EPIPHANY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Examiner The Newsletter of Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church

April 2011

The special worship services of Holy Week are a once a year opportunity for us to remember through

our worship the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday

April 17 – 8:30 & 11:00 am

For our worship, we will be using a worship service designed by the popular Lutheran author Walter Wangerin Jr. This worship service will help us meditate on the journey of our Lord through his Passion as the cries of the crowds turn from shouts of ―Hosanna‖ to shouts of ―Crucify.‖

We hope you will join us for this special worship opportunity.

Maundy Thursday

April 21 - Noon & 7:00 p.m.

Service of Holy Communion

Today we remember that even on the night of his betrayal, our Lord Jesus taught his disciples to love one another as he had loved them. Join us in the Nave for a Service of Holy Communion. This Service will end with the Stripping of the Altar and will have no Benediction since the service of Maundy Thursday is seen as part of a larger worship experience that includes the Services of Good Friday and the Easter Vigil.

Good Friday

April 22 — Noon & 7:00 pm

Service of The Passion, According to John — Noon

Service of the Seven Last Words — 7:00 pm

Today we remember through worship, silent meditation, and prayer, the moving events of Jesus’ crucifixion and death.

Easter Sunday—Alleluia! He is Risen!

Festival Worship with Holy Communion

April 24 — 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am We celebrate our Lord’s victory over death as we gather for a festive worship service of Holy Communion and special choral and handbell music!

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Easter Lilies ~ If you would like to order an Easter Lily in memory or honor of a friend

or loved one, please see the poster in the commons and take an order form. Forms may

be placed in the envelope on the poster or turned in to the church office. Lilies are

$13.50 each. Last day to order is April 8.

Our Unintended but Profound Witness

Last month I received a letter from the daughter of T. K. Leary, whose funeral was held here at

Epiphany Church on February 12. Almost 10 years ago T. K. Leary left our Richmond area to move into a

Maryland heath care community that was near her daughters; but she made arrangements to be buried in

Richmond, and left me her wishes and directions for her funeral service. Because she was in her late nineties

when she died and had been gone from our community for so long, we all knew that there would be few of her

contemporaries or friends at her funeral. And we were right.

But two things made an extraordinary difference in her funeral’s affect. The officers and members of

our Congregational Council encourage one another to attend all the funerals held at Epiphany. Many of our

council members were in attendance even though they did not know TK personally. AND our congregation is

blessed with ―the Resurrection Singers‖, as these singers call themselves. The Resurrection Singers is a group

of present and former (and hardly ever been) choir members, who commit to forming a choir for the funeral

and memorial services held at Epiphany, and even when they do not personally know the deceased. TK’s

relatives had hoped for a soloist at the funeral; they got a soloist and a choir!

In a letter, TK’s daughter shared with me the effect that all of this made on the family: ―I

also want you to know that even though I have a deep faith, my daughter and I have not

been attending church regularly. That has changed for me, my daughter, her husband, and

their sons. We are all attending church now. I thank you, because you [Epiphany] are our

inspiration. I tend to think Mama had something to do with it, too!‖

I am tremendously grateful for, and proud of the witness to Christian faith and love that

Council members, the Resurrection Singers, and many of you have made – and perhaps

unwittingly so. Even when we do not know the deceased personally, we do know Christ personally; and so we

honor the Body of Christ by attending the funeral or memorial service of one of its members, even if that

member is not personally known to us. As you have read, this can become a powerful witness to the love and

grace of our Lord – and it can move others to renewed faith and commitment to the God of our salvation.

There is sometimes an unintended but profound witness in just showing up!

Pastor Chris Price

Council’s Gratitude

Thank you to the congregation for your diligence in helping us to meet our budgetary

needs for year 2010. The final report indicates that we met the shortfall plus a little more.

What a blessing to see how much we can accomplish when we work together to serve our

Lord.

Thank you to our voting members who will attend Synod Assembly:

Cathy DeLesDernier, Carol and Joel McKean, Allyson Waller

and Jim Yucha. President Caroline Wake

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

Children’s Choir Notes

Cherub and Singing Saints rehearsals for April 6 and 13 will continue to be from

6:15 – 6:45. There will be no rehearsal April 20 due to Spring Break. There is rehearsal on

April 27 from 6:30 – 7:00. Please note that the Junior Handbells will also resume rehearsals

on April 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the balcony. The Singing Saints will participate in worship

leadership on Sunday, April 10.

“Summer Groups” It does not seem possible to be thinking about summer plans yet when Easter has not yet

passed us, but since Easter is so late this year, it will be summer before we know it.

