by Anastasia Rodgers

WHIRL Sunday School has moved back inside now through November 20. The kids love to watch the animated video, with characters who put the bible story into a “real-life” current context for kids. Our Sunday School teachers are pretty fun, too!

On July 31, many of Epiphany’s music ministry groups demonstrated how uplifting worship can be when glorifying music is made by many. Bishop Eaton’s visit afforded us a special opportunity to worship together and experience the synergy of musical diversity. That musical diversity is who we are at Epiphany, and it’s something worth celebrating.

Epiphany Chorale, Directed by John Benjamin
It was once said, “Many hands make light work … and great music.” OK, I added that last bit; but it’s true! Participating in Epiphany’s music program is an excellent way to make this larger congregation – sometimes difficult to really get to know anyone – feel more like a smaller, intimate group.

I have been using my gifts in church music since I was a freshman in high school, playing for my home church’s early service. Since then, I have served five other congregations, mostly in the capacity of organist/choir director. I also have served as a children’s choir and handbell director. I take my role as worship leader seriously, trying to pair music with the readings assigned for the day. At the organ, I pay attention to the text of the hymns in order to reflect each verse musically.

The fact that I have been making music for forty years might speak to how much I love it. Getting to know the folks in the choirs and the visiting musicians is like a large family with a small group experience. When I switched to a focus on chamber groups when I went from undergrad to grad school, I knew that what I was doing in the final pages of that experience was playing with and making music with other people. I discovered that I really didn’t want to be a solo pianist. What makes me happy is collaborating with other people. The highlight of my service is not the solo performances, but having people singing along.

Music is so important and enriching to life at Epiphany. Let’s imagine a worship service with no music. The pastor makes announcements, sins are confessed and absolved. There are prayers, scripture lessons, the sermon, a creed. We pass the plates, distribute communion, and we are sent out with a blessing. Please exit through the rear of the sanctuary. Last one out, hit the lights… *sigh* …Thanks be to God for music!! Don’t get me wrong; all of those worship elements I listed are purpose-filled and meet the requirements of Word and Sacrament. But, there are more than 250 times in the Bible where we are told to make music before the Lord. Read more…

Oh what a summer it has been! Our 26th summer musical, Big Fish, was a production of epic proportions with 75 cast members in total. More than 2,000 people attended eight fantastic performances, and thanks to the generosity of show patrons, we were also able to donate $2,610 to Epiphany’s Storybook Project. Many thanks to all who help make our summer musicals possible each year.

In early August, we held our first “Bite of Theatre” drama mini-camp, which was made possible by a portion of the funds raised at last fall’s “Leap of Faith” event. In three short mornings, 33 campers and their leaders explored many aspects of drama, from improv to dance, and produced a short “informance” that family members and church staff thoroughly enjoyed.

As the summer comes to a close, we are already gearing up for the season of Advent. The children’s Christmas show, directed by Jackie Darnell, will take place December 10-11. Children in grades 2-8, and at least age 7, are invited to join us at auditions on September 30 and October 1 (more info coming soon). The Live Nativity drama tradition continues on December 17, and we are already seeking volunteers to serve in acting and hospitality roles for that annual event.

But at the heart of all this hustle and bustle is the true mission of Epiphany: to love Jesus by serving others. Ultimately, we are all here as a family of God to create, share and serve something much bigger than ourselves.

I have participated in theater since high school, serving in a number of different backstage roles over the years. And I’ve been an active Lutheran for just as long. But when I first joined drama here at Epiphany, it was because I was looking for an outlet to continue my theater “hobby,” and I was impressed with the high-caliber productions that happened here. What I didn’t expect was how incredibly intertwined my involvement with drama would become with my own spiritual journey. Read more…

Working Together at the Epiphany Garage Sale

by Erin Haligowski

Each year, Epiphany hosts a HUGE Community Garage Sale to support one of its ministries. This year’s sale, at our Far Hills Campus on Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., will support Epiphany’s Youth Ministry with proceeds benefiting our students going on Spoke Folk, camperships for students attending camps at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Ohio (LOMO), as well as subsidizing the costs of other youth ministry events and expenses outside of our budget.