EPIPHANY STAR. August, Women s Retreat. Monday Morning Book Study HEALING PRAYER, JOYFUL FELLOWSHIP

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1 EPIPHANY STAR Episcopal Church of the Epiphany Sunset Drive P. O. Box 116 Guntersville, AL August, 2018 HEALING PRAYER, JOYFUL FELLOWSHIP The mid-day healing service will resume Wednesday, August 1st at 11:30a.m. This is a short and comforting service which offers each of us the opportunity to ask God's healing power for ourselves, our families, our friends, our communities, and our nation. The service includes a celebration of Holy Communion. After the service everyone is invited to join together and share lunch in the Heritage Room. So please bring a brown bag lunch and join us to create some "joyful fellowship! Monday Morning Book Study The Monday Morning Book Study will reconvene September 10th. Our next title is Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe. From Amazon: Take a journey through The Book of Common Prayer, the Christian life, and basic beliefs of our faith, guided by two Episcopal priests. Walk through the liturgical year, the sacraments of the church, habits of daily prayer, and the teachings of Anglican Christianity. See how our prayer shapes our belief and our lives and how our beliefs lead us into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. We look forward to seeing everyone. The choir requests that those who use the Choir/Heritage Room for gatherings to please put the room back as you find it. Also, if you find spiral bound Alleluia III books, please return them to the choir room. We are grateful for your prayers and support. Women s Retreat A Women s Retreat entitled Life Lessons from Women in the Bible and from Female Saints of the Church will be led by The Reverend Jennifer Riddle on August 10-11, The retreat will be held at St. Joseph s-on-the -Mountain in Mentone, and lodging will be at the Historic Mentone Inn Bed and Breakfast next door to the church. Dinner on Friday night will be Dutch treat at the Green Leaf Grill, one of the best restaurants in Mentone. Centering Prayer will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning August 1st. Join us for the kick-off of Wednesday evening activities with our God s Generous Gifts Dinner, on Wednesday, August 8th. We will gather to celebrate the many gifts of ministry we enjoy here at Epiphany. Dinner is served at 6:00pm, followed by an outdoor Eucharist on the Woodall Commons patio. We will conclude the evening with ice cream for dessert.

2 Epiphany Star Page 2 As the month of August has arrived, I bring you greetings from Camp McDowell, where I spent the last week of July. It was my privilege to serve as Session Director and Chaplain at the Bethany s Kids Inclusion Camp. I am proud to say that Epiphany was well-represented. Members of our parish served as adult staff, youth staff, youth helpers, special caregivers, and music ministers. Additionally, several of our young people came as campers. Bethany s Kids is now in its fourth year, and is a unique summer camp experience for all involved. The campers who attend are both typical young people as well as those with special needs. When all these children are gathered together, their so-called differences just melt away. They all become, quite simply, campers. The beauty of our expanded portion of Camp McDowell known as Bethany Village is that it was built with full accessibility in mind. The facilities are well-equipped to handle the needs of almost anyone with full access to the pool, the restrooms, and the cabins. Our theme for the week was titled The Kingdom, and we spent our time learning about what Jesus had to say about the kingdom of God. You may remember from the Gospel story that Jesus was committed to sharing the good news of God s kingdom throughout his time and ministry on earth. Our job at camp was to be on the lookout for signs of God s kingdom. I am happy to report that those signs were abundant! The joy and love that were shared among all those who attended camp was a beautiful thing to behold. It was my privilege to serve at this session, now for my third consecutive year. I grew up both attending and working at a summer camp in North Carolina (eleven summers in all). I can still trace many of my longest-lasting friendships back to those years at camp. So it is a distinct joy to be a part of the work at Camp McDowell now, where these young people are making friends and making memories. As the school year begins shortly and all the activities at Epiphany are ramping back up, I find myself energized and hopeful. That is due in no small part to my experience of this summer. I will take a great measure of the joy and love of summer camp with me throughout the year. I am especially thankful that my work at Epiphany allows me the time to participate in this vital ministry. August marks a time to look to the future with anticipation and hope. I pray everyone had a refreshing and renewing experience this summer, and I look forward to what the fall months will bring! Blessings & Peace, Father Aaron+ VESTRY LIAISONS Sr. Warden-Rick Cooley Jr. Warden-Marsha Babb Building & Grounds Rick Cooley Melanie Dorman Ray Klaver Faith Formation Jackie Camper Sam Harrison Tiffany Martin Parish Life Marsha Babb Jackie Camper Tiffany Martin Kitchen Melanie Dorman Ray Klaver Tiffany Martin Memorial Garden Melanie Dorman Sam Harrison Ray Klaver Office and Communication Marsha Babb Doug Cooke Jack Frost Rosalind Hall Outreach Rick Colley Jack Frost Jan Maxwell Pastoral Care Jackie Camper Doug Cooke Jack Frost Stewardship Marsha Babb Sam Harrison Jan Maxwell Worship Jackie Camper Doug Cooke Jan Maxwell

