CHRIST AND THE EPIPHANY

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1 CHRIST AND THE EPIPHANY VOLUME 21 NOVEMBER 2017 MISSIONAL MEANDERINGS FROM THE MISSIONAL PRIEST Father Charles Kamano Dear Christ and The Epiphany Family and Friends, During the month of October the Church has traditionally remembered its universal mission. This year Mission Sunday was celebrated globally on October 22, The theme was Reach out, Spread the Joy. It is a little over a month now since I became your Missional Priest. You have welcomed me with open arms and love. Some of you already have jokingly signaled to me that the honeymoon would soon be over, right? I am truly grateful though for all of you in your diversity and richness at Christ and The Epiphany. We were also blessed with Bishop Laura s visit on October 15. A pastoral visit of a Bishop to a parish always brings joy and encouragement to thrive and live fully our baptismal vocation: seek and serve Christ in all persons, love your neighbor as yourself. God is relationship, connectedness. God is LOVE! The images of the trinity reflect that notion of three distinct parts connected, moving toward and in relationship to one another. I cannot help but think we draw our hearts closer to God when we take the time to just worship, pray, sing, and dance together! I encourage you therefore to take the time to stay connected, be with us on Sundays at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. to worship. Join us at coffee hour for ongoing discussions about our parish life. Take time to share your hopes and dreams in being a Eucharistic community. I have already been receiving positive feedbacks on how we can thrive together. Some have told me that I tend to drop my voice during the sermons and in other gatherings. I am convinced that I can work to improve my diction. Of course, speaking several languages and dialects, my accent can also be challenging at times. I encourage you all to reach out with any questions of concerns going forward. I will listen. Never do we read but Jesus was too busy to listen, to heal, to share a meal, to let the children come to him, to dance. So please, keep your dancing shoes in plain sight, find the time, and I will see you on the dance floor. May the Peace of the Lord always be with you. 1

Senior Warden Report Barbara Parsons This was a very busy month for our church family. We welcomed Father Charles Kamano as our Missional Priest on Sunday, October 1st.

This collection was sent to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund to help them continue their work assisting those affected by the terrible hurricanes in the United States and Puerto Rico.

2 Senior Warden Report Barbara Parsons This was a very busy month for our church family. We welcomed Father Charles Kamano as our Missional Priest on Sunday, October 1st. Bishop Laura Ahrens visited our church on October 15th and provided the sermon. The monthly collection for Mission Sunday was $ This collection was sent to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund to help them continue their work assisting those affected by the terrible hurricanes in the United States and Puerto Rico. We joined Episcopal churches across the United States on October 3rd, by opening our doors to pray for those involved and affected by the Las Vegas shootings. We tolled our bell at 12:00 noon for each human life that was lost. We are joined with East Haven United in a showing of the faith based movie, "The War Room". It is a wonderful movie about the power of prayer. The showings were on Wednesday October 18th at 2:00 p.m. and Tuesday October 24th at 5:30 p.m. at the Hagaman Memorial Library. I have purchased a DVD of The War Room and would be happy to lend it out. (As long as I get it back!) We received a Thank You note from Andrew, Terry and Seth for the luncheon and gift. Whenever we have special events such as Charles' first Sunday, Bishop Laura Ahrens visit, etc., Andrew sends a text telling us he is thinking of and praying for us. He texted us from Tokyo when the Bishop visited! I sense God is leading us to share the "Good News" of His unconditional love, grace and mercy to our neighbors in a world that Upcoming Events Tuesday, November 21 7:00 p.m., Fr. Charles Kamano will co-celebrate an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at St. Clare Catholic Church, 234 Coe Ave. Saturday, December 2 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Christmas Fair desperately needs to hear that message. Pray that He will give us the courage, discernment, and a willing heart to do His work. 2

