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Epiphany: A Season of Revelation and Light

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness - -

on them light has shined." Isaiah 9:2

Sometimes it said that as people of faith, we live "in but not of" the world. The Epiphany season of the

year highlights this point. While the world sighs with relief that the hectic holiday season is over and trudges back

into daily routine, God's children set forth renewed in their vision of the Christ child and refreshed by the

reminder of their own baptism, transformed by water and the word.

The word Epiphany means "manifestation." On the day of Epiphany (January 6) we celebrate the

revelation of Christ to the Gentiles -- that is, to all nations. Some Christian traditions celebrate three great

"epiphanies" during this season: the Magi's adoration of the Christ child, Jesus' baptism in the Jordan river, and his

first miracle in which he changes water into wine. For us, the word and sacraments are the great epiphany of

God's grace and mercy.

The word epiphany has gone into disuse in much of the English-speaking world, and so it might require

some clarification. The most common residual occurrence of it is in the phrase "I had an epiphany." by which

speakers mean they had an insight, realization or idea. An "aha" moment, if you will. This does get at one aspect

of epiphany - - that it is a time of greater light, a showing of the light. But liturgically, as a faith community, we

focus on the light that continues to shine in the life and ministry of Jesus, which we celebrate frequently as Christ's

body when we say in our church mission statement at "To know Christ and to show Christ."

Epiphany is a showing of the manifestation of the glory of God in Jesus Christ to the nations. It can take a

whole season to unpack such a confession. In 2014 the Epiphany season begins on the first Monday of January

and continues through February until Ash Wednesday, which is March 5. Consider the spectacle of these

Epiphany days: From the visitation of the Magi, then the Baptism of Jesus (January 12) conducted by the strange

and wonderful prophet John (who always insisted on pointing to the Christ, not himself). Yet, in a wonderful

graceful irony, John had to yield to the wishes of Jesus that yes, it was part of God's plan that he (John) be given

the honor of baptizing Jesus, over his initial objections. Later, Jesus begins his ministry at the edge of the water,

calling fishermen to be his disciples. They quickly learn, when he goes up on the mount and preaches, that

discipleship under this Lord is spectacular only in its lack of being a spectacle. It is to be a ministry with good

news to the poor, meek, hungry, thirsty, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted. (Perhaps this is a

clue to the incredible positive response to Pope Francis, as he appears to be taking that aspect of the model of

Christ seriously.)

"Let there be light," God proclaimed, and the newly created world was never again the same. The power

of God's word, demonstrated in Jesus' baptism by John, and the brief yet world-changing ministry of Jesus was

launched . . . the tired, old, sin-sick world was never again the same. This is the faith we live! This is the season

of Epiphany! Let us rejoice and be glad! Faithfully,

Roger Rapp Interim Rector

Chr i sTa lk

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4

Mary and I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the members of St. Christopher’s who participated

in a most generous Christmas gift to us this year. Thank you so much!

Rev. Roger and Mary Rapp

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We extend our gratitude to many people who make St. Christopher’s a warm and

wonderful church family. To Lynda Hardgrave and the membership of St. Elizabeth’s

Guild for sponsoring another successful Annual Bazaar and Craft Sale, especially to the

men who helped set up tables: Ted Maxwell, Lloyd Osborn, Clayton Hardgrave and

Alex Bowler. Many thanks to Ruth Ferguson and the Altar Guild plus volunteers who

once again made our church festive for the holiday season by decorating throughout. . .

To Lizz and Alex Bowler for keeping our kitchen well-stocked with necessary supplies . .

To organist Gerri Woodworth and St. Christopher’s Choir for providing uplifting and

inspirational music . . . . To Sherell Jones for providing much-needed boxes to fill with

food for the needy. To each of you may the year ahead bring joy, peace and many

good memories.

January 2014—News and Information from St. Christopher’s Church

Update on St. Christopher’s Search Process

The Search Committee remains on track with the schedule published in the December ChrisTalk Newsletter.

