EPIPHANY STAR

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 1101 Sunset Drive P. O. Box 116 Guntersville, AL 35976 256-582-4897 www.episcopalguntersville.org

From your Stewardship Ministry: Shining our Light “Here I am, Lord.” –Isaiah 6:8

From the first day that my family and I entered Epiphany over thirty-five years ago, I had this feeling that someone was always there to greet me. I know that there are Greeters and Ushers, but this was something different. I could feel something brush against me – just like in the song “Surely the Presence.” I believe that feeling was the brush of angel’s wings. I only learned later in the Cursillo program that it was the Lord greeting me into His house.

Like most of us, there are times when I get up on Sunday and don’t feel like going to church. But I go, and I feel that my spiritual batteries are recharged for the rest of the week.

Also, at times I don’t like making out that check for my Sunday morning offering! But then I realize that my check – along with other funds that go into the offering plate – will be used to do the work of the Lord and help keep His beautiful house open.

So please, let’s keep the Lord’s house open and His Light Shining Brightly for all to see.

Bill Thompson

OPEN ULTREYA MEETING

The Cursillo Community at Epiphany is hosting an open Ultreya (a meeting open to everyone to share what Cursillo is all about) on Sunday, December ROOM IN THE INN - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH 8th after the 10:30 a.m. service. Join us and bring a dish to share! Epiphany Outreach looks forward to ROOM IN THE INN on Friday, December 6th. RITI at Epiphany gives us the op- portunity to offer our homeless Lady Neighbors a warm, CHURCH BUDGET PLANNING FOR 2020 safe place to sleep and a nourishing Fellowship Meal. There are a number of volunteer jobs that are part of Epiphany’s budget-building process is now underway making RITI a truly welcoming experience for our Neigh- for the sake of our mission and ministry in 2020. If bors. Please consider joining us! you or your ministry has a specific budgetary need for next year, please submit the information to our If you have any questions please contact Jan Maxwell at Treasurer, Lamar Auman, at 256-582-4228 or [email protected]. [email protected]. Thank you! VESTRY LIAISONS Christ is Coming, and Christ is Here! Sr. Warden-Ray Klaver As I write this, the celebrations of Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas are almost upon Jr. Warden-Marsha Babb us. With the first day of December this year, Advent begins. And with the season of Ad- vent comes the beginning of our story. Building & Grounds Melanie Dorman Now is the time when we look to our history. We look back across the centuries to the Ray Klaver origin story that forms us as Christian people. We look to Bethlehem, the City of David, Nancy McAllister where “unto us a child is born – a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11 KJV) Faith Formation Jackie Camper The birth of Jesus marks the decisive moment of God’s action in the history of the Rosalind Hall world. God would no longer remain content to be apart and distant from Creation. Tiffany Martin God’s love would cross that boundary of separation. No longer would we depend on the Parish Life words of the Mosaic Law or the speeches of the prophets to know God’s will. Marsha Babb Jackie Camper In the person of Jesus, God would take on human form and dwell with us. The technical Tiffany Martin and theological term for this is called “incarnation” – literally, that God took on human Kitchen flesh. When Jesus came, everything changed. Marsha Babb Ray Klaver As Christians, we know God in and through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Tiffany Martin Jesus would be a healer, delivering people from sickness and disease. He would teach Memorial Garden and preach, sharing God’s wisdom and love. He would feed the hungry, raise the dead, Marsha Babb and proclaim the new age of God’s kingdom. He would even face death, being delivered Office and Communication through it into the new life of the resurrection. Marsha Babb Rosalind Hall The story all begins here and now in the season of Advent. We spend four weeks Charlotte French waiting, hoping, and yearning for the arrival of the Christ child. With Jesus comes the Outreach beginning of hope and possibility. That is just as true now as it was for those in the First Charlotte French Century who waited for the coming of the promised Messiah. Rosalind Hall Ray Klaver Jesus continues to come, and is always willing to be present – even now. The difference Pastoral Care Tiffany Martin now is that he is both within us and among us. We have a personal relationship with Nancy McAllister Christ, who dwells within our hearts. But we also bear the Body of Christ as a church Bill Thompson community; we are Christ’s hands and feet in the world. Stewardship

Jackie Camper As we commemorate together the coming of our Lord in the Advent and Christmas sea- Melanie Dorman sons, I hope and pray that we can find ways to celebrate the Christ already in our midst. Bill Thompson I pray you are blessed with the knowledge that God loves you, and Jesus is the sign of Worship that love. I pray also that you can become Christ to others who need to see and hear Jackie Camper some Good News. Charlotte French Nancy McAllister Blessings to you for a holy Advent & Christmas season!