Epiphany has long enjoyed the tradition of musicians sharing their talents with our

congregational family during the summer months. Those of you returning from college,

students studying an instrument, those wanting to sing special solos, duets, other ensembles,

etc. are invited to be active participants in our summer music ministry. Please contact

Kevin Barger at 746-5756 to indicate your willingness.

Congratulations and Good Luck!!!

We congratulate all those Team Epiphany members who have completed their training and

will participate in the Monument Avenue 10K this Saturday, April 2. We thank our team of

dedicated coaches for their leadership and shepherding of our walkers and runners from

Epiphany. Thanks to Casey Smith and her team of coaches: Laura Dietrick, Marilyn

Gloyer, Tatter Hartmann, Jackie Mitchell, Mark Schuetze, and Traci Williamson for serving

as this year’s Team Epiphany coaches.

Now that the race is over, don’t let your training fall away! Stay healthy and keep getting out there to walk,

run and just enjoy God’s wonderful creation!

Men's Church Softball League Join the Team for Fun and Fellowship!

Epiphany plays in a competitive men's league in Henrico County on Thursday

nights. The season starts Thursday, April 7.

If interested, please contact Brent Peterson at brent.peterson@comcast.net or at

651-8242.

30/40-Somethings

Join us at J.J.’s Grille (10298 Staples Mill Road)

on Friday, April 15, 8pm!

We’ll gather for fellowship and be serenated by Scott Dietrick as he performs as

one of the “Acoustipops,” a musical duo that performs pop/rock cover songs.

Come for dinner or after-dinner refreshments

- No cover charge -

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Holy Land Trip Interest Meeting on April 10

I am delighted to be sponsoring a trip to the Holy Land in April, 2012. And it is not

too late to inquire, find out more, or sign up! So far, six of us have already made our

initial deposits. For details and a brochure about the trip, check out the bulletin

board display that’s in the Commons.

The next interest/update meeting will be held on Sunday, April 10, at 9:45 AM in the

Fellowship Hall. I will provide the latest information about the trip, and an

opportunity for us to trade some ideas about packing, travel insurance, fun activities,

etc. Please join me!

Pastor Chris Price

Joggin' for the Noggin' 5K Run/Walk

Come join us on Saturday, April 16th, for the 4th annual Joggin' for the Noggin' 5K in

memory of Kristin Bosserman Corrigan. Runners and walkers of all abilities are

welcome! There will also be an art show that evening, featuring works by local artists,

including Tom Bosserman, 6-9pm, 417 S Pine St (Oregon Hill). All proceeds from both

events will benefit the National Brain Tumor Society. Check out the race website at

www.jogginforthenoggin.net for race registration, donations, and other information.

The Feitig Scholarship

Applications are available in the Commons. If you are interested, please pick up and complete

an application and return it to the office by Noon on Monday, April 4.

Contact Rich Timme at 967-0265 or rrtimme@henrico.k12.va.us for additional information.

Treasurer’s Update

Epiphany ended the year in good financial health, even in these challenging economic times.

While we began December with year-to-date income significantly below budget, we were able

to meet budgeted income goals for the year, thanks to the Congregation’s strong efforts during

December Expenses for 2010 were kept below budget, and unrestricted surplus ended the year

at $133,940. Overall average attendance for 2010 remained steady with the level set in 2009,

at 396. Through February, 2011 envelope offerings are exceeding budget by nearly 10%, and

average attendance is at 439 - significantly better than 2010.

Sincere thanks to Paul Speidell for his service as our Treasurer for the past three years. Thanks also to

Berkley Alexander, Bobbie Jo Carroll and Mark Schuetze for their past and future efforts as our Assistant

Treasurers.

Yours in Christ,

Georgianna Hahn

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50+ FELLOWSHIP & MINISTRY

April Baptism Birthdays

LEISURE TIME MUSICAL SELECTIONS

EPIPHANY LUTHERAN NURSERY SCHOOL MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2011

10:30 AM (PLEASE NOTE THIS A CHANGE IN PROGRAM)

Epiphany Lutheran Nursery School is an important ministry of the congregation

and the community. The school offers an exciting program in a Christian

atmosphere. Its purpose is to provide a group lifestyle which aids in the

development of the young child. The different classes will join us to present

musical selections they have learned throughout the year.

Meal ($5/person) Brunswick Stew, Garden Salad, Bread

Dessert: Cake

BOOK DISCUSSION

Join us Monday, April 18, 2011 at 10:30 am at Epiphany in the Parlor.

