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The Examiner The Newsletter of Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church, Richmond, VA

Walk the Journey + Worship the Christ + Witness with Joy

October 2018 Words from our Pastor

Epiphany’s Faith Formation Objective: To Build a community of Christ-followers who grow in their faith and to equip them to be disciples in their homes, in their church, and in the world.

“To Build” is the action that starts our congregation’s objective for faith formation ministry (above). That was an intentional word choice by the Long Range Planning Team. I can’t remember now what the other options were, but when the team thought about the goals and purposes and structure of faith formation in a congregation’s ministry, “build” seemed to capture best what we were aiming for.

After all, there is a good bit of building in the Bible! Noah builds an ark to escape the flood. David builds a temple in Jerusalem to house the Lord, and that temple is then rebuilt much later by Nehemiah. Jesus closes his Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s gospel with a parable about a wise man who builds his house on rock…and a foolish man who builds it on sand. Psalm 127 begins with the words, “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” There are plenty of images and themes to work with when we decided to use that word. But what does “build” imply?

One thing I’ve learned from serving on the Building Team for Brighten Our Light for the past 2 years is that building involves a process. A builder doesn’t just need to have a final vision in her mind. She also needs to think through different steps. She has to pull together resources. She has to think about the sturdiness of the foundation. And sometimes she has to actually put on a hard hat and get a hammer in her hand and sweat a little. A structure doesn’t just happen.

Forming faith is kind of like that. To some degree faith can “just happen” as we go through life having different epiphanies along the way, but more often than not some intentional experiences (and intentional exposure to certain questions and answers) create a scaffolding by which deeper, more reflective, more solid faith can take shape. Athletes don’t improve at a sport just by thinking about it. They need to build skills by practicing them, putting them to the test, going to the gym, bouncing ideas off other fellow athletes. Do we expect our faith to grow without doing the same kinds of things?

At Epiphany we want to continue to help build when it comes to the faith formation of children of children, youth, and adults. We feel called to provide exposure to certain experiences, questions, and answers—be they Sunday School classes, small groups, Bible studies, summer trips and camp programs to name a few—so that a faith in a loving, creative God can take shape. Like Noah’s ark, this faith can save us. Like the Holy Temple, it provides a house for God’s Spirit to dwell within us. And like the house build on rock, it will not waver when the waves of hardship beat upon it.

I invite you to put on a hard hat and come build with us.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Phillip

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Finance Ministry

YTD through August, 2018, our receipts of $476,772 are less than budget by $1,703 and expenses of

$487,719 are $4,577 more than budget. Our net income is negative by approximately $11k primarily due to

unexpected property expenses earlier in the year. We would expect to make up the difference in the final

months of the year.

Regular member giving is $460,550 which is below budget by $4,064 and favorable to last year by $4,755.

Total expenses year to date are $487,719 which is $4,577 above our budget due to timing of several large

items:

• Property expense unfavorable $8.2k due to several items. We would expect to end the year close to our total property budget.

• Higher than budgeted natural gas usage due to colder winter/spring ($2.3k) • Sewer line repair ($2.4k) • Roof/Gutter repair ($1.2k)

• Remaining unfavorable variance due to timing of expenditures vs. budget. • Savings on choir robes helping to offset Property expenditures outlined above.

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Stewardship Ministry

Consecration Sunday

October 21, 2018 On Sunday, October 21st we will celebrate the abundant gifts of

God’s Kingdom to us with the consecration of our commitments and

pledges to the important work of Epiphany Lutheran Church and its

annual operating budget.

8:30 am and 11:00 am Worship Services with guest preacher Bishop

Bob Humphrey of the Virginia Synod!

We are excited that Bishop Bob Humphrey, bishop of the Virginia Synod of the ELCA, will be our guest preacher on Consecration Sunday. A graduate of the University of Richmond and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Bishop Humphrey was elected to office of bishop in June of 2017. Previous to his call as bishop he served as pastor of Muhlenberg Lutheran Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and other congregations in Virginia. He and his wife, Barbra, have one adult daughter.

12:15 pm Consecration Luncheon

Commitment Cards

Commitment Cards were mailed to each confirmed member of the

congregation in late September. Please complete the Commitment Card and return it to Epiphany by the morning of October 21st. There are be White Drop Off boxes in the Commons and in the Narthex, or you may mail the Commitment Card to the church using the

envelope provided in the mailing. Electronic giving is available through the Simply Giving program. It’s easy to do – forms are available in the Commons and in the church office. Please help us reach

our goal of 100% participation by returning your Commitment Cards!

Consecration Sunday Luncheon - Sunday, October 21st at 12:15 pm

Please RSVP! A Consecration Luncheon will be held in Price Hall following the 11:00 service to celebrate the

congregation’s gifts to our church. A light lunch of sandwiches, chips, fruits and cheeses, and

desserts will be served in an informal setting. Chicken nuggets will also be available for the children of the congregation. The total amount of the congregation’s commitments will be announced at the meal. Childcare will be available for those families with children under the age of five.