3 Junior Warden Report Janet A. Cianelli Building and Grounds Our building is being utilized by many organizations that make a monthly donation to the church for this building usage. We are seeking a better system in collecting these contributions. It has been noted that the sensors to the outside lighting are not working properly. The sensor for the outside lighting on the driveway side of the building is being replaced by Ken Dougherty. I am most thankful for his commitment to the Building and Grounds. Ken is my go to person when I need something done. I am evaluating the best prices for our electric and our oil provider. I feel as if we may be paying too much for both and will keep you posted as to what I ascertain. We all know the flooring in the Great Hall is deplorable and I am trying to come up with a solution to this problem. The bathroom outside the offices will soon be tiled. I noticed the condition of it for the first time while cleaning it. I am not completely satisfied with the cleaning service we have and will be seeking the Vestry s permission to pursue a new service. I am considering several options and am open to suggestions. We have had some issues with the opening for donations on the Saint Pauly Textile Shed in that the homeless have been attempting to make a home there. We ve requested a different type of opening which should be installed shortly. The landscaping and snow plowing contract will be renewed with the same contractor as I am pleased with their timely attention to our needs. As always if you see anything or have any concerns please contact me at (203) Blessings to All that Serve Our Worshipping Community. Feasts, Festivities & Fund Raising Carol Link-Ude Thanks to everyone for all the hard work for Bishop Laura s luncheon that occurred on Sunday, October 15th. It was a job well done with great food and hospitality. The Christmas Fair is scheduled for December 2nd between 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Sign-up sheets are on the Feast and Festivities board in the Great Hall. ITEMS NEEDED: Volunteers (all day or just a few hours) 3

CHURCH LIFE in photos Rev. Charles Kamano and Sr. Warden Barbara Parsons Celebration of New Ministry Rev. Charles Kamano is brought forward to the parish by Sr.

Ask at your favorite hairdresser, restaurant, etc. Bring lottery tickets or gift certificates to the church office or give to Ken or Kathy Dougherty. Baked goods (pies, cakes, cookies, etc.

Any questions see Carol Ude. Coffee Hour Kathy Alison Coffee hour has always been a time for fellowship complimented with snacks and pastries.

4 CHURCH LIFE in photos Rev. Charles Kamano and Sr. Warden Barbara Parsons Celebration of New Ministry Rev. Charles Kamano is brought forward to the parish by Sr. Warden Barbara Parsons Bishop Laura Ahrens and Rev. Charles Kamano Scratch lottery tickets for the Lottery Tree Gift Certificates for the Raffle tree. Ask at your favorite hairdresser, restaurant, etc. Bring lottery tickets or gift certificates to the church office or give to Ken or Kathy Dougherty. Baked goods (pies, cakes, cookies, etc.) Raffle items Gently used Christmas items for Christmas room Craft items for handicraft shop Used jewelry Please watch your weekly bulletin inserts from now until the fair for updated information. Any questions see Carol Ude. Coffee Hour Kathy Alison Coffee hour has always been a time for fellowship complimented with snacks and pastries. Carol has been hosting this gathering for many months and would be very grateful for any assistance. There is a sign-up sheet on the Feast & Festivities board in the great hall. Please consider volunteering to hosting a Sunday or two. Outreach Midnight Run Kathy Alison Our participation with Midnight Run continues as does the need. We are most grateful for the continued support of our parishioners with this outreach mission. Just when it seems that we are running dreadfully low on either a food, clothing, or personal care item, our parishioners respond to the need. Truly God must be guiding all of us with our struggles to meet the needs of those that are far less fortunate. 4

