The Parish of the Epiphany

Family Newsletter
for week of October 31, 2021
The Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

Sun 31-Oct : 10:00am : Special Halloween Church School (Upper Parish Hall)

Sun 31-Oct : 11:00am : Fellowship Hour Hosted by Church School

Wed 03-Nov : 6:15-7:30pm : Midweek Dinner, Fellowship & Formation

Sun 07-Nov : 10:00am : Church School

Sun 14-Nov : 10:00am : Church School

Sun 14-Nov : 5:00pm : Outdoor Worship for All Ages and Food Drive

Dear friends,

I love Halloween because it's a day when neighbors gather outside, strangers are welcome on doorsteps, and treats & laughs are shared all around. It isn't a church holiday by any means--but don't Halloween's best features exemplify many of the things we are called to as followers of Christ? We're going to embrace the day in our Church School and Coffee Hour Fellowship time--not with spooks or scares but with fun, hospitality, treats and community!

After a fun Church School time (stories, crafts, and the armor of God--the ultimate in dress-up!--in Upper Parish Hall) our Church School will be hosting Fellowship Hour for our parish in the Cloister Garden. Can you help by bringing a treat or setting up?

Sign-Up Genius for Halloween Fellowship Hour

Costumes are welcome but totally optional. If your child would like to wear a costume, please give an extra thought to what is a good choice for our church school community, which includes very little ones. Please:

no weapons (of any sort, including toy weapons)
no fake blood or gore (or real, for that matter)
no scary creatures
no threatening personas

Faith-at-Home families, since we're going "off script" this week at In-Person Church School, you'll be getting a packet in the mail. We'll be back in our Storymakers books the following week!

May we enjoy each other's welcoming friendship, the fun of treats, and the joy of traditions.

Warmly,

Bryn

The Changing Seasons & Indoor/Outdoor Programming

This Sunday Church School will meet in the Upper Parish Hall, as our Bishop Garden dries out from all of this week's (and tomorrow's) rain.

As the fall season continues to cool (and storm!), we will continue the process of discerning where and how to meet as a class. We all LOVE being outside, and we will continue that as feasible on days that are dry and not too cold. We are also making plans for the safest indoor class experience we can create--Upper Parish Hall is a large space with high ceilings, multiple air purifiers, and open windows. Masks that fit securely over the nose are required throughout the entire class. We will also spread out as much as possible. Please confirm with your child that they do not have any illness symptoms before joining us. Thank you!

Last week several of our church schoolers (and helpers) were beginning to feel the chill in the air. The Bishop Garden is shaded, and a bit cooler than you might expect. On outside days, please remember to send your Church Schooler with:

A coat (real coats meant for cold weather)
Covered legs (as the mom of a 3rd grade son, I understand the struggle is real)
Gloves
A snuggly blanket

Please know you are very welcome to email or call Bryn to talk about ideas or concerns as we continue to navigate formation during the pandemic.

Midweek is this Wednesday, November 3!

Please join us this coming Wednesday evening for our Midweek gathering. We'll enjoy dinner together from 6:15 to 7:00pm, and then from 7 to 7:30pm break into age-based groups for a time of faith formation. Adults and teens are invited to the Upper Parish Hall for a Bible Study with Rev. Nick. Children preschool through 7th grade are invited to a time of music and art, held in the Cloister Garden, with Bryn and Craig and their band of amazing helpers.

This week's menu includes:

Chili (with vegetarian option)
Cornbread
Rice
Salad
Cookies

You've noticed how amazingly delicious these church suppers are. Please thank Duane Wallick when you see him--he is sharing his culinary talents and expertise with a wonderful group of volunteers and with all of us. Thank you Duane!

Lots of hands are needed to keep Midweek running. Can you help Tuesday or Wednesday? Sign-up Here.

Thanksgiving Food Drive: Now through November 14!

Epiphany will continue our tradition of celebrating this season of gratitude by contributing to the Council of Social Concern's Thanksgiving food drive. Last year we had a tremendous outpouring. Can we count on you to help again?

A list of suggested food items is below. Local grocery store gift cards in $15, $20, and $30 amounts are also needed so families can buy turkeys and other perishables. Please put gift cards with the amount noted on the card into sealed envelopes.

Bring donations of food and gift cards to the church lobby or Outdoor Worship by Sunday, November 14. Thank you for your support!

Something to Think about As We Talk to Children about God

In Church School last week we thought about the stars and the universe, and the greatness of God our Creator. With that in mind, when I came upon this poem earlier this week, it felt particularly apt. We see God in the greatness of creation and the universe--and also, so very near and deeply woven into this whole world, right where we are.

"The worst thing we ever did

was put God in the sky

out of reach

pulling the divinity

from the leaf,

sifting out the holy from our bones,

insisting God isn’t bursting dazzlement

through everything we’ve made

a hard commitment to see as ordinary,

stripping the sacred from everywhere

to put in a cloud man elsewhere,

prying closeness from your heart.

The worst thing we ever did

was take the dance and the song

out of prayer

made it sit up straight

and cross its legs

removed it of rejoicing

wiped clean its hip sway,

its questions,

its ecstatic yowl,

its tears.

The worst thing we ever did is pretend

God isn’t the easiest thing

in this Universe

available to every soul

in every breath"

~ Chelan Harkin, in poetry book 'Susceptible to Light'

Outdoor Worship for All Ages

Please mark your calendar for all these short, half-hour services of worship in the Cloister Garden. ALL ages and all households are invited for this child-friendly, simple but meaningful time of singing, eucharist, creative prayer, and a homily.

Our Outdoor Worship schedule this fall is:

November 14

November 28

Christmas Fair: A Favorite Tradition for Adults and Kids

Our Christmas Fair is on Saturday, November 20. Please join the fun in Hadley Hall. This is a favorite event for adults and kids, alike. Our Kids Store is an entire space just for kids. In the store, kids shop for Christmas presents, do a few crafts, read (or buy) a book or two, and generally have a great time.

We are still organizing and looking for help. Look for a volunteer Sign Up Genius soon. And please consider donating to the Bake Table, White Elephant, or a Silent Auction item.

If you need ideas or have questions, please contact us.

Thanks and we can't wait to see you on Fair day.

Your Co-Chairs,

Laura Krotky 781 325-2320

Sara Post 617 979-4195

Communion Enrichment: January 22

We will hold our Communion Enrichment program for children in grades 2-4 and their caregivers on Saturday, January 22 from 9:00-11:00am. Please mark your calendars. More information and registration will come in early winter.

A Welcoming Episcopal Community

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