengthens a community's well-being. Panelists will include Thea James, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center; Dana LeWinter, Municipal Engagement Director, Citizens' Housing and Planning Association; and Sarah Betancourt, Reporter, GBH News' Center for Investigative Reporting. This event will take place in the auditorium at Winchester Town Hall. 

Our parish retreat in New Hampshire is coming soon and our Retreat Planning Committee has been busy making plans. We look forward to nature hikes, worship around the campfire, 3Crowns Kid Camp, contemplative prayer, yoga, nature sketching, and so much more! Get your cowboy boots ready for Saturday evening's Barn Dance. Registered attendees will receive an email update with schedule, packing list, and more soon. We do have a slot or two available for overnight attendees and 1-day options (Saturday or Sunday) for more. Please contact Bryn with any questions.