Book Same kind of different As me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore

Leader: Christy Huffman

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS

Vacation Bible School

God’s Kingdom Come

July 18-22, 2011, 8:45 am—Noon

Summer will be here before we know it. Make plans now to join us for Vacation Bible School.

Registration has started! Children ages 3 through rising 5th grade can join us on this

royal adventure through God’s Kingdom. You can sign your child up online via the

church website or by filling out a registration form in the Commons. The registration

fee is $5. You can make a check out to Epiphany Lutheran Church with VBS on the

memo line.

Volunteer registration is also online and in the Commons. Volunteer training will be

May 1 after the late service or May 3 at 7:00 pm.

We look forward to an exciting week journeying through God’s Royal Kingdom.

Sunday School Lent Service Project

Sharing Stories

We continue our collection of new and/or like new books appropriate for

toddlers to teens. These books will be distributed through HHOPE and Lutheran

Family Services. You can also donate money or gift cards. These will be used to

purchase books from area stores. If you write a check, please place ―Lent

Books‖ on the memo line. Please drop off your donations outside the

Christian Education Wing through Sunday, April 17. Emily Bartholomew is

the coordinator for this project. She is developing this project for her Girl Scout

Silver Award.

Spark Sunday School Lessons for April

April 3— Pool of Siloam

April 10— Lazarus

April 17— Holy Week

April 24—Easter Sunday—No Sunday School

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ADULT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Sunday School Hour

Meeting God Anew -- How has our thinking about God changed since

childhood, and how does our image of God shape our life of faith and

discipleship today? This class, beginning on April 3, will explore these

and related questions using as a springboard a book by Marcus Borg

entitled The God We Never Knew. The class will meet in the

Chapel with Pastor Thomas Bosserman as leader.

Nooma will meet in the Fellowship Hall, April 3and April 17.

Mom’s Bible Study Join us as we discuss Living a Life of Balance.

We meet in Room 100.

Weekday Studies Lessons in Lent continues Tuesday mornings, at 10:30 am and Wednesday evenings, at 6:00 pm in the Chapel.

Join us as we study the Sunday texts during Lent.

Mom’s Bible Study We meet Thursday mornings at 9:15 in the Chapel. We continue our series on Self-

Esteem. Childcare is provided.

Taking Faith Home—Devotions for Holy Week

April 17-24 DEVOTIONS:

Find a bare branch and place it in a pot. Each day of Holy Week, attach a different symbol to the branch and

read the associated Scripture passage.

• Palm Sunday: Jesus enters Jerusalem. Read Matthew 21:1-1. Place twigs and strips of cloth at the foot of the

branch to symbolize the cloaks and branches spread on the road as Jesus entered Jerusalem.

• Monday: The stone the builders rejected. Read Matthew 21:42-46. Place a stone at the foot of the branch to

symbolize Jesus, the stone that was rejected.

• Tuesday: Jesus anointed at Bethany. Read Matthew 26:6-13. Hang a small bottle of perfume from the

branch.

• Wednesday: Judas agrees to betray Jesus. Read Matthew 26:14-16. Hang a bag of coins on the branch.

• Maundy Thursday: The Last Supper. Read Matthew 26:17-30. Place a small plate and cup at the foot of the

cross as a reminder of the Last Supper.

• Good Friday: Jesus dies on the cross. Read Matthew 27:1,33-50. Hammer small nails into the branch and

attach a sign reading ―This is Jesus, King of the Jews‖.

• Saturday: The burial of Jesus. Read Matthew 27:57-60. Place a black cloth over the branch.

• Easter Sunday: He has risen! Read Matthew 28:1-10. Remove the black cloth and decorate the branch with

flowers, paper butterflies or paper streamers.

SERVICE: Make a household act of service a ―must‖ in your observance of Holy Week. Find a way to serve your own

family, or perhaps help a neighbor.

RITUALS AND TRADITIONS: This week we remember the journey of Jesus from his entry in Jerusalem to his death and resurrection. These

stories are central to our faith; gathering together to reflect on the events of Jesus’ passion and letting the

structure of Holy Week guide our home activities connect our daily lives with the life and death of Christ.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE MINISTRY

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR UPCOMING EVENTS!

Habitat For Humanity: A group of volunteers from Epiphany will help build a

home for a needy family in Hanover County on Saturday, April 16th. Volunteers

are also needed to provide lunch food items for the group of workers that day.

Further info and sign-up sheets are posted on the Community Service Ministry

bulletin board.

