The Examiner EPIPHANY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN...

EPIPHANY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Examiner The Newsletter of Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church

December 2013

Light…shining in the darkness!

Just when the nights grow longer and the darkness deeper, the people of faith brighten with hope and

expectation for the coming of the Light of the world! Join us as we share Advent’s time of expectation and

Christmas’ celebration of the coming Christ.

December 8 – Consecration Sunday - “Let Your Light So Shine”

Consecration Sunday Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 AM

Celebration Dinner at 5 PM.

Events at Epiphany Church include a special service for the consecration of our

commitments to serve and support the Gospel in 2014, and a special evening banquet and outdoor

illumination! Together we will celebrate the Spirit who inspires and leads the mission of God’s people.

Rob Hamlin of Amour Wine Bistro will be the chef for our evening meal. Please plan to participate by:

completing your Commitment-Pledge cards, and bringing them to the morning worship

making your dinner reservations NOW.

The Consecration Sunday Team is looking forward to seeing everyone there!

December 24 – “The True Light Coming into the World”

Christmas Eve Worship – the Nativity of Our Lord

3:00 and 5:00 – Children’s Christmas Eve Service with Tableau and Candlelight

At this service, all of the children are welcome to be angels and shepherds during the

reading of the Gospel lesson. Halos and staffs will be given to all children to use during

the service. Those wishing to be angels will stand in the side aisles, and the shepherds

will stand in the center aisle. Entrance cues will be given to help the angels and

shepherds.

There will be baskets in the Commons to return the halos and staffs for future use.

7:00 and 9:00 PM –Festive Christmas Eve Communion Services with Candlelight

With shepherds, angels, and fellow Christians around the world, we worship at the birth of

Jesus Christ. The Most High God is in a lowly manger – the God whom the universe cannot

contain is enfolded in Mary’s arms – the presence of Almighty God is found in the trusting

vulnerability of a newborn! The mystery of the incarnation of God in Christ Jesus awes the

faithful with the wonder of God’s grace.

Wishing you and yours an Advent full of hope, and a Christmas full of joy.

December 29 8:30 am & 11:00 am Holy Communion Service

No Sunday School


Consecration Sunday 2013 is Almost Here!

Please join us as we celebrate all of God’s gifts and our

commitments to Him on Consecration Sunday, December

8, 2013. We are excited to have Reverend Paul

Henrickson, retired pastor and former chaplain at

Roanoke College, to give the sermon at both the 8:30 and

11:00 services that morning. We will continue the events

that evening with our annual Celebration Dinner. After

dinner, we will conclude the day’s events with a bagpipe procession, led by Brian Erbe and Dug Campbell of

Greater Richmond Pipe and Drums. They will lead us outside to the cross for the illumination of our outdoor

display. This event has become an annual tradition at Epiphany and is a wonderful way to start the Advent

season.

The dinner is no charge, however we do need to have an accurate headcount for our caterer, our very own Rob

Hamlin. If you have not done so already, please sign up at the Consecration Sunday Table in the commons

area, just outside of the office or contact the church office with your reservation information. Please also

remember to return your commitment cards by December the 8th so that we can consecrate all of our gifts to

the Lord during that morning’s worship services.

I look forward to seeing everyone on this very special day!

Yours in Christ,

Caryn Palmgren

On behalf of the Consecration Sunday Team - 2013

Results from the Annual Congregational Meeting:

2014 Epiphany Council Members serving three year terms are:

Stephanie Paget, Matt Greenshields, and Joe Potter.

Jim Johnson will serve the remainder two year term for David Hess.

The motion was passed to accept the adoption of the 2014 Financial budget

of $667,375.

The motion was passed to authorize Council to disburse at its discretion

amounts in the dedicated Thanksgiving, Christmas, Lenten, and Easter

Offering accounts; and authorize the Council to expend at its discretion a

contingency amount not to exceed $10,000 of non-dedicated 2013 surplus

(with any of such amount not disbursed by March 1, 2014 reverting to unrestricted surplus).

A Call Committee was announced. The following Epiphany members will serve on the Call Committee: Ross

Gardner, Rob Hamlin, Caren Sizemore, Carole Alfriend, Tracy Henry, Brad Williamson, and John Hartmann.


THE NIGHT SHIFT BEFORE CHRISTMAS!

Our annual Christmas musical will be held in the sanctuary at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday,

December 15. We are fortunate enough to have more than 30 children and youth

participating with speaking parts plus more than 20 others! Have you ever been to a

Falafel House? What does that have to do with our show? Come and see!

