THE EPIPHANY E-STAR – July 27, 2023 
 
Sad news to start this newsletter.  Claude Burks, longtime member of Epiphany, died on Friday, July 21, 2023.  His wife, Ellie and family were there at his side.  Fr. Michael said, “It was as peaceful a death as I have ever seen.”  This is the prayer of commendation we prayed at his passing:
 
“Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world;
In the Name of God, the Father Almighty who created you;
In the Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed you;
In the Name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you.
May your rest be this day in peace,
     And your dwelling place in the Paradise of God.”
 
“May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.”

Please keep Claude, Ellie and the Burks family in your prayers.
 
Renovations continue to happen.  The dead pecan tree (and stump) in front of the church were removed this week.  The other pecan tree was trimmed up nicely!  We realize that the side lot to the church right now poses a potential fire hazard, so we are having it mowed on Friday, July 28.
 
We are ever hopeful to meet our goal of Labor Day for a lot of the renovations.  We know that construction deadlines can be hindered by all sorts of delays.  We will keep everyone updated as we continue pushing for Labor Day. 
 
Bids for painting the Youth Center continue.  Hopefully a painting contractor will be selected in the very near future. 
The restoration committee is still pursuing estimates to clean the ductwork in the Nave. We need a couple more bids for this.  Progress is slow but continues!  
 
SUNDAY, July 16, 2023:
                      Attendance:
                                                   33  In Church
                                                    7  On Zoom
                                                  40  Total
 
Those scheduled to serve this coming Sunday, July 30th are:
                 Layreaders………Linda Myers & Mary Rubio
                 Altar Guild…….Carol Weathers, Karen Leitch, & Linda Myers
                 Acolyte…………..Grady Gonzales
                 Ushers…………...Sandy Arrington & Susan Wallace
                 VOPD…………...David Leitch
                 Alter Flowers
                 Given by…………Kenda Avery
                                                    In memory of Wayne Blikre
                 Coffee Hosts……Patty Murray & Rachel Bryson
 
The Altar Flowers on Sunday, July 30, are given by Kenda Avery in memory of Wayne Blikre.
 
Happy Birthday to Merle Juhnke (8/4) and Melinda Lovelace (8/5).
 
Happy Anniversary to Doug & Sue Brunson (8/1).
 
We pray for all who have died, especially Claude Burks, 7/21, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom. We pray also for all who mourn their passing.
 
Daughters of the King will meet Sunday, July 30 in the Youth Center after church services.
 
We have had a request to have hand sanitizers available in the back of the pews so that parishioners are able to sanitize their hands conveniently after passing the peace and/or before receiving communion.  The sanitizers have been ordered.  Once received we will put 3 in the majority of the pews. 
 
There will be a FREE CONCERT by Brooks Crossing Family Ministry on Sunday, July 30 at 4:00 p.m. at First Christian Church, 204 E. Graves Street.  (RM 963). They are known for Country Crossover, Gospel Music.  Come join the fun and FREE ICE CREAM Social!

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. 
 
Please also continue to welcome visitors to Epiphany!
 
Janet Wilton
Parish Administrator
 
Courage doesn’t always roar.  Sometimes courage is a quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”
Mary Anne Radmacher