Please let us know if you plan on attending the Consecration Luncheon so we can properly plan the

meal. You can sign up for the luncheon in the Commons or notify the church office at 804-282-6066 or

churchoffice@epiphanyelca.org.

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Altar Care

The Liturgical green color that has been on the altar for the past couple of months will finally change on October 28 to the bright; bold red paraments. That is Reformation Sunday and is a festive day in the church year. Altar Care Servers for October are: • First Service: Teresa and Greg Rollins, Bonita and Alvah Wyatt. • Second Service: Linda Droste and Stephanie Horacek Thanks to all servers who contribute to the worship service.

Music Ministry

Children’s Corner The Singing Saints and Cherub Choir will meet on the first four Wednesdays in October for rehearsal. Cherub Choir meets from 6:30-7:00 in room 104. Singing Saints meet in the Music Room from 6:30-7:10. Junior handbells will also meet all four Wednesdays during the month from 7:00-7:30 in the balcony. PLEASE NOTE: There will be no children’s choir rehearsals on Halloween, October 31.

Singing Saints will participate in worship leadership at both services on October 7 and October 28, and the Cherub Choir will participate in both services on October 21.

Junior Handbells will also play in worship on October 21.

If you haven’t made a decision about participating in Singing Saints, please note that we will be starting preliminary work on the Christmas Festival during October – that often is an important determinant for the kids!

Epiphany Brass Members of our brass ensemble will be playing in worship on October 21 (second service only) as well as some hymn accompaniment on October 28. If you are interested in playing and will be available for either or both of these days, please contact Kevin as soon as possible, if you have not already done so.

New Instrument Opportunity Members of our Singing Saints choir have added a new instrument this year! We have added some steel drums. The Saints have been learning the instrument during our Wednesday evening rehearsals, and they have been having a blast! Look for our new instruments to be featured in worship in October!

Carol and the Belles Rehearsals for music for the Christmas musical will begin in October as part of our regularly scheduled Wednesday evenings. If you are interested in being a part of the musical, please be sure to let Mr. Barger know, particularly if you are not able to attend rehearsals regularly on Wednesday nights. This year’s musical in on Sunday, December 16 at 4:00 p.m. Mark your calendars now!

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The Building Team met with the architect on August 29 to review the Design Development drawings. The Team turned over a list of about 14 items for the architect to review, such as verifying that existing footings are adequate for new beam, removing existing columns, including hot and cold water shut off valves for each restroom, getting approval for painted curbs instead of "fire lane" signs, etc. We discussed the replacement of the old air conditioning unit for administration area; the number of skylights in the administration area; the process for hiring a construction company; and a time line for the construction project to begin. We hope to file the Construction Documents with the county by early October 2018. The Architect’s Plan Of Development was approved by the county on September 26 and covers the following: a set of site drawings which goes into excruciating detail on planning & zoning issues, parking, fire department access, utilities, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control during construction, landscaping, and everything else outside the building. It gets submitted to the county during Construction Documents (CD) phase, and a dozen or more county departments pick it apart. It needs to be approved before a building permit is issued.

The Building Team has received an updated construction cost estimate from Taylor & Parrish on September 17 in the amount of $2.5 million. Taylor & Parrish is a construction company we have been working with to help us through the process. We met with Taylor & Parrish on September 24 to review the amount in greater detail.

For informational purposes the architect’s process has 4 main phases: SD, DD, CD, and CA and we are currently finishing DD and moving into CD. SD = Schematic designs (what we received back in February. These are the general plans that we made major improvements to over the spring. A very pared down version of the SD drawings are in the Commons on display)

DD = Design Development (the more detailed, technical drawings that we received in August. These were produced in consultation with the county and electrical engineers, etc., in order to make sure we were in line with code requirements. Good news: OUR DESIGNS ARE, with the exception of the electrical upgrades we need to make.

CD = Construction Documents (this is what we will receive next. This is when the architect works closely with a builder in order to take those detailed, technical drawings even deeper and more technical so the builders and subcontractors know what to do).

CA = Construction administration (this is where we move AFTER the congregation has voted to begin construction. We pay for the architect to continue to inspect the building, consult with us about decisions, etc. etc. etc.)

Your Building Team is very excited as they continue to work through the summer with the Architect to continue the process of updating and expanding our current facilities to meet our ongoing ministry needs and to prepare us for future ministry.

Team members are Pastor Martin, Steve Collins (team leader), Karen Myers, Carole Alfriend, Janet Card, Bill Hockman, Russ Johnson, Joel McKean, Bryan Ozlin, Kristine Quann and Paul Sweet

Building Team Update

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Faith Formation

Third Grade Bible Presentation Reformation Sunday: October 28, 2018

At a child’s baptism, parents make a promise “to place in their hands the Holy

Scriptures” and on Sunday, October 28 parents will present Bibles to their children as

third graders to help fulfill this promise with the congregation as witness.

