www.EpiphanyGuntersville.org

Editor, Rusty Ogden

April 2017

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 1101 Sunset Drive P. O. Box 116 Guntersville, AL 35976

MAUNDY THURSDAY/GOOD FRIDAY PRAYER VIGIL The Daughters of the King are sponsoring a Lenten Prayer Vigil which will begin at 9:00 p.m. April 13 and ends at noon before the Good Friday service begins. Bryce and Cheri Blair will be in the church all night with coffee. A signup sheet is posted by the Nave. Please sign up for 30 minutes or more.

THE RECONCILIATION OF A PENITENT: PRIVATE CONFESSION

Good Friday is the day of the year when the Rector offers private confession by appointment. While the service of "Reconciliation of A Penitent" (BCP p. 447) is open to anyone at any time, Good Friday is an especially appropriate moment for confession, re-pentance, and absolution.

Please make contact with Fr. Aaron for an appointment if you wish to take part in this sacrament on Good Friday, April 14th.

The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday April 9

The Liturgy of the Palms 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Living Stations of the Cross rehearsal 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday in Holy Week April 12

Living Stations of the Cross 6:00 p.m.

Maundy Thursday April 13

The Holy Eucharist with Footwashing 6:00 p.m. (footwashing optional)

Good Friday April 14

The Good Friday Liturgy 12:00N and 6:00 p.m.

Holy Saturday April 15

The Great Vigil of Easter Celebration of Light/First Eucharist of Easter 6:00 p.m.

The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day April 16

Holy Eucharist 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast for Easter Egg Hunt 8:45 a.m.

Easter Egg Hunt 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:30 a.m. Easter Sunday Reception

immediately after the 10:30 a.m. service.

FLOWERING OF THE CROSS Easter Morning April 16, 10:30am

Spring flowers represent new life after the dead of winter. Flow-ering of the Cross on Easter morning is a visual symbol of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. All are invited to flower the cross during Holy Communion on Easter morning at the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. Please bring a flower or two to add to the cross. Flowers should have narrow stems and be cut to no long-er than four inches.

LIVING STATIONS OF THE CROSS Wednesday April 12, 6:00pm

We will gather at the church then process to the Sunset Drive walking trail to walk the “Way of the Cross” (found in The Book of Occasional Services, p. 57). This service follows the Stations of the Cross which are living renditions of the passion of Jesus. There are fourteen stations in all, which encompass events from the trial at Pilate’s home, through the walk to Golgotha, the cruci-fixion, and finally to the sealing of the tomb. The service includes a pause at each station, readings and prayers, and a moment of silent reflection and meditation. It is a powerful and moving ser-vice – please consider serving as one of the “still life” actors in this event. There is a sign up sheet on the nave bulletin board.

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WE NEED YOU! WE NEED YOU!

Our Front Desk Office Volunteers work from 10am-2pm Monday through Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Friday. We are a special group of dedicated ladies that enjoy being in our church office to meet and greet visitors, plus provide office support to Father Aaron and our office staff. We could use a few extra ladies (or men). Please pray about it, and if you feel God is leading you to become a part of this ministry, contact our Volunteer Coordina-tor, Gloria Kilner via email egkilner@yahoo.com

MOTHER’S DAY ALTAR FLOWER DEDICATIONS

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14, and the Altar Guild is taking dedications for that Sunday’s bulletin.

This dedication is a beautiful way to remember those women who mean so much to us; wife, mother, grandmothers, sister, a favorite aunt, or a special friend.

A dedication form is on the counter in the church office. Each dedication is $5.00.

The Altar Guild is meeting at 8:00 a,m, Saturday, April 8th, in Sanderson Hall, to make Palm Crosses for Palm Sunday. All are invited!

EPIPHANY will Saturday, April 22, from 10:00 a.m. - Noon

Be part of the Outreach Ministry Team as we come to-gether to prepare 10,000 nutritious meals to feed hun-gry families around the world. And we will have coffee, water and donuts for our work-ers! Check this video to see how our dedicated team will accomplish this needed Outreach project.

click on this video.

Join us Sunday, April 2, for breakfast or the Coffee Hour after the 10:30 service hosted by the Outreach Minis-try. You will be able to sign-up for Rise Against Hunger. Your continued support of the Outreach Nook for collec-tion of food, used eyeglasses, and coupons is greatly appreciated and is "making a difference"! The Epiphany Food Pantry needs the following items.

Small Plastic Jars of Jelly, Cereal Spaghetti, Canned Spaghetti Sauce

Holy One Golf Tournament 2017

Our annual golf tournament is fast approaching! The tournament is scheduled for April 29th at Gunter’s Landing. Registration and lunch begins at noon with a shotgun tee off at 1pm. We have had a good response from hole sponsors and teams playing in the tournament. We hope to have a great turnout! Please consider participating as a sponsor or player to help make this a successful tournament. Please contact Jim McAllister at 256-302-3890 or the church office at 256-582-4897.