Father Aaron+ CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA DEDICATIONS The Altar Guild is taking dedications for red poinsetti- as. The cost for each plant is $15. Dedication forms are available on the counter in the church office. ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS The Epiphany Choir cordially invites you to celebrate Advent Lessons and Carols, Sunday, December 15, 2019, at 5 pm. This service which is historical within ALTAR FLOWERS AND CANDLES the church foretells the story of salvation with the DEDICATIONS FOR 2020 promise of our Redeemer from biblical stories, hymns and choral anthems. The choir is thrilled to have former members join us as well as singers from Christ Church, Albertville and the choral group Dear Epiphany Family, Mountain Valley Singers. A reception will follow the service in Sanderson Hall. Come join us as we await I am reminded today how blessed we are to have so the birth of our Lord. many thoughtful, generous people in our midst!

As some of you know, Lindsay and April Walker bought Rodney’s Flowers from Lindsay’s uncle Rodney and they are now settling into the Guntersville community. They are also new members of the Epiphany family. If you haven’t met them yet, please give them a warm welcome. OFFICE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

Father Aaron Invites you to a casual Christmas April and Lindsay have given Epiphany a very gracious Luncheon on Friday, December 20th. Drop by the and generous gift: they are providing the altar flowers office anytime between 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a throughout 2020 so that funds collected from you for time of fellowship and fun. flower dedications may be used for our ongoing mis- sion and ministry! So, please thank them the next time you see them, or drop by the flower shop and share your appreciation.

Every Sunday in December the Altar Guild will be avail- able in Sanderson Hall for reserving 2020 flower dedi- CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE cations, but we will do it a little differently. To reserve a date for a dedication, we will collect $50 from you at December 24th – Christmas Eve – Office Closes at Noon the time the dedication is reserved. 6:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Family Service 10:30 p.m. - Christmas Eve Festival of Carols Peace and Blessings, 11:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Midnight Mass Kelly Auman, Altar Guild Director December 25th – Christmas Day – Office Closed

Advent Inter-Generational Sunday School Event Sunday, December 1st 9:30 a.m.

Adults, children and youth will gather in Sanderson Hall to observe the beginning of the Advent Season, the new church year! We will be working on an Illustrated Advent Wreath. The first candle on the Advent wreath represents HOPE. Come share the hopes of this Advent season with your fellow parishioners of all ages. Supplies will be available. This event will be in lieu of regular Sunday morning programs.

“Christmas in Advent” Party

Wednesday December 18th 6:00p.m.

Sanderson Hall

Mark your calendars for a special night of fun and fellowship. Join us in Sanderson Hall for a wonderful meal, ornament craft, and fellowship.

Wear your tacky sweater or other favorite Christmas attire!

Advent Pageant “Epiphany Christmas Pageant” by the late Bet McQueen Sunday December 22nd, 10:30a.m. Children and youth of all ages are invited to participate in this year’s Advent Pageant. Casting includes narra- tor, Mary, Joseph, the angel Gabriel, star of Bethlehem, donkey, shepherds, three wise men and various ani- mals. Rehearsals will take place on the following dates: Saturday December 21st 10:00a.m. – Noon Sunday December 22nd 9:30a.m. (All participants should arrive to get into costume)

A sign-up sheet is located on the children’s bulletin board outside Sanderson Hall. Please sign up so we can plan roles. Parents of young children are asked to please stay with your children during rehearsals. If you have questions, please contact Shelly Hardin at [email protected]. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) Christmas Party December 15th, 5:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. Youth in 6th through 12th grades are invited to join us for an evening of Christmas fun! Bring a $5 wrapped gift for the “dirty Santa” gift swap and a 2 liter bottle of your favorite beverage to share. Wear your favorite Christmas attire (tacky sweater, PJs etc…). Bring a friend!

Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) Thanks YOU!

Epiphany youth wish to thank everyone who purchased tickets for the quilt raffle. We raised $797! Our youth will be shopping for gifts for seven children we are sponsoring through Marshall County Christmas Coalition.

Congratulations to Brooke Bell, the lucky winner of the quilt!

We also thank everyone who donated money to purchase a meal, prepared a meal, provided transportation, chaperoned and prayed for us!

Nursery News

Welcome Katie Gummerman! Katie is our new nursery worker on Sunday mornings. She will staff the nursery during Sunday school and our 10:30 worship service. Katie has three daughters and is currently fostering a momma dog who just had 10 puppies! Weekly December Sunday School – Sundays 9:30 a.m. 1 - EYC shops for Christmas Coalition kids, 4:00p.m. K- 12th grades – Youth Loft Woodall Commons 15 - EYC Christmas Party EYC – Wednesdays 6:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. 21 - Advent pageant rehearsal 6th - 12th grades – Youth Loft Woodall Commons 22 - Advent Pageant EYC – Sundays 5:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. 22 & 29 - No EYC ,Christmas break 6th – 12th grades – Youth Loft Woodall Commons

EYC—Episcopal Youth Community

Diocesan Youth Events

December 28-30, 2018

9th-12th Grades Sawyerville Day Camp 2020 Registration for Christmas Confer- Youth staff registration opens in January! ence is now open. The cost is $135 (scholarships are available). Only a Session 1: 5/30 - 6/5 few spots left! Session 2: 6/13 - 6/19 Register Here Session 3: 6/27 - 7/3

W I N T E R W E E K E N D January 17, 2020 5pm - January 20, 2020 10:30am

Winter Weekend is a time for fun & fellowship for 7th & 8th graders at Camp McDowell. This 3-night retreat will offer time to be with camp friends and make new ones, to talk about matters of faith that are relevant to middle school youth, to play games, sing, hike, worship, and laugh. Camper will enjoy after- noon activities, canteen, and a talent show!