If you haven’t attended a Christmas musical in the past, this year is the perfect year to

start! This is always a fun time, and our musical groups do a fantastic job delivering the

wonderful Christmas message.

“Step right up” and join us!

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL REHEARSAL REMINDERS

Here is the schedule for Singing Saints:

Wednesday, December 4 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 7 9:00 - noon


Saturday, December 14 9:00 – noon

Sunday, December 15 3:00 p.m.

For Cherub Choir:



Saturday, December 14 10:30 – 11:30 – rehearsal

11:30 – 1:30 – party

A THRILL OF HOPE

We are pleased that our adults will be offering “A Thrill of Hope,” featuring many

moods of Christmas at both worship services on Sunday, December 22. We will have

some instrumentalists joining up for this particular musical offering and the Epiphany

Ringers will be joining for this as well as a solo offering. Plan to attend worship on

December 22 for this special service. If you are interested in singing, there is still

time to join us – come Wednesday evenings beginning December 4 at 7:30.

CHRISTMAS EVE

Seasonal singers are welcome! If you would like to sing with us Christmas Eve, we

encourage you to do so! We will have worship led by chancel choirs at 7:00 and 9:00

p.m. on Tuesday, December 24. We will sing prepared anthems only at the 9:00 p.m.

service. If you would like to sing at that service, you can get a head start on the

music during Wednesday evening rehearsals beginning December 4 in the Music

Room. We will also meet Tuesday night (December 24) prior to worship. If you are

singing at 7, we will meet at 6:15 in the Music Room. If you are singing at 9, we will

meet at 8:15 in the Music Room. Let’s fill the chancel!

NOTES FROM THE CHOIR LOFT KEVIN BARGER, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES


CAREER OPPORTUNITY POSTINGS

Hamilton Beach Brands is a local employer that designs and markets small

kitchen appliances like blenders, slow cookers, and coffee makers. Career

opportunities regularly open up across a variety of departments such as

engineering, finance, marketing, etc. As they do, we’ll post job

descriptions on the bulletin board just to the left of the coffee sink. If you

are interested in applying for a particular job, please contact Matthew

Greenshields at 804-527-7279 or

[email protected].

2014 offering envelopes will be available for pick up in the Commons,

after December 5. Please stop by to take yours home today.

**Please remember to turn in your 2014 Commitment Cards. Place

them in one of the decorated boxes located in the Commons or Narthex.

Extra cards are near each box.

2013 Contributions - Your offer ings help us meet all of our congregational commitments. For them to

be credited to the 2013 year, please have all contributions in the church office by Sunday, December 29.

If not, we will not be able to give you the 2013 credit.

To the chairs of all Ministry Teams and holders of other Church Offices

This is both a forewarning and a reminder to you that in January we will

need a copy of your annual report turned in to Hanne by the date she

requests so that the Congregational Annual Report can be compiled. This

will allow the congregation to see what has been accomplished in 2013 and

what problems have arisen that will need to be addressed in 2014.

We all know of one major change that has taken place this past year that we

are in the process of addressing right now. The call of a new senior pastor is

an act of great importance for the future of Epiphany. But because of your

work and that of your ministry teams, man important activities have

continued unabated. The congregation needs to know about them. If you need an example of a previous report

please see John Hartmann, Dean Zellmer, or Barry Westin. We look forward to your report. If your ministry

team has no chair please notify Council President Joel McKean.


Sunday Morning Offerings

What is Truth? Join Hal Waller and J im Yucha in the Chapel as we continue our

exploration the topic of truth. With the help of Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias’

discussion guide, we will discuss topics such as relativism, sincerity, judgments, and

moral values.

Advent: What is it all about? Join us in Price Hall as we explore the season of

Advent.

Tuesday Morning Offering The Book of Twelve: Minor Prophets in the Old Testament Join us Tuesday mornings, at 10:30 am in the

Chapel. We continue our exploration of the “Minor Prophets” in Old Testament Scripture. We will gain a

foundational understanding of the key people, places, messages, and events of the these prophets, while

building community and deepening faith.

Wednesday Evening Offerings Parent Chat While the children are making a joyful noise unto the Lord, join us in Room 101 from 6:30-

7:00 pm for dessert and light-hearted chats.