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A Pilgrimage in Place

As we look forward to the end of Lent and the coming of Holy Week and Easter, allow me to recommend one of my favorite movies: The Way, directed by Emilio Estevez and starring his father, Martin Sheen.

This film tells the story of the fraught and difficult relationship between an adult son and his widowed father. Much to his father’s chagrin, the son decides to leave his graduate school path to go on a pilgrimage. He chooses the “Way of St. James,” a pilgrimage route that takes various paths from across Europe to end up at the Cathedral of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Many of our own parishioners know about this journey, having visited Santiago just last year.

What follows is a SPOILER ALERT, although not much of one. At the very beginning of his pilgrimage, the son is caught in a storm and killed. The bulk of the movie involves the father picking up on the same path in order to grieve his son’s death and also to find his own way. It is a pilgrimage of heart, soul, and feet.

Throughout Christian history, pilgrimage has remained an important expression of faith for many believers. For some, the inward, spiritual, metaphorical journey must take on physical expression out in the world. It is manifested through setting foot to road in the form of an actual journey. A pilgrimage becomes an opportunity for pilgrims to engage and connect more deeply with their faith. The same is true for religious peoples all over the world.

Pilgrims the world over often take such a journey because they recognize that something is missing from their spiritual lives (or, at the very least, that something is not fully complete). It may even be true for some that many pilgrimages are tak-en because some believers recognize that something is broken within themselves. The pilgrimage journey offers an opportunity for healing.

During the season of Lent, we have had an opportunity to take a “pilgrimage in place.” We set aside this season for penitence, fasting, self-examination and self-discipline. It is an important opportunity to walk in the way of Jesus, learning for ourselves what is important and what God has planned for us. We make this journey to Holy Week and Easter together, confident that Christ is with us every step of the way.

I look forward to continuing our Lenten journey together as a parish community. During Holy Week, we will have the opportunity to gather for several “stops” on our shared pilgrimage.

On Wednesday of that week, we will share in “The Way of the Cross,” a powerful rite that follows Jesus to his crucifixion. On Maundy Thursday, we will commemo-rate the Last Supper. And on Good Friday, we will stand at the foot of the cross and remember Jesus’ gift of himself for all our sakes. Our pilgrimage culminates with the first celebration of Easter at the Great Vigil on Holy Saturday night.

Join us this Holy Week for the holiest pilgrimage of them all – a (sometimes diffi-cult) journey with Christ that ends with rejoicing: the resurrection to eternal life.

Blessings & Peace, Fr. Aaron+ Lent, 2017

Senior Warden—Sam Harrison Junior Warden—Rick Cooley

2017 Vestry Liaisons

Building & Grounds

Rick Cooley Sam Harrison

Ray Klaver Christian Outreach & Service

Rick Cooley Jack Frost

Sam Harrison Faith Formation

Jackie Camper Tiffany Martin Jan Maxwell

Fellowship Grant Armstrong

Dave Burks Jan Maxwell Kitchen Dave Burks

Tiffany Martin Memorial Garden

Sam Harrison Office and Communication

Doug Cooke Jack Frost

Sara Hembree Tiffany Martin

Pastoral Care Dave Burks

Jackie Camper Tiffany Martin

Stewardship Dave Burks Ray Klaver

Jan Maxwell Worship

Grant Armstrong Doug Cooke

Sara Hembree

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GRADUATION SUNDAY May 14, 2017

We will be offering prayers for members who are graduating from high school, college or other certification programs. If you have family members that will be graduating this spring, please send their full name, their degree/major and the school they will be attending or are receiving their degree from to Shelly Hardin at EpiphanyYouth@EpiphanyGuntersville.org by May 7th.

New Date for the Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Sunday, April 16th 9:30 a.m.

Remember those cute pictures in your Easter dress or suit holding your Easter basket full of eggs? Well, we plan to recreate that scene on Easter morning during our annual Easter egg hunt! Chil-dren, toddler through 5th grade, are invited to hunt for candy filled eggs. Children will hunt the eggs in different areas based on their age. Prizes will be awarded to those who find the golden egg in each age group.

Easter Candy

It’s not too late to donate Easter candy. Please con-sider donating a bag or two of candy for the Easter egg hunt. Each piece of candy should be individual-ly wrapped and small enough to fit inside a plastic egg. Candy can be placed in the bins marked “Easter candy” in the church office and Sanderson Hall. Thank you!

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT April 21 6:00p.m. – 9:00p.m.

Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) will be hosting a parent’s night out. Jr. and Sr. EYC youth and some adult helpers will provide childcare so parents can have a few hours to themselves. The nursery will be staffed for children infant through 4yrs. A light meal and a snack will be served. There will be games and an out-door movie (weather permitting).

YOUTH LOCK-IN April 21, 9:00p.m. until Noon on April 22

Following the parent’s night out, Jr. & Sr. EYC members will spend the evening together preparing the prayers of the people for youth Sunday, playing some fun games and enjoying a movie before hitting the hay. We will rise bright and early the next morning to participate in the Rise Against Hunger event.

Weekly Sunday School – Sundays 9:30a.m. 6th & 7th grades – Youth Loft Woodall Commons 8th – 12th grades – Library

Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) – Wednesdays 6:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. 6th & 7th grades – Youth Loft Woodall Commons 8th – 12th grades – Library Sr. EYC – Sundays 5:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. 8th – 12th grades – Youth Loft Woodall Commons

April 9 – Stations of the Cross rehearsal, 5:00p.m. (Jr. & Sr. EYC) 12 – Stations of the Cross, 6:00p.m. (Youth arrive at 5:30p.m.) 15 – Easter Vigil, 6:00p.m. (Youth prepare new fire at 4:30p.m.) 16 – Easter Egg Hunt, 9:30a.m. (Youth set up at 8:00a.m.) No EYC (Easter Sunday) 21 – Parent’s Night out 6:00p.m. – 9:00p.m. and Jr. & Sr. EYC lock-in 22 – Rise Up Against Hunger, 10:00a.m. 23 – No EYC 29 – Holy One Golf Tournament (youth to help put out sponsor signs, putting contest, door prizes)

Mark Your Calendars for May Events 14 – Youth Sunday

21 – End of program year party

Healthy Thoughts: Be Still “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) Have you ever noticed how many times, in the course of the week, someone tells you to, “Be still” or, “Hold still just a moment”? Maybe you’ve heard a nurse tell you, “Hold still,” right before you get your flu shot. Hair dressers and barbers must say, “Be still,” a hundred times a day, in the course of trim-ming bangs and necklines. In contrast, how often do you tell someone to, “Be still?” if you spend any time with small children, you have probably said, “Be still,” more times than you can count! Why do we hear this and say this so often? One possibility is the frantic pace of our days. Given the choice, it is much easier to go with the flow and move and make noise than to settle down and quiet ourselves. When we say or hear, “Be still,” what we truly mean is to stop what you are doing or saying and prepare for what is coming next. In the case of the flu shot, your stillness is preparing you for something that could be slightly unpleasant. Luckily, we can also stop and prepare for the good things in our lives! Throughout the course of the day, in the midst of all the vibration of energy and motion, God is trying to talk to us. Unfortunately, if we are constantly in motion, always trying to go here, get this done, etc., there is no space for his message. Remember, there are countless ways in which God tries to communicate his message, and we must seek out ways to make ourselves open for his words. One of the beautiful ways God speaks to us is through the Psalms, and Psalm 46:10 invites us to “Be still.” Reading Psalms is one of the many ways God invites us to slow down enough to receive what He has chosen for us, though being still doesn’t always guarantee a feeling of initial peace or calm. When being still causes us to face things in our lives that are difficult or painful, God reassures us He is here, He is in charge, and He wants to be the center of our life, stating, “And know that I am God.” How do we slow down? It is challenging to slow down and reach that still, quiet place within. Most people don’t get it on the first try, so do your best to be patient and keep trying. Turn off your phone and any other electronic devices. Computers and television do not encourage

true stillness of the mind and spirit. Sit down in a quiet, private place. Some people have a place at home, while others prefer to be

outside in nature. Find a place that feels good to you! Start out small, and try to be quiet for five minutes each day. Don’t worry if your mind races. Gen-

tly notice your thoughts and return to quiet. Keep practicing by adding five additional minutes a week. It will get easier the more you practice,

and soon you will be able to remain still for longer periods of time. Ask God to help you.

This type of stillness will prepare you for what comes next. And whatever that is, God will find you there. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Provided by ERH Parish Health Ministry

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CHANGES IN 2017 ANNUAL BUDGET

For those who haven’t yet looked closely at Epiphany’s 2017 budget, there have been some changes in the way the needs of the church and our outreach to the local community are being addressed this year. These changes were brought about by the shortfalls experienced in 2016, and the need to get away from depending on fundraisers to “balance the budget”. As a result, the numerous fundraisers were removed from the budget, as were the budget line items for outreach ministry and the Rector’s Discretionary Fund (RDF). The Outreach Ministry will be funded directly from the net proceeds of the Annual Live Auction, as well as other fundraiser proceeds that may be designated by the Vestry.