Easter Baskets: Epiphany will be coordinating the collection of filled Easter Baskets

for needy families in our community. A display with more details will be in the front

of the Commons beginning Sunday, April 3rd. All baskets will be due by Noon on

April 17th.

CARITAS - A Homeless Ministry: A major outreach event for Epiphany is our participation in and support

of CARITAS. We are currently preparing to host a group of homeless single adults during the week of May

14th -21st. Many volunteers are needed to help make this week run smoothly. Sign-up sheets

and more details are available at the CARITAS display in the Commons.

CARITAS, which began over twenty years ago, is the largest emergency shelter program in the

Richmond Metropolitan community. Through the participation of over 170 different faith

communities and the coordination of around 15,000 volunteers, CARITAS provides nearly

38,000 nights of shelter including 115,000 meals to over 1,300 men, women and children

experiencing a housing crisis.

We give thanks to the many who have given their and talent during CARITAS weeks in the past years at

Epiphany, and we also encourage others to become acquainted with this most meaningful expression of

Christian love and commitment. Please stop by the CARITAS display in the Commons for more details and

also consider signing-up for one of the many volunteer opportunities. Many different opportunities are

available and require only short periods of time commitments during the week.

H.H.O.P.E. Happenings

Upcoming events for Epiphany’s pantry...

Easter - In April pantry guests will receive regular family and children’s bags, as well as

holiday bags, with all the fixings to prepare a special Easter meal. Additionally, children

will be offered an illustrated Bible story book and an Easter treat bag.

Book Drive & Distribution - To fulfill requirements for the Girl Scout Silver Award,

Emily Bartholomew is coordinating a children’s book drive during Lent. Emily’s goal is

to assure that young people in our community have access to books and to encourage parents and children to

read together. Some of these books will be available to H.H.O.P.E. guests during May distributions.

Anniversary - Epiphany’s pantry will celebrate its first anniversary in May. Look for details in next month’s

newsletter concerning the ministry team’s plans for celebrating this occasion.

Love for God. Service to others.

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Nursery School News

April is one of our favorite months of the year. We celebrate new life and growth in

nature and ourselves. We are learning how to eat healthy foods and take good care of our

bodies by exercise and getting plenty of rest. April showers do bring May flowers and

you will see us taking nature walks with our classes, bringing our ―trail mix‖ that we

make for a snack and playing outside as much as possible with different media such as

easels, water play, bubbles, sand, and getting some gardening into the soil.

David Polak will be coming to ELNS on April 11th to present his ―Don’t Bug Me‖ Enrichment Program. Mr.

Polak has a degree in teaching and has taught Science and Biology at all age levels. The children love making

their ―Bug‖ headbands and spending time outside identifying all those creepy crawly insects. David will be

working with the 4’s and 5 year olds in the RED & GOLD classes.

The Spring Session of ―Stay-n-Play‖ began March 28th and will run until May 27th. Amy David and Shelly

Reed are offering many interesting Enrichment opportunities to our children in the areas of Art, Music, Drama,

and Science. Look for the orange registration form on the Nursery School Bulletin Board or stop by the

School Office for more information.

Our Spring Break is from April 18th through April 25th. Classes, ―EA‖ and ―S-n-P‖ will resume on Tuesday,

April 26th. The last day of school is May 27th. Our ―12 Days of Camp‖ will run from June 1—June 16.

Happy Spring and Happy Easter from all of the staff of ELNS.

Kathryn Sowers, Nursery School Director

CIRCLES MEET

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

Michelsen 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.

Special Event for Clara Sullivan Circle!

April 6, we will be visiting the Lewis Ginter Botanical Center to see their show "Orchids Galore". We will

meet in the main building at Lewis Ginter at 10 AM and then tour the exhibit. The morning will end with

lunch in the Garden Cafe. Guests are welcome - call Leanne Spletzer for more information (254-2849). Cost

is free for members, $9 for seniors.

Margaret Miller Circle is meeting on April 12, 10am.

Heidi Michaelson Circle is meeting on April 14, at 6pm.

SAVE THE DATE

An "All Day" Retreat for women in the Richmond Conference of WELCA will be held Saturday, May 14 at

the Wildwood Point Clubhouse on Lake Gaston, NC. Registration will begin a 8 AM. More details and

registration information will be available in the future.