The Book of Twelve: Minor Prophets in the Old Testament Join us Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the

Parlor. We continue our exploration of the “Minor Prophets” in Old Testament Scr ipture. We will

gain a foundational understanding of the key people, places, messages, and events of the these prophets, while

building community and deepening faith.

Thursday Morning Offering Moms’ Bible Study Join us Thursday mornings at 9:30 am in the

Chapel. We meet to share in the study of God’s Word and a time of

fellowship with moms.

We are starting a new series: “Motherhood: Being Grounded in

Christ.” Motherhood is complicated. It can bring about feelings of

deep love and joy, frustration, helplessness, tenderness, guilt,

contentment and longing—all in an hour! In these studies on biblical

motherhood, student minister and mother Patty Pell helps learners

discover the truth about who they are, who God is and how he sees us.

As we learn to rest in our identity as his beloved, we’ll be empowered

to love our children with his love.

We will have regular study on December 5and 12. Our Christmas Brunch will be December 19. Nursery is

provided and opens at 9:15 am.

FAITH FORMATION FOR ADULTS

EPIPHANY NIGHT O.W.Ls (Older, Wiser Lutherans)

Make plans to join us Monday, December 9, 2013 at 7:00 pm

for a FREE Holiday Pops Concert by the Richmond Philharmonic

at the James Center, 901 E. Cary Street.

If you wish to carpool meet in the church parking lot at 6:00 pm.


FAITH FORMATION FOR ALL AGES

Please note: Sunday School will NOT meet December 29.

Spark Sunday School Lessons for December

December 8—God’s Peaceful World

December 15—John the Baptist

December 22—Angels Visit

The Great ADVENTure

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Make plans to join us for our annual Cross-generational Advent Event on

December 1 at 9:45 am in Price Hall.

There will be activities and goodies for all ages as we begin the season of Advent

in preparation for Christmas.

**Advent Devotions for all ages will also be available for you to take home.**

Able to help with set up or clean up? Please contact Kim Yucha at [email protected].


CHRISTMAS TEA

SPONSORED BY THE CIRCLES

OPEN TO ALL WOMEN OF EPIPHANY

The annual Christmas Tea for Epiphany Women will take place

DECEMBER 11, 2 PM

December 11th is the date of the annual Christmas Tea and is for all women of Epiphany. You will find the

usual festive decor, Christian fellowship, beautiful music and Christmas carols. Plus, plenty of goodies to go

with your tea. The time is 2 PM in the Star Lodge. See you there - no reservations needed

Our charity will again be Safe Harbor. Here is a list of the most needed items:

Gift cards – any denomination – grocery stores, Target, Walmart, CVS

Bus tickets - $5 increments – can be purchased at Kroger Customer Service

Paper towels, powdered laundry detergent, toilet paper, coffee/tea, cereal, canned tuna,

snack items, over the counter cold/flu meds

A list is also posted on the bulletin board.

All are welcome to enjoy this special afternoon. If you have questions you

can call Leanne Spletzer,

804-254-2849.

CIRCLES MEET

The three Women’s Circles are: Margaret Miller Circle, Clara Sullivan Circle and Heidi

Michaelsen Circle. These three circles of women are part of the WELCA (Women of the

Evangelical Lutheran Church) and participate in various missions such as stewardship,

growth, community, and action.

If you would like more information on what the Women’s Circles are all about, call

Leanne Spletzer, 254-2849 Leader for the Clara Sullivan Circle;

Iris Will, 272-1942, and Phil Lord, 672-8731, Co-Leaders for the Margaret Miller Circle;

Tatter Hartmann, 741-0276 Leader for the Heidi Michaelsen Circle.

Heidi Michaelsen Circle will meet on December 12, 6:00 pm at the home of Janet Card.


COMMUNITY SERVICE MINISTRY

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR AN UPCOMING EVENT!

Christmas Giving Tree It's hard to believe that Christmas will be here soon and that means it's time to plan for our

Christmas Giving Tree ministry. The Christmas tree will be up in the Commons on

Sunday, December 1 and decorated with 100 red and green stars representing the wants

and needs of 50 children at Ridge Elementary School. Please take a star, put your

information on the sign up sheet, and shop for the particular gift requested. All gifts should

be returned in holiday gift bags by the end of the 11:00 service on Sunday, December 15.

Thanksgiving Baskets: Many thanks to everyone who donated items and made monetary

contributions in November for Epiphany’s Thanksgiving Baskets! All donations, both large

and small, worked together to provide holiday meals for 73 needy families in our community!!

