THE EPIPHANY E-STAR – August 31, 2023 
 
From Father Michael:
Our Senior Warden Deana Geuther just informed me that at long last we have sold a portion of the field to the east of our administration building (beyond the parking lot). Without going into unnecessary detail, the portion is one acre at the far east edge of that field, bordering Rhomberg Street. It is zoned residential and will accommodate three houses. The rest is up to the developer, but his intent is to build tasteful housing that blends into the neighborhood. Selling price was $180,000, minus closing costs of $14,073 and payoff of first mortgage (which we know as the Crump Fund Loan), resulting in a cash payout to Epiphany of $125,389, AND a reduction of $900 in our monthly expenses (our mortgage payment to the Crump Fund). The proceeds will be received by the Diocese of Texas on our behalf and probably manage the investment for us. The Diocese stipulates that these funds be used for our capital expenses only, which is more great news for us, providing a hedge against future, unbudgeted repairs and improvements. In a practical sense, however, we receive the benefit of that $900 monthly relief as a result of having paid our mortgage in full.
 
Many, many thanks to Deana for navigating these sometimes roiling and confusing waters. Rachel Bryson has been the lead and the one at Deana's side providing valuable guidance; she has been in constant contact with the realtor through this process. Rachel provided the amazingly thorough historical presentation to Bishop Doyle at our meeting with him at his visitation in March. Our Vestry on your behalf has been updated at every turn and given their (hence, your) approval to this undertaking. This was at the very least our third attempt at securing permission from the Diocese for the sale in my time at Epiphany which began in 2014. If you are unaware, the Diocese of Texas holds title to property in all parishes and missions, as we are an Episcopal Church ("episcopal" meaning "of bishops," hence, of dioceses). Congratulations to our team, and prayers of thanksgiving for our receiving some breathing room for future capital expenses as we move forward in our mission.
 
More information will be forthcoming, but Deana and I feel strongly that this extraordinarily good news be shared with you now.
 
Renovations:  Parish Hall kitchen countertops and backsplash have been ordered and are targeted for installation around September 20th. 
 
We received the estimate from Blackmon Mooring for cleaning the ductwork in the Nave.  Both SERVPRO and Blackmon Mooring estimates will be sent to the insurance company for consideration.  We should hear back fairly soon on that request.
 
YOUTH CENTER: A new, small refrigerator has been ordered from Amazon
and will be delivered on Tuesday, September 5th. We’re also going to order a small microwave for the YC.  Electrical modifications for the appliances should be finished this week.  Window blinds have been ordered and should be installed about mid-September.  We will likely replace all the (damaged) window screens.

A BIG THANK YOU to the Junior Warden and his son, for washing the
windows in the Youth Center today!
 
Mark your calendars for September 10th – The Reverend Deacon Steven Tomlinson will be preaching that Sunday at Epiphany!
 
Ashley Harper-Oberle will begin with Epiphany on the following Sunday, September 17th!  She will be our student intern. Welcome Ashley!!
 
During last Sunday night’s wind storm, the large pecan tree in front of the church lost a large limb!  We are working on having it removed soon. 
 
Don’t forget to bring your rummage sale items to the church on Monday, September 4th after 9:00 a.m.  Carol Weathers will be there to receive the items.
 
Rummage Sale dates / hours:
Friday, September 8              8 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. 
Saturday, September 9          8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
 
The church is looking for 3 volunteers from the parish to be on the donations committee to screen what donations are given to the church.  If you are interested in participating on this committee, please let Carol Weathers or Janet Wilton, Parish Administrator know.  Thank you!!
 
SUNDAY, August 27, 2023:
                      Attendance:
                                                  38  In Church
                                                    7  On Zoom
                                                  45  Total
 
Those scheduled to serve this coming Sunday, September 3rd are:
                  Layreaders……….Jim & Linda Dyke
                  Altar Guild……..Sue Brunson
                  Acolyte…………...Grady Gonzales
                  Ushers…………....Deana Geuther & Margaret Thomas
                  VOPD…………....Mary Rubio
                  Alter Flowers
                  Given by………….Diane Langley in Memory of Tom
                  Coffee Hosts……Linda Myers & Carol Hervey
 
Happy Birthday to MaeSyn Gay Castillo (9/3), David McGinty (9/3), Patty Murray (9/6), Ginny Little (9/7).
 
Some sad, sad news:  Abbey Major’s younger brother, Matthew Major died in a traffic accident Monday morning.  Please keep Matthew, his wife, Amy, and all of Abbey’s family in your prayers.  May Matthew’s soul, and the souls of all the departed, rest in God’s peace.
 
We pray for all who have died, especially Matthew Major and Pat Seidensticker, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom. We pray also for all who mourn their passing.
 
Please continue to pray for all in need of comfort, healing, and support. We are all God’s children and are called to serve Him in any way we can. 
 
 
Janet Wilton
Parish Administrator
 
“Stepparenting is like working at a late-night convenience store – all of the responsibility and none of the authority.”
--Valerie J. Lewis Coleman