-the little white church on the corner-
February 2026
THE CLERGY CORNER
Holy Season after Epiphany!
Little did I know when writing my last letter about grief over your former rector that Richard would pass – just days later. Life is so fragile.
I carry in my planner a letter that Richard sent me shortly after it was announced that I was coming to Epiphany:
“Dear Anne,
I saw in Epiphany’s E-newsletter that you are the new Clergy-in Charge at Epiphany.
I am so excited for you and for them. They are a wonderful group of people, and I think you will really enjoy working with them. If I can answer any questions or be of any help, don’t hesitate to give me a call. Have a wonderful time at Epiphany. It’s a match(call) made in heaven.”Richard Bridgford+
I take great comfort in the fact that Richard knew how the story was turning out for us. And he gave us his blessings.
Last weekend we gave Richard+ our public facing home-sending at the Church of the Ascension. The next-of-kin requested this because those in attendance were expected to exceed our capacity here.
Thank you to all who helped to make that such a success – ushers, beautiful service booklets, communion elements, a bell man, acolytes, choir, organist, soloist. We have no end of talent in this place!
In the next weeks we’ll have our own in-house celebration with Julia Ashby+ as a guest preacher, followed by a festive pot-luck reception and sharing of “Richard Stories.”
Our story is just getting started, but for this moment, we celebrate our life in Christ with Richard over these past 30+ years – and his joyous eternal homecoming.
Faithfully,
Anne+
HAPPENINGS AROUND EPIPHANY
Vestry Meeting – Feb. 12th 6:30 meal/7:00pm meeting.
Valentines Day – Saturday, February 14th
Much love and warm hugs sent your way.
Wednesday Bible Study @ Noon.
1/28 – There were 11 in attendance and 4 via Zoom.
Schedule:
- February 4, 11, 25
- March 4, 11, 18
- April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- May 13, 20, 27
- June 3, 10
Please join us and bring your lunch.
Lenten Series @ 6:00 pm
“Our Stories/God’s Stories”
Schedule:
- February 25
- March 4, 11, 18
Please bring light fare to share on the fellowship table.
SEASON OF LENT
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – February 17th @ 5:30
ASH WEDNESDAY – February 18th
Noon – Ashes to Go
6 pm – Liturgy & Eucharist
Monk Shen Yu is a wandering Elder of the Eastern Mountains of the Himalayas. Please enjoy his words and blessings.
May this moment slow your breath and quiet your thoughts.
May this day bring you calm and clarity.
May your mind be steady, and your heart feel light.
May peace find you where you are and strength meet you when you feel weak.
May small moments bring you joy.
May kindness guide your words, and patience shape your actions.
May you remember to breathe, to pause, and be kind to yourself.
If you are carrying worries or pain, may they soften.
For those feeling lost, may clarity appear in small ways – may a quiet direction appear.
May you walk through this day with awareness, judging less, listening more, and choosing compassion whenever you can.
May your steps be steady, your words be kind, and your efforts be met with enough strength.
May your steps be steady, your intentions sincere, and your heart open.
May you remember that you are not alone, and that every calm breathe is a beginning. And may Peace not remain only a wish, but become something you practice – quietly, today.
And for those who need these words the most today – may they reach you gently, exactly when you need them.
Regards,
Jim Fisher, Sr. Warden
FEBRUARY SCHEDULE
February 1st – Snow day
February 8th
- The Rev. Anne Zobel
- Organist: Pat Spoettle
- Altar: Kevin LaPointe
- Flowers: Jim Fisher
- Lector: Jim Fisher
- Usher: Jackie Rochelle
February 15
- Morning Prayer
- Organist: Scott Foxwell
- Altar: Ariel Fernandez
- Flowers: Marcia Cronin
- Lector: Gayle Greene
- Usher: Kevin LaPointe
February 22
- The Rev. Anne Zobel
- Organist: Scott Foxwell
- Altar: Kevin LaPointe
- Flowers: Marcia Cronin
- Lector: John Greene
- Usher: Tom Gilleland
A February Poem
In the morning’s crisp embrace,
Frost patterns on the window trace.
Silent whispers of winter’s breath,
February’s chill, a quiet wraith.
Bare trees stand in silent rows,
Guarding secrets only winter knows,
Snowflakes dance, a gentle fall,
In February’s frost, a mesmerizing call.
Yet, beneath the icy veil,
Spring’s whispers start to unveil.
In every flake, a promise lies,
February’s frost, winter’s soft goodbye.
-Maya Anthony