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Epiphany: A Season of Revelation and Light
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness - -
on them light has shined." Isaiah 9:2
Sometimes it said that as people of faith, we live "in but not of" the world. The Epiphany season of the
year highlights this point. While the world sighs with relief that the hectic holiday season is over and trudges back
into daily routine, God's children set forth renewed in their vision of the Christ child and refreshed by the
reminder of their own baptism, transformed by water and the word.
The word Epiphany means "manifestation." On the day of Epiphany (January 6) we celebrate the
revelation of Christ to the Gentiles -- that is, to all nations. Some Christian traditions celebrate three great
"epiphanies" during this season: the Magi's adoration of the Christ child, Jesus' baptism in the Jordan river, and his
first miracle in which he changes water into wine. For us, the word and sacraments are the great epiphany of
God's grace and mercy.
The word epiphany has gone into disuse in much of the English-speaking world, and so it might require
some clarification. The most common residual occurrence of it is in the phrase "I had an epiphany." by which
speakers mean they had an insight, realization or idea. An "aha" moment, if you will. This does get at one aspect
of epiphany - - that it is a time of greater light, a showing of the light. But liturgically, as a faith community, we
focus on the light that continues to shine in the life and ministry of Jesus, which we celebrate frequently as Christ's
body when we say in our church mission statement at "To know Christ and to show Christ."
Epiphany is a showing of the manifestation of the glory of God in Jesus Christ to the nations. It can take a
whole season to unpack such a confession. In 2014 the Epiphany season begins on the first Monday of January
and continues through February until Ash Wednesday, which is March 5. Consider the spectacle of these
Epiphany days: From the visitation of the Magi, then the Baptism of Jesus (January 12) conducted by the strange
and wonderful prophet John (who always insisted on pointing to the Christ, not himself). Yet, in a wonderful
graceful irony, John had to yield to the wishes of Jesus that yes, it was part of God's plan that he (John) be given
the honor of baptizing Jesus, over his initial objections. Later, Jesus begins his ministry at the edge of the water,
calling fishermen to be his disciples. They quickly learn, when he goes up on the mount and preaches, that
discipleship under this Lord is spectacular only in its lack of being a spectacle. It is to be a ministry with good
news to the poor, meek, hungry, thirsty, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted. (Perhaps this is a
clue to the incredible positive response to Pope Francis, as he appears to be taking that aspect of the model of
Christ seriously.)
"Let there be light," God proclaimed, and the newly created world was never again the same. The power
of God's word, demonstrated in Jesus' baptism by John, and the brief yet world-changing ministry of Jesus was
launched . . . the tired, old, sin-sick world was never again the same. This is the faith we live! This is the season
of Epiphany! Let us rejoice and be glad! Faithfully,
Roger Rapp Interim Rector
Chr i sTa lk
J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4
Mary and I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the members of St. Christopher’s who participated
in a most generous Christmas gift to us this year. Thank you so much!
Rev. Roger and Mary Rapp
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We extend our gratitude to many people who make St. Christopher’s a warm and
wonderful church family. To Lynda Hardgrave and the membership of St. Elizabeth’s
Guild for sponsoring another successful Annual Bazaar and Craft Sale, especially to the
men who helped set up tables: Ted Maxwell, Lloyd Osborn, Clayton Hardgrave and
Alex Bowler. Many thanks to Ruth Ferguson and the Altar Guild plus volunteers who
once again made our church festive for the holiday season by decorating throughout. . .
To Lizz and Alex Bowler for keeping our kitchen well-stocked with necessary supplies . .
To organist Gerri Woodworth and St. Christopher’s Choir for providing uplifting and
inspirational music . . . . To Sherell Jones for providing much-needed boxes to fill with
food for the needy. To each of you may the year ahead bring joy, peace and many
good memories.
January 2014—News and Information from St. Christopher’s Church
Update on St. Christopher’s Search Process
The Search Committee remains on track with the schedule published in the December ChrisTalk Newsletter.