Each third grader will be presented with a “used” Whirl Lectionary NRSV Bible. It is

a “used” Bible because parents, god parents, friends and others will have marked

favorite Bible passages in the Bible to share with their third grader. We hope this

encourages our children to explore their Bible and leave their own marks upon its

pages.

In conjunction with the Bible Presentation, Bible 101: A Bible Exploration with Ms.

Cheryl will be held on Sundays, October 28 and November 4. Parents and third graders will learn how to use

the Bible to nurture Christian life and faith. Meet in Room 202 at 9:45 am—this is the regular Sunday School

classroom and time.

Parents, please attend a meeting in the Parlor on either Sunday, October 21 at 10:00 am or Wednesday,

October 24 at 6:30 pm to receive your child’s Bible and an explanation of your role in the Bible

presentation.

October is the Colors of Fall for local schools!

We may just be about a month in to school, but teachers struggle throughout the year to keep enough basic supplies on hand for

kids to express their creativity and learn. Please consider donating new packages of crayons, markers,

colored pencils, or watercolor sets for donation to a local elementary school.

Let’s add color to their world!

2018-19 Sunday School Service Projects focus on Local Schools!

This year the majority of our Sunday School Service Projects will be focused on ways that we can support

schools with significant need in our community. Many local families struggle to provide children with basic

school supplies, appropriate clothing, etc… and we believe our Sunday School families can make a difference!

This September, we “plugged in” our support for a local high school by collecting earbud headphones and

USB jump drives! Thank you for all your contributions!

Congregation Safety Meeting in Price Hall on Sunday, October 7 at 9:45 am

No Regular Sunday School on Sunday, October 7

In order for our Sunday School Teachers to attend the Congregational Safety Meeting on Sunday, October 7 at

9:45 am in Price Hall, we will not be holding regular Sunday School in the classroom, but we will offer

activities in Sala Chapel geared for children, age 4 through 6th Grade as an option for parents wishing to

attend the meeting without children. The Church Nursery will be open as well during the meeting for younger

children.

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Faith Formation

Adult Sunday School Class Opportunities in October

New Member Class meets in Sala Chapel through November 4

Whether new or longstanding member, learn or rediscover some of the basics of what Lutherans

believe, about Grace, the Sacraments and the Word of God. Learn how you are a part of our

Epiphany Community.

Age Related Memory Concerns—4 Week Class

and Alzheimer’s Support Group Kick Off

After last fall’s class, “When Words Fail” by Reverend

Kathy Berry, many wanted to learn more and to connect

with other members of Epiphany to provide more support

and understanding.

Beginning Sunday, October 14 at 9:45 am in Price Hall,

please join the Stephen Ministers and Tina Thomas,

Director of Programs and Services at the Richmond

Alzheimer’s Association to discuss Alzheimer’s disease

and how it and other age related memory concerns impact

patients, caregivers and families and to learn about

support available from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Based on your interest in continuing with an Epiphany Support Group following the four week session, Steve

Rhodes has volunteered to facilitate this group for a six-month trial. He is available (cell 757.615.4309 or

sfrhodes13@gmail.com) to answer any and all questions.

Seedling Group Ministry

Seedling Groups is our congregation’s small group ministry. Open to any adult, these

groups are designed to provide opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth among

members of the congregation.

The fall Seedling Small Groups have been launched and are meeting according to the

schedule below. If you are interested in joining a Seedling Small Group, please contact

Pastor Phillip or Pastor Joseph.

The current Seedling Small Groups meet:

1st and 3rd Mondays at 7:00 pm, led by Tom Bosserman (in the Wyndham area)

1st and 3rd Mondays at 7:00 pm, led by Traci and Brad Williamson (Tuckahoe/Patterson area)

2nd and 4th Mondays at 7:30 pm, led by Rob and Cindy McClintock (West End)

1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, led by Carl Erickson (Midlothian area)

2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:00 pm, led by Valerie Beausergent (West End)

2nd and 4th Sundays at 7:00 pm, led by Jon and Lura Beck (Mechanicsville area)

2nd and 4th Sundays at 7:00 pm, led by Lyle and Karen Gleason (New Kent/Quinton area)

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Faith Formation

Tuesday Morning Adult Bible Study

10:30 am, Sala Chapel

Tuesday, October 2 we embark on a new study, The Parables

of Jesus—B.Y.O.B.! Bring Your Own Book about the parables

as we discuss the Parables and the meaning they have for our

lives today while discussing different authors’ points of view.

So whether you have a book or study guide at home or need to

grab one of ours, this is a great time to join the Tuesday Adult

Bible Study. Our first lesson on October 2 will be an overview

of the Parables and how we study them.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study

6:30 pm, Sala Chapel

Join us as we continue the study, Prayer: An adventure with God through the month of

October. Join us for group discussion and personal reflection as we look to biblical

examples for guidance to gain new insights and experiences in the adventure of prayer.

Please note, this group will not meet Wednesday, October 31.