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, Leader for the Margaret Miller Circle;

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

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MEMBERS IN OUR PRAYERS

During illness or recuperation ~

Sharon Bertelson, Hazel Schaaf, Lee Nye, Adam and Cora Drescher, Jan

Thomas, Katherine Gallasch, Joan Reynolds, Meadow Gauker,

Jim DeLesDernier, Ron Peterson, Rob Mahanes, and Alice Bauer.

For those serving in the Armed Forces ~

Please continue to keep all those serving our country to keep us safe and free, in your prayers.

For the families and friends of those who died ~

Ellen Long, upon the death of her mother.

Bill Seidel, upon the death of his sister.

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

CHURCH STAFF

Pastor – The Rev. J. Christopher Price, 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 Hamlin

Coordinator of Volunteers – Beth Barger

Address changes

Baptisms

Wednesday Evening Meals

Concluding in April, all are welcome to join us for food, fellowship, faith, and worship each Wednesday be-

ginning with dinner at 5:30 pm. Choir rehearsals, Discipleship Groups, and Confirmation classes are offered,

and Lenten worship services begin at 7 pm.

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

For the latest menu, check the church’s website at www.epiphanyelca.org Please sign up in the Commons on Sunday or email the church office by

Monday night at churchoffice@epiphanyelca.org

Watch for sign up sheets in the Commons or contact Beth Barger at

746-5756 to lend a hand with serving or clean up.

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Thank you all for the wonderful love and support you have shown over the past

months. The power of your faith has sustained us. I am moving along well in

recovery thanks to God’s grace, your thoughtfulness and a terrific group of doctors

and therapists. We are truly blessed. Thank you so much.

Jan and Brent

We would like to thank our Epiphany family for their support during this trying

time. Mark’s passing has been both a trial and a blessing. The trial is the loss of one's only child to an

untimely death. The blessing has been the support of family and friends. The support of Pastor Price in

particular and of Pastor Martin has helped us through a difficult time. The cards and notes from the members

of Epiphany were uplifting. Thanks also go to the Kitchen Crew and church members who provided and

served the refreshments following the memorial service on Sunday, March 13. May you all be blessed and

know that God and Christ will provide us all with comfort in difficult times.

Ed and Michele Frese

Being Good Stewards: Epiphany’s Garden

God has asked us to be good stewards of the earth. One way

some churches and communities are doing this is through gardens.

As the soil is tilled and worked, people are brought together for a

common purpose, and the produce is shared with many. Epiphany

has looked at its vast lawn space and said it is time to investigate

the concept of a garden. A small group is forming through the

Community Service Team to begin a community garden behind

the shed/garage. Ceremonial ground-breaking took place on

March 19th. This first year will be a very small, experimental ef-

fort. We will be growing one main plot with potatoes and a small-

er plot to experiment with several vegetables to see what will

work at our location.

We welcome all interested gardeners to join us. We will be

looking for people to help prepare the soil, weed (once the plants

are growing), water, and hopefully harvest! No experience need-

ed, we can train you. Our harvest will go to support local outreach

in our community. If you have any interest, please contact Beth

Barger at thebargers@comcast.net or 282-6066. Steve Ring, Pastor Phillip and Laura Martin

break ground on Epiphany’s new garden plot.

Mid-April is the goal for having plants in the

ground. The Epiphany Nursery School

students have already sown marigold seeds

that will be transplanted to form a border.

EPIPHANY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

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.

Easter Sunday, April 24

8:00, 9:30 & 11:00a.m.

a congregation of the ELCA

Non-Profit Org.

U. S. Postage Pd.

Richmond, VA

Permit # 711

MINISTERS WANTED

Contact Beth Barger at 746-5756 or thebargers@comcast.net for any of the ministries listed below or for

information about additional areas in the life of Epiphany Church.

Office Helpers – From time to time, Hanne needs time off from her office duties. We are looking to increase our

volunteers upon which Hanne can call when she needs office coverage. If you like to answer phone calls and can

do minimal office tasks, please call the church office at 282-6066.

LAMB’s Basket -- Epiphany sends volunteers each month to the Community Food Pantry at 5612 Greendale

Road, near Staples Mill and Hilliard 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. Remember to always wear appropriate shoes while in the warehouse environment.

Epiphany’s dates in April

Friday, April 15: 9:30am - 1pm

Wednesday, April 27: 10am - 1pm

Directions From Epiphany

Go North on Glenside Drive

After crossing Staples Mill Road, it becomes Hilliard Road

At next light, turn RIGHT onto Impala Drive

Then turn RIGHT onto Irisdale Ave.

At stop sign, turn LEFT onto Greendale Road

Building on RIGHT

Use on-street parking and enter through the rear door.