As you excel in everything– in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you– so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. 
– 2 Corinthians 8:7

Dear Friends,

Many changes are coming our way and I am excited to update you on a few topics that are very important to our Epiphany family, as we start the next chapter in the life of Epiphany.

The Discernment Committee has submitted our Parish Profile to the Diocese of Virginia. As soon as it is posted for potential permanent rector candidates to review, we will make it available to everyone.

The PRAC (Parish Regathering Action Committee) met last week and formed a list of recommendations to ease restrictions that were approved by the Vestry this past Monday. The team looked at various parts of the life of Epiphany and made those recommendations on whether they should be enacted now, in the next couple of months, or maybe in the fall or later. Taking into consideration current CDC guidelines and policies in place in our local schools, the team’s main focus is to keep all members of our church family safe and healthy, particularly those that are not able to be vaccinated. While masks will still be required for all during worship services, here is a summary of the restrictions that have now been lifted:

  • Temperature checks are no longer required upon entry into the building
  • Congregational singing is now allowed while masked
  • Reservations are no longer being requested as contact tracing is no longer needed
  • Separate entrances and exits are no longer needed
  • The nursery/cry room will be available without restriction
  • Pew books and hymnals will be returned to the backs of chairs
  • Fellowship time will take place outdoors, weather permitting
  • Ministry teams can meet without restrictions with inclusion of remote attendees
  • Masks are optional for fully vaccinated people outside of the worship services (masks are still required during worship services)

A Letter of Agreement, signed by yours truly and our interim rector candidate, is now awaiting signature from Bishop Goff. I expect this to be ratified in the coming days. As soon as it is, an announcement will be officially made. However, I can say now that the expectation is for the interim rector to start July 1st, with the first worship service being July 4th at 10 AM.

Since we are planning on having our interim rector start the first of July, this Sunday will be Fr. Jeremy’s last worship service with us. We want to show him how much we appreciate him worshipping with us these past months and will have a time of fellowship following the service this Sunday. Please stay after worship and join us in thanking Fr. Jeremy and expressing our gratitude for him! There will be a special collection during Sunday’s service for a cash purse for Fr. Jeremy as our gift to him.

I want to thank all of the hard working folks who contributed to all of this great work. Epiphany is so blessed to have each and every one of you as part of our Epiphany family!

Stay tuned for more information!

Peace to all,

Susan Buckner
Senior Warden
srwarden@EpiphanyEC.org