Family Newsletter:

Third Sunday of Lent

Week of March 12, 2023

Family Calendar

Sun, March 12 : Daylight Saving Time: Spring Forward (set clocks ahead 1hr)

Sun, March 12 : 10:00-10:40am : Church School (Story Makers & Godly Play)

Sun, March 12 : 9:45-11:15am : Drop-off Nursery Care for ages 0-3 years

Sun, March 12 : 11:15-12:15 : Exploring our Faith (Youth)

Wed, March 15: 5:15-6:15pm : Choristers Rehearsal (children's choir)

Wed, March 15: 6:15-7:30pm : Midweek Dinner and Formation

Sat, March 18 : 8am-1pm : St. Luke's Community Kitchen volunteering

Sun, March 19 : 10:00-10:40am : Church School (Story Makers & Godly Play)

Sun, March 19 : 9:45-11:15am : Drop-off Nursery Care for ages 0-3 years

Sun, March 19 : 11:15-12:15 : Exploring our Faith (Youth)

Dear Families,

This past week, I had the opportunity to spend a couple days up in the woods, with children's ministry friends from around New England. One of the teachings we experienced was this:

I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us and we change things. (~Mother Teresa)

Certainly a good thought for all of us to meditate on, as Christians. But as a group of teachers, it pushed many of us to consider how we share prayer with children; how we teach prayer or describe prayer to our children.

Often with children, we might ask "what (or who) do you want to prayer for"? It's a traditional and pretty clear-cut way to get children to participate in prayer. After all, we know our young ones are good at asking for help, for stuff, for others. And so, we focus on intercession, and maybe we unintentionally privilege the idea that prayer is nudging God to provide a certain result.

As we pray with our children this Lent, at home and at church, let's keep in mind these words. How are we--how are our children--being changed in prayer? How are we being formed, shaped, grown? And, if we aren't, what do we need to change?

In love,

Bryn

Three Things of Note

Church school: This Sunday, our younger children will explore the parable of the Great Pearl in Godly Play. Our older children will explore Jesus's teachings from the Sermon on the Mount, and spend some time hands-on workshopping. Our nursery will be open for babies and toddlers (through age 3).

Youth forum on discernment: Youth, join the Exploring Our Faith class this Sunday (even if you don't usually come!), for a special forum on discernment. Bethany and Peter (the spouses of our priests) will be there to talk about their vocations and discernment--they are very interesting people who do very important work. 11:15am in the garret.

Midweek: Join us Wednesday evening for a St. Patrick's themed meal and time together in fellowship, liturgy, and hands-on formation. Everyone is welcome!

Youth Forum on Vocation and Discernment

This Sunday, March 12 from 11:15 am – 12:30 pm, all youth (grades 6-12) are invited to join our regular confirmation class time in the Garret for a forum on vocation and discernment. We will be joined by the Rev. Bethany Myers, a palliative care social worker and ordained deacon, and Peter Dickson, a law student who teaches classes inside prisons. They will share how one's professional identity aligns with one's Christian call (vocation) and help youth think about their own emerging sense of vocation.

Midweek: Join us Wednesday for Corned Beef, Fellowship, and Meditation on the Bread of Life

Midweek -- our multigenerational Wednesday evening program -- is this week. Join us at 6:15 for a homecooked meal, followed by formation at 7pm. This week, we'll complete our Lenten series with a focus on Bread and the Table.

Dinner will be a special St. Patrick's Day meal of Corned Beef and Roasted Vegetables. There will be something for everyone!

Midweek runs on everyone pitching in. Can you find a Wednesday to help with setup, cooking, or clean up? Sign up here. Thank you!

Youth Progressive Dinner: March 26

All youth (grades 6-12) are invited to a progressive dinner on March 26 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. We will be going to three different parishioners’ homes around the area. Please RSVP to Rev. Janelle.

St. Luke's Community Kitchen: Opportunity for Families to Serve

Great news for Epiphany parishioners and friends who are interested in volunteering at St. Luke’s–San Lucas Saturday Community Kitchen in Chelsea! After closing for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the soup kitchen will reopen in March! Established in 2009, the Community Kitchen is a partnership between St. Luke’s–San Lucas and four congregations from the Mystic Valley Deanery, including Parish of the Epiphany. Epiphany volunteers can prepare, cook, and serve a hot breakfast or lunch to Chelsea residents on the third Saturday of every month, starting on Saturday, March 18.

To accommodate everyone’s busy schedules, volunteers can sign up to work the 8:00 am – 10:30 am shift or the 10:30 am – 1:00 pm shift. Please know that we welcome family members of all ages (recommended age of 8+). If interested, please click here to sign up. For more information, please contact Claudia Bell.

On Saturday, March 18, Bryn (and her young son) and Rev. Janelle will be there -- there is still space to join us!

Warming Center Clothing Drive

a Great Success

A big thank you to everyone who donated to the Clothing Drive for the Malden Warming Center! Epiphany went above and beyond with plenty of warm coats, winter boots, and sweatshirts. Send a prayer this week for the new owners of these clothing items, that they might be warm both in body and spirit and that we might continue to learn how to better embody solidarity with all our neighbors. Thank you again! - Rev. Janelle

Parish Weekend Away:

Planning Committee

We are planning our next Parish Weekend Away. Would you like to join our planning committee? This committee creates the outline for our time together at the Barbara C Harris Camp this coming September 22-24. We plan workshops, worship, outdoor activities, art, fellowship, and more! We need many types of help (from budgeting to hiking to crafting to snacking). If you are interested in helping, please reach out to Bryn.

Our planning meetings are Sundays, from 7-8pm in the Suter Room.

Childcare for Infants & Toddlers During 10am Worship for Ages 0-3

Our nursery is open! Parents and guardians may drop off their young children -- ages 0-3 years -- in the Dewart Room during the 10am service. Our paid and experienced nursery caregivers will be ready to receive babies and toddlers beginning at 9:45am. Parents and guardians must pick up their children by 11:15am, and must remain in the building at all times.

Children need to be registered in order to be dropped off. This gives us important information about allergies, needs, and who may pick up your child. Please register here:

Nursery Care Registration

Summer Camp at BCH: Registration is Open!

The Barbara C. Harris Episcopal Camp is offering sleepaway camp for those entering grades 4 and older, as well as a fun Family Camp long weekend this summer. Parish of the Epiphany loves BCH!

At least two Epiphany kids are going the week of July 31!

If your child or family would like to sign up for a camp experience this summer, please reach out and let Bryn know. We might be able to help coordinate some of our children's weeks together!

Find out more at BCH's Website: The Barbara C. Harris Camp

Church School Registration

Church School registration is always open! This gives us important information like allergies and opting into/out of photo permissions. We re-register each year to keep our information current. Thank you!

Church School Registration

Mystic River Run

& Our Creation Care Team

The 27th Annual Herring Run and Paddle is coming in May 21, and members of our own Creation Care and Sustainability Group will be participating. This would be fun for families! If you are interested, you can find more information here or email Josh Reynolds, the chair of our Creation Care Committee.