| August 24, 2022“[J]ust then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. (Luke 11:11-13).” |
| Dear Friends, This past Sunday was filled with such joy and anticipation. We blessed backpacks, students, teachers, parents, and administrators! We blessed the preschool new outdoor classroom available to the preschoolers. We gave thanks to the many minds, hearts, and hands that made the outdoor classroom possible. We also welcomed the Rev. Dr. Sarah Price, Interim Vocational Development Minister for the diocese, and head of St. Phoebe’s School for Deacons as our preacher. And Susie, the person soon to be ordained a vocational deacon who is discerning a call with us, joined us as well. Both Rev. Sarah and Susie talked with folks and received many good questions. Thank you all who introduced yourselves and asked your questions and welcomed them so warmly. To be deployed a deacon by the bishop would be a new experience for Epiphany. And honestly, it would be new for most parishes in our area. A vocational deacon is not an employee of the parish, but rather “attached” to a parish. S/he is under the guidance of the bishop and coordinates work with the rector of the parish. The deacon is non-stipendiary, does not receive a salary and is typically not assigned full-time. The parish, instead, supports the deacon’s ministry by contributing to continuing education, covering mileage, and providing for the minimum requirements for receiving the benefits of the church’s pension fund. Overall, the costs are minimal. As I entered into discernment about having a deacon in our midst, it was the desire and commitment of Epiphany to engage the wider community and serve that caused me to go forward, invite teh vestry and then invite you in. “The Church on the Corner, where God Loves You, No Exceptions.” That is what we claim about ourselves! It is one of the things that called me to you. With the discernment committee I heard some ambiguity about what being “the church on the corner” means, besides the obvious: we are on a corner. There was interest in diving deeper into that reality and claim. I believe a deacon will help move us in that direction and, in fact, go deeper. A deacon would align us to the community in ways we cannot imagine on our own. A deacon brings the outside world within our walls and opens our hearts in new ways to the world around us. A deacon points us to what is right in front of us and yet somehow is invisible to us. That made me think of the opening part of the Gospel that we heard from this past Sunday. There she was; the bent woman. Jesus saw her, called her, touched her, and she was set free to stand tall. She was given the dignity to stand as those in the synagogue could. A deacon will point to those among us who are bent by the weight of poverty and are unseen and unheard. As you have questions or are excited or concerned about having a deacon in our midst, please do not hesitate to reach out to a vestry member or to me. In Peace, Dina+ |