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I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Memorial Fund

Campaign Update

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Calendar 3

Diaper Ministry

Word from the Warden

Bishop Ihloff

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Luminaries

Altar Guild Workshop

Leaf Raking

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Vestry

Fellowship

Sympathy

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Voice from the Pew

Thank You

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Pageant 8

Worship Leaders 9

Days of Blessing 10

Just the Facts 11

F R O M F A T H E R A N D R E W . . .

WHO WE ARE:

The Church of the Epiph-

any is one of 181 parishes

of the Episcopal Diocese

of Virginia, which is one

of 110 dioceses in The

Episcopal Church (USA),

one of 44 member

churches in the worldwide

Anglican Communion.

T H E C H U R C H O F T H E E P I P H A N Y

T H E S T A R December 2018

When you have young children, there are certain things you do a lot of, change diapers, kiss ouchies, lose sleep, and read many, many stories. You read so many of them that you start having favorites; favorite authors, stories and char-acters. One of my personal favorites are the Piggie and Ger-ald books by Mo Willems. They are about two best friends, Gerald an elephant, and Piggie a pig.

A lot of wisdom can be found in these clever and silly little books. For example, the story “Waiting is not Easy”, teaches you that simple fact, that waiting is not easy. This is something we all know too well. I suspect part of the reason might be, that in these modern time, we actually do so little of it. We constantly run from one thing to the next. Con-stantly put one distraction after another in front of our eyes and in our ears.

And that is a shame because even though waiting is not easy, it is necessary. We need some stillness, some si-lence, so that can hear God’s call to us. We need it so that we stop running long enough to allow God to plant his love in our hearts. We need it, so that love can grow, and flour-ish, and transform us.

This advent season, take a page from that children’s book, and wait, even if it is not easy. Because the arrival of Jesus Christ in a humble manger is drawing near. Waiting is not easy, but the gifts from God it can deliver to us, are nothing short of miraculous. Waiting in expectation helps to create a space in ourselves, where Jesus can be born. The gift of waiting brings us ever closer to God, and draws us in-to the miraculous gift that is prepared for all the world.

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The Church of the Epiphany Memorial Fund

In the past, money that was given in memory of someone or in the name of someone, often after a funeral, would be held separately until it could be spent on something appropriate. This often led to the situation of money either not being used, or only partially used, and the remainder be-coming inactive indefinitely.

We have created a new “Memorial Fund” that will pool together all fu-ture memorial gifts. The money will be used for things not normally budget-ed for, with a specific focus on beautifying the worship space and grounds, as well as supporting parish ministries.

With the money pooled together, the Memorial Fund will be a perpet-ual honoring of those whom money has been given in the name of. Family members will be informed when money from the fund is spent, and what it has been used for.

Family members of current gifts have been, or are being, contacted to get their approval on moving those gifts into the new fund.

We believe this will be the best way for The Church of the Epiphany to continually honor and remember our loved ones who have passed. If you have any questions, please feel free to speak with a vestry member or Fa-ther Andrew.

Easter-to-Easter Campaign Update

The Legacy Fund continues to grow each month and we are well on our way to meeting the matching gift of $45,000. As of the middle of No-vember the Legacy Fund stands at $29,430 which is 65% of our goal. The campaign runs from Easter-to-Easter, so there is still plenty of time to get your Legacy donations in to the church. Christmas is a perfect time to donate to the Legacy Fund in memory of a loved one or to be thankful towards someone you truly care about. Thank you for your continued support.

The Finance and Stewardship Committee

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December Parish Calendar

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Diaper Ministry Our Diaper Distribution is going great—thank you to those of you who volun-teered your time —you know who you are and you are greatly appreciated! Our next distribution day is Saturday, December 15 from 10—noon! Sign-up sheet is in the hall outside of the Narthex. Share the knowledge with your community groups, get a diaper drive going, send in coupons…….all dona-tions always welcome!

Word from the Warden

It has been a sad month in our home, Randy lost his mom to pulmonary fibrosis, among other health difficulties. We want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and words of en-couragement over the last several months as Randy went up and down the road to spend as much time with her as he could and take care of his dad along the way. We truly have felt your love and prayers all around us.