Thursday Morning Mom’s Bible Study begins September 13 at

9:30 am

Join us for fellowship and discussions based on the sermons from worship and the

Scripture texts that accompany each sermon. This is the same Seedling Group Model as

other small groups. There is no book or reading necessary! And if you miss worship,

you can listen or read the sermons at epiphanyelca.org/worship/sermons.

This group is open to moms of ALL ages with kids of ANY age! All are welcome!

Please join us! Contact Amy Boyle at aimandbub@msn.com.

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Faith Formation

October Baptism Birthdays

Advent Calendar Gift Basket Planning

Initial Planning Meeting October 14 at 10:00 am in the

Parlor

It is time to start making plans and preparations for our annual

Intergenerational Event which takes place on Sunday, November 25.

Join us to take a look at the scriptures for the Advent Season and discuss

how we can help our homebound members feel the presence and love of

their church family during this special season. For more information or if

you have questions, please contact Cheryl,

cherylbaggs@epiphanyelca.org.

2 Corinthians 5:7a

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Caroline Furnace was featured in the viral blog post, “Dear Camp Counselor,” by Jelise Ballon of Neither Height Nor Depth. She was talking about Caroline Furnace and the full article can be found on the Caroline Furnace webpage.

Dear camp counselor,

September is here. Backpacks are packed, pencils sharpened, and yellow school buses wait at the corner. Orange and brown leaves are starting to cover our yard and the sun is coming up later and going to bed sooner. Alas, summer is officially over. Despite the excitement and energy that surrounds a new school year, there is one bit of summer that lingers in our house; one topic that resurfaces at the dinner table, in the car, and at bed-time. Of everything my kids did and experienced this summer (and it was a lot) the one subject that comes up again and again is camp.

While you camp counselors have returned to your college dorms and apartments or your regular jobs, my children are still singing those same songs 100 times in a row, re-enacting that silly skit and arguing over who gets to play what part, and trying to teach their school friends how to play spit and color tag. Out of 12 weeks of summer vacation they only spent two with you, but they are the two weeks that live on in our house. And sure, they did some pretty cool stuff at camp. I mean, who wouldn’t remember a week canoeing down the

Shenandoah River, horse back riding on the Appalachian Trail, or an afternoon of caving? But really, in the midst of the stories and the songs and the laughter, what I hear most are your names.

I hear stories told over and over about how Jake did this, or Sarah said that. My kids will say to each other, “remember when Dan and Tori did that skit?” and bust out laughing while trying to explain it to me (for the 78th time) and I still won’t get it, but they will laugh hysterically anyways. Then they’ll ask, “mom do you think Nick/Julie/Dalton/Jayme will be my counselor next year?” Your names are spoken with a tone of admiration, love, and familiarity as if you’ve been in their lives forever, not someone they just met in June.

You are the coolest/funniest/smartest/nicest/craziest person they know.

And after all of that hiking, and swimming, and cooking, and playing, you sit with them on the porch and wave away the gnats as you tell them about God’s hand in everything they did that day. You patiently answer their questions, overlook their foolishness, and hug the ones who miss home. Then you remind them, five more minutes till the flashlights have to be out. Because you are the last to sleep and the first to wake. And you do it all over again the next day…and every day for 8 weeks straight. Honestly, I’m exhausted just thinking about it.

But you know the part that gets me the most? It’s that when I picked my kids up at the end of week 8, you had just as much energy and joy as I saw in you back in week 2. And because no one ever became a camp counselor to get rich, I know that joy and energy must be because camp is in your soul. It is inside of you and fills your heart and overflows into the space around you. It’s contagious. My kids have caught it. Camp is inside of them. Not just while they are there for those two weeks, but every day throughout the entire year.

Sincerely, A former camper-turned-mom of three lucky campers

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DRIVERS NEEDED

College Students from University of Richmond and

Virginia Commonwealth University are back on campus!

We are a

congregation-based

campus ministry

site, which means

we invite college

students to

participate in all

aspects of our

ministry and invite

students to call

Epiphany “home” during their time in Richmond. We

are looking for a few people or families who would be

able to give students a ride to and/or from campus to join

our community. If you are able to help, please contact

Pastor Joseph in the church office or by email:

pastorjoseph@epiphanyelca.org

CHURCH STAFF Pastor - The Rev. Phillip W. Martin, Jr.,

pastorphillip@epiphanyelca.org Pastor - The Rev. Joseph L. Bolick,

pastorjoseph@epiphanyelca.org Visitation Pastor - The Rev. Tom Bosserman,

pastortom@epiphanyelca.org Director of Music Ministry - Kevin Barger,

kevinbarger@epiphanyelca.org Administrative Assistant - Hanne Hamlin,

churchoffice@epiphanyelca.org Coordinator of Volunteers - Beth Barger,

bethbarger@epiphanyelca.org Interim Director of Faith Formation Ministries, Cheryl Baggs, cherylbaggs@epiphanyelca.org

Finance Manager - Debbie Sexton, debbiesexton@epiphanyelca.org

Reflections from our own Young Adult Leaders... Serving as a camp counselor at Caroline Furnace has been my dream job for over ten years, and this summer that dream became a reality. I got to hang out with some of the coolest kids I have ever met in God’s awesome creation AND learn about how grace really does change everything. This summer was filled with so much laughter and so much personal growth. I am so thankful for every single moment of the summer, even if the moment was challenging because I was able to learn something from every situation God threw at me. Looking back, all I can say is that our adventures were gnarly and our experiences were humbling.

