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Table of Contents |
1. From the Interim Rector 2. From the Associate Rector 3. 351 Update 4. Holy Week 2021 5. Sunday Service Times 6.Palm Sunday Processional Photos 7. Epiphany Talks: Faith in Film 8.Bible Study Cancelled 4/6 9. Remembering the Schaefer Family 10. Prayer Thanksgivings & Requests 11. Let Us Know ... We Can Help |
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From the Interim Rector - April Manifest 2021 |
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From the Interim Rector
Our long fast has drawn to a close. On Sunday Epiphany will resume the weekly celebration of the Eucharist. Our fast from the Sacrament of Holy Communion began on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Except for a brief time in September and October when we tried to resume in-person worship, it’s been slightly over a year since we last shared in the Eucharistic Feast. While for now Holy Communion will only be offered at the 8:30 am service, my hope is that on Pentecost we can resume offering an in-person service at 10:30. And, while our long fast from the Eucharist has come to an end, there will still be other aspects of our shared life that we may still need to fast from. One that immediately comes to mind is Coffee Hour. While it is true that restaurants are now allowed to offer indoor dining, social distancing is still in place between tables and ideally the people sharing a table are in an insular “pod” or “bubble”. The hospitality of a parish coffee hour is quite different. Coffee Hour is a chance to catch up with a variety of folks or taking the opportunity to get to know a visitor or new member. For now it seems prudent to continue our fast from Coffee Hour as we wait and watch how vaccinations are proceeding and when we’ll be able to get off this infection-rate plateau we seem stuck on. Music, or at least choral and congregational singing may also need to wait a bit. While the 8:30 Eucharist has by tradition been a spoken liturgy, Epiphany has a great love and appreciation for the music at our principal service at 10:30. Although we are seven weeks away from Pentecost and the resumption of that service, in all likelihood we will not be ready to resume the robust musical life of the choir and congregational singing quite so soon. Jeremy Jelinek, our Interim Organist, will certainly continue to provide the exceptional organ music he has been offering each week for our online worship, but congregational singing and choral singing may need to be eased into. Rest assured that Mo. Elise and I, along with Jeremy and our choir members will be continually evaluating when we can end this fast as well. Music isn’t just something we love to hear and to make, but is also deeply embedded in our worship of God. As soon as we can responsibly do so, we will again be able to “speak to one another in psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:19) Over these last weeks as we were preparing to resume in-person worship I have been reflecting on what this long fast from the Sacrament and in-person worship may have taught us. Certainty it has revealed that “where two or three are gathered together in my name there I am with them,” just as Jesus said he would be. That has been proven true time and time again through the online community we created through Morning Prayer, The Liturgy of the Word, Bible studies, and social gatherings. We have discovered that even through the most difficult days this last year brought us we have indeed held “fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, [knowing that] the one who has promised is faithful. And [we have continually] provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as [we] see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25) And perhaps, this long fast from the Holy Eucharist has also awakened within us a deepening hunger after righteousness and truth. The noted preacher and author Reverend Barbara Brown Taylor wrote in 1999 the following words that from our current vantage point strike me as so very prescient. “My secret fear about church going,” she writes, “is that it works like a vaccine: a couple of drops under the tongue each week and pretty soon we are immune to the whole thing. The God-beseeching language requires no extraordinary effort. The summoning of the Holy Spirit expects no untoward response. Even the sacrament, when it comes, tastes more like breakfast than of sacrifice.” As we begin to break the many fasts Covid-19 has forced upon us, may we find that the Sacrament we are once more able to receive has become “more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and the drippings of the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:10) Easter Blessings, Roy+ |
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From the Associate Rector - April Manifest 2021 |
