Last year at this time, we were frantically trying to figure out how to celebrate Epiphany’s 100^th anniversary. The first service held in the building was on January 6, 1921. The Anniversary Committee had been working hard on plans, we were on the bishop’s calendar, and certainly the pandemic wouldn’t go on much longer.

Well, as we all know, it did go on. Bishop Haynes graciously came and recorded a service, as a “historical moment”, joined the Anniversary Committee for dinner, and promised to come back for the 101^st Anniversary, when the pandemic would certainly be a thing of the past. I think I remember the term “variant” being used in the media, but I hadn’t paid that much attention to it. I have now.

I checked with Bishop Haynes by email the other day to make sure she was still willing to join us. She replied that as long as everyone was masked, she was comfortable being with us. In addition, Michelle Risvold wants to be received into the Episcopal Church, and Matthew Risvold wants to be baptized and confirmed. That is a special treat for our parish family that we can’t pass up. So our Epiphany service this year will have a different format than in the past, but it will be a very special service. Bishop Haynes will preach, celebrate, confirm, and received. Julia and/or I will perform Matthew’s baptism. We will still begin in the dark, light the star, light our candles, and bring the magi to the crèche. It will be compressed from past years, but welcoming a new family into the church is a great way to celebrate Epiphany’s 101^st anniversary. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

So please plan to join us on January 6^th at 6:00 pm, and welcome our bishop, and celebrate Michelle and Matthew’s joining our church. And please remember that masks are a requirement for the service and the reception. They are available at the door if you need one. Also note that the loose offering (not in pledge envelopes) goes to the bishop’s discretionary fund. 

The vestry will meet on January 13th. Dinner will be at 6:30 and the meeting will be at 7:00 pm.

Our Epiphany service with Bishop Haynes will be on January 6th, at 6pm with a reception following. Mark your calendar. The reception will be potluck, so please plan to bring a dish and join us as we welcome the bishop. We will also welcome Michelle Risvold and Matthew Risvold as new members of Epiphany.

If you are interested in participating in a choir for the Epiphany service please speak to Joe Ritchie right away. Our next rehearsal will be January 5th at 7pm.

The Wednesday Morning Eucharist services will resume on January 19th at 8am.

Did you get your black eyed peas and hog jowl on January 1st for a healthy and prosperous New Year? I know people who are not from this area think we've lost our minds, but be aware that locals and almost locals take this very seriously. If you did not get your treat, have no fear. We'll have them available Sunday morning for you. If anyone likes to make corn bread, that's also part of the tradition. Try at least one pea. That's all it takes.

Thank you from Julia and Richard for the generous Christmas Purses! It is always appreciated.

January 2, 2022 - Second Sunday After Christmas

January 9, 2022 - First Sunday After the Epiphany

January 16, 2022 - Second Sunday After the Epiphany

January 23, 2022 - Third Sunday After the Epiphany

January 30, 2022 - Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany

A video will be on YouTube, Facebook, and our Web Page a few hours after the Sunday service.

December, 2021

2021 Vestry

2022 Vestry

Each year as our new vestry members take office, I try to thank those who are rotating off the vestry, after serving for three years. This year we saw three very strong member rotate off. Their leadership will be missed

Joyce Williams - Joyce made the mistake many years ago of buying a house two doors down the street from the church. the rest is history. Joyce has served numerous terms on the vestry, and numerous terms as warden. She has been called day and night to help with issues, like flooded basements. Joyce has a gentle wisdon that has been of value to me and the vestry. Fortunately, Joyce is not going anywhere, and has offered to keep an eye on things for us on her daily walks. Bless you Joyce.

Jim Fisher - Jim also has served numerous terms on the vestry, and numerous terms as a warden. Jim's leadership has been a huge asset to the vestry and to me. Jim will continue with the alter guild, and all of the other jobs he carries as well. There is rarely a day that goes by that Jim isn't at church doing something. Jim says he looks foward to returning to the vestry after his mandatory year off and we look foward to his return. Thanks Jim for all you do.

Tommy Gilleland - This was Tommy's first experience with the Vestry and I think he enjoyed it. Very early in his term he had to learn zoom and figure all of that out. But he did it and did it well. Ironically, I've known Tommy since he was a kid, having taught him at the old Willard Jr. High before I went to seminary. Tommy was a good student, and that carried over to the vestry. Tommy is a man of few words, that is sometimes welcome, especially of a vestry. Tommy will continue as an usher and another valuable resource whenever we call on him.

If you are interested in being an Usher, please contact Kathy Moore at kmoore1234@cox.net or phone 757-647-6606