3 Epiphany Star Page 3 THE MANY HUES OF THE ALTAR PARTY Will YOU serve at the altar? Who Me, serve at the altar? I could never do that. I m not worthy. What about my children, who would sit with them or where would they go during the service? I m sure there is someone more qualified to do that. These are all things that went through my mind when I was approached about serving at the altar many years ago. Then came the fear of what if I forget something I m suppose to do while serving? What if I say the wrong thing, sit in the wrong place? Or just plain mess up. Everyone will be looking at me. Luckily, I didn t talk myself out of it and have found the altar to be welcoming and inviting. My only regret is that I wish I had started sooner. My experience of serving at the altar has been very humbling and gives me great joy. Yes, there are tasks to do and procedures to follow BUT it is so much more. When I put my alb on each time I am reminded of those who came before me. Father Joe Sanderson s alb is the one that I use now and there are a few pen marks on the left sleeve that I refuse to bleach out because it reminds me to remember all the saints and people who came before us. As I put the cross over my head and tie my cincture I am reminded of Christ and what binds us together. During our processional the song carries me to the altar and peace rushes over me as I bow to the cross. I find myself admiring the stain glass while I meditate on the words of the service. Where else can you admire the stain glass that is so beautiful in the back of the Nave? The many colors of the glass remind me of all the people who worship our Lord, there are different shapes, colors and the light plays with them having the reflection being different depending on the season just like all of us in the pews. Each color and each shape can not stand alone, they need each other to complete the beautiful image as we need each other to have a church. I must admit my favorite stain glass is the butterfly which represents new life which we are all given through Christ our Lord just for the asking. The beautiful yellow color of the wings reminds me that there is always hope. Spending my time at the altar has helped me to realize that we are all precious to God. I love to see everyone come to the table of our Lord & receive the sacrament, especially the children. The many ways to take communion reminds me of how wonderful and accepting our Lord is and how our church welcomes and includes each of us no matter our differences. I am also reminded of those who came before us and those who will come after to receive communion at our altar. Being able to serve reminds me that we are in his together and can t do it alone, we need each other. Sure, Father Aaron could do the service by himself but he would look pretty funny trying to carry the Cross, Gospel Book, 2 Torches and his prayer book down during the processional while singing the opening song & would probably have a hard time doing it all alone not to mention he would get worn out trying to juggle it all. He needs us to see the worship through and every person has a crucial part of the service who serve. I love this about our church. Just like the stain glass windows, one colorful piece does not complete the space, it takes many pieces to make it whole. We each are that piece and together we are colorful and beautiful. My faith has become more clear each opportunity that I get to serve at the altar. I hope that my perspective will lead you to prayerfully consider spending some of your worship time with us at the altar and that you will get to experience the stain glass window that is in the back of the Nave and see the light bounce around the room as we sing a joyful noise. I hope you will join us Sunday, August 5th at 9:15 sharp in the Nave for a informational meeting and a refresher about the Altar Party and all the different pieces that go together to make our light shine through. If you can serve one Sunday a month I believe you will see the church through different shades of light. If you have questions or plan to attend please let me know by texting, calling, ing or in person. With Great Reflection- Tiffany Martin Epiphany s Acolyte Master momstr@icloud.com

4 Epiphany Star Page 4 August 5, 10:30 a.m. Children, youth and teachers will be heading back to school soon! Please join us for our blessing of the backpacks where we will ask God s blessing for our children, youth, teachers and parents as we resume our school routines and some start new school routines. Bring your school backpacks or other bags used at school. August 25, 8:30 a.m. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC grades 6-12) is going kayaking! We will spend the day on smooth flowing Wills Creek The cost is $20/youth. Cost includes kayak rental and equipment. What to bring: Sack lunch (drinks will be provided), hat, sunscreen, towel. Wear clothes that can get wet and bring a change of clothes. Tennis shoes that can get wet, water shoes or sandals with a heel strap. Registration forms available during EYC Looking for a way to serve? Would you like to meet some of our young people? Providing a meal for EYC is a way to do both! Spaghetti, chilli, casseroles, sub sandwiches, tacos, wings and more are all good options. Please refrain from pizza as pizza is our last minute go-to meal in the event a meal is not provided. We invite you to join us for the meal and our planned activity. If cooking is not your thing but you would like to help, please donate $40 to EYC to help us purchase food to prepare a meal (be sure to note EYC meal in the memo area of your check). Please sign up here Please contact Shelly Hardin EpiphanyYouth@EpiphanyGuntersville.org if you have questions.