5 Worship and Mission Wendy Bellmore Worship Committee members include the Music Minister, Barbara Coulombe, Directress of the Altar Guild, Carol Link-Ude, and Server/Usher Scheduler, George Coulombe. All meetings are open to Wardens, Vestry, and parishioners. Our first meeting was held on Fr. Charles first week to introduce him to our working team and give support to the preparations for the Bishop s visit, Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service, and Advent and Christmas services. The Wednesday meditation continues with a strong core group in attendance on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Fr. Charles, Jr. Warden Janet A. Cianelli, and I participated in a meeting with representatives from St. Pio Pietrelcina and Old Stone Church. The East Haven United (EHU) Thanksgiving Ecumenical service is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at St. Clare Catholic Church. The celebration will include representatives from the Catholic, Congregational and Episcopal parishes. Plans have been made to contact other Christian churches in our community to invite their participation both in the Thanksgiving celebration and to remind them of the ongoing efforts of East Haven United in our community. We have successfully implemented a monthly Mission service starting in July/August on behalf of the Nigerian Mission with Kateri Health Services and in September/October in support of the Bishops Relief Fund designated for storm Harvey devastation in Texas and Louisiana along with the storm Rita rebuilding in Puerto Rico. We have opened the discernment discussion that identifies doing works of social service in Outreach from works of service in Mission with prayer teams spreading the good news of the Gospel. I continue to serve on the Diocesan Mission Committee which meets monthly at St Paul s in Wallingford. We are actively preparing for the annual Mission Conference which will take place on March 3, This will be hosted at the Divinity School in New Haven. In Singapore SAMS (Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders) Board members participated in the International Mission Conference and Andrew has kindly offered to come back and share his experiences with the Committee here in Connecticut. We have prepared an information board located in the Great Hall entitled Prayer Warriors War Room. Prayer request 5

6 cards have been placed next to the board, in the Thrift Store, in the pews. Narthex, and Chapel. These are collected and prayers are offered during the Wednesday Meditation and both Sunday services. Episcopal Church in Connecticut (ECCT) Diane Villano As Bishops Ian Douglas and Laura Ahrens invited us, Christ and The Epiphany joined with the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada and Episcopal churches across the country on Tuesday, October 3, in prayer for those killed in the Las Vegas shooting. At noon, our bell tolled for each death. Thanks to Barbara Parsons who climbed up into the belfry to ring the bell. A Letter to ECCT October 2, 2017 The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, Bishop Diocesan The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: Once again, our country is ravaged by the scourge of gun violence in yet another mass shooting. At this point in time, Sunday's shooting in Las Vegas has resulted in 58 victims and over 500 injured in what is being described as the largest mass shooting in modern United States history. Such an act of violence is contrary to God's will for humanity and all that we stand for as followers of Jesus. As your bishops in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, we participate actively in the network, Bishops United Against Gun Violence (BUAGV) -- bishopsagainstgunviolence. org and Facebook page for Episcopalians Against Gun Violence here. In fact, we both helped to found BUAGV in the wake of our own Sandy Hook tragedy, and Ian continues to serve as Co-Convener of BUAGV. This morning BUAGV bishops met via conference call to address the situation in Las Vegas. We were joined by the Rt. Rev. Dan Edwards, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada. Together we drafted the following statement and call to prayer and action. As bishops of Connecticut we stand behind this statement of the Bishops United Against Gun Violence and commend it to you. As described in the closing of the BUAGV statement, we ask that our ECCT Cathedral and all parishes in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut open their doors for prayer tomorrow, October 3, 2017, and join at noon in the ringing of our church bells for all those who have died in Las Vegas. Let us come together in prayer and 6

solidarity with the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada and all who are committed to overcoming gun violence in our nation and in the world. God bless us in these difficult times.

Together, we ll create a very special type of Advent calendar, a Random Acts of Christmas Kindness (RACK) calendar.

Here are some ideas to get started: -Bring homemade cookies to the post office when mailing your Christmas cards -Text someone an encouraging word -Volunteer at C&E s Christmas Fair -Phone a far-off