Cost is $160 per person. Scholarships are available.

CODE: CC—Children’s Church; DOK—Daughters of the King; EYC—Episcopal Youth Community; DAV—Disable American Veterans; HE—Holy Eucharist; Men’s B&B—Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study; Lib — Library; MMBS — Monday Morning Book Study; RITI—Room in the Inn; SH— Sanderson Hall; SS—Sunday School; VYP—Very Young Persons; WC— Woodall Commons; Birthdays

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ADVENT MMBS 10:00am Knit Wits 10:00am Library Healing Service 11:30 Reunion 9:30 Parlor Men’s B&B 7:00am HE 8 & 10:30 Library Ladies’ Bible Study Centering Prayer 12:30 HR Teresa Hunter Breakfast 8:45 EFM 6:00pm WC 11:00am Eucharist 5:30 Room in the Inn Nursery 9:30 Stewardship 6:00pm Lib Nursery 5:30 Inter-generational SS Dinner 6:00 Ben Booth CC 10:30 Programs - 6:30 EYC 4:00pm - Shopping Outreach 6:30pm Shaun Packard

Charlotte French

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 HE 8 & 10:30 MMBS 10:00am Knit Wits 10:00am Library Healing Service 11:30 Reunion 9:30am Men’s B&B 7:00am Brotherhood 8:00am Breakfast 8:45 Library Ladies’ Bible Study Centering Prayer 12:30 Parlor HR Library SS & Nursery 9:30 DOK 11:00am Parlor 11:00am Library Eucharist 5:30 Finance 6:00pm Outreach 9:00am Lectionary 9:30 EFM 6:00pm WC Buildings & Grounds Nursery 5:30 Library Library Finding the Way of Love 9:30 6:00pm Library Dinner 6:00 Beans & Rice CC 10:30 Programs - 6:30 Mary Layne Payton Epiphany Café Open Ultreya 11:00am Holly Andries 10am—12pm EYC 5:00 Taegan Meredith SH/Kitchen

Sara Murphree

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 HE 8 & 10:30 MMBS 10:00am Knit Wits 10:00am Library Healing Service 11:30 Reunion 9:30 Parlor Men’s B&B 7:00am Advent Pageant Breakfast 8:45 Library Ladies’ Bible Study Centering Prayer 12:30 January Newsletter HR Rehearsal SS & Nursery 9:30 EFM 6:00pm WC 11:00am Library Christmas In Advent Articles Due Volunteer & Staff 10:00am Nave Lectionary 9:30 Vestry Meeting 6:00pm Party SH 6:00pm Christmas Finding the Way of Love 9:30 Beth Dean Library Luncheon Billy Green CC 10:30 Rebecca Raulerson 11am—1pm EYC Christmas Party 4pm WC Advent Lessons & Carols 5:00pm

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 HE 8 & 10:30 MMBS 10:00am Christmas Eve Christmas Day Reunion 9:30 Parlor Brotherhood 8:00am Breakfast 8:45 Library Office Closes at Office Closed Library Nursery 9:30 DOK 11:00am Parlor 12 noon Lectionary 9:30 Family Service 6:00pm Doris Benson Finding the Way of love 9:30 Festival of Carols Advent Pageant 10:30 Grace Martin 10:30pm JoAnn Overton Midnight Mass 11:00pm Lee Ward

29 30 31 HE 8 & 10:30 MMBS 10:00am New Year’s Eve Nursery 9:30 Library Office Closes at 12 noon Lectionary 9:30 Finding the Way of Love 9:30 VESTRY PERSON OF THE MONTH: Jody Chorba Ray Klaver - 256-572-5856

Micky Gaines

December January

1– Discretionary Fund Sunday 17– Vestry Meeting 1– New Year’s Day-Office Closed 14– Buildings & Grounds Ministry Meeting

3—Stewardship Meeting 19– January Newsletter Articles Due 3– Room In The Inn 18– Bishop’s Election

10—Buildings & Grounds Ministry Meeting 22—Advent Pageant 4-Bishop Walkabout 19– Celtic Service

12– Finance Ministry Meeting 12– Christmas Eve—Office Closes at 7-Finance Budget Meeting 20– MLK Day—Office Closed Noon

14—Brotherhood of St. Andrew 25– Christmas Day—Office Closed 9– Vestry Budget Meeting 24-25—Vestry/Parish Leadership Outreach Meeting Orientation & Training Beans & Rice & Epiphany Café

15– Advent Lessons & Carols 31st—New Year’s Eve—Office Closes at 11– Caring Neighbors Meal Prep 28– Annual Reports Due Noon