We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and look forward to a new year full of faith, hope, love, and laughter for us all!

Karen

Bishop Ihloff will be here! On January 6th we will be visited by Bishop Ihloff. If you are interested in having someone in your family baptized, renew-ing your faith, or formally being received into the Episcopal Church. Please contact Father Andrew to find out more de-tails.

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Adult Education Forum Come join the adult education forum for the Advent and Christmas season. They are using “Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and

Christmas”.

This is a collection of short daily readings for reflec-tion and prayer. Get a copy using Amazon Smile and support the Church of the Epiphany!

All are welcomed!

Leaf Raking Saturday, December 8, from 9—12. Bring your rakes & blowers and help get rid of all the leaves! A chili lunch will be provide.

Altar Guild ALL members need to save the date of Saturday, December 8 at 10:00 am for a meeting and to polish the brass & silver. Yes, we will have donuts and as a special treat we are invited to stay for the ‘chili lunch’ that is being provided for the leaf raking crew.

We urge and want all members to attend!

Lighting Up Christmas Eve

If you are like me, the Christmas Eve service is a highlight of your holi

days. This year, we would like to “light the way” to the service by putting luminaries all along the

drive. To accomplish this, we will need money and volunteers (but don’t we always). If you

would like to volunteer some time to set up/take down the luminaries, please sign up on the table

in the hall way. Set up will be before the 4:00 pm service and take down will be after the 10:30

pm service. If you would like to contribute to this process but are unable to volunteer, you can

contribute money to the Luminaries Fund. Each luminary will cost about 55 cents. If you have

any questions, please call Lauryn Boyd, 804.852.8102. Thank you.

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The ECW would like to

thank all of you who

participated in the Fall

United Thank Offering.

We collected $142.00.

VESTRY MEETING December 18th @ 6:30 pm

Welcome through Baptism on November 4, All Saints Sunday.

Grace Adelynn Hollister, daughter of Palmer & Heather Hollister

David Kipkoech Boswony & Fran-cis Kiprvto Boswony, sons of Au-gustine & Loyce Kiplagat

Thatcher Spencer Norris, son of John & Stephanie Norris

Elizabeth Nicole Nolan, daughter of Nick & Carly Nolan

Thank You, Thank You!

The Thanksgiving Food Box Program was a huge success, thanks to all of you!

We provided 27 boxes that gave a ‘Thanksgiving meal’ to folks who would not have been able to have otherwise.

Again, thank you!

Sympathy The Prayers & Sympathy of the congregation are extended to Randy Holden & family on the death of his mother, Carolyn Holden, on Monday, November 19th.

May her soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Fellowship Activities Lunch Brunch group is cancelling for December!

We will be back to the 3rd Sunday

again in January.

Sunday, January 20 we will be going to

Crazy Greek, 3641 Cox Road.

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Thank You With thanks & love Rosemary & Hugh Rawlins would like to thank the congregation for all their pray-ers, cards, calls and sympathy after the death of his mother, Rita Rawlins.

You all are forever in their hearts!

Voice from the Pew

So, unfortunately, I thought Mom and Dad (Chuck & Dottie) should be the Voice this month. What was I thinking? When asked about their thoughts on their church, Dad said “Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the door, see all the people”. Mom, well, she likes Epiphany because it is such a friend-ly place; and then came this: “I love Easter and Christmas” and “I like Thanksgiving and Halloween” —- I’ll give you three guesses on who said what…

Seriously though, Mom’s most favorite, and special, time is working on the Al-tar Guild and the special relationship that she has with Lauryn and Lucy and the time that they spend together while preparing the church for Sunday ser-vice — so much love and laughter is shared between them on Saturday morn-ing. Mom and Dad came to Epiphany in the mid 1960’s and it is the people of the church, through the years, that have been the sustaining factor for them and the feeling of family that has always been here.

Karen

Time to order Poinsettias!

Please let the office know who they are in memory of or in thanksgiving for. Cost is $15.00. Deadline to order is Tuesday, December 18th.

The ‘Warm-Fuzzy Tree’ is up in the hall and waiting to be decorated with your donations of mittens, caps, gloves, scarves, socks, etc. These items will be given to an organization that provides for the needy. This is an outreach project that we all can participate in. Let’s cover the tree! Deadline for bringing items for the tree is December 16th.