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I write this on the day that would have been my father’s 75th birthday. Later this month, on the 27th of April, it will be the 30th anniversary of his death from pancreatic cancer. I was 8 when he died, and I have some wonderful but limited memories. My brother, just shy of 2 at the time, has no real memories of our father. He tried to claim some memories, but truly, those memories are actually stories family members have shared with him, they aren’t experiences he lived. Later today, despite it being in the middle of Holy Week, I am hoping to schlep across town to finally drop off some old home movies to be digitized, with the hopes that I can watch and relive some of those memories again. I hope it will sharpen some of my memories which have faded over the years. I have been caring for my mom in our home since last August, following a hospitalization for Sepsis. My mom has memory issues, which have eluded a clear diagnosis as of yet. Most days I must serve as her memory. Some days are easier than others! My memory is quite good – I have a strong sensory memory, and a knack for remembering random things. Sometimes I worry, what will happen if I eventually lose my memory? Will someone help ME remember if that happens? What will it be like if the joys and the pains, the people I’ve loved over the years, and the communities I’ve been a part of it no longer live with me in my memory? Will I remember my faith and vocation? Will I remember Jesus? So much of our faith is remembering, as well as remembering. To re-member is to put back together, even that which was once broken. In that sense, while we cannot put flesh back upon the bones of those who have died as the Lord did as witnessed by Ezekiel, we can re-member them in our own ways so that they live on in legacy, love, and memory. Jesus was re-membered through his Resurrection, and we continue to remember his ministry, his love, his death, and his being raised, even though we weren’t witnesses ourselves. Sometimes I think of it like having those created memories my brother has come to claim of my dad, even though he was just a baby when he died. Jesus, by his life and Resurrection, teaches us how to remember, and remember well. Whenever I celebrate the Eucharist, I repeat Jesus’ words, “Do this for the remembrance of me.” You’ll note that Jesus’ words are not past tense, but in the here and now: “Take, eat – this IS my Body, which is given for you.” Jesus gives us his body here and now, and invites us into the Christian journey by sharing a meal, nourishing our bodies, and by remembering Jesus as we do so. Remembering can be sustenance. I think of the thief who died on the cross next to Jesus, who cried out, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Remembering can bring grace. Early on the first day of the week, the women came to the tomb and did not find the body of Jesus. They were terrified, but the two men in dazzling white clothes instructed them to “remember” what Jesus told him, that he would be put to death, but then be raised. Then they remembered his words. Remembering can bring hope. Remembering can also bring suffering – all of us have painful memories, some we’d rather discard and forget. With psychological and spiritual help, it is possible to learn how to disarm memories so they no longer pack an emotional punch. Sometimes, just the passage of time helps with the same. How do you remember? How do you remember your life, and your loved ones? How do you remember events and milestones from the recent and distant past? How do you remember Jesus? How do we remember as a faith community? How do we remember our history, even though none of us were around at the very beginning? How will we remember 1393 York Avenue when we have moved to 351? Our faithful remembering is not to just be a casual or passive recalling – our remembering is to be our active participation here and now in the defining events of our parish life, and the defining events of the story of our faith, both from the past AND also in the future. As we celebrate Easter Sunday, and the season of Eastertide following, may we remember well. As we return to in-person worship, and as we begin to say goodbye to our current church, may we remember well. Jesus calls us to live out our ministry in his memory – may we remember and re-member him, too – to make him known and present in all that we do. |
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351 Update - April Manifest 2021 |
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The first of the ninety-seven new windows have started to arrive and are in the process of being installed. The last of the concrete will soon be poured. Subfloors are being installed and within a couple of weeks interior walls will start to be constructed and rooms will begin taking shape. Over the last few weeks there have been long, detailed meetings preparing for the installation of electrical wiring, data lines, Wi-Fi, low voltage lines, and all the other aspects needed to create a smart, 21st century building.
