“What an amazing year this has been for Epiphany!” This was my reaction as I read the annual report and attended the annual meeting last week. I must admit, this reaction was a bit of a surprise as this past year has given us challenges that we never imagined we would face. Confronted with sickness and death, and economic, political and social turmoil, the people of Epiphany have found many ways to continue being the church.
We have found ways to continue worshiping on Sundays and during the week which has helped to keep us grounded. Many people have stepped up to think through how we can safely worship in person again, and the implementation of these ideas is already in the works. Sunday school, choir, bible studies, prayer groups, fellowship, Stephen Ministers, Friends in Deed and Epiphany Visitors have all helped to keep us together as a community. Our mission and outreach projects have continued to make a difference in the world. Our stewardship and financial teams have worked to keep us on sound financial footing. Last, but certainly not least, our Rector search committee found ways to do their work and we have welcomed the Rev. Nick Meyers and his family to Epiphany.
I am grateful that there is much to celebrate, but I also know that all of this work during difficult times has not been easy. I’m sure more than a few of us feel a bit tired. As I pause and think about what comes next, I realize that the flow of our liturgical calendar seems to be perfectly timed as we prepare for the future here at Parish of the Epiphany.
On Sunday, we will close out the season of Epiphany with the Feast of the Transfiguration. At the beginning of Epiphany we saw a star marking the arrival of the Christ Child, the light of the world. In the middle of this season we heard the story of Jesus calling disciples to be "fishers of people." This Sunday we will hear about Jesus going to a mountain with Peter, James and John. While they are there, Jesus begins to shine with bright rays of light and a voice is heard giving us a call to action: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
So how are we, the people of the Parish of the Epiphany, going to answer the call to share the light of Christ with others? It seems to me that the season of Lent gives us the perfect opportunity to explore this question. As we walk through the quiet times of Lent, I hope that we will think and pray about where God might be leading us in our life together. Much hard work has been done, and the future looks bright. The glory of Easter is off in the distance and there will be new and exciting work for all of us to do.
Faithfully,
Craig
