The Parish of the Epiphany

Family Newsletter
February 14, 2021
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany

Sat 13-Feb 2:00pm : Wright-Locke : Family Hike with Nick (all ages)

Sun 14-Feb 10:00am : PDF : Children's Worship Bulletin

Sun 14-Feb 12:00-3:00pm : Church : Pick up communion and ashes

Sun 21-Feb 9:30am : Zoom : Sunday School (Pre-K through 5th grade)

Dear friends,

Perhaps you are as aware as I am that the last time our church community gathered together in fellowship was Shrove Tuesday, 2020. We labored over griddles, ate heartily, laughed, and got a pancake stuck in one of the Hadley Hall lights. Yes, those lights way up high. It was a wonderful evening.

And here we are, back to Shrove Tuesday, 2021, which will be very different.

But what is Shrove Tuesday?

Shrove is the past-tense of the word shrive, which means "to obtain absolution for one's sins." Traditionally, on the Tuesday before Lent begins one would confess and receive forgiveness for sins, and then step into the Lenten season with a clean heart and fresh start.

What did that have to do with pancakes?

Well, pancakes are made with eggs and butter, and making a big meal of pancakes helped people to use up the eggs and fats in their homes before Lent began. Many families did (and still do) choose to live more simply during Lent, and this can mean giving up indulgent foods or treats. Eating up all the butter, eggs, and sugar in the house right before Lent started would keep those foods from going to waste and would prevent them from being a temptation during Lent.

Whether or not your family gives up certain foods during Lent, a mid-winter pancake supper can be a joyful occasion--even this year! We will miss gathering in Hadley Hall this year, but we can be together in spirit. Toss a pancake in the air this Tuesday evening, and remember the love and laughter of our church family. We look forward to being together again.

Peace and Love,

Bryn

PS. We once again thank our sexton, Brian, for somehow retrieving that pancake.

Lent Begins Wednesday, February 17: Join with Us in these Many Ways

Ash Wednesday Service: YouTube

The season of Lent begins this week, on Ash Wednesday. Anytime that day, you are invited to worship via our service on YouTube. Please plan to stop by the church to pick up a bag with consecrated bread and wine for communion, and blessed ashes. (Times and details here.)

During the service, your family will be invited to impose the ashes upon each other. That means you put a bit of ash on your finger and then "impose" (put, draw) them in the shape of a cross on your loved one's forehead. Usually it is the rector who imposes the ashes on our foreheads; this year children have the opportunity to be a part of this service and ritual in a new and deep way.

During the imposition of ashes, we say these words:

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

I admit that it has been hard for me as a parent to explain these words to my young children in the past. There is no right or wrong way to explain Ash Wednesday or these words, but I offer you some of the words I have used over the years.

"Remember that God made you, and God loves you forever."

"Remember that God created you out of all the little atoms, and even someday when your body dies, your soul stays with God."

We hope this service blesses you as we enter Lent together.

Ash Wednesday Children's Story Time: YouTube

On Wednesday morning, you will receive an email with the link to an Ash Wednesday Children's Story Time on YouTube, which you can access at any time that day or during Lent. Bryn will read the Lenten storybook Make Room, which explores both Jesus's journey of ministry and how churches now observe the season of Lent. It is wonderful for all ages.

Family Lenten Prayer Calendar: Watch Your Mailbox

This year's family "Lent at Home" materials offer a simple way for us to engage with the season of Lent and each other each day. In this second "Pandemic Lent," we are all stretched thin; we invite you to make room for one word each day, and what that word could mean in your family, your heart, and your faith.

Watch your mail this weekend for a large envelope from Parish of the Epiphany. If you would like additional copies, please let Bryn know, or print your own here. We thank Praying in Color for the template.

Lenten Formation Program Starts Soon! Youth, Parents Please Join Us

This year during Lent please join us via Zoom on Sundays at 11:15am as we study the Psalms. Our own Gabrielle Stott will lead us.

This year's Lenten Home groups will also meet via Zoom. These small groups meet weekly during Lent, and they are a wonderful time both to dive deeper into Sunday's material and to make new friends in the Parish. Please sign up for a small group. Parents and youth, we would love for you to join us.

Presidents' Day Weekend and School Vacation Week: No Sunday School or Youth Group

There is no Faith-at-Home Sunday School Zoom this Sunday. We look forward to seeing you on February 21.

There is no Youth Check-In on Wednesday, February 17. We hope you have a restful and fun week off from school!

Upcoming Events with Nick!

We have planned several events to give parents and families a chance to get to know Nick. Please join him for one or more of the events below! If the events are full, please contact Annie Bing and we will add more dates.

Family Outing and Firepit Gathering with Nick – Saturday, February 13th, 2:00pm

Families are invited to meet by the chicken coop at Wright-Locke Farm for hiking and exploration followed by conversation around the fire pit in the cloister garden at Parish of the Epiphany. Families of all ages are encouraged to sign up!

Family Outing and Firepit Gathering with Nick – Saturday, March 13, 2:00pm

Families are invited to meet by the chicken coop at Wright-Locke Farm for hiking and exploration followed by conversation around the fire pit in the cloister garden at Parish of the Epiphany.

Youth Hike and Fire Pit Hangout -- TBD

A Welcoming Episcopal Community

70 Church Street, Winchester, MA 01890
781-729-1922
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