Besides the standard telephone and internet service one would expect, the new Epiphany will have three dynamic signs. If you are not familiar with the term, dynamic signs are those signs that are basically enhanced digital monitors that can announce upcoming events, or what’s happening at a particular moment in the church. One of these signs will be placed on the exterior of the building at eye level near the center door and then one in the lobby that leads to the Parish Hall and one in the lobby that leads to CEDS and the parish offices, gymnasium and roof garden. Each sign can display the same images or different images. For example, the sign in the lobby for the school and offices can alert parents and caregivers to what’s planned for the school that day while at the same time the sign in the lobby of the Parish Hall can announce what’s planned for that day’s Senior Lunch Program or provide important information to the parish’s Wednesday Night Dinner guests, while at the same time the sign outside can announce upcoming service times, announcements of upcoming concerts or special events, etc.. And, just in case you are wondering, the outside sign can be set to dim at night so as not to add undue light pollution in the neighborhood. Other enhancements to the building will be a key card security system for the doors and elevators so that people moving through the building throughout the day and evenings will not inadvertently end up on a CEDS floor or in some other part of the church where they do not need to be. The elevator can also be programed to only go to certain floors at certain times of the day. Remember, the new Epiphany has 35,000 square feet of space spread out over 7 floors and the roof across two interconnected buildings. Having a robust security system to seamlessly manage movement throughout the space is critical to our mission to be a resource for the entire community. Another enhancement will be the ability to livestream from both the church and the parish hall. The cameras will be fully integrated into the sound systems in each space and can be controlled by an iPad or other tablet. Not only will this allow the parish to livestream the Sunday liturgy’s, performances, and presentations, but the parish hall will provide overflow space so if the Nave is filled to capacity, people can watch the service or presentation live from the Parish Hall. We are also anticipating future needs and will run the conduit that would be necessary to provide video streaming or video projection in the gymnasium – which also has its own sound system. Lastly, any day now as you walk by 351 you’ll see the scaffolding on the façade coming down and scaffolding on the east exterior wall above the Memorial Sloan Kettering building going up. We are all very anxious to see the restored façade. Preserving this part of Manhattan’s UES history is part of the stewardship Epiphany assumed in purchasing the former Jan Hus Presbyterian Church. Soon, along with our neighbors the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, which is also undergoing façade restoration, we will be offering to the city two refreshed and restored architectural gems that both faith communities can be very proud of. Faithfully yours, Roy+ |
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HOLY WEEK 2021 |
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Good Friday, April 2nd
The Three Hours – 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
The Church will be open for prayer and meditation from 12 noon to 3:00 pm, with a short Organ Meditation by Jeremy Jelinek from 12:30 to 1:00 pm, featuring works by J.S. Bach, J. Brahms, and Jean-Baptiste Robin.
7:00 pm – Good Friday Liturgy with vocal octet
by Zoom
Holy Saturday, April 3rd
7:00 pm – The Great Vigil of Easter
by Zoom
Easter Sunday, April 4th
8:30 am - Holy Eucharist Rite 1 in the Church
in-person, by registration only - please click here to register. Registration will close at 5:00 pm on Good Friday. 10:30 am – Liturgy of the Word with vocal sextet and brass
by Zoom
Zoom Log-in Info: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 212 737 2720 Passcode: 2127372720 One tap mobile
+19292056099,,2127372720# US (New York) |
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Sunday Service Times |
Easter Sunday, April 4th 8:30 am - Holy Eucharist Rite 1 in the Church in-person, by registration only - please click here to register. Registration will close at 5:00 pm on Good Friday. 10:30 am – Liturgy of the Word with vocal sextet and brass by Zoom To view/download bulletin Click Here Zoom Log-in Info: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 212 737 2720 Passcode: 2127372720 One tap mobile +19292056099,,2127372720# US (New York) |
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Epiphany Talks: Faith in Film |
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Exploring Cinema, Exploring Faith: Resurrection as found in surprising places. A look at some case studies in films. 3 Sundays at 11:45 am - April 18, May 2, May 16 Many scholars as well as members of the general public have found that religion, and in particular, the gospel, can find itself in a variety of mediums and texts, including films. This can be found in the faith-based genre, or in the unequivocally religious-in-themed Cecil B. DeMille epics. But what about films where the narrative isn’t expressly and overtly religious? Can one find central theological messages of faith within the structures of films which may at first seem to be merely escapist entertainment?