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The Pageant is coming! Practice will be during and after church on Sunday, December 9. We will stay af-ter for pizza, so let Kathy Jimerson or Gail Wood know if you will be staying for practice & pizza.

On Sunday, December 16, children in the pageant need to arrive at 9:45 to get costumes on and practice once more before the Pageant which starts at 10:30. Will serve donuts and juice.

After the Pageant all are invited to the soup & bread luncheon with a special ap-pearance from SANTA!

The Frog Shop will be open on Sunday, December 23. Children will “buy” gifts for parents so any mom/dad gift donations are welcomed. Bring to Lucy’s office and thank you in advance!

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December 16

Advent 3

Altar Guild:

Dottie Strabley, Lucy Whitlock, Lauryn Boyd

8:15 Holy Eucharist

Usher:

Lauryn Boyd

Reader:

Tad Blackburn

10:30 AM—

Holy Eucharist

Ushers:

Team 3: Eddie, George, Cory, Frosine,

Herb

Lessons:

Gray Corbett,

Stacy Mitchell

Prayers:

Stacy Mitchell

Chalice:

Stacy Mitchell,

Buddy Dunn

Acolytes:

Nick Ludwig, Elizabeth Nolan, Ellianna Cloyes,

Kayleigh Gilbert

Greeters:

Scott Blackwell,

Patty White

Nursery:

Gail Wood,

Dwight Ludwig,

Scott Blackwell

December 2 – Advent 1

Altar Guild: Kathy Jimerson, Carol McElhin-ney, Kathy Nicholas

8:15 AM—Holy Eucharist

Usher: Chris Tignor

Reader: Sam Craver

10:30 AM—Holy Eucharist

Ushers: Team 1: Scott, Milton, Palmer, Paul, Brian

Lessons: Gray Corbett, Buddy Dunn

Prayers: Buddy Dunn

Chalice: Stacy Mitchell, Buddy Dunn

Acolytes: Jay Tucker, Avery Craver, Gin-ny Tucker, Will Craver

Greeters: Carol McElhinney, Scott Black-well

Nursery: Gail Wood, Kim White, Mary Sam Abernathy

December 23 - Advent 4

Altar Guild: Jean Riddick, Melba Shumaker, Crystal Sarvay

8:15 AM—Holy Eucharist

Usher: Kim Ruder

Reader: Lauryn Boyd

10:30 AM—Holy Eucharist

Ushers: Team 4: Chuck, Mike, Lee, Kim, Richard

Lessons: Jeri Townley, Jennifer Jefcoats

Prayers: Jennifer Jefcoats

Chalice: B.J. Mills, Gray Corbett

Acolytes: Drew Gilbert, Jason Ludwig, Camryn Whittlesey, Gift Elionai

Greeters: Tad Blackburn, Mary Sam Abernathy

Nursery Gail Wood, Melanie Skinner, Heather Hollister

December 30 — Christmas 1

Altar Guild: Kathy Jimerson, Carol McElhin-ney, Kathy Nicholas

8:15 AM—Holy Eucharist

Usher: Chuck Strabley

Reader: Tad Blackburn

8:15 AM—Holy Eucharist

Ushers: Team 1: Scott, Milton, Palmer, Paul, Brian

Lessons: Randy Holden, Cheri Blackwell

Prayers: Cheri Blackwell

Chalice: Herb Williams, Randy Holden

Acolytes: Will Craver, Avery Craver, Ginny Tucker, Jay Tucker

Greeters: Karen Holden, Laurie McIntosh

Nursery: Gail Wood, Jennifer Jefcoats, Mary Kenyi

Worship Leaders for December

Counter: Karen Holden

December 9 — Advent 2

Altar Guild: Karen & Randy Holden, Cheryl Line-berry

8:15 AM—Holy Eucharist

Usher: Paul Jones

Reader: Lauryn Boyd

10:30 AM—Holy Eucharist

Ushers: Team 2: Brent, Karen, Billy, David, Bob

Lessons: Clement Wani, Jeri Anne Townley

Prayers: Jeri Anne Townley

Chalice: B.J. Mills, Randy Holden

Acolytes: Logan Abernathy, Eric Ludwig, Sam Tucker, Austin White

Greeters: Carol Campus, Clement Wani

Nursery: Gail Wood, Patty White, Christine

Couturier, Loyce Kiplagat

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Those who are ill or have special needs:Those who are ill or have special needs:

