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And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: 24-25
In late August, I was “on” as Video Steaming Engineer for our Sunday 10:00 am service. We have a terrific streaming “rota,” robust enough that each of us is on once every five or six weeks. I very much enjoy doing it, but I do find myself focused on the logistics of managing the camera system instead of being an active participant in the service. It reminds me of my experience in church choir, focused on the logistics, ensuring the next bit of music is ready to go, wondering how my posture and breathing impact vocal production, and so on. Welcome to some aspects of my personality! But in all seriousness, both ministries make it difficult for me to be present for worship.
Back to the late August service. The first part of the worship service, from the prelude up until the sermon, has many different activities, and that’s the most technically challenging part for me. Once we get to the sermon, I breathe a sigh of relief as the rest of the service seems easier to manage. One of the cool things about the video streaming station is that you can view the “next camera” shot and the “live camera” shot side by side. During the sermon, I noticed how cool it was to see Rev. Nick from different perspectives. So, I took the photo above and posted it to my Facebook account with the caption “Current Situation.” I didn’t think too much of it and went about the rest of my day. I was not expecting such a random Facebook post to result in an appreciation lovefest from our remote participants. A half-dozen comments from parishioner friends appeared, posting things like “I watched you from Berkeley, CA this morning!”, “Couldn’t have felt remotely (pun intended) a part of things for the past three years without all of you!” and “Thank you for making Epiphany available to us when we are away.” It was delightful to see.
I am so grateful that Epiphany is my faith community. Grateful that Rev. Nick arrived in January 2021 with the energy, creativity, and wisdom to help us regather in many successful ways: outdoor services, Midweek, and the gradual relaxing of restrictions aligned with our local context while ensuring high-quality remote access to our services. These are all concrete examples of his leadership. Grateful that we are so blessed to engage in conversations about future growth as we continue our journey together.
There has been so much writing and conversation about regathering our faith communities. We read stories about a frustrated rector who tossed out all the streaming equipment (partly because it was too challenging to maintain and partly to get folks back into the pews); we read opinions stating the pandemic has accelerated the issues facing shrinking congregations by ten years; we hear anecdotes about congregations amid a clergy transition struggling to discern their next step, and so on. I am truly grateful that these stories are not our stories; what a blessing to us.
As we enter our stewardship season, I invite us all to reflect on our blessings and to show our gratitude however possible. Thank you.
Dave McSweeney, warden |
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To make a pledge or learn more about our Annual Stewardship Campaign, please visit the stewardship page of our website. To hear Rev. Nick's sermon from Stewardship Kickoff, please click here. |
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Christmas Fair Meeting This Sunday
Our first Christmas Fair meeting will be this Sunday, September 25 in the Suter Room at 11:30 am. Come if you'd like to be a part of this great event, scheduled for Saturday, November 19 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Come if you are a Table Chair and want to share information or questions. Volunteers are welcome — no experience necessary! This weekend is the All Parish retreat so many will not be able to join us. If you would like to be a part of the Fair in any way or have questions, email Sara Post.
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Office Closed on Monday, September 26
To give our hard-working staff a day of much-deserved rest following the Parish Weekend Away, the office will be closed on Monday, September 26.
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Icon Workshop
Dr. George Kordis is leading an icon workshop at Epiphany from September 26 - October 1 and you are welcome to drop by to see his work and the work of students as we progress through the week. Dr. Kordis is coming from Athens, Greece to work with students from Epiphany and from around the country. His complete bio can be found here.
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October Birthdays
Do you have a birthday or anniversary during the month of October that you would like remembered in 3 Crowns and the Sunday bulletin? If so, please send the details to Kathryn in the parish office by Monday, September 26.
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Youth Kickball: October 1
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. Hope to see you there!
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State of the Church Meeting: October 2
Join us in Hadley Hall after the 10:00 am service as we share new and strategic information regarding our mission, ministries, and properties here at Epiphany. We have some very important information to share on October 2, as the wardens and rector will present the strategic work of the vestry that will impact our life and ministry for the next few years. The conversation will be available via Zoom; here is the link.
