July 2025
Welcome back! It is fortunate that we had a wet and beautiful Spring that left us with water tables on the high side as this last week of June is surely acting more like August in the weather department. Might that wet Spring be Mother Nature’s mercy for what she knew was coming and graced us with those abundant rains? Consider how humankind is treating this earth, yet mercy and grace are still given. The Covid period showed the world just how much humans daily neglect – once we stopped – it began a renewal of nature in leaps and bounds…Did we learn from that?…I digress.
In the context of the natural world, rain symbolizes rebirth and cleansing. With so much uncertainty in our world today, we can rest assured of the cleansing power of rain and the numerous benefits of it and quite importantly the connection with nature. In a spiritual concept, rain symbolizes abundance and sustenance. Viewed as divine intervention linked to seasonal cycles, growth, and the preservation of life after harsh periods, representing nature’s harmony. Joel prophesied to the coming of rain. He was referring to natural rain, but he went on to prophecy that God would “pour out” His Spirit. The mentioning of the Spirit and rain together creates a clear symbolic parallel- the Holy Spirit Is the Rain of Heaven.
Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve. Mercy has to do with kindness and compassion. Grace includes kindness and compassion but also carries a gift or favor with it. Mercy is when we mess up and instead of getting wrecked you get a second chance – no shame, no lecture, just a quiet “you’re not done yet”. Grace goes a step further. – It says you still matter; you still belong. It picks you up and points you forward, not because you’ve earned it but because love refuses to give up on you. Mercy keeps the weight from crushing you, grace pulls you out of the wreckage and says let’s start again and the best part, both are freely given and all we are ever asked to do is pass it on, to give freely as we receive. Might we look for small ways to give what we’ve already received – to show mercy – to give grace – to speak love & clearly.
July is named after the Roman dictator Julius Caeser (100 B.C.- 44 B.C.)
Birth flowers
Larkspurs: symbol of positivity and dedication. Water Lily: represents purity and innocence.
Birthstone
Ruby: Protects from evil. It symbolizes love, passion, energy and success.
Zodiac Signs of July
Cancer (June 21 – July 22): deeply emotional, nurturing, intuitive, loyal, security-seeking, home-oriented.
Leo (July 23 – Aug 22): Symbolized by the lion – confidence, leadership qualities, natural charisma, ambitious, loyal and generous.
Outside tips for July:
Deadhead daily the gardens. Harvest daily veggies and fruits in the a.m. Mulch, mulch, mulch – retain that moisture and keep the weeds down. Ne’er trust a July sky.
Jim Fisher
Senior Warden
Happenings around Epiphany
July 6th – Fried Chicken Picnic
Good suggestion, Lynne Pipis!
Join us after service and bring along a favorite side dish to share. There is a board in the parish hall for sign ups and items being brought.
The grounds of Epiphany are being kept up nicely. The shrubbery has been pruned back and another harder cut was planned, but is being held off until after this heat wave. Kelly Harvey continues to pop around and water the Hosta transplants of the past Spring as well the rest of the garden’s tenants throughout the property. Thank you, Kelly!
Susie Pedigo continues organizing books and clearing shelves in the offices. Thank you, Susie!
I am pleased to announce that, except for August 10th being a Morning Prayer Sunday, there is priest and organist scheduled every Sunday through Epiphany 2026.
We are grateful to all our guest priests and organists for their continued support in lifting Epiphany each week. Having the calendar schedule filled takes some load off and allows for more concentration and conversation with the diocese, bishop and transition team to further our search of future.
Annual Yard Sale – Oct 18th
Jim & Kevin will be organizing; Wes & Molly will man the kitchen; Mary & Joyce will prop the bake sale; and we have additional volunteer team members. Clean items may be brought in now on Sundays or on Wednesday from 10:30 to 3:00. Please place items in the nursery. Thanks in advance.
July Schedule
July 6th
- The Rev. Canon Win Lewis
- Organist: Pat Spoettle
- Lector: TBD
- Usher: Kevin LaPointe
- Altar: Kevin LaPointe
- Flowers: Marcia Cronin
- Flower Sponsor: Anonymous
July 13th
- The Rev. Julia Ashby
- Organist: Joe Ritchie
- Lector: Jerry Cronin
- Usher: Kathy Moore
- Altar: Kevin LaPointe
- Flowers: Jim Fisher
- Flower Sponsor: Fisher/LaPointe
July 20th
- The Rev. John Baldwin
- Organist: Scott Foxwell
- Lector: Gayle Greene
- Usher: Susie Pedigo
- Altar: Ariel Fernandez
- Flowers: Joyce Williams
- Flower Sponsor: John Childers
July 27th
- The Rev. Peg Buelow
- Organist: Pat Spoettle
- Lector: John Greene, Jr.
- Usher: Tom Gilleland
- Altar: Kevin LaPointe
- Flowers: Jim Fisher
- Flower Sponsor: TBD
Fellowship table: Fellowship after service has been wonderful for quite some time and has built up from the Covid period. Volunteers sharing favorite food items and recipes with our Epiphany family each week are very much appreciated. One person does not have to supply everything. Working with another or more individuals works just as well and is less of a burden. From a “keep it simple” lunch to a “lovely luncheon”, all of it is much appreciated and adds to a wonderful day of giving Glory to God and sharing with each other.
Peace & Blessings.