The schedule is:
December 2013 - Survey of the congregation
January 2014 - Diocese compiles surveys and Search Committee begins work on portfolio (a tool to
share with the world about who we are and aid in the discernment of anyone considering our
opportunity)
February 2014 - Vestry and Congregation review the portfolio created by the Search Committee
March to May 2014 – Names are received from applicants. These names are received in the
diocesan office and will be shared with the Search Committee in May.
May 2014 - Search Committee does phone interviews with applicants
June and July 2014 - Search Committee interviews applicants in person and forwards finalists to the
Vestry
July and August 2014 - Vestry interviews finalists
September 2014 - Vestry calls your next rector
December 2014 - New rector begins
The process of finding a permanent rector for St. Christopher's begins with the creation, distribution,
return and analysis of a rather comprehensive membership questionnaire. Approximately 140 copies of the
questionnaire were distributed either on Stewardship Sunday (December 8) or by mail. The questionnaire can
be completed in hard copy or electronically using the following link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NDT8KX8.
Deadline for receipt of your completed questionnaire was December 31, 2013. We encourage you to
complete it, as the opinion of every member of St. Christopher’s is important in this process. Your Search
Committee members are happy to respond to any questions you may have. The committee members are Alex
Bowler, Ruth Ferguson, Marty Hardsocg, Sandy McManus, Janet Osborn and Bett Wood.
Once the survey is tabulated, it will be used to build a portfolio describing the kind of permanent
minister we are searching for. This will assist the Diocese in a nationwide search for candidates who fit our
portfolio. It will be used to post our opening through advertising and get the word out about the kind of
spiritual leader we prefer.
As candidates express an interest, these names will be forwarded to the Search Committee after the
Diocese has screened the candidates to make sure they meet the eligibility requirements. The Search
Committee then will begin to interview several candidates and their spouses by bringing them to Cheyenne,
after which the Vestry will interview final candidates.
The Committee would like to extend thanks to the Rev. Canon Tristan English from the Diocese in
assisting their efforts each step of the way during this important transition.
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January 2014– News and Information from St. Christopher’s Church
Preparing the 2014 Budget
The Vestry will soon be putting together the
budget for this year and your input is invited. If
you serve on a committee or belong to a group
and would like to request an increase over last
year, please contact your leader:
Group Leader(s)
Bible Study Dolores Dionne
Buildings & Grounds Gene Williams
Choir Dick Cuthbertson
Counters Gary Hartman
Daughters of the King Dolores Dionne
Education for Ministry Barbara World
Fellowship John Coe &
Shirley Hardsocg
Men’s Wed. Bob Dionne
Men’s Shrove Tuesday Alex Bowler
Geneis Garden Gene Williams
Altar Ministry Ruth Ferguson
Worship Leaders Dick Cuthbertson
Ushers Martin Hardsocg
Youth Mary Jernigan
Hospital/Eucharistic Visitors Dolores Dionne
St. Elizabeth’s Guild Lynda Hardgrave
Sunday School Jenny Hargett
Building and Grounds Report The Lord has blessed Building and Grounds in 2013.
Two major projects were completed last year. Thanks to
the generosity of Dorothy Stevens, the stone walkway at
the main entrance to the church was repaired and
sealed. Additional repair should not be required for
several years. Also, the basement boiler that heats the
offices and Parish Hall was repaired. The condensate
tank float valve and one pump were replaced, funded by
a combination of church funds and a grant from the
Diocese of Wyoming. Thanks to those who made this
possible.
Everyone is welcome to join the Building and Grounds
team. We appreciate all input concerning our work. —
Gene Williams for the Buildings & Grounds Committee
Are you interested in serving on the Gifts and Bequests
Committee? Gene Williams’ at-large term ends at the 2014
Annual Meeting. Committee members can serve two, two -
year terms. Serving on the committee is very rewarding,
seeing projects accomplished around the church that
otherwise may not get done. If you have an interest,
please call the office at 632-4488, or Gene Williams at 421-
4911.