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Blessing of the Animals: October 2
On
Sunday, October 2 at 5:00 pm, we invite you to our Blessing of
the Animals service. This short service will
be a time of prayer, song, and blessing of
our animal companions. All pets need to be under proper
control and comfortable around other animals. If you would prefer to bring
a photograph of your pet, a blessing will be offered for them.
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Midweek @ Epiphany: October 5
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Midweek @ Epiphany — a time for community and connection every first and third Wednesday — resumes on October 5! Each Midweek begins at 6:15 with dinner and fellowship, followed by formation opportunities for all ages. Mark your calendar for this fall's Midweek schedule: October 5, October 19, November 2, November 16, and December 7.
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Bach Series: Adult Forum
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.
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Sustainable Epiphany
Winchester Climate Solutions Week (September 24 – October 2)
Ever wonder about what a net-zero home looks like, how an electric lawn mower or leaf blower works, or how to eat in a more climate-friendly manner? These are only some of the things you can learn about during Winchester’s Climate Solutions week! The events are free and open to folks from all towns. Learn more here. And find out even more on our 3Crowns Sustainability page.
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Help with Fellowship Hour in September
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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. |
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8th Annual Ciderfest
On Sunday, October 16 at
11:15 am, immediately following the 10:00 am Holy Eucharist, we invite you to
our seventh annual Cider Fest! Celebrate fall with Epiphany friends, and enjoy
fresh apple cider donuts and cider. We hope you will join us for this beloved
Epiphany tradition!
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Bereavement Group Starting October 20
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.
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Upcoming Youth Events
Please mark your calendars for the following upcoming youth activities! - 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
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This Week's Calendar
Click here to access the complete parish calendar.
Thursday, September 22
5:30pm Men's Group via Zoom
7:00pm Healing Prayer via Zoom
7:30 Healing Ministry Team Meeting via Zoom
7:30pm Parish Choir Rehearsal in the Upper Parish Hall
9:00pm Compline via Zoom
Friday, September 23
Parish Weekend Away (Day 1)
Saturday, September 24
Parish Weekend Away (Day 2)
Sunday, September 25
Parish Weekend Away (Day 3)
8:00am Holy Eucharist: Rite I in the Sanctuary
9:00am Bible Study in the Suter Room
9:00am Fellowship Hour in Hadley Hall and the Cloister Garden
9:00am Parish Choir Section Leaders Warm-up in the Sanctuary
10:00am Holy Eucharist: Rite II in the Sanctuary and via YouTube
11:15am Christmas Fair Meeting in the Suter Room
11:15am Fellowship Hour in Hadley Hall and the Cloister Garden
4:00pm Scouts BSA Bear Den Meeting in Hadley Hall and Cloister Garden
Monday, September 26
9:00am Icon Workshop with Dr. George Kordis (Day 1)
6:00pm AA Meeting in Hadley Hall
7:30pm AA Meeting in Hadley Hall
Tuesday, September 27
8:00am Eucharist in the Chapel
8:30am Bible Study in the Suter Room
8:30am Employment Transition Group via Zoom
9:00am Icon Workshop with Dr. George Kordis (Day 2)
10:00am Staff Meeting in the Suter Room
6:00pm Baptism Preparation Dinner in Hadley Hall and the Suter Room
Wednesday, September 28
9:00am Icon Workshop with Dr. George Kordis (Day 3)
5:15pm Choristers Rehearsal in the Upper Parish Hall
Thursday, September 29
9:00am Icon Workshop with Dr. George Kordis (Day 4)
5:30pm Men's Group via Zoom
7:00pm Healing Prayer via Zoom
7:30pm Parish Choir Rehearsal in the Upper Parish Hall
9:00pm Compline via Zoom
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70 Church Street, Winchester, MA 01890
781-729-1922
www.3crowns.org
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