Family Ministries at Epiphany:
Week of November 5, 2023

Upcoming for Families at Epiphany

Ingathering & First Sunday Intergenerational Worship, with Baptism (kids sign up to help here): November 5 at 10am
Ciderfest: Sunday, November 5 at 11:15am
Youth Faith Circle: Wednesday, November 8 at 6:15pm
Parents of Teens Book Group: Wednesday, November 8 at 8pm

Dear Epiphany Families,

There are days I stand back at Epiphany and think "Wow, look at this place. Feel this community. God is good." I have a feeling this Sunday will be one of those days.

This Sunday we have Ingathering, Baptisms, First Sunday Intergenerational Worship, and Ciderfest all rolled into one. All ages will be in the sanctuary worshipping together, as we -- as a community -- promise to love and nurture the lives and faith of Koa, Ryan, Owen, and Hannah in their baptisms. Then we dedicate our annual pledges, promising to nurture, care for, and grow this entire community of faith. And then, we eat fresh cider donuts.

That last piece--the donuts--might sound trite compared to what comes before. But the fellowship and nourishment of Ciderfest is just as core to who we are as the sacraments, the worship, and the tithing. Ciderfest is a harvest celebration, where we joyfully fill our storehouse with the commitments and hopes set forth during worship, and look into the coming days together.

Wow, look at this place.

Feel this community.

God is good.

~Bryn

Ninth Annual Ciderfest: November 5

On Sunday, November 5 at 11:15am, immediately following the 10:00am Holy Eucharist, we invite you to our ninth 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!

Parents of Adolescents Book Group: Wednesday, November 8, 8:00-9:00pm

The Parents of Adolescents Book Group will meet this Wednesday to talk about Chapter 4 in The Emotional Lives of Teenagers.

This group is for all who are raising adolescents (or are about to) and who would like fellowship, support, and discussion around many of the pressing issues of parenting during this unique, beautiful, and darn right challenging phase.

Please let Bryn know if you plan to attend for the first time, so she can send you nifty chapter summaries and workbook pages to help with the book.

First Sunday Intergenerational Worship, November 5 at 10am

On the first Sunday of every month, we all worship together (there are no separate Church School classes) and the children & youth are invited to take part in special ways throughout the 10am service. This is an important way in which the children experience the service, and all ages love working together. First Sunday Worship is special and well loved.

Would you child like to be a greeter, an usher, a reader ("lector"), or an element bearer? These jobs are fun ways to help and take part in the service, and we teach children their simple roles "on the job" that morning.

We invite you to sign up your child for a role on November 5 and/or December 3 here: First Sunday Worship Jobs Sign-Up

Youth Faith Circle:

Wednesday, Nov 8 at 6:15pm

The Youth Faith Circle is a small group opportunity for youth to gather on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays for a meal and time to be together. All 6-12th graders are invited to join leaders Rev. Janelle, Ellen W, and John J.

This will be a time with intentional faith formation, a sense of community and consistency, and a way for your youth to have caring adults in their lives.

Please reach out to Rev. Janelle, Associate Minister for Youth, for more information.

Upcoming Youth Faith Circles Dates

November 8, November 29,

and December 13

Church School Classes in November:

November 12, 19, 26

On November 12 and 19, both of our Church School classes meet at 10am. Our Church School classes combine stories of the faith, liturgical education, community, art and fun.

The Godly Play class is for preschool through first graders, and meets in Upper Parish Hall. This Sunday the Godly Players will be learning about Abraham and Sarah. Parents are always welcome to stay with their little ones.

The Story Makers class is for second through fifth graders, and meets in the Chapel. This Sunday the Story Makers will be learning about Saints and All Saints Day. Parents, we ask that you sign-up to stay and help one upcoming Sunday.

On November 26 (Thanksgiving Weekend) our two classes meet together in the Chapel for a special time of Advent preparation.

Story Maker Parent Sign-Up

Christmas Fair on November 18:
Holiday Shopping, Crafts, Desserts & More

All are invited to the Epiphany’s beloved, annual holiday tradition on Saturday, November 18 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Browse through a variety of unique and beautifully crafted, warm, and cozy gifts, and support this tradition spanning three decades.

To entertain the kids while you shop, check out the Kids' Store for a "kids only" holiday shopping experience where children can purchase family gifts, some crafts, and children’s books.

This year’s Silent Auction will have items such as tickets to sporting and cultural events plus festive baskets. We will also sell homemade apple pies, lemon curd, jams, and bread and butter pickles. All this in addition to cookies, breads, and treats for the holidays available at the bake table which make great housewarming gifts. The café will offer a delicious menu and a pleasant place to gather with family and friends.