Family Ministries at Epiphany:
Week of September 10, 2023

Our church school is a loving community, ready to welcome your child and walk beside them in their exploration of faith. We embrace a program called Godly Play, a non-didactic approach to wondering with children as we learn about the Christian faith, the Bible, our traditions, and--most importantly--God. Together we hear (and see!) our sacred stories, create art, and make friends. 

Classes for preschoolers through fifth graders are held the second through fifth Sundays of the month, during the 10am service of worship. We have two classes: one for those in preschool through first grade, and one for those in second through fifth grade. 

All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to a start-of-year barbeque on Saturday, September 9. The barbeque begins at 5pm in Arlington. Please contact Rev. Janelle for the address and details. 

Upcoming youth social events

Christmas Movie Night: Sunday, December 17

The Youth Faith Circle is new 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. We begin on September 27.

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. 

Youth Faith Circles Dates

September 27, October 11, October 25, November 8, November 29,

and December 13

This fall we'll combine the support of friends, some excellent books, and the loving presence of God in our new Parent Book Groups.

For parents of infants through upper elementary aged children, we are reading: The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind, by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. 

The Whole Brain Child first book group:

Tuesday, September 19   |   7:30-8:30 PM  |  The Rectory

For parents of tween and teens, we are reading: The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents by Lisa Damour.

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers first book group:

Wednesday, September 27  |  7:30-8:30 PM  |  Suter Room

Midweek @ Epiphany offers a home-cooked (and incredibly delicious) dinner for all ages on Wednesday evenings. Come at 6:15pm for dinner, and stay from 7 to 7:30 for a short, creative, and interactive program of Bible study, art, and music. This is truly an intergenerational experience, with toddlers through teens and adults. 

First & Third Wednesdays

October 4 | October 18 | November 1 | November 15 | December 6 | December 20 | January 3  

Raising children--healthy, happy, responsible children--is not easy, but you're not alone. Join fellow parents along with leaders in the areas of family, child development, and spirituality as we engage in discussions around raising our children and teenagers. Rev. Nick, Dr. Brain Litzenberger (a psychologist who specializes in adolescence, anxiety & depression, parenting, transitions and much more), and Dr. Angelina Hawley-Dolan (PhD in Developmental Psychology and co-founder and Head of School at Aster Montessori) will join us as we think about parent identity, anxiety, growth, and well-being. The Parent Conversation Series is part of our 4th Soil Parenting Project Grant. 

The Chorister choir program at Epiphany is for children with unchanged voices in grades 2-8. This program provides professional musical training to children at no financial cost to parents, in a challenging and fun environment. In addition to making friends and having fun, benefits also include:

Previous musical experience isn’t necessary for admission— choristers will learn everything they need to know at Epiphany. This choir rehearses weekly on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:15 pm; a snack and optional skills session is offered from 4:15-5:00 pm on Wednesdays prior to the rehearsal. The Choristers sing in church at the 10am worship service on the first Sunday of each month (October through June), at the annual Lessons & Carols Service, during the Family Christmas Eve Service, and at other scheduled services and events during the year.

For more information or to arrange a brief vocal evaluation for your child, please reach out to Jeremy, Director of Music at Epiphany.

People of all ages are invited to this wonderful service event, hosted by Winchester Rotary and held at Epiphany in Hadley Hall. Rise Against Hunger packs hundreds of shelf-stable, nutritionally complete meal kits that are shipped overseas. There are jobs for everyone--even small children! Thursday, September 28. You can come between 5 and 8pm.

Sept 9     |   5:00pm     |   Youth BBQ Kick-Off

Sept 10   |   11:15am   |   Rally Day Picnic and Celebration

Sept 12   |   7-8:30pm  |   Church School Volunteer Orientation

Sept 13   |   4:15pm     |   Choristers Optional Skills Session

Sept 13   |   5:00pm     |   Choristers Rehearsal

Sept 17   |   10:00am   |   First Day of Church School

Sept 19   |   7:30pm     |   Parent Book Group: The Whole Brain Child

Sept 20   |   4:15pm     |   Choristers Optional Skills Session

Sept 20   |   5:00pm     |   Choristers Rehearsal

Sept 22-24    |    Parish Weekend Away (retreat) 

Sept 27   |   4:15pm     |   Choristers Optional Skills Session

Sept 27   |   5:00pm     |   Choristers Rehearsal

Sept 27   |   6:15-7:30pm  |   Youth Faith Circle

Sept 27   |   7:30pm     |   Parent Book Group: Emotional Lives of Teenagers

Sept 28   |   5-8pm       |   Rise Against Hunger Service Opportunity

Sept 30   |   evening    |    Youth Laser Tag

Oct 1       |   9:00am     |   Chorister Warm-up

Oct 1       |   10:00am   |   First Sunday Intergenerational Worship

Oct 3       |   7-8pm       |   Parent Conversation Series I

Oct 4       |   4:15pm     |   Choristers Optional Skills Session

Oct 4       |   5:00pm     |   Choristers Rehearsal

Oct 4       |   6:15-7:30pm  |   Midweek: Dinner & Formation

Oct 8       |   10:00am   |   Church School Classes

Oct 11     |   4:15pm     |   Choristers Optional Skills Session

Oct 11     |   5:00pm     |   Choristers Rehearsal

Oct 11     |   6:15-7:30pm  |   Youth Faith Circle

Oct 14     |   5:00pm     |   Family Barbeque @ the Rectory

Oct 15     |   10:00am   |   Church School Classes

Oct 18     |   6:15-7:30pm  |   Midweek: Dinner & Formation

Oct 22     |   10:00am   |   Church School Classes

Oct 22     |   evening    |    Youth Progressive Dinner

Oct 24     |   7-8pm       |   Parent Conversation Series II

Oct 25     |   4:15pm     |   Choristers Optional Skills Session

Oct 25     |   5:00pm     |   Choristers Rehearsal

Oct 25     |   6:15-7:30pm  |   Youth Faith Circle

Oct 29     |    10:00am  |   Church School Classes

Oct 29     |    11:30am  |   Baptism Preparation Luncheon