Your generosity is appreciated and helped us exceed our goal of 60 baskets.

Scarves for HHOPE - Again this year we are asking members of Epiphany

to knit or crochet scarves to be given at Christmas to the children of families

who participate in our HHOPE pantry. Yarn is available in the baskets in the Commons. If

you have questions ask Leanne Spletzer (254-2849) or email at [email protected]

THE MEMORY TREE

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Health and Wellness Ministry! We will

honor those close and dear to us again this holiday season with the Memory Tree. Stars and

doves will be available for you to write the names of loved ones that you want to honor or

keep in memoriam. The Memory Tree will stay up through Epiphany Sunday.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The gift of generosity

This holiday season, we thank everyone who has supported Epiphany Lutheran

Church this past year with their time, talent and financial contributions and look

forward to support from all of our members in the year ahead. If you need a

convenient way to make regular offerings, you may find electronic giving a most

welcome way to make contributions. Visit our website: www.epiphanyelca.org or

contact Ray Spletzer, Financial Secretary, 254-2849 for more information.

STEWARDSHIP

mailto:[email protected]


From the Archives…

December 1, 1985 - The congregation voted to purchase a new 28-rank Schantz

Pipe Organ for $137,086. On December 21, 1986, the new pipe organ was

dedicated in the sanctuary with Perry Nelson as Choir Director-Organist.


MEMBERS IN OUR PRAYERS

During illness or recuperation ~

For those serving in the Armed Forces ~

Please continue to keep all those serving our country in your prayers.

For the families and friends of those who died ~

Rest eternal grant them, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon

them ~

Baptisms

TEAM EPIPHANY – TRAINING COMING SOON TO YOU

We will be looking to start our 10K training for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K to

be held March 29, 2014. On-line registration opens December 1! Training will begin

in January – look for details in next month’s Examiner. We are looking for those

interested in being coaches for the team. If you are interested, please contact

Kevin Barger at 746-5756 or [email protected].

Address Changes

mailto:[email protected]


CHURCH STAFF

Pastors – The Rev. Dr. Kenneth M. Ruppar, Interim Senior Pastor;

The Rev. Phillip W. Martin, Jr.

Diaconal Minister – Christine V. Huffman

Visitation Pastor – The Rev. Tom Bosserman

Director of Music Ministry – Kevin Barger

Administrative Assistant – Hanne K. Hamlin

Coordinator of Volunteers – Beth Barger

Youth Ministry Assistant – Mark Schuetze

MINISTERS WANTED Contact Beth Barger at 282-6066 or [email protected] for any of the ministries listed below or for information about additional

areas in the life of Epiphany Church.

LAMB’s Basket -- Epiphany sends volunteers each month to the Community Food Pantry at 8419 Oakview

Ave, near Staples Mill and Hermitage Roads. Directions are listed below. Contact Beth to volunteer or

sign up in the Commons, and call the pantry at 565-8007 for additional information. Inclement weather?

Check channel 8 for closings or if Henrico schools are closed, then the LAMB's Basket is closed.

Epiphany’s upcoming dates

Friday, December 13 9:30 am - 1:00 pm

Wednesday, December 18 9:30 am - 1:00 pm

Directions From Epiphany

Take Glenside Dr North,

Turn Left on Staples Mill Rd.

Turn Right onto Hermitage Rd.

Turn Left onto Oakview Ave.

Altar Flowers

We do not have a budget line for our altar flowers so we rely on the congregation

to sign up on particular Sundays in honor, celebration or memory of a loved one.

In order for us to pay the monthly bill from the florist, payments are due when

you sign up.

Beginning with the January 2014 flower chart, we unfortunately have to make

some changes based on recent years of late payments or lack there of.

If you would like flowers on the altar, payment is still due at the time you sign

up. If you have not made a payment at that time, your name will be removed so that others wishing to sign

up and pay will be honored.

Also, if you see a vacant spot, consider signing up because if no one signs up on a given Sunday, we will

need to cancel our flower order for that Sunday.


Address Service Requested

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.

Wednesday Healing/Holy

Communion 11:00 a.m.

**December 29 Worship**

8:30 & 11:00 am

No Sunday School

a congregation of the ELCA

Non-Profit Org.

U. S. Postage Pd.

Richmond, VA

Permit # 711

May the Love of God

fill you with peace

as we celebrate

the coming of Christ

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