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Epiphany Lutheran Church
2370 West Main Street
Rock Hill, SC 29732
803.324.8877
epiphany@epiphany-rockhill.org
The Proclaimer
Epiphany's weekly newsletter to help keep you informed.
May 20, 2020
Seventh Sunday of Easter

May 24, 2020
Click on the links below to read this Sunday's scriptures:

A Conversation With Your Pastor

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.     I Peter 5:7

    The word “suffering” describes the situation of those who first heard these words in the Book of First Peter. It also describes the experience of many people throughout our world at this time who have been effected by the virus pandemic.  Jennifer Kaalund uses a fishing analogy to explain the practice of “casting one’s anxiety.” She says: We should “throw” our worries and concerns far away from ourselves to God anticipating that God’s care and concern will address them. One does not cast their line out with the bait and hope to pull it back in with the same bait. You cast out something you do not want in exchange for something that you do want. God’s care for God’s people is expressed in God’s response to our prayers if we humbly ask for help when we need it. [1]

   We cast our anxiety and express our concerns in prayer to God, trusting by faith in God's response. There is also a call to humility in the verse previous to this one. It takes humility to recognize that one cannot manage all of life’s challenges alone. We cast our anxieties away from us, believing that God’s Spirit, abiding within us by faith, gives us the wherewithal to endure suffering or a time of facing difficulty. 

   WHEN WILL WE BE RETURNING TO OUR WORSHIP GATHERINGS? Council has appointed a task force group to explore how and when this might be possible. Be sure to read the article below and links to some of the recommendations shared with us from the SC Synod and the CDC’s Guidelines for Faith Groups.

    There have been many challenges that we have overcome each week in preparing at first the “livestream” worship services and now the “prerecorded” worship services. We have learned so much, thanks to James Brooks and Margaret Gillikin! It is a joy to see people participating in the service, children, youth, adults, and entire families! Call the church office or email me if there is a part that you would like to read and contribute. 
    See you in “on-line” worship, Pastor Ken

[1] http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=4471
Transition Task Group Appointed By Council
We have received recommendations from the SC Synod to use in planning when we can open the church to gather in worship. There are over 25 proposed ideas for us to consider. Council decided to create a task group to work through these suggestions to develop a plan for Epiphany. Members will include representation from the Council and the MLT teams. We will also seek input from the congregation as we get organized and go forward.
Transition Task Group
Worship MLT Members - Regina Cerny, Bill Issel, and Page Putman
Congregational Life MLT - Christia Humburg
Mission Council - Mike Plonk, Arlene Vercelli, Deb Zaken, and Pastor Ken
The Task Group will have their first meeting (video conference - Zoom) on May 20th at 6:30pm, We would like to share the first recommendation with you: “Allow for at least 14 days of declining cases before gathering in groups or moving to the next phase of opening spaces.”
These are the links if you would like to review the guidelines shared with us from the SC Synod and CDC: SC Synod Recommendations and CDC Guidelines for Faith Groups .
Please feel free to contact Deb Zaken (540-532-5277 or damerch@msn.com) or other members of the Transitions Task Group i f you have questions or concerns. Let us work together “to make careful decisions “ that will keep our church family safe.

More Face Masks Have Been Made - Pick up at Church - Some asked if we had any more face masks available. Sue Helmken has graciously made a bunch more for us. There are a variety of designs and they are packaged in small plastic bags. They are on the table in the Gathering Area at church. They can be picked up during the church office hours (Tuesday-Thursday, 9am-2pm) or we can arrange to have someone deliver them to you. Thanks Sue!
FAMILY RETREAT PLANS POSTPONED
The congregation family retreat planned for June 11-14 at Coastal Retreat Center in Isle of Palms, Charleston, has been postponed until 2021. It was decided that too many individuals and families weren't ready to commit to gathering together in the retreat setting due to the virus restrictions and guidelines. If you have questions, contact Angie Gregory or Robert Richardson.
ON-LINE WORSHIP SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE ON YouTube
WATCH ON YOUR LARGE TV SCREEN - If you have a Smart TV, a Fire Stick, or a Roku, you can open the YouTube app and search for Epiphany Church Rock Hill and find our channel (with the "Welcome All" logo) where the service is posted.
Click below for recorded Sunday Worship Service videos :
 Worship Videos on Epiphany's Facebook Page (Sunday 9am; and anytime after)
WORSHIP SERVICES ARE POSTED FOR 24 HOURS before they are edited and re-posted.
OPTIONS FOR OFFERINGS DURING STAY AT HOME RESTRICTIONS:
1) DIGITAL/ELECTRONIC GIVING - AN ELECTRONIC WITHDRAWAL FOR AN OFFERING CONTRIBUTION CAN BE MADE TO THE CHURCH (some are set on a monthly basis, others bi-weekly or weekly). It is a great way to ensure faithful giving!!! Click here to learn more about Digital Electronic Giving .
 2) MAIL OR DROP YOUR OFFERING BY THE CHURCH OFFICE- T he church office is open Tuesday-Thursday, 9am-2pm. If you do not feel comfortable going out of your house or risking exposure during the virus outbreak, a member has offered to meet you at a central place or possibly even stop by your home to pick up your offering at the door . Call the church office if this is something that you would prefer.
3) CONTRIBUTE VIA CELL PHONE / TEXT (803-618-4003) an amount with a "$"; you will receive a reply with directions). A QR code box can also be scanned by inputting credit card info on a secure site. Click here for details Cell Phone Giving
FIRST QUARTER GIVING STATEMENTS WERE MAILED APRIL 14
Let us know if you have any questions.
YOUR GIFT SUPPORTS THE LORD'S WORK AT EPIPHANY and will enable our ministry to reach out to support many others who are struggling throughout this extraordinary time. THANK YOU! 
E C A T Ministry Available to Help You Stay Safe
  • Epiphany Crisis Assistance Ministry (ECAT) is the name of the ministry of support tffer assistance to errands such as shopping and going to the pharmacy. If you have a need for this help or know others who do, contact Christia Humburg (christia@fmhm.org or 803-370-1010) or the church office. Volunteers are also encouraged to call to offer their time and help.
OTHER WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED:
  • Hallowed Hands Prayer Team and Prayer Requests - If you have a prayer request you can contact Julie Waldrop (360-903-0719) or call the church office.
  • Join a ZOOM GROUP MEETING (see adjacent article for details). 
  • Daily Video Devotion from the SC Synod Office - Click this link for the SC Synod Facebook page that will provide a daily weekday video devotion each Tuesday at 10AM (available anytime afterwards)  https://www.facebook.com/scsynod
  • We will be recordng the Sunday Morning Worship Service so that it is uploaded by Sunday 9:00am on Facebook and the Church Website. If you need tech assistance to figure out how to view these videos, you may contact James Brooks (803-325-4024) or Margaret Gillikin (803-673-3441).  A COPY OF SUNDAY'S BULLETIN WILL BE AVAILABLE to download and print from the church website and as a link on the Facebook Page. 
  • Daily Devotion Emails - If you would like an inspirational daily devotion, I recommend Luther Seminary God Pause Lenten Devotion.                    
SC Synod Assembly
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Listen, God is Calling!
The SC Synod Assembly has been rescheduled from May 14-16 to July 25 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, Lexington, SC. Epiphany's Council will appoint one male and one female as voting members, along with Pastor Gillikin, to represent the congregationyou at the assembly. Others are welcome to attend as visitors. If you are interested in attending as a voting member or visitor contact the church office or Pastor by June 1, so that registrations can be completed.
Click here for more info:
DON'T JUST STAY AT HOME - STAY CONNECTED:
JOIN ONE OF THE FELLOWSHIP AND BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

