“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant-“ Matthew 20:26

Dear Friends: 

Singer, songwriter, Dolly Parton is quoted as saying, “if your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader”. We can be grateful for excellent leaders in our midst. These past weeks folks have been discerning their call to inspire others, dream, learn and do and become more as members of a new vestry class scheduled for election on Sunday February 23rd. We give thanks to these folks for taking prayerful time to discern how God is calling them into leadership. Tomorrow, you will receive a separate e-message with the candidates who have agreed to be nominated for a three-year term serving on the vestry of Epiphany. Keep these leaders in your prayers as the process continues. Give thanks for those vestry folks who have served so faithfully in leading us along a path of growth, vision, strategic planning and significant accomplishments. Pray for those vestry leaders who continue along in their pledge to serve God and Epiphany overseeing ministries, budgets and inviting the good people of Epiphany to participate in our common life. We can be forever grateful for our leadership! 

As well, God blesses us with excellent leadership shining bright in our very efficient and productive staff. Beginning on Sunday, thanks to your generous giving enabling us to budget for a Music Minister, we welcome Cathy Lard to Epiphany’s staff with great enthusiasm. Cathy comes to Epiphany with over twenty years of experience in teaching, performing and directing in the private, classroom and worship setting. Currently she serves as a music teacher with a local preschool, having played a leadership role in establishing its music program. Cathy comes from the Episcopal Church with background as a section leader with the adult choir and as a children’s choir director. While living abroad, Cathy briefly taught music classes at the Montessori School of Paris. Most recently Cathy served as a section leader and assisted in directing and conducting the adult choir with St. Francis Episcopal Church in Great Falls, Virginia. Cathy and her husband, Jerome, and four children, Nathan, Jacob, Sammy and Abby happily worship with Epiphany. In her leadership, Cathy brings flexibility, vision, enthusiasm, knowledge, compassion and expertise. We’re very excited to welcome Cathy as Epiphany’s Music Minister leading us to an even more blessed music ministry. 

With Cathy as our Music Minister, our existing music ministry is only enriched. Jiji Park, our principal musician happily welcomes Cathy in working with the adult singers who are enthusiastic about building an adult choir under her leadership. With Cathy as a pied piper for including all in singing, adult singers can expect enjoyable challenges and growth in their ministry. The Worship Ministry team is looking forward to meeting weekly with Cathy and learning from her experience and professionalism more and more about planning the very best thanks and praise to God in worship. Cathy’s position is currently ten hours a week. She hopes, as we all hope, that once she gets things moving along, she’ll incorporate a youth choir. As well, Cathy will be expected to share her wisdom with the ever thriving and striving Praise Band and with Children, Youth and Family Ministry Vacation Bible School. 

Please, extend to Cathy your warmest welcome, support and enthusiasm as she steps into her new position on Sunday with Family Worship. Also, on Sunday, we’re happy to welcome the return of Genevieve Zetlan preaching at 8:30 a.m. worship for the high feast day of The Presentation. As always on the first Sunday of the month, Family Worship will be held at 10:00 a.m. with a children’s message. Confirmation Class for youth in 7th grade and older will meet following worship. At the same time, all those new to the life of Epiphany are invited to attend a brief, informal Newcomer Event to learn a little bit more about Epiphany and how you can be a part of our most blessed community. Later that afternoon, Celtic Worship at 5:30 promises sacred music, quiet reflection and a heart felt message from Sally Savas. No worries. You’ll be home in plenty of time to root for the 49ers or the Chiefs in the Super Bowl! As always, in the life of Epiphany, God continues to inspire us to learn, dream and do! 

Finally, pray for leaders throughout; in our country, in the world, in our region, in this faith community we know as Epiphany, a body of devoted folks God calls to light up the world with his love. How are you leading as God’s own? Thank you for serving. 

Blessings,

Hillary