The schedule is:

December 2013 - Survey of the congregation

January 2014 - Diocese compiles surveys and Search Committee begins work on portfolio (a tool to

share with the world about who we are and aid in the discernment of anyone considering our

opportunity)

February 2014 - Vestry and Congregation review the portfolio created by the Search Committee

March to May 2014 – Names are received from applicants. These names are received in the

diocesan office and will be shared with the Search Committee in May.

May 2014 - Search Committee does phone interviews with applicants

June and July 2014 - Search Committee interviews applicants in person and forwards finalists to the

Vestry

July and August 2014 - Vestry interviews finalists

September 2014 - Vestry calls your next rector

December 2014 - New rector begins

The process of finding a permanent rector for St. Christopher's begins with the creation, distribution,

return and analysis of a rather comprehensive membership questionnaire. Approximately 140 copies of the

questionnaire were distributed either on Stewardship Sunday (December 8) or by mail. The questionnaire can

be completed in hard copy or electronically using the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NDT8KX8.

Deadline for receipt of your completed questionnaire was December 31, 2013. We encourage you to

complete it, as the opinion of every member of St. Christopher’s is important in this process. Your Search

Committee members are happy to respond to any questions you may have. The committee members are Alex

Bowler, Ruth Ferguson, Marty Hardsocg, Sandy McManus, Janet Osborn and Bett Wood.

Once the survey is tabulated, it will be used to build a portfolio describing the kind of permanent

minister we are searching for. This will assist the Diocese in a nationwide search for candidates who fit our

portfolio. It will be used to post our opening through advertising and get the word out about the kind of

spiritual leader we prefer.

As candidates express an interest, these names will be forwarded to the Search Committee after the

Diocese has screened the candidates to make sure they meet the eligibility requirements. The Search

Committee then will begin to interview several candidates and their spouses by bringing them to Cheyenne,

after which the Vestry will interview final candidates.

The Committee would like to extend thanks to the Rev. Canon Tristan English from the Diocese in

assisting their efforts each step of the way during this important transition.

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January 2014– News and Information from St. Christopher’s Church

Preparing the 2014 Budget

The Vestry will soon be putting together the

budget for this year and your input is invited. If

you serve on a committee or belong to a group

and would like to request an increase over last

year, please contact your leader:

Group Leader(s)

Bible Study Dolores Dionne

Buildings & Grounds Gene Williams

Choir Dick Cuthbertson

Counters Gary Hartman

Daughters of the King Dolores Dionne

Education for Ministry Barbara World

Fellowship John Coe &

Shirley Hardsocg

Men’s Wed. Bob Dionne

Men’s Shrove Tuesday Alex Bowler

Geneis Garden Gene Williams

Altar Ministry Ruth Ferguson

Worship Leaders Dick Cuthbertson

Ushers Martin Hardsocg

Youth Mary Jernigan

Hospital/Eucharistic Visitors Dolores Dionne

St. Elizabeth’s Guild Lynda Hardgrave

Sunday School Jenny Hargett

Building and Grounds Report The Lord has blessed Building and Grounds in 2013.

Two major projects were completed last year. Thanks to

the generosity of Dorothy Stevens, the stone walkway at

the main entrance to the church was repaired and

sealed. Additional repair should not be required for

several years. Also, the basement boiler that heats the

offices and Parish Hall was repaired. The condensate

tank float valve and one pump were replaced, funded by

a combination of church funds and a grant from the

Diocese of Wyoming. Thanks to those who made this

possible.

Everyone is welcome to join the Building and Grounds

team. We appreciate all input concerning our work. —

Gene Williams for the Buildings & Grounds Committee

Are you interested in serving on the Gifts and Bequests

Committee? Gene Williams’ at-large term ends at the 2014

Annual Meeting. Committee members can serve two, two -

year terms. Serving on the committee is very rewarding,

seeing projects accomplished around the church that

otherwise may not get done. If you have an interest,

please call the office at 632-4488, or Gene Williams at 421-

4911.