The RDF, also known as “alms for the poor”, is now supported with loose plate offerings from the first Sunday of each month, as well as designated gifts. While designated gifts to the RDF have always been an option, there is a greater need because there are no longer funds being budgeted for this purpose.

The RDF is administered by Father Aaron, and is a direct, personal part of his ministry. In accordance with the Episcopal Church Canons, and a Vestry Resolution enacted in 2015, the RDF is reconciled monthly by either the treasurer or the senior warden, and is audited annually. Strict confidentiality is maintained as to the charitable uses for which it is used. It is not a fund for the priest’s personal use but for the special needs that arise out of the life of the congregation and community. Please be generous with your cash contributions on the first Sunday. Donations by check should be made out to “The Church of the Epiphany” and designated Discretionary Fund.

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CODE: CC—Children’s Church; DOK—Daughters of the King; EYC—Episcopal Youth Community; HE—Holy Eucharist;

Men’s B&B—Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study; SS—Sunday School; VYP—Very Young Persons; Birthdays

We are saddened by the death of Arlyne Black’s sister-in-law, Paula Jacobsen, of Arizona.. The Epiphany family extends our sympathy, love, prayers and support to Arlyne and her family.

We are saddened by the death, March 21, of one of our members, Ray Werden. The Epiphany family extends our sympathy, love, prayers and support to his wife, Eleanor, and their family.

We are saddened by the death, March 26, of one of our members, Rusty Chorba. The Epiphany family extends our sympathy, love, prayers and support to Jody & Cindy Chorba and their families.

Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord. And let light perpetual shine upon them.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

Martha Ross

2 HE 8 & 10:30am Breakfast 8;45am

Nursery & SS 9:30am Lectionary 9:30am

CC 10:30am Sr. EYC 5pm

3 Mon. Morn. Book

Club 10am EfM 6pm

4 Golf Tournament Team mtg. 6pm

5 Service of Healing

11:30 Holy Eucharist

5:30pm Nursery 5:30pm

Dinner 6pm Programs 6:30pm

Jr. & Sr. EYC

6 Ray Werden visita-

tion at Carr 3pm Mem. Serv. 5pm

Lamar Auman Giselle Hembree

7 Men’s B&B 8am

Cindy Chorba Jackson Moore

8 Brotherhood 8am

Altar Guild making palm crosses 8am Beans & Rice

10am

Amy Meredith

9 Palm Sunday

HE 8 & 10:30am Breakfast 8;45am

Nursery & SS 9:30am Lectionary 9:30am Outreach 9:30am

CC 10:30am Sr. EYC 5pm

Stations of the Cross Rehearsal 5pm

Rita Winters

10 Mon. Morn. Book

Club10am DOK 11:30am

Deadline to order Easter flowers

EfM 6pm

11 Buildings &

Grounds 6pm

Kathy Cooke

12 Service of Healing

11:30 Living Stations of

the Cross 6pm

Bob Hembree

13 Maundy Thursday

Service 6pm Prayer Vigil 9pm

14 Good Friday

Men’s B&B 8am Prayer Vigil ends

12N Good Friday

Service 12 N & 6pm

15 Holy Saturday Vigil of Easter Service 6pm

Keyara Bowling

16 Easter Day

HE 8 & 10:30am Cont. Break. 8:45am Easter Egg Hunt 9:30

Nursery 10:15am Easter Reception 12N

Sid Ross

Lee Towles

17 OFFICE CLOSED

EfM 6pm

18 Vestry 6:30pm

Haley Gates

19 Service of Healing

11:30 Holy Eucharist

5:30pm Nursery 5:30pm

Dinner 6pm Programs 6:30pm

Jr. & Sr. EYC 6:30pm

20 Ministry Council

mtg. 6pm

21 Men’s B&B 8am Parent’s night out 6pm—9pm

EYC lock-in 9pm

22 Brotherhood 8am Rise Against Hun-

ger 9am—12N

23 Stewardship of

Creation Sunday HE 8 & 10:30am Breakfast 8;45am

Nursery & SS 9:30am Lectionary 9:30am

CC 10:30am

24 Mon. Morn. Book

Club10am DOK 11:30am

EfM 6pm

25

Jerry Ann Holt

26 Service of Healing

11:30 Evening Prayer

5:30pm Nursery 5:30pm

Dinner 6pm Programs 6:30pm

Jr. & Sr. EYC 6:30pm

27

Dawn Alves Hootie Woodall

28

Sherry Mayberry

29 Holy-One Golf

Tournament 12N

30 HE 8 & 10:30am Breakfast 8;45am

Nursery & SS 9:30am Lectionary 9:30am

CC 10:30am Sr. EYC 5pm Ultreya 6pm Scott Beard

Vestry Person of the Month—Doug Cooke—256-582-4061