Handchimes Zoom Meeting -Tuesdays 7:30pm Every Tuesday - This is an open meeing. You don't have to be in handchimes. An invitation will be sent out by Proclaimer email or you can get invite and password by texting Margaret (803-673-3441).

Bible Study Roundtable Discussion with Pastor - Wednesdays 4:30pm. We will check-in with each other and discuss the upcoming Sunday scripture. An invitation is sent out by email or you can get the invitation and password by calling the church office).

Matthew 18:20 ( M1820 ) says, “And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”

M1820 Group Meetings are an on-line way for people to interact with one another with a video picture of the face of each person and/or audio of their voice. An invitation is sent to your email by the person who is hosting or you can get an access password. You have to download the Zoom app for your cell phone/tab/computer. You will be able to hear all the participants and see those who are using video. A web camera is needed on your device. If you don't have a camera on your cell phone or computer, audio may be used.
"Hallowed Hands Ministry"

"Hallowed Hands" meetings are canceled until further notice. A reminder from Julie for all faithful prayer partners to refer to the the Proclaimer for updated prayer needs.
Please email Julie at w70julie@outlook.com with additions or deletions to this important ministry.
Shawn Price ( Phyllis Lewis)
Jacob Rast (father of Judy Krenzer)
Sandra & Freddie Stewart (Krenzers)
Joyce Gillette (health issues)
Cindy Mobley (J. Gillette)
Ella Kingston (13-month-old Cerebral Palsy/Deb Zaken)
Holly, Kristina & Annabeth Truitt (Sandra Hinson)
Shirley Robinson (Joy Robinson)
Ellen & Kenny Green
James Bennett
Charley Williams and husband (Pat Tucker)
Larry Sampson (Barbara Eggert)
Bill and Jenny Marsh
Marilyn Washington (Ann Kilburg)
Elizabeth Nilsson (sister of Ann Kilburg)
Janie Sigmon
Nancy Namestha (illness and pain) /J. Gillette
Dereck Buuck (son of Julie Waldrop) loss of hearing
Ginney Elmgreen (J.Gillette)
Nancy Smith (Christia Humburg's mother)
Emory McLaurin (cancer/D.Keener)
Epiphany Lutheran Church (praying for everyone during this Coronavirus crisis)
Pat and Desi Ware (Sharon Eichler)
Ella Mae Sampson (Marilyn Magers)
Lil Dowdy (sister of Myra Roulette) physical and spiritual healing
Evelyn Grado-Wolynies and her son Drew Wolynies (Marilyn Magers)
Steve Barthelmess (cancer)/Uncle of Joe Taylor)
Angel Creson (storm damage) J. Gillette
Brandi and Brian Bishop (Brian has cancer) R. Brooks
May Hiltebeitel (Buck's mom/in nursing home/not feeling well/covid 19 at facility)
Family of Marie Peiffer (passed away at the age of 93) /Jo Giliberti's aunt
Lois Cooley (hospitalized for kidney issues)
Weltha and Charles Martin (Weltha fell and broke her wrist)
Family of Norm Greiner (Norm passed away on 4/28/2020)
Page Putnam (injury to her leg)
Eva, Edward, and Eric (death of husband/father) friend of Dawn Coyne
                                          updated 5/19/2020         
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Epiphany Lutheran Church
2370 West Main Street
Rock Hill, SC 29732
OFFICE HOURS:
9am - 2pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

If you have a Proclaimer news item, please send it to the office by Tuesday evening of each week at admin@epiphany-rockhill.org or call Lisa at 803.324.8877. Thank you!