7 solidarity with the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada and all who are committed to overcoming gun violence in our nation and in the world. God bless us in these difficult times. And may the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Random Acts of Christmas Kindness Advent Calendar Diane Villano It s about time for some kindness and your help is needed! Together, we ll create a very special type of Advent calendar, a Random Acts of Christmas Kindness (RACK) calendar. We ll post it in the Great Hall in time for our Christmas Fair and include it in the December newsletter. We need your Random Acts of Kindness suggestions! Here are some ideas to get started: -Bring homemade cookies to the post office when mailing your Christmas cards -Text someone an encouraging word -Volunteer at C&E s Christmas Fair -Phone a far-off relative and sing a carol or two over the phone -Let someone go ahead of you in a line -Bring non-perishable food items to the East Haven Food Pantry -Tape change to a vending machine -Pay for a cup of coffee for next customer at Dunkin Donuts Please send your suggestions to Diane Villano by at Communications@Christand ThEpiphany.org or call by November 18th. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. CHURCH LIFE in photos Bishop Laura Ahrens blesses the people Bishop Laura Ahrens leads the congregation discussion Bishop Laura Ahrens 7

Seek and ye shall find Diane Villano Series of Romantic Composers Tony Lamberti Norma arrives and prays for peace singing the famous aria, "Casta diva", hoping to prolong the life of her secret Roman

Send the exact location of this item to Diane Villano at Communications@Christand TheEpiphany.org or call 203-887-3392 by November 18 and your name will be entered in a drawing for a $5.00 gift card.

8 Seek and ye shall find Diane Villano Series of Romantic Composers Tony Lamberti Norma arrives and prays for peace singing the famous aria, "Casta diva", hoping to prolong the life of her secret Roman lover, Pollione. Since no one correctly identified the location of the where am I? image in the September issue, you have another chance! This was taken somewhere in the church building. Send the exact location of this item to Diane Villano at TheEpiphany.org or call by November 18 and your name will be entered in a drawing for a $5.00 gift card. Answer and winner will be posted in the December newsletter. Norma: Act 1 Deep into the forest within a sacred grove, the Druids gather around an altar and pray to their god for strength against the Roman armies. The high priest, Oroveso, leads them in their prayer. After they have said their prayers, they leave the forest. Moments later Pollione, the Roman proconsul, arrives with his centurion Flavious telling him that he no longer loves Oroveso's daughter, Norma (even though she broke her vow of chastity and gave birth to two children). Pollione has fallen in love with one of the virgin temple priestesses, Adalgisa. In Norma's chamber, she confides to her servant that she fears Pollione loves another woman and they are fleeing to Rome the following day, but she has no idea who this woman could be. Adalgisa arrives with a heavy heart, seeking guidance from Norma. Adalgisa tells Norma that she has been unfaithful to their gods because she has given her love to a Roman man. Norma: Act 2 Pacing beside the beds of her small children late that evening, Norma is overcome with the urge to murder them so Pollione can never have them. However, Norma's love for them is too strong and so she summons Adalgisa to 8

CHURCH LIFE in photos 2016 Christmas Fair recollections Handmade Ornaments table Handmade Scarves and Hats table Rose Fusco at Baked Goods table will give up his love so that Adalgisa can marry him

9 CHURCH LIFE in photos 2016 Christmas Fair recollections Handmade Ornaments table Handmade Scarves and Hats table Rose Fusco at Baked Goods table will give up his love so that Adalgisa can marry him and raise Norma's children as her own. Adalgisa refuses and instead tells Norma that she will speak with Pollione on Norma's behalf and convince him to return to Norma. Norma is moved by Adalgisa's kindness and sends her away on the task. Back at the sacred altar, Oroveso announces to the Druids gathered around the altar that Pollione has been replaced by a new leader who is much crueler and that they should refrain from revolting for now to give them more time to plan their next battle. Meanwhile, Norma has arrived and waits for Adalgisa's return. When Adalgisa finally shows up, she brings bad news. Her attempt to persuade Pollione to return to Norma was unsuccessful. Filled with rage Norma takes to the altar and calls for war against the Romans. Oroveso demands a life to be sacrificed so that their gods will grant them victory. Guards interrupt Oroveso when they capture Pollione desecrating their temple. Oroveso declares Pollione as the sacrifice, however, Norma pulls him aside to a private room. She tells him that he can have his freedom if he gives up his love for Adalgisa and returns to her instead. Pollione rejects her offer. Out of despair she confesses her sins to her father in front of all the Druids and offers herself as the sacrifice. Pollione cannot believe Norma's benevolence and falls in love with her again. Premiered: December 26, La Scala, Milan Free Messiah performance Sunday December 10 th at 5 p.m. at Branford Free Evangelical Church. Both Barbara Coulombe and Susan Shultz will be singing in the Chorus selections. take them to Pollione. She 9

