Volume 5, Number 1                                           The Epiphany                                           January 6, 2008

            THE LIGHT THAT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS

What Star is this that beams so bright,

More radiant than the noon-day light?

Light is a powerful and ever-present image in our yearly celebration—beginning in Advent and continuing through Christmas and Epiphany all the way to Candlemas—of the Incarnation, God’s coming to us in human form.  The Scriptures, hymns and prayers constantly refer to light:

            “give us grace to...put on the armor of light;”

                        “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;”

                                    “yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;”

                                                “a stable lamp is lighted whose glow shall wake the sky,”

                                                            “a light to lighten the Gentiles;”

and, on the Feast of the Epiphany this Sunday, a Star that guides the Wise Men “to thy perfect light.”

Light challenges and overcomes Darkness, light shows the way, light reveals (Epiphany means “manifestation, showing forth”), light welcomes, light kindles hope, light brings understanding.  At this darkest time of the year (in the northern hemisphere, at least), all humanity instinctively yearns for light and celebrates its slow return.  Our faith names its true source: God’s love and compassion for God’s creation, revealed to us in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Right now I’m reading a fascinating book, “At Day’s Close.”  It’s a history of night and darkness in human experience.  In our perpetually lighted world it is difficult to imagine the power of night and darkness over people’s lives before the advent of electricity: the fear and mortal peril that followed nightfall; the feeble and often dangerous comfort of fire and candlelight; and the anxious watch for the return of daylight.  “By thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night,” we pray at Evensong; and our pre-industrial ancestors really meant it.

Epiphany is a major feast in the Church’s worship life—in reality a continuation of our Christmas celebration from a different point of view—and the miraculous Star is its sign.  May we, like those first wise men, let the light of that star to lead us “to seek the Giver of the Sign.”

                                                                                  Jack Burnam

Choral Evensong for the Epiphany at 4 o’clock this Sunday will be led by the Men of our Choir.  In this brief service, amid the beauty of the still-decorated church, the gently soaring sound of plainsong celebrates the  revealing of a Savior for all nations and peoples.  Invite a friend to join you for this lovely, unique service, followed by an elegant candlelight reception.  Child care is provided.

Offering Envelopes for 2008 (just one per customer) are available on the lobby credenza.  If you do not find your packet, please contact me at 239-6077.             Ken Germain

THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL:

Sun       6     The Epiphany

                      8:00 am        Holy Eucharist in Chapel

                      9:30 am        Sunday School resumes

                     10:30 am        Sung Eucharist,   followed by Coffee Hour downstairs

                      c. 12:00        Christian Education meeting (Parlor)

                      4:00 pm        Evensong by the Men of the Choir, followed by candlelight reception

Mon     7       7:00 pm        Liturgy Meeting (Parlor)

                      7:00 pm        Katrina Meeting (Common Room) for trip participants

Tue       8       6:30 pm        Search Committee Meeting (Parlor)

                      6:30 pm        Girl and Boy Choristers (Choir Room)

                      7:00 pm        AlAnon (Common Room)

Wed      9       6:30 pm        Quiet Prayer (Common Room)

                      7:30 pm        Healing Service (Chapel)

Thu     10       7:30 pm        Mixed Choir (Choir Room)

Sat      11      12:00              AlAnon (Common Room)

COMING SOON:

Mon   14       7:00 pm        Stewardship/Finance Meeting (Library)

Tue     15       6:30 pm        Search Committee Meeting (Parlor)

Many grateful thanks to all those who participated and helped in the Christmas Liturgy!

Christian Education Committee will meet in the Parlor this Sunday, January 6, after the 10:30 service.

                                                                                    Simon Jeynes

Are you available?  We don't have hosts for coffee hour, Sunday, January 20; any volunteers?  If you can help with this one week, please contact me or write your name(s) on the bulletin board schedule.  Thank you.

                                                                                    Carolyn Gibson

Bayou Bingo!  We invite you to an afternoon of fun on Saturday, January 26 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Immanuel’s Dining Hall.  Admission of $10.00 gets you your first bingo card, ($1.00 for each additional card), as well as complementary cookies and coffee.  We will have a variety of prizes for the winners!  All proceeds go to support our Katrina Mission Trip. 

Prayer Shawl Knit-a-thon!  Once again our nifty knitters will be helping to launch our 2^nd Katrina Mission Trip.  You are invited to pledge for each prayer shawl knitted between January 1 and March 1.  The prayer shawls will be given to needy folks in our community and the proceeds will be donated toward the cost of the trip.  A sign-up sheet is in the foyer!

                                                                                    Vicki Anthos, Katrina Ministry

What can I do?  This is a natural response to the question of homelessness, but sometimes the answer can be as simple as contributing toilet paper.  By giving Friendship House enough toilet paper for a month, we help cut their operating costs significantly, and that makes other resources go farther.  Friendship House uses 400 rolls of toilet paper each month in the day ministries alone.  Let's try to meet one month's need!  Bring in any brand of toilet paper during January, and you will be helping to address the needs of homeless people in Wilmington.  Many thanks.

                                                                                    Sue Welles, Outreach Ministry

Fr. Thom may be reached at his church phone, 302-658-7326 Ext. 14, during his normal office hours Tuesday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. He works from home on Fridays. Please feel free to call him on his cell phone 302-229-8449 or write to thomjensen@gmail.com at any time other than church office hours, if a need arises.

Article from The Net - A Weekly Newsletter For Delaware's Episcopal Clergy

Services for Michael Mayer have been set for Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 11:00 am at Christ Church, Dover.  Greg Howe, retired rector of Christ Church will be the preacher.  Bishop Wright will be the celebrant.  All are invited to attend.