Erin Wachter, Caroline Furnace summer staff counselor 2018 The theme this summer at camp was THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING, and it was referring to the way that Gods grace changes our lives. However, this couldn’t have been a more accurate theme for my summer. Being at Caroline Furnace changed everything for me. I’m leaving the summer with relationships built on love and faith, a better understanding of what it means to be intentional with those around me, a lifetimes worth of memories and smiles, and a pretty rad scar on my right bicep to remind me of how much I’ve grown. Caroline Furnace is a beautiful place, the property is gorgeous and the Holy Spirit is ever present. It’s a place where faith is formed through outdoor ministry and where friendships are deepened though rivalry in capture the flag, and that has the power to change everything. Why not be a part of it? There is a place for everyone.

Callie Hammer, Caroline Furnace summer staff counselor 2018

Caroline Furnace cont.

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Youth Ministry

Lil Youth First Gathering!

All Youth (5-6th grades) please join Alexandra in the Star

Lodge, Sunday, September 30, at noon for lunch, games, and

fun! We will also meet on October 28 for a trip to Maymont!

Parents are not required to be present but are always welcome.

Lil Youths is Epiphany’s YOUTH GROUP just for 5th and 6th

graders and we hope YOU will join us for monthly gatherings

this coming year, including games, field trips, crafts, service

projects, and more as we grow in faith and friendship!

YOUTH

LIL

TOGETHER for GOOD OCTOBER

Wednesday, October 3 Timothy Ministry, Star Lodge, 7 pm

Sunday, October 7 EYG (7-12th), Scavenger Hunt

Sunday, October 7 Lost and Found Retreat (7-8th) Registration due to church office

Wednesday, October 10 Confirmation (9-10th), Upper Room, 7 pm

Wednesday, October 10 7+8th Grade Fellowship, Star Lodge 7-8:30 pm

Sunday, October 21 EYG (7-12th), Virginia Supportive Housing service day, noon-3 pm

Wednesday, October 24 Confirmation (9-10th), Upper Room, 7 pm

Sat-Sunday, October 27-28 Fall Fest at Camp Caroline Furnace

NOVEMBER

Wednesday. November 7 Timothy Ministry, Star Lodge, 7 pm

Fri-Saturday, November 9-10 Beach retreat with St. Michaels, in Virginia Beach

Wednesday, November 14 Confirmation (9-10th), Upper Room, 7 pm

Wednesday, November 14 7+8th Grade Fellowship, Star Lodge, 7-8:30 pm

Fri-Sunday, November 16-18 Lost and Found Retreat (7-8th grade), Eagle Eyrie

Sunday, November 18 Winter Celebration (9-12th) registration due to church office

Sunday, November 25 EYG (7-12th) Leaf-raking and Dinner, noon-6 pm

Wednesday, November 28 Confirmation (9-10th), Upper Room, 7 pm

A full calendar is available from Pastor Joseph (epiphanyyouthgroupva@gmail.com) and is also available on the

Epiphany website nestled in the ‘youth’ tab under the ‘learn’ banner.

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The Safety Team would first like to extend a big “THANK YOU!” to all those who participated in Epiphany’s

first ever fire drill. Both the early morning fire drill and the late service fire

drill were very successful. In both instances, the church was evacuated in

around 2 minutes (which is a good benchmark for future evacuations… both

planned and in an emergency).

Your Safety Team remains as busy as ever as we put in place new

procedures and policies at Epiphany. Our next big tasks are as follows:

Follow-up with staff on action items that came out of their safety training

and arrange for CPR Training

Implement evacuation procedures for Sunday School Teachers

Create, recruit and develop the “Sunday Shepherd” safety ministry

program (people who patrol on Sunday mornings)

Now that recruiting is complete, implement the “Medical Shepherd”

ministry program (people with medical training backgrounds who

agree to be available in an emergency medical situation on Sunday

mornings)

Provide Usher Training on new emergency and evacuation procedures

Develop a budget and secure safety equipment and materials

Provide the congregation with a forum to share policies, procedures and things in progress

Therefore, I would like to invite everyone in the congregation to attend

a safety meeting we will be holding in between services on October 7,

in Price Hall. The Safety Team will be providing an overview of all the

new safety programs they are putting in place, review emergency

procedures and will listen to feedback from the congregation. In order to

allow as many people as possible to join, there will be no regularly

scheduled Sunday School sessions that morning; however, the nursery

will be open and there will be some volunteers running activities in the

Chapel for those who require childcare.