November Birthdays 4-Nov James Reynolds 8-Nov Frederick Walters 9-Nov Carol Link-Ude 10-Nov Ray Clearwater 15-Nov Joyce Aurelius Intercessory Prayers Beverly W. Bill Hodge - Bradley D.

Harry Bruneau, Jr. Helen J.D. - Jay Jim C. John A. - John D. Joseph - Judy DeFeo June W. Karl Kasch T. Katherine Burdick - Katrina R. Ken Wortz Lage Family Lucas Sundwall Sister Madonna D.

10 November Birthdays 4-Nov James Reynolds 8-Nov Frederick Walters 9-Nov Carol Link-Ude 10-Nov Ray Clearwater 15-Nov Joyce Aurelius Intercessory Prayers Beverly W. Bill Hodge - Bradley D. Bruce Langlan Bunny W. Carol Carol C. Cheryl Link Chester Chappuis David Dennis Family Devin K. Diane Eleanor N. Eric S. Faith and Family Father Eddie - Gale Goodfellow Family - Greg T. Harry Bruneau, Jr. Helen J.D. - Jay Jim C. John A. - John D. Joseph - Judy DeFeo June W. Karl Kasch T. Katherine Burdick - Katrina R. Ken Wortz Lage Family Lucas Sundwall Sister Madonna D. Mark Conti Marty Matt Melissa D. Olivia and Family Rachael Richard - Robert J. Sean Vi S. and Family - Vidar H. Vivian S. To submit names for the Intercession Prayer list please call or the church office. Names will be kept on the list for 3 months unless longer time is requested. If a person you have placed on the list recovers in less than 3 months or passes away, please update the church office. December Newsletter The deadline for the November issue of the newsletter is Friday, November 24, If you have any contributions for the newsletter, or an update to the Birthday or Anniversary list, please call the church office at Kathy Alison & Susan Shultz, Editors 10

11 TREASURERS REPORT Susan Shultz UNDER/OVER UNDER/OVER AUGUST BUDGET YTD YTD BUDGET INCOME $ 9, $ 1, $ 80, $ 4, EXPENSES $ 7, $ $ 75, $ (8,857.73) NET $ 1, $ (1,686.54) $ 4, $ (13,477.67) Notations: Reminder - we have still not spent our budgeted $5,000 worth of building repairs (including a new furnace for 47 Park Place) which is why our Year-To-Date expenses are below budget. Current income was up because some outstanding pledges were "caught up". CHRIST AND THE EPIPHANY CHURCH 10:00 AM October Worship Schedule November 5, 2017 November 12, 2017 November 19, 2017 November 26, 2017 Welcomer Joyce Aurelius Carol Link-Ude Barbara Parsons Joyce Aurelius Crucifer Brooke Dennis Caden Moore Ricky Alexander Brooke Dennis Chalice Bearer Ron Blevins Hal Levi Kristina Langlan Steve Langlan Lector Audrey Sundwall Susan Shultz Steve Langlan Kristina Langlan Usher George Coulombe Audrey Sundwall Gail Schappa Susan Shultz Lead Counter Pat Walters Astrid Swanson Susan Shultz Diane Villano Counter Sally Alexander Fred Bowden Joyce Aurelius Ron Blevins 11

CHRIST AND THE EPIPHANY

CHRIST AND THE EPIPHANY VOLUME 22 MAY 2018 Upcoming Events Sunday, June 24, Annual picnic Saturday, September 8, 9:00-3:00, Harvest Fair at East Haven s Fall Festival Sunday, September 30, Social Media