Family Newsletter:

Week of September 25, 2022

Family Calendar

Fri, Sept 23      :   Parish Weekend Away (Day 1)

Sat, Sept 24     :   Parish Weekend Away (Day 2)

Sun, Sept 25    :   Parish Weekend Away (Day 3)

Sun, Sept 25   :   8 & 10:00am  :   Worship (No Church School)

Wed, Sept 28  :  5:15pm  :  Choristers Rehearsal (choir for grades 2-8)

Sun, Oct 01   :   10:00am  :  First Sunday Worship

(all-ages worship together at 10am as formation; no drop-off Church School)

Wed, Oct 05  :   6:15pm  :   Midweek (dinner and formation)

Dear families,

Ah, the September Crush. What an apt term for this time of year. New schools and classes; a tidal wave of sports practices; auditions and curriculum nights. Even just remembering to wash out the kids' water bottles every(other-ish) evening feels harsh coming on the heals of those "lazy, hazy" days of August.

Today, our Parish is off to its first retreat in years and years. 75+ members of this faith community are now checking-in at the Barbara C. Harris Camp in New Hampshire. Part of me thinks it's crazy to hold another thing in September; but a bigger part of me is so excited, so glad my family carved out the space and the commitment to go into the woods, and into loving community, despite the crush of September. If you're joining us, I'm so thankful. If you couldn't make it, know that you'll be missed and we hope you'll mark your calendars for Sept. 22-24, 2023. 

Wherever you are this weekend--soccer game #3 of the day, or canoeing around a lake--I hope you find sabbath, joy, and peace. 

Best wishes,

Bryn


PS. Worship services are still being held at Epiphany this Sunday at 8am and 10am, but there is no church school. We'll see you in First Sunday Worship next week (Oct. 2) and Church School classes the following Sunday (Oct. 9).

First Sunday Worship 

Next Sunday, October 2, is First Sunday Worship.

On First Sundays we invite all ages into intentional intergenerational worship during the 10am service. (This means that we do not break out into Church School classes.)

We will have special roles for children (let Bryn know if your child is interested in being a reader, an usher, or an acolyte!), special materials to help them understand the worship service, specially chosen music, and a time for children to get out of their seats and come forward.

Worshiping together is a gift, and First Sundays are a time to celebrate and learn together. 

Church School: Parent/Family Support 

We ask each family with children in Church School to have a grown up (parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle) volunteer with us one Sunday per trimester to help support our classes. This is a great opportunity to be with your child and see what they are learning, and it helps our amazing Children's Ministry volunteer team to keep our classes supported and running smoothly. Please sign-up for a Sunday HERE. Thank you!

Church School Class Levels

Our two classes--Godly Play and Storymakers--are roughly broken into two age groups, preschoolers through first graders, and second through fifth graders. However, Godly Play is a great program that children of many ages enjoy.

If you have a second grader, please feel welcome to choose either class. Godly Play is a quieter, more choice-based experience. Storymakers is a classroom with a lot of collaboration and energy. Please reach out to Bryn if you'd like to talk more specifically about which class might be the best fit for your second (or even third) grader. 

Church School Registration

If you haven't registered your children for Church School, please take a quick minute to do so. This gives us important information like allergies and opting into (or out of) photo permissions. We re-register each year to keep our information current. Thank you! 

Church School Registration

Youth Kickball: Saturday, Oct 1

Youth (6th-12th grade) and their families are invited to a friendly game of kickball at Ginn Field in Winchester on Saturday, October 1st, from 4-6pm. If you are interested in joining, please email Janelle at jhiroshige@3crowns.org. Hope to see you there!

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

Midweek @ Epiphany Resumes on October 5

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. This fall the children are invited to a time of art, music, and (sometimes!) science as we explore the Christian faith together in a low-key, fun way. Mark your calendar for this fall's Midweek schedule: October 5, October 19, November 2, November 16, and December 7. 

Choristers: This Wednesday Evening

The Chorister choir program at Epiphany is for children entering grades 2-8. Our weekly rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 5:15-6:15pm (a snack and optional skills session will also be offered from 6:15-7:00pm on many Wednesdays). Children will receive professional music theory and vocal training, and will sing in church monthly (on First Sundays). 

This program isn’t just for Epiphany parishioners—children are welcome and encouraged to bring friends along to try out the program. It is perfectly acceptable to try out the program for a few weeks without committing to the entire season. Please reach out to Jeremy Bruns, Director of Music & Organist at jbruns@3crowns.org with any questions.

Important Fall Dates for Families

Sunday, Sept 18  :  10:00am  :  Church School Begins (meets 2nd-5th Sundays)

Sunday, Sept 18  :  5:00pm   :  Word & Table Service (evening worship every 3rd Sunday)

Friday-Sunday, Sept 23-25   :   Parish Retreat Weekend Away (no church school)

Sunday, Oct 2   :   10:00am   :   First Sunday Worship & Formation

Sunday, Oct 2   :   5:00pm   :   Blessing of the Animals Service

Wednesday, Oct 5  :  6:15pm  :  Midweek Dinner & Formation (1st, 3rd Wednesdays)

Sunday, Oct 9   :  10:00am  :  Church School Classes

Sunday, Oct 16  :  10:00am  :  Church School Classes

Sunday, Oct 16   :   11:15am  :  Ciderfest

Wednesday, Oct 19  :  6:15pm   :  Midweek Dinner & Formation

Sunday, Oct 23  :  6:30-8:30pm  :  Epiphany Tunnels/Clock Tower Spooky Ice-Cream Party


Looking ahead:

Saturday, Nov 5  :  7:00-9:00pm  :  Youth Board Game Night

Friday, Dec 9   :   7:00-9:00pm  :   Youth Christmas Movie Night

Saturday, Dec 24  :  4:00pm  :  Christmas Pageant & Christmas Eve Service

Saturday, Jan 21  :  9:00am  :  Communion Enrichment Program (grades 2-5)

Sunday, Jan 22  :  10:00am  :  Communion Enrichment Sunday

Sunday, Feb 12 : 10:00am : Church School's Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Coat 

Bryn Hollenbeck, Director of Children's Ministries and Parish Life: bhollenbeck@3crowsn.org

Janelle Hiroshige, Associate for Youth and Community Partnerships: jhiroshige@3crowns.org

Jeremy Bruns, Director of Music and Organist: jbruns@3crowns.org

Nick Myers, Rector: nmyers@3crowns.org

 

70 Church Street, Winchester, MA  01890
781-729-1922
www.3crowns.org

A WELCOMING COMMUNITY