As always, we greatly appreciate everyone’s support and welcome feedback.

Your Safety Team

Annette Bates, Bobby Mawyer, Brendan Paget (lead), Frank Bark, Jim Yucha, Joe Barnes, Lyle Gleason,

Pastor Phillip Martin, Turner Barger, Wayne Shimko

Safety Team Update

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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY This month our group will meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the parlor at 11:00 am, October 16. There is always room for at least 1 or 2 more so please don't hesitate to attend. Lessons will also be offered. We would love to teach the youth of our church to knit or crochet. If you would like to learn this art, please either call me or attend our meeting. If you would like to work from home and not attend our meetings, we would love to count you as one of our members also. There are so many reasons for us to share a prayer shawl with those we care about: those with health issues; those in distress; those who mourn; those who travel or move away from friends and/or family; new baby; graduate; newlyweds; to name a few. Please know that the prayer shawl ministry is anxious for you to take this opportunity to request a Prayer Shawl for someone you know that is in need of comfort. Simply go the church office and Hanne can assist you with your need.

WEDNESDAY EVENING MEALS

All are welcome to join us for food, fellowship, and faith each Wednesday beginning

with dinner in Price Hall at 5:45 pm. Choir rehearsals, Bible Studies, and Confirmation

classes are offered.

Suggested donations for the evening meal are $5/adult and $3/child 12 and under.

Household max is $20.00.

Please sign up at the Welcome Desk Table in the Commons or email the church office

by Monday night at churchoffice @epiphanyelca.org

The menus are posted on the church’s website at www.epiphanyelca.org and on the sign up sheets.

Are you able to lend a hand with clean up? Please contact Beth Barger at 282-6066.

Fellowship Ministry

Pizza & Pumpkins! Sunday October 28, 5:00 in Price Hall

Please bring: your pumpkins, carving tools, old newspapers, and pizza $. We also ask that you bring a dessert or side dish to share. This has become quite a popular event! It's a wonderful way to meet and mingle with Epiphany Families! If you have questions, please contact Marcie Perryman 828-244-0530 or m.perryman@yahoo.com

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The Margaret Miller Circle will meet Tuesday October 10 at 10:00 am. in the Star Lodge. We welcome you

to join us! Please call Donna Josephson (804)883-5955 or Jackie Collins

(703)304-8568 with any questions.

The Clara Sullivan Circle will be meeting on Wednesday, October 11

at 10:00 am in Star Lodge. All are welcome! Any questions call Eileen Johnson 804-752-6140 or Brenda Barnes 804-339-1417.

The Katie Luther Circle If you are interested in joining our evening circle, please contact Tatter Hartmann at 804-841-0276 or tatterh@hotmail.com

Men’s Basketball

Join us Tuesday, October 2, in Price Hall (the gym) for full court play from 7:30 to 9 pm. Bring two shirts, one light and one dark colored, which helps distinguish teams during play.

We play the first Tuesday of each month.

Women of Epiphany Lutheran Church, Virginia Synod

Jackie Collins represented Epiphany at the annual convention held in August. The theme of the convention

was Let Us Encourage. The speaker spoke of the importance of women in our world.

There were 266 personal care kits which were assembled and taken to the convention. Epiphany women

made 53 walker caddies which can be given to those in need, and 36 prayer shawls which were given to our

CARITAS guests.

Margaret Miller Circle collected travel items; toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap for the CARITAS guests.

Clara Sullivan Circle prepared a delicious chicken and rice dinner for the CARITAS guests.

Fall Gathering: Reserve October 13th for this special event! It will be held at Christ the King Lutheran

Church from 2-4 pm. This Gathering is for all women in this VA synod (VSWO). Jody Smiley, President of

the VA Synodical, from Blacksburg, VA will be in attendance. Please call Peggy Roberts with your

reservation. 804-248-8291.

Circle Leaders:

Margaret Miller: Donna Josephson & Jackie Collins

Clara Sullivan: Eileen Johnson & Brenda Barnes

Katie Luther: Tatter Hartmann

Fellowship Ministry

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Thank You

Epiphany Lutheran Church, Many thanks for all the thoughts and prayers offered on our behalf. Thank you for the lovely prayer shawl, it means so much to me. Thanks to the pastors for their caring inquiries and visits, and to the many members of the congregation for their words of encouragement, cards and food. It looks like I have a long road ahead of me, but I am determined to win this battle. God’s Blessings, Carole Alfriend

