As we have passed through the “Fall Triduum” this week - Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day, I have been thinking especially of my maternal grandmother Doris. A devout altar guild directress and force at All Saints El Cristo Rey Episcopal Church in Watsonville, Gram was my spiritual mother in all ways. Who are your spiritual parents and siblings? This time of year is such a thin time when we can be in touch with these people in ways that only God understands.
I have a couple of important events to note to our community. First, as we discussed last week in the Chatter and in church on Sunday, we will be living into some more relxed COVID guidelines by making masks highly recommended but optional. We will also return to using a common cup for those who desire it. Last week in church we talked about the two stations we will have beginning this Sunday - on the left of the altar a station where you may receive Communion just as you have been for these past several years - a member of the clergy will offer you the bread of heaven and the cup of salvation by intincting the wafer and putting the sacrament into your hands.
On the right side, we will have a station where we will offer you the bread of heaven and where a chalice bearer will offer you the common cup. Intinction (dipping the bread yourself into the chalice) is no longer permitted by our Bishop.
Finally, if you wish to receive Communion in one kind only - that is, the bread - feel free to go to this station and receive the Body of Christ. Then simply cross your arms over your chest and the chalice bearer will offer the words of Communion even though you will not drink. Please do know that the Episcopal Church affirms that receiving Communion in one kind is as efficacious as receiving Commmunion in both kinds.
As I said on Sunday, we will be “klunky” the first couple of Sundays we do this, but no worry, the blessing of a church community is that we are allowed, even encouraged, to simply be human and, well, be klunky.
I also point you to Emma’s good words from Sunday. You will be receiving a letter in the mail this week with a letter from Emma and a pledge card. As Emma suggests, please pray about your inflection point and how you might make an offering in thanksgiving for all that you have received.
See you in church on Sunday, with bells on!
Love, Stace
Remember to set your clocks BACK this weekend! It’s that weekend!!!
On Sunday we will pray for all of the people who have been buried from this parish this past year, as well as all of those we love but see no longer. There is a yellow pad in the entryway/narthex to the church on which you are encouraged to write names of your loved ones. The list will be there Sunday as well.
We want to pray for all of our beloved ones!
Coming up at Epiphany
Pledge Sunday - November 20 at both 8 and 10 am services. Thanksgiving Eve Online Only Service - Wednesday, 11/23 at 7 pm First Sunday of Advent - Sunday, November 28 Church at 8 and 10 as always Memorial Service for those who have died on the Streets - Friday, Dec 16 Blue Christmas Online Only Service - Wednesday, December 21 at 7 pm Christmas Eve services - Saturday, December 24 - late afternoon Children’s Service and evening Choral Eucharist Christmas Day - Sunday, December 25 - one service only at 10 am with Communion and Carols
USHERS WANTED
Would you like the opportunity to greet people as they enter church, distribute the offering plate and assist directing people to take communion? Then you should volunteer to be an usher. Ushers can be any age and training will be provided. Our current ushers also read, acolyte and/or serve on the altar guild. It would be nice to have some new members to perform this task. See Cookie+ if you can help out.
Help, I am in need of an acolyte for the 8:00 service on November 27 and at the 10:00 service on Christmas Day. If you can serve at either of these times please let me know. - Joan Tucker Joanelva@aol.com
EPIPHANY WORK DAYS - Saturday, Nov 19 and Dec 17 from 8:30-noon. Cleaning inside and out and holiday decorating. Contact Paul - pbecktroyd@yahoo.com if questions.
Merriment on Main is back! (with some updated guidelines) Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Main Stage program: 5:30pm Tree lighting: 6:30pm
Downtown Vacaville
Admission is FREE
For more information, visit MerrimentOnMain.org.
Thanksgiving Volunteers needed at the MCBRIDE SENIOR CENTER! Join our team to help serve a Thanksgiving meal to our seniors! To sign up please call 707-469-6660 or visit us at 91 Town Square Place Vacaville .
Diocese Quilt Completed!
Every congregation in the diocese is represented by this beautiful quilt, which will hang in the lobby of the Office of the Bishop. Many thanks to all who so lovingly created the diocesan quilt. (Special thanks to Linda Evans for her creative contribution to the Epiphany square 6th down LHS)
The Bishop’s Partnership Appeal is a collaborative year-end process designed to support our congregations and institutions of our diocese directly. Last year, a total of roughly $28,000 was received in appeal donations, 100% of which went straight to the designated recipients. Click here.
Please don't forget to mail your pledges and offerings to the church
or use PayPal on Epiphany's Website.
PAY VIA YOUR CELL PHONE! You can now pay your pledge (or other type of donation) via text message. Just text “LIGHT” to 73256 and follow the instructions. You can make a one-time payment, or even set up recurring payments with your credit card, debit card, or ACH.