December

Nick Lewis December 4

Stephen Willoughby December 8

Louis Ferguson December 9

Sherry Oates December 15

Dylan Tarris December 16

The Rev. Lee Stevens December 21

Charity Cowling December 24

Dr. Earl Kincheloe December 25

Charlie Norwood December 25

January

Bob Dionne January 2

Josh Crips January 3

Kerry Collins January 9

Brinkley Lews January 14

Helen Johnson January 14

Tom Kingham January 14

Ruth Ferguson January 17

Dr. John Burns January 21

Charlie World January 21

John Boehner January 22

Ted McCoy January 23

Carole Martin January 31

Stewardship Update

We appreciate the 31 pledges of financial

support that St. Christopher’s received on

Stewardship Sunday December 8 (in spite of

the bitter cold weather!) Since then we

have received additional pledges and hope

to receive more before we begin budget

preparation later this month. If you did not

receive a pledge form, there is one

contained in this newsletter.

Again, thank you to those who have

responded, and we prayerfully invite and

encourage more to support the ministry of

our parish in 2014.

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My OFFER TO GOD AS AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)

In thanksgiving to God for the abundance and blessings of my life, I present the following offering: (Please check only one.) My Commitment per Week will be $_____________

My Commitment per Month will be $____________

My Commitment per Year will be $______________ Name___________________________________________________ Date_________________ Street Address or P.O. Box _________________________________ Phone _______________ City___________________________ State__________ Zip_______________ Email: ____________________________

Mark Your Calendar

St. Mark’s Church will conduct a “Safeguarding God’s Children” training workshop on Saturday,

February 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the downtown church. The Rev. Jess Smith of St. Mathew’s

Cathedral in Laramie will lead the workshop, which is free. Unlike recent trainings, no

videoconference will be involved.

To sign up, or if you have questions, contact Wanda at St. Mark’s Church: Tel. 634-7709. Early

registration is encouraged to ensure that enough space and hard-outs are available.

The training provides participants with the information they need to protect the children they

know and care for in their personal lives and the ministries they serve. The purpose is to teach

adults what they need to know to prevent sexual abuse of kids. It is based on the premise that if

every adult can protect one child, each of us will change one life, and together we can have a

huge and positive impact on the lives of many children.

Who needs to attend?

1. All paid parish staff members who have not completed a child abuse and sexual misconduct

prevention program. Recertification may be completed online.

2. Any volunteers working with children and youth (including Christian education leaders) who

have not completed a child abuse and sexual misconduct prevention program in the last three

years.

3. Anyone who wishes to learn more about how their parish can protect children and youth.

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St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church 2602 Deming Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82001 www.stchrischeyenne.org 307-632-4488

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Our Father and our God, as we stand at the beginning of this new year we confess our need of Your presence and Your guidance as we face the future. We each have our hopes and expectations for the year that is ahead of us—but You alone know what it holds for us, and only You can give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges. So help us to humbly put our hands into Your hand, and to trust You and to seek Your will for our lives during this coming year. In the midst of life’s uncertainties in the days ahead, assure us of the certainty of Your unchanging love. In the midst of life’s inevitable disappointments and heartaches, help us to turn to You for the stability and comfort we will need. In the midst of life’s temptations and the pull of our stubborn self-will, help us not to lose our way but to have the courage to do what is right in Your sight, regardless of the cost. And in the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world, and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need. We pray for our nation and its leaders during these difficult times, and for all those who are seeking to bring peace and justice to our dangerous and troubled world. We pray especially for Your protection on all those who serve in our armed forces, and we thank You for their commitment to defend our freedoms, even at the cost of their own lives. Be with their families also, and assure them of Your love and concern for them. - Amen

(With thanks to The Rev. Billy Graham)