Dear Epiphany Family, For over 5 years you have been pray warriors for Dave and myself as we have faced various health issues. You have held us in your hearts with prayer, kind words, and so many cards of encouragement. Walking into Epiphany’s front door is walking into a sea of smiles, hugs, words of encouragement. I thank you over and over knowing we are members of the Epiphany family and return your love. Betty and Dave Ottaway Thank you again for Epiphany’s amazing contributions to McShin!!! They will help so much!! Please know that no other congregation or organization has ever offered this type of support - isolation and stigma are preventing recovery. I am so proud to be part of a congregation that is willing to put the stigma behind us and do something to actually help recovery efforts!! Marta LeFleor Dear Epiphany Lutheran- I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for the generous donation of school supplies that you made to Ridge Elementary. We really appreciate you all taking the time to donate much needed items to us. As you all know, our population is in need of support and the donation is very help for families during this back to school season. As you all probably experience yourselves, the back to school list can be overwhelming when you add it up, especially when you have multiple children and so it is so helpful for us to be able to keep a supply here of items to help supplement what families already have or start fresh for kids who have nothing. Again, we thank you all so much! We really appreciate your continued support!! From all of us at Ridge, Erin Rettig, School Counselor

Dears Friends at Epiphany, On behalf of the leadership of Area Congregations Together in Service (ACTS), I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for Epiphany’s support of and participation I the ACTS program. We are especially appreciative of the Care Bag items you collected. They are gratefully received! What a gift to be able to provide items that are expensive, yet necessary, to those who struggle each day to pay their bills. Your contributions and prayers are greatly appreciated as ACTS continues to further its mission of providing a compassionate response and needed resources to our neighbors during periods of financial crisis. Sincerely, William Poarch Executive Director

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Do You Know the History of… A couple of weeks ago, the Archives received the banner shown in the picture. The history of it (who made it, when was it made, and purpose) are unknown. If you know anything about this banner, please contact John Hartmann (804-741-0276) so its history can be documented.

STEPHEN MINISTRY HELPS EPIPHANY MEMBERS

Each of us has experienced problems in our life, and some problems can be overwhelming. You may talk

about a specific problem and

people hear you, but no one

really listens. So you keep your

feelings inside and carry on, but

your frustration and hurt

continues. You need for

someone to hear you and listen

to you—and that’s exactly what

a Stephen Minister will do for

you.

A trained and commissioned

Stephen Minister in Epiphany

will come to you and listen to everything you have to say without judgment and in strictest confidence.

A Stephen Minister—your Stephen Minister—will provide one-on-one, Christ-centered care. Whether you

meet over a few weeks or for several months, the two of you alone will talk about your specific problem,

pray for God’s loving care, and know that you are not alone. A problem can be about family, health, job,

grief, and more; but whatever your problem, a Stephen Minister is here to listen and be with you.

Stephen Leaders Ben Droste & Debbie Pellmann

Stephen Ministry

CONGREGATION COUNCIL Rob Burger ‘20 - Council President Macon Sizemore ‘19 - Vice President Jennifer Baker ‘21 - Council Secretary Tim Sparks ‘19 - Treasurer Council Members Wayne Shimko ‘19 Carol Mawyer ‘19 Kyle Anderson ‘20 Leigh Dunavant ‘20 Greg Parker ‘21 Linda Reckenbeil ‘21

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Community Service Ministry

News from the HHOPE ministry:

As we get back into our fall routines, the HHOPE team prays that you will add our ministry to your schedule. We served a total of 13 families this past month, and with the congregation's help, we can continue to help even more guests. We are always in need of the following food donations: Peanut butter, canned tuna or chicken, canned vegetables, children's cereal, hot cereal, canned fruit and squeezable jelly. We can always use monetary donations, as well. If you choose to help this way, please make your check out to Epiphany Lutheran Church and write HHOPE on the memo line. As always, we are thankful for all that we receive, and our guests are always overwhelmed with gratitude for our ministry. God's Peace to all.

MICAH KICK-OFF 2018-2019

September 13, about 75 folks representing 60 metro Richmond faith groups “kicked off” Micah’s new school year and heard keynote speaker, Richmond’s superintendent, Jason Kamras. Arriving in November, 2017, Kamras had visited all 26 elementary schools as well as most of the middle and high. In his comments he explained why he had initiated bathroom renovation as a top priority in the schools; his response was simple: because that’s want 90% of the students requested when asked what they would most like to change about their school.

A memorable moment happened in one of the schools when a young boy asked Kamras to take his hand and to follow him. As they entered the bathroom, the superintendent was dismayed at the dire condition and confessed he would not allow his own 7 and 10 year old children to use the facility. Building conditions and other issues face Kamras, but he finds hope in the students, the community, and hard work. In the short amount of time on the job, he has heard about MICAH and is grateful for the support and extra hands, and is looking forward to

experiencing further relationships.

So, what can Epiphany do to help at Southampton? Surely we are not being called to renovate bathrooms. We are called, however, to bloom where we are planted. Simply said, you can contribute to Southampton through commitments of time, donations, prayer, and/or your own suggestions.

Throughout the school year, various opportunities will be needing volunteers. Classroom assistants, reading tutors, Tiger Store assistants, Career Day, and Dr. Seuss Day are just some of the needs. If you are interested in knowing more about these (or any other Micah info), please sign the MICAH that is located in the Commons. Your signature does not mean you have made a commitment, but rather that you are interested in learning more about the program.