5 Epiphany Star Page 5 9:30 a.m. 10:15 a.m. Sunday mornings Room Children in Kindergarten through 5 th grades Weaving God s Promises, curriculum written for the Episcopal Church will be used to: 1. Teach children how God s promises of salvation are woven into our lives. 2. Teach children the way of Christ, not only in the church but also in the world as Christ s ambassadors. 3. Give children a solid grounding for future youth and high school formation programs, which prepares them for Christian adulthood. 4. Foster the spiritual formation and growth of our children in Christ s love and mercy and to teach the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) give youth in 6th through 12th grades come together to share a meal, spiritual formation and fun! We participate in community outreach, go off-campus for fun fellowship and join other Episcopal youth during diocesan activities. Jr. EYC comprises 6th - 8th grade youth and Sr. EYC comprises 9th - 12th grade youth. Jr. & Sr. EYC will meet together unless otherwise noted. Please join us! Sundays 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. EYC meets in the Youth Loft in Woodall Commons Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist in the nave 6:00 p.m. dinner in Sanderson Hall 6:30 p.m. EYC meets in the Youth Loft in Woodall Commons Youth Loft in Woodall Commons - youth in 6t h through 12th grades Re:Form, a youth ministry program of lessons that tackle questions about the Bible, creed, disciples, Jesus, and other beliefs will give youth the tools for critical thinking, faithful reflection, and discovery. Wednesday 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Children in Kindergarten through 5th grades gather for faith formation, fun and fellowship. We will be exploring The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss where children will look at several Dr. Seuss favorites to learn about following the way of Jesus Christ. VYP meets upstairs in room 207.

6 Epiphany Star Page 6 Weekly Sunday School Sundays 9:30 a.m.. (Begins August 12) Diocesan Youth Ministry Offerings 6 th - 12 th grades Youth Loft Woodall Commons Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) Sundays 5:00p.m. 7:00p.m. (Begins August 12) 6 th 12 th grades Youth Loft Woodall Commons Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) Wednesdays 6:30p.m. 7:30p.m. (Begins August 15) 6 th - 12 th grades Youth Loft Woodall Commons August 5-10:30 a.m. Blessing of the Backpacks 8-6:00 p.m. God s Generous Gifts dinner, Holy Eucharist, Ice Cream Social (parish event) 12-9:30 a.m. Sunday school 5:00 p.m. EYC 15 - Wednesday programs begin 5:30 p.m. Eucharist 6:00 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m. EYC 25-8:30 a.m. EYC Kayak trip 26 - EYC will NOT meet Happening # 73 November 9-11, 2018 St. Luke s Birmingham Open to youth in 10th-12th grades HAPPENING is one of those things that must be experienced to be fully understood. During the three-day weekend, the participants spend time seriously considering the person and teaching of Jesus Christ in a relaxed, fun, informal and loving atmosphere. They are provided with opportunities to share, discuss, learn and live with fellow Christians in an environment of acceptance and understanding. Jacob Raulerson will be serving as youth rector. Happener Application Staff Application Adult Staff Application More Information Mark Your Calendars for September Events 2 Labor Day Weekend, EYC will not meet 16 Parish Picnic at Christ Episcopal Church, Albertville EYC will meet at the parish picnic

7 Epiphany Star Page 7 The Rite of Confirmation for Young People The Book of Common Prayer tells us the following regarding the Rite of Confirmation: In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop. Some have asked important questions: when is Confirmation appropriate for a young person? Is my child ready? What opportunities for youth Confirmation Classes do we have at Epiphany? Hopefully, this will answer some of your questions. At Epiphany, there is no automatic age for Confirmation, as some have experienced it in the Episcopal tradition in the past. If we "say what we mean, and mean what we say" about this very important moment in our life of faith, then it is easy to see why there is nothing automatic about it. When a young person becomes capable of taking such an important step, we want to do all we can to encourage them (regardless of age). But in order that we have some guide and parameters, however, we follow diocesan guidelines. In practical terms, that means that this process is appropriate for those young people thirteen years of age and older who show themselves capable of making such a decision. We encourage parents to discuss this rite with their young person. Talk about what it means to make a statement of their faith and belief. Discuss the idea of making a pledge and becoming a full, committed member of our Christian tradition and the parish of Epiphany. Talk about making this decision for themselves, not for the sake of the wants and desires of anyone else. When you have had such a discussion, and wish to proceed, please contact Shelly Hardin EpiphanyYouth@EpiphanyGuntersville.org at the church office. We are seeking to determine the level of interest in a possible Fall Youth Confirmation Class. We must have at least three students to conduct such a class; with fewer than three students the curriculum does not work well. Classes would be taught by Fr. Aaron and Shelly and held on Sunday afternoons (3:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.) weekly for approximately eight weeks. Classes would begin October 14 th. These students would then be confirmed in January when Epiphany receives its yearly visitation from the Bishop. That visit will take place on Sunday, January 6th, 2019.