Join Mo. Elise and Guy Perrotta for three sessions where we will explore the basics of “Cinema Studies” and how themes such as “resurrection” can turn up in a variety of cinematic experiences. Guy will be on hand to provide a framework for the exploration of film where you can understand more fully how the elements of film combine to present, support, or develop ideas, specifically how films communicate. The focus will be on the basics of cinematic language and also on themes relating to resurrection and faith. During the sessions you can interact with film by watching them and reacting in Zoom sessions, and you can have a chance to further develop your perceptions, and strengthen your critical awareness of the film experience.
About Guy: Guy has taught cinema studies at the University level for years. His most recent courses have been at Marymount Manhattan College where he teaches on intercultural relationships in cinema, representation and culture in James Bond, and the basics of film appreciation. He is a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), the National Television Academy, the International Documentary Association, and is a Fellow Member of the Explorers Club, where he serves on the Film Committee. Guy is married to fellow parishioner Jane Ferguson, who works in the film and television industry.
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Bible Study - Cancelled 4/6/21 |
Bible Study will be cancelled on Tuesday, April 6th. | |
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Remembering the Schaefer Family |
Our hearts go out to Robert Schaefer's family as they mourn the loss of Roberts mother, Dr. Mary Jeanne Kreek. Visitation will be on Thursday, 4/8 from 3-7 at Frank Campbell Chapel. A Memorial Service for the family will be officiated by Fr. Roy Cole on April 9th at: 1076 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA Condolences may be sent to Mr & Mrs. Robert Schaffer at 50 East 89th St. Apt. 11F, NY, NY 10128. For those who prefer to email their condolences raschaefer@earthlink.net **Due to Covid-19 restrictions the memorial service will be limited to family but a public memorial will be held later on this year.** |
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Prayer Requests and Thanksgivings |
Prayers of Thanksgiving: Birthday blessings this upcoming week to Joy Tamayo Healing & Special needs: The Schaefer Family, Sue and John Davis, Elmore, Matthew, Lolly,Joan, Roberta, Kevin, Patrick, Claudia, Jack, Jim, Jing Jue Zheng, John, Ann, Ian, Bettie,Charlie, Brian, Sally, Richard, Ellen, Jane, Jennifer, Magaly, David Christopher, Laura,Melissa, Martin, Neil, Dudley, Judy, John, Jean, Dawn Evans, Mervat Menwer & Marcia Ellis,Flip, Peter, Nicole, Tomas, Ruth, Mary Ellen Delaney & Family, Hermie, Eddie, Bob, Adele,Ama, Betty, Mark, Lorraine, Mary, Ryan, Won Ok, Scott, Judith, Gloria, Hare, Hyun-Wu,Ann, Jim, Lawrence, Adrienne, Ethan, Dean, Shelley, David, Owen and family, Kennie,Nandika, Marine, Epifania, Genny, Robin, Linda, Cathie, Annette, Lorol, Marion and theHedges family, Janet, Jennie. Departed: Rick Hale, Mary Jeanne, Elmore |
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Let us know..... we can help! |
Having surgery or in the hospital? Divorce? A personal emergency?
Or just need someone to talk to? Let us know when you have a scheduled surgery, or a personal or medical emergency. We will pray for you, provide counseling, and otherwise minister in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you find yourself in any of these situations. Our clergy and lay ministers are all ready and willing to help and serve. If you would like to receive Holy Communion at home or in the hospital ... Epiphany’s Lay Eucharistic Visitors minister by bringing the sacrament of Holy Communion to those who are not able to be physically present in church. The church office or any of Epiphany’s clergy can help you schedule a visit. Have questions about Weddings, Baptisms, or Funerals? For any of these kinds of assistance, please call the church office at 212-737-2720 or email Christina at Itwaru@epiphanynyc.org. If not urgent, please allow two business days for a reply. How to reach the Interim Rector? Call the office 212-737-2720 and ask to speak to Fr. Cole or dial ext.22. You can also email Cole@epiphanynyc.org How to reach the Associate Rector? Call the office 212-737-2720 and ask to speak to Mo. Elise or dial ext.23. You can also email Hanley@epiphanynyc.org |
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