-the little white church on the corner-
January 2026
THE CLERGY CORNER
Holy Christmastide dear people of Epiphany,
With deep joy I write to you not as your deacon, but as your priest. Thank you for all the behind-the-scenes labor that went into my ordination! Visitors to this sacred event remarked to me about the welcome and beauty of what they found here. I give thanks to God, Father Win+, and the diocese for bringing us together. And so, our journey begins.
Over this next stretch of months, our time together will be organized around a theme of STORY.
YOUR STORIES.
I am savoring my conversations with you about how you came to Epiphany, what you love, and what your worries, hopes, and dreams are for the world and parish at this time.
THE STORY OF EPIPHANY.
This little white church on the corner in Lafayette-Winona was the fruit of St. Luke’s generous calling to share the GOOD NEWS farther down the trolley line with those that needed easier access.
THE STORY OF THE WIDER CHURCH.
Our world has changed a LOT since 1920. And with it, the role of the church in modern people’s lives. Younger generations have a harder time finding what we do to be relevant. But more about that later. 😊
And, GOD’S STORY, as revealed to us in Holy Scripture.
Beginning Wednesday, January 28, from 12 to 1 pm, with BYOL & J (bring your own lunch and journal) we will engage with in-person and zoom participants, in Bible Study. At our first meeting, we will orient and discern a theme for our first Spring together. We will take a break in summer and resume in the Fall.
What can you expect from your new 1/3-time, Clergy-in-Charge?
I will work roughly 15 hours a week in priestly tasks. I will be in-person on Sundays from 9am-1pm and Wednesdays from 10am-3pm. (3pm-4pm will be reserved for pastoral care visits.) On Tuesdays I will do sermon preparation and administrative tasks. Every sixth Sunday, (and the preceding week) I will be off. On these “Sixth Sundays”, we will use our trained & licensed worship leaders in a lay-led service of Morning Prayer. (Next year, I hope to have a few of you licensed as lay preachers to use on these 6th Sundays.) Additionally, I will continue to work in my private practice as a Life Coach on Mondays and Thursdays.
Please know that my sabbath is Thursdays, from sun-down to Saturday’s sun-up. I will ask that you not reach out to me by text or phone during this time unless there is a life-or-death pastoral emergency. All other situations, please contact the Sr. Warden.
And through all of this will run a mixed-current of joy at our pairing -and grief around the change from a long-time, much beloved, former rector. I will not do everything like Richard+ did. You may feel some rough edges with this. The one thing that I ask from all of you is that you be direct. When I have offended, disappointed, or annoyed you, please tell me. I will take you seriously. I will listen to you even if I do not agree. I will make space for your feelings. It may not change anything, but it helps to stay connected. We need each other.
All around us are little Bethlehem’s in need of miracles. Life is infused with potential for transmitting the Light of God in Christ, with deep, restoring love. How might we at Epiphany, the little white church on the corner at the end of the trolley line, be a beacon of light in our time for those tasting deep darkness? Let’s keep listening to our dreams and angels leading.
Blessings and peace to you and yours –
Faithfully.
Anne+
The Rev. Anne Zobel
Clergy-in-Charge
Church of the Epiphany
Happenings Around Epiphany
Well, here we are, just a few more days until we celebrate our namesake and complete the “marathon” of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Epiphany. This year’s marathon was a wonderful run as well, as we had the honor of presenting the ordination of Epiphany’s new shepherd, The Rev. Anne Zobel.
This was an all-hands-on deck project, and many volunteers were involved. The event was beautiful, energizing and uplifting. Having the sanctuary filled with so many of the 120 guests singing was a goose-bump moment and having that sound flowing out the front doors to the neighborhood I hope was a blessing.
The service was outstanding, quite reverent, humbling to observe and absorb.
A full-on reception followed in typical Epiphany style for something special.
Thank you to each and everyone involved with making the ordination day a complete success.
Christmas Eve was another beautiful evening that began at 11:00 p.m. with a nice turnout that joined in song, giving Glory to God and celebrating the reason for the season – the birth of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
Afterwards we once again, joined in fellowship for a wonderful breakfast provided by MJs. The parish hall was filled to the brim with everyone enjoying themselves.
A Thank You to the clean-up crew that did a fantastic job.
On Dec. 28th we had a beautiful NINE LESSONS & CAROLS SERVICE. This service is quite old dating back to 1880 with Edward White Benson being credited for devising the service. Weaving scripture readings of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus with Christmas carols to tell the salvation story. This service was enjoyed and received quite well, Thank You, Anne.
We begin by blessing the year that is done. May we remember the gifts and the wild grace amidst the challenges and losses. May the Lord guide our steps, renew our strength, and fill us with His wisdom. May His light shine upon our paths and His peace dwell in our hearts. May this new year be a season of growth, healing, and purpose.
Blessings.
Jim Fisher Sr. Warden
UPCOMING & SCHEDULE
December 31st – Wishes to all for a beautiful and safe New Years Eve.
January 4, 2026 – Morning Prayer Service
- Mary Shaffer and John Childers
- Organist: Joe Ritchie
- Usher: Susie Pedigo
January 6th – 6:00 pm – Epiphany Service
- The Rev. Anne Zobel
- Organist: Joe Ritchie
- Lector: Jerry Cronin
- Usher: Kevin LaPointe
January 11th
- The Rev. Anne Zobel
- Organist: Pat Spoettle
- Altar: Kevin LaPointe
- Flowers: Jim Fisher
- Lector: Gayle Greene
- Usher: Tommy Gilleland
January 18th
- The Rev. Anne Zobel
- Organist: Scott Foxwell
- Altar: Ariel Fernandez
- Flowers: Joyce Williams
- Lector: John Greene
- Usher: Jackie Rochelle
- Dedication: Kevin LaPointe
January 25th
- The Rev. Anne Zobel
- Organist: Joe Ritchie
- Altar: Kevin LaPointe
- Flowers: Jim Fisher
- Lector: Marcia Cronin
- Usher: Kathy Moore
- Dedication: Valerie Smith
Thank you to all who volunteer to serve.
JANUARY
The days are short,
The sun a spark
Hung thin between
The dark and the dark.
Fat snowy footsteps
Track the floor.
Milk bottles burst
Outside the door.
The river is
A frozen place
Held still beneath
The trees of lace.
The sky is low.
The wind is gray.
The radiator
Purrs all day.
— John Updike