September 15, 2022

This past week, I finally got around to actually setting up my office. I’m excited to say it’s almost there — some art on the walls, some books on the shelves, and some plants on the window. Nick and I brainstormed on the best placement of the couch, and settled on the wall facing West.

Of course it’s fun to think about how I want to design my office space, but it was more than that. I was thinking of you all, and making a space that would be hospitable for people to enter into.

Even though I am the newest staff member, I was not the only one thinking about spaces. Bryn was putting art from the children’s formation curriculum, StoryMakers, up on her bulletin board. I heard the noises of chairs moving around in the Upper Parish Hall as Jeremy was preparing a space for Choristers. Nick was excited about getting a table in his office to create a more collaborative environment for meetings. Brian was the one who actually put together my couch. And Kathryn was moving here and there making sure everything was set for Sunday.

It was fun to be a part of a team that was all thinking about preparing spaces… for you.

With the literal moving of furniture or the brainstorming about the upcoming program year, it was all about creating spaces for community to gather and deepen connections.

There’s the you we know and the you that all of us have yet to meet. Who are we preparing these spaces for? What will be happening? We don’t fully know, but what we can do, is set the space. To keep setting tables, and getting some extra chairs just in case. Is this not what it means to follow Christ? To examine the literal spaces in front of us and the spaces in our hearts in order to make more and more room.

Speaking of the books on my shelves, one of them is entitled “To Believe in God” with words by Joseph Pintauro and art by one of my all time favorite artists, Corita Kent. I was skimming through the book the other day, and these words stopped me in my tracks and brought some tears to my eyes. It says this, “To believe in God is to drink wine, it is to eat bread, not by yourself.”

Not by yourself.

Isn’t this the point of all of this? That being a part of a church community is that we do not have to do this thing called life on our own. Together, we make room for each other. For the joy and grief, the hope and discouragement, the coming together and the being sent out. Perhaps the next time you come up to receive Eucharist, take a look to your right and to your left; these are the people you get to journey alongside. In the community of God, you are not alone. Let’s keep showing up, setting tables, and making spaces for all to be welcomed.

With gratitude,
Janelle

This Sunday, September 18, Parish of the Epiphany will hold our Ministry Fair 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 this 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. 

On September 22, Rotary will be holding its annual Rise Against Hunger event in Hadley Hall, and Epiphany parishioners are invited to help out! We will be packing meals for RISE Against Hunger, an international relief organization that distributes food to the world's most vulnerable populations. There are two volunteer shifts: 4:00 - 6:00 for set-up and packing meals, and 6:00 - 8:00 for packing meals and clean-up. Pizza will be served!

We need to know how many volunteers will be participating, so please contact the office if you are interested in assisting. 

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

Youth (6th-12th grade) and their families are invited to a friendly game of kickball at Ginn Field in Winchester on Saturday, October 1 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. If you are interested in joining, please email Janelle at jhiroshige@3crowns.org. Hope to see you there!

Please mark your calendars for the following upcoming youth activities!

• October 15: Bike ride to Bedford Farms, afternoon, time TBD
• October 23: Epiphany Tunnels/Clock Tower Spooky Ice-Cream Party, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
• November 5: Board Game Night, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
• December 9: Christmas Movie Night, 7:00 - 9:00 pm