December
Nick Lewis December 4
Stephen Willoughby December 8
Louis Ferguson December 9
Sherry Oates December 15
Dylan Tarris December 16
The Rev. Lee Stevens December 21
Charity Cowling December 24
Dr. Earl Kincheloe December 25
Charlie Norwood December 25
January
Bob Dionne January 2
Josh Crips January 3
Kerry Collins January 9
Brinkley Lews January 14
Helen Johnson January 14
Tom Kingham January 14
Ruth Ferguson January 17
Dr. John Burns January 21
Charlie World January 21
John Boehner January 22
Ted McCoy January 23
Carole Martin January 31
Stewardship Update
We appreciate the 31 pledges of financial
support that St. Christopher’s received on
Stewardship Sunday December 8 (in spite of
the bitter cold weather!) Since then we
have received additional pledges and hope
to receive more before we begin budget
preparation later this month. If you did not
receive a pledge form, there is one
contained in this newsletter.
Again, thank you to those who have
responded, and we prayerfully invite and
encourage more to support the ministry of
our parish in 2014.
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My OFFER TO GOD AS AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)
In thanksgiving to God for the abundance and blessings of my life, I present the following offering: (Please check only one.) My Commitment per Week will be $_____________
My Commitment per Month will be $____________
My Commitment per Year will be $______________ Name___________________________________________________ Date_________________ Street Address or P.O. Box _________________________________ Phone _______________ City___________________________ State__________ Zip_______________ Email: ____________________________
Mark Your Calendar
St. Mark’s Church will conduct a “Safeguarding God’s Children” training workshop on Saturday,
February 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the downtown church. The Rev. Jess Smith of St. Mathew’s
Cathedral in Laramie will lead the workshop, which is free. Unlike recent trainings, no
videoconference will be involved.
To sign up, or if you have questions, contact Wanda at St. Mark’s Church: Tel. 634-7709. Early
registration is encouraged to ensure that enough space and hard-outs are available.
The training provides participants with the information they need to protect the children they
know and care for in their personal lives and the ministries they serve. The purpose is to teach
adults what they need to know to prevent sexual abuse of kids. It is based on the premise that if
every adult can protect one child, each of us will change one life, and together we can have a
huge and positive impact on the lives of many children.
Who needs to attend?
1. All paid parish staff members who have not completed a child abuse and sexual misconduct
prevention program. Recertification may be completed online.
2. Any volunteers working with children and youth (including Christian education leaders) who
have not completed a child abuse and sexual misconduct prevention program in the last three
years.
3. Anyone who wishes to learn more about how their parish can protect children and youth.
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St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church 2602 Deming Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82001 www.stchrischeyenne.org 307-632-4488
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Our Father and our God, as we stand at the beginning of this new year we confess our need of Your presence and Your guidance as we face the future. We each have our hopes and expectations for the year that is ahead of us—but You alone know what it holds for us, and only You can give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges. So help us to humbly put our hands into Your hand, and to trust You and to seek Your will for our lives during this coming year. In the midst of life’s uncertainties in the days ahead, assure us of the certainty of Your unchanging love. In the midst of life’s inevitable disappointments and heartaches, help us to turn to You for the stability and comfort we will need. In the midst of life’s temptations and the pull of our stubborn self-will, help us not to lose our way but to have the courage to do what is right in Your sight, regardless of the cost. And in the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world, and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need. We pray for our nation and its leaders during these difficult times, and for all those who are seeking to bring peace and justice to our dangerous and troubled world. We pray especially for Your protection on all those who serve in our armed forces, and we thank You for their commitment to defend our freedoms, even at the cost of their own lives. Be with their families also, and assure them of Your love and concern for them. - Amen
(With thanks to The Rev. Billy Graham)