January 2025
Off we go, into a New Year: Cheers!
It’s a fresh start, the hope of a brighter future, letting go of last year’s challenges and embracing the clean slate before us. Take the lessons we’ve learned, set goals with a purpose, and move forward with hope and determination. January reminds us that it brings a chance to reflect, reset and begin again with optimism and unity.
As we journey through the cold days and long nights of January, let us remember the magic of this month. Let us find inspiration in the beauty of winter and the promise of new beginnings.
January on average is the coldest month of the year.
Latin, “Ianuarius”, named after Janus, the god of beginnings and transition in Roman mythology. Janus, known as the protector of the gates and doorways, which symbolize beginnings and endings. Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking into the past, the other with the ability to see into the future – a fitting symbol for the 1st month of the year, this month is our door into a new year. There is a sense of new beginnings. The days are starting to get longer, and we look forward to the light’s re-emergence.
January 5th, Twelfth Night, in the ancients’ Celtic tradition, is the end of the 12 days of Winter solstice celebration.
January 6th. On this date, we celebrate the Magi, the 3 wise men or kings, who venerated and brought gifts to the infant Jesus.
Birthstone: Garnet – represents constancy.
Flower: Carnation or Snowdrops
Zodiac: Capricorn until the 19th and Aquarius beginning on the 20th. Capricorn is compatible with Taurus and Virgo. Capricorn traits: practical, responsible, loyal, patient, disciplined & persistent. Aquarius is compatible with Sagittarius and other Aquarians. Traits are: independent, intelligent, friendly, compassionate, outgoing & unconventional.
An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in.
A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.
– Bill Vaughan
January’s Promise
In the depths of winter’s icy reign,
January comes, fresh and untamed.
A new year begins, a chance to renew,
Leaving behind the old for the new.
With hearts warm, we gather near,
Welcoming the day with hope and cheer.
Through frost and chill, we take the time,
To treasure moments and lessons find.
Resolutions form from looking within,
Goals to strive for, dreams to begin.
With pen in hand, our plans take shape,
Fueling our hearts to celebrate.
January’s a time to start anew,
A chance to build, a chance to pursue.
With hope as our guide, we boldly face,
The triumphs ahead, each step embraced.
So, let us cherish this special day,
In January’s light, let hope stay.
The past is behind, the future is clear,
In January, we find strength for the year.
Each morning brings promise, each day a gift
Through trials and triumphs, our spirits lift.
With courage and faith, we pave the way,
Creating a year of joy each day.
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
December’s Highlights
December 8th Question & Answer with Win Lewis
After the service, during fellowship, Win shared information with the congregation about our transition, answered questions and commented on subjects brought up. It was a positive time spent listening to your thoughts and concerns.
Please be patient for information that Win did not have on hand. He was not up to full par that day and did have some sick days after. With the Christmas season upon us and her regularly busy schedule, the Bishop did not have any further discussions with Win to enable him to respond with answers to some questions
Vestry election of wardens:
Wes Irby – Junior Warden
Jim Fisher – Senior Warden.
Thank you to Mary Shaffer for putting up and “fluffing” the two Christmas trees this year. The Chrismon tree looked fantastic and so warm. Cheers to all who helped dress it.
The Angel Tree: Carol was tickled that, by the 2nd week of the tags being on the tree, they all were taken. Cheers! Thank you to Joan Feret for making the lovely tags for the Angel Tree.
Annual Tucker House Luncheon: There was a ton of food for this year’s event and the residents of Tucker House truly appreciated every morsel that was shared with them as well as the gift cards.Thank you to each of you who participated with food and drink & volunteered time to serve. Your kindness was a silent gift unmatched. A special Thank You to Carol Fernandez for your time and for organizing the event…again.
Poinsettias: The plants this year came in quite late for the season and we benefited, especially because we need them looking good until Epiphany. Thank you to all who dedicated a plant.
Christmas Eve Service: Bishop Haynes presided over a lovely service and her homily was wonderful, carrying the message of lifting our light to the world to repel the darkness.
Attendance of 31 was light yet beautiful. Those not with us were thought of and missed. We had 9 guests who were in town visiting family. Some of our congregation could not make the service because of illness, family plans, or visiting family dinners, and some were not happy about the time change from our traditional 11 p.m. service. The baby was not missing and found his way to the crèche peacefully. The music provided by Pat Spoettle was a gift and the choir added a beautiful layer to the service.
Breakfast followed the service. A “shout out” to John Childers and MJ’s for preparing the tasty fare that ultimately was finished up the following Sunday.
Epiphany had a very good year in having a celebrant and an organist weekly. There were 2 Sundays with scheduled Morning Prayer and one more Sunday of Morning Prayer because of a schedule blooper. The “carousel” of the pulpit is popular and a blessing. Having those different voices and hearing their messages is something to be grateful for. Other churches have not been as fortunate and we should keep them all in prayer. Having an organist each week is also something we should not take lightly: we should count the blessing.
Part of my responsibilities is to engage our supply priest guests and organists and work out a schedule that fits everyone and I will continue to work my hardest to do so. Add a bit of prayer for me, too!
Financially we have done well. We still do not have debt, are able to pay all the bills monthly and the support from the congregation continues to guide Epiphany. The vestry thanks each and all of you.
January Schedule
Sunday, January 5th, 6 p.m. – Epiphany Service (No morning service.)
- The Rev. Julia Ashby
- Organist: Joe Ritchie
- Len & Tina Wright – Altar
- Marcia Cronin – Flowers
- Jerry Cronin – Lector
- Jackie Rochelle – Usher
January 12th
- The Rev. John Baldwin
- Organist: Scott Foxwell
- Kevin LaPointe – Altar
- Jim Fisher – Flowers
- Gayle Greene – Lector
- Kevin LaPointe – Usher
January 19th
- The Rev. Peg Buelow
- Pat Spoettle – Organist
- Ariel Fernandez – Altar
- Joyce Williams – Flowers
- John Greene, Jr. – Lector
- Kathy Moore – Usher
December 22nd
- The Rev. Peg Buelow
- Pat Spoettle – Organist
- Kevin LaPointe – Altar
- Jim Fisher – Greens
- Jerry Cronin – Lector
- Kathy Moore – Usher
January 26th
- The Rev. Julia Ashby
- Pat Spoettle – Organist
- Kevin LaPointe – Altar
- Jim Fisher – Flowers
- Marcia Cronin – Lector
- Susie Pedigo – Usher
A Happy and Blessed 2025 to all.