New to the Prayer List: Robert Powell, Sr.— Lauryn Boyd’s cousin

Parishioners: Dottie Strabley, Mike Young, Lydia Callaway, Bob Jimerson, Chuck Strabley, Irene Morris, Chip

Dunn

Homebound: Sarah Fore, Ray Hampton, Dot Hudson, Charlotte Lovelace, Jackie Martin, Connie Neal, Ina

Stickel, Juliet Wynne;

Family & Friends: Dave Holsapple—Stacy Mitchells friend, Sawyer Perkins—friend of Maura & Cora Whit-

lock, Andy Holden—Randy Holden’s Dad, Jim Selfe—friend of Gray Corbett, Bucky Turner—friend of Jenn

Whitlock, Ritchie Wasiluk—brother of Susie Wasiluk, Geoffrey Gonyo—friend of Jay & Sam Tucker, Hope

Lineberry—Cheryl Lineberry’s granddaughter, Robert Hoffert—Diana Stone’s Dad, Jean Payne—Juliet

Wynne’s daughter, Richard Adams—friend of Karen Holden, John Bryden—friend of Father Andrew, Robert

Powell, Sr.— Lauryn Boyd’s cousin.

Those Serving in the Armed Forces especially: Benjamin Hoffert, Patrick Lineberry, Caitlin Mitchell Wurster,

Bryan Murphy, Billy Tucker, Andrew Smith and Tyler Watts.

Those expecting a Child: Grant & Rachel Johnson Haywood, Russell & Elizabeth Jennette

Prayers for the Departed: Carolyn Holden—Randy Holden’s mother

Standing in the Need of Standing in the Need of PrayerPrayer

Happy Birthday

Dec. 1 Sandy Ruder Cora Ann Whitlock

Pierce Carter Mitchell

Mick Whittlesey

Dec. 3 Tad Blackburn

Dec. 6 Hunter Mitchell

Dec. 8 Rachel Young

Eli Nicholas Back

Dec. 10 Chris Tignor

Grace Gabriella Schulte

Dec. 12 Tim Shephard

Vivien Mitchell

Dec. 15 Drew Gilbert

Dec. 19 Diana Stone

Linda Whitlock

Dec. 20 Emma Blackburn

Dec. 23 Hope Marie Schulte

Dec. 25 Nancy Sonne

Dec. 28 Christine Williams

Dec. 30 Hana Elionai

Noel Elionai

Dec. 31 Ava Whittlesey

Happy Anniversary

Dec. 6 Marty & Vivien Mitchell

Dec. 19 Randy & Nancy Tucker

Dec. 27 Cory & Jessica Isemann

Dec. 30 Chris & Sandy Tignor

Gray & Frosine Corbett

Days of Blessing in December!Days of Blessing in December!

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Just the Facts:

Leadership and Contact Information at

Church of the Epiphany

Office address: 8000 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA 23228 Phone: 804-266-2503 inquiry@epiphanyepiscopal.com

Father Andrew Reinholz, Rector 804 266-2503 office (Pastoral care) 1 610-780-1420 (cell)

Lucy Whitlock, Office Administrator lucy.whitlock@epiphanyepiscopal.com

Anita Williams, Music Director

Timon Kenyi, Sexton

Vestry

Karen Holden, Senior Warden

Mary Sam Abernathy, Junior Warden

Marty Shephard, Treasurer

Tad Blackburn, Register

Mary Sam Abernathy (2018) Scott Blackwell (2018)

Carol Campus (2018)

Karen Holden (2019) Clement Wani (2019)

Patty White (2019)

Tad Blackburn (2020) Carol McElhinney (2020)

Laurie McIntosh (2020)

Office Hours :

Lucy is in the office Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9 am to 2 pm.

Call before stopping by to make sure someone is here to let you in.

May the light of God’s blessing, like the Epiphany star, always guide

you on the path toward Him.