Celebration, Fellowship and Memories for Fifty YearsDressed with the same white altar frontal, embroidered with the words “Holy, Holy, Holy” in gold lettering, that the church used for the very first Eucharist back on January 6, 1957 the Church of the Epiphany celebrated fifty years of ministry in Corcoran this past Sunday.
The Rt Rev John-David Schofield led the worship and preached on the baptism of Jesus. He noted that while Jesus had no need to be baptized for sin, he was baptized in order to identify with humanity and to embrace his death and resurrection as symbolized by his burial and rising through baptism in the waters of the Jordan river. Secondly, Jesus’ baptism was the moment at which he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, from which he moved out