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Epiphany’s Upcoming Dates: Friday, October 12, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm Wednesday, October 17, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm

Directions from Epiphany to 8419 Oakview Ave: Take Glenside Dr. North Turn LEFT onto Staples Mill Rd Turn RIGHT onto Hermitage Rd Turn LEFT onto Oakview Ave. Turn RIGHT onto Second Ave. Building on the RIGHT on the corner. Enter through rear door

Quarterly Newsletter can be found at: www.lambsbasket.org

Epiphany sends volunteers on the second Friday and third Wednesday of each month to the Community Food Pantry to help distribute food (Fridays) and stock the shelves (Wednesdays). To volunteer, contact Beth Barger at 282.6066, or sign up at the Welcome Desk. For additional information, call the pantry at 565.8007. Inclement weather? Check channel 8 for closings, or if Henrico schools are closed, then LAMB’s Basket is closed.

Reminder: Release forms are available on the Community Service bulletin board for those under 18.

LAMB’s BASKET FOOD PANTRY

Time Commitment: 3.5hours/day

Community Service Ministry

Thank you for our many volunteer that made our 32 guests from CARITAS feel welcome, safe, and

appreciated. We provided 7 dinners, 224 lunches, 32 toiletry bags, 35 prayer shawls, nightly showers, daily

washed towels, cleaned laundry, daily breakfasts, a place to shower, a

place to relax and rest, hugs, and compassion.

We will keep you up to date on future exciting CARITAS news soon!

THANKSGIVING BASKETS

Continuing in Epiphany’s tradition of providing a Thanksgiving meal for our neighbors in need, the Community Service Team will be collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations for Thanksgiving baskets.

On Sunday, October 28 and Sunday, November 4, Community Service Team members will be distributing grocery bags after both services. There will be a list attached to each bag of the items needed to provide a family of six a Thanksgiving meal. Please consider purchasing all items on the list or as many as you are able. Team members will fill baskets with any item not collected.

Monetary donations will be used to purchase gift cards to buy a turkey for each basket. Please bring all donations to church by Thursday, November 15. Epiphany’s baskets will be distributed with baskets from other Henrico churches to recipients through HEARTH (Henrico Emergency Assistance to Reduce Threat of Homelessness), and to Lutheran Family Service’s foster families. For more information please contact Brenda Barnes or Stephanie Hamlett. “For I was hungry and you fed me, for I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in” Matthew 25:35

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It has been an exciting month here at Epiphany Lutheran Nursery School. We welcomed children back on Tuesday, September 4 and it is great to finally get to hear all of them playing in the classrooms and on the playgrounds. Our year has gotten off to a great start with many new faces!!

Our enrollment has been climbing the last 6 weeks. We do still have openings every day in our 1 year old class and a couple of openings between our other classes. If you have friends or family members who are still looking for a school this fall, please make sure and tell them about us!

You can keep up to date on what is happening at our website www.EpiphanyLutheranNurserySchool.com. We are also on Facebook. Be sure to look for Epiphany Lutheran Nursery School and “Like” us to keep up to date on what is happening in the Education Wing. You can find us on Instagram @elnsrichmond.

Our annual Fall carnival is Saturday, October 6 and we are looking forward to a fun-filled day. There will be games, vendors, entertainment, a food truck and a silent auction/raffle! Everyone is invited to attend and we would love to have you. If you or your children are looking for volunteer hours, we are also in need of some volunteers for the event. Please email elnsdirector@gmail.com for information and opportunities.

We are now participating in the Amazon Smile program. If you shop at Amazon.com, you can now go to smile.amazon.com and select Epiphany Lutheran Nursery School as your designated non-profit. We will then earn a percentage of all of your qualifying purchases. This is an easy way to help support the nursery school, especially with the coming holiday season (was it too soon to mention it??)! Just remember to always visit smile.amazon.com or your purchase will not earn a percentage for your chosen non-profit.

We are always looking for new substitute teachers for those times when our teachers have to miss school. If you are interested in being on our sub list, please get in touch. Feel free to stop by the school anytime! My office hours are 8 am – 3 pm, Monday-Friday with the exception of Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 am while I am in classrooms. You can also give me a call at 282-7506. Jessica Hendricks Director

Nursery School News

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Members in Our Prayers

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Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church 1400 Horsepen Road Monument Ave. at Horsepen Road Richmond, VA 23226

Phone: 804-282-6066 Fax: 804-282-6067 www.epiphanyelca.org

Worship Times

Sunday 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Non-Profit Org.

U. S. Postage Pd.

Richmond, VA

Permit # 711

a congregation of the ELCA

Address Service Requested

www.facebook.com/EpiphanyLutheranRVA Follow us on Twitter! @EpiphanyELCA

Instagram: epiphanyelca

Audio recordings of sermons can be located on our website from our main

page “For sermons, click here”. Links to the pastors’ sermon blogs may also be

found there.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

October 20, 1956 –the Congregation approved an annual budget for 1957 in the amount of $14,830. (My,

how times have changed!)