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10 Epiphany Star Page 10 CODE: CC Children s Church; DOK Daughters of the King; EYC Episcopal Youth Community; DAV Disable American Veterans; HE Holy Eucharist; Men s B&B Men s Breakfast & Bible Study; Lib Library; MMBS Monday Morning Book Study; RITI Room in the Inn; SH Sanderson Hall; SS Sunday School; VYP Very Young Persons; WC Woodall Commons; SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY 1 Healing Service 11:30am Lunch Fellowship 12:00 Noon Centering Prayer 12:30 p.m. VESTRY PERSON OF THE MONTH Sam Harrison (256) Discretionary Fund Sunday Blessing of Backpacks HE 8am & 10:30am Nursery 9:30am Altar Party Training 9:15am CC 10:30am Paula Dabney Matt Moses Lilli-Grace Reeves 6 Transfiguration 12 HE 8 & 10:30 Breakfast 8:45 SS & Nursery 9:30 Lectionary 9:30 Outreach Meeting CC 10:30 EYC 5:00 13 DOK 11:30 Parlor Hartford Nichols Barbara Warnes 19 HE 8am & 10:30am Breakfast 8:45am SS & Nursery 9:30am Lectionary 9:30am CC 10:30am EYC 5:00pm Celtic Service 5:00pm HE 8 & 10:30 Breakfast 8:45 SS & Nursery 9:30 Lectionary 9:30 CC 10:30 EYC 5:00 7 Ladies Bible Study 11:00am Library Stewardship 6:00pm Library Narcotic Anon 7:00pm HR 14 Ladies Bible Study 11:00a.m. Library Buildings & Grounds Ministry Meeting 6:00pm Library 21 Ladies Bible Study 11:00am Library Vestry 6:30 Lib Bryce Blair Jennifer Moore Ray Klaver 27 DOK 11:30am Parlor WEDNESDAY 28 Ladies Bible Study 11:00 a.m. Library Clinton Payton Pat Woodall Elizabeth Mayberry Birthdays THURSDAY FRIDAY 2 Reunion 9:30 Parlor SATURDAY 3 B & B 7:00 HR Hannah Wildhagen 8 Healing Service 11:30am Lunch Fellowship 12:00 Noon Centering Prayer 12:30 p.m. God s Generous Gifts Dinner 6:00 with HE and Ice cream 9 Reunion 9:30 Parlor 15 Healing Service 11:30am Lunch Fellowship 12:00 Noon Centering Prayer 12:30 p.m. Eucharist 5:30pm Nursery 5:30pm Dinner 6:00pm Programs 6:30pm Lucy Alves Hudson Epperson 16 Reunion 9:30am Parlor Finance 6:00pm 22 Healing Service 11:30am Lunch Fellowship 12:00 Noon Centering Prayer 12:30 p.m. Eucharist 5:30pm Nursery 5:30pm Dinner 6:00pm Programs 6:30pm 23 Reunion 9:30 Parlor 29 Healing Service 11:30am Lunch Fellowship 12:00 Noon Centering Prayer 12:30 p.m. Eucharist 5:30pm Nursery 5:30pm Dinner 6:00pm Programs 6:30pm Ann Branum Wyatt Martin 30 Reunion 9:30 Parlor 4 Bob Amburn 10 B & B 7:00 HR 11 Brotherhood 8:00 a.m. Library Beans & Rice Epiphany Café SH-Kitchen Doug Cooke Matthew Morris 17 B & B 7:00 HR 18 Hack Ross Jeannine Wilder 24 B & B 7:00 HR 25 Brotherhood 8:00 a.m. Library News Articles Due Nancy McAllister 31 B & B 7:00 HR Brandy May Kay Meleski Robin Moore Katherine Woodall September October 2 Discretionary Fund Sunday Organ Recital 4:00p.m. 16 Joint Parish Picnic With Christ Church 2 Stewardship Meeting 16 Vestry Meeting 3 Labor Day - Office Closed 18 -Vestry Meeting 7 Discretionary Fund Sunday 25 Newsletter Articles Due 4 Stewardship Meeting 21 Newsletter Articles Due 9 Buildings & Grounds Meeting 28 Fall Festival 8 Beans & Rice /Epiphany Café 27 Auction at Bakers on Main 11 Finance Meeting 11 Buildings & Grounds Meeting 30 Blessing of the animals 13 Finance Meeting 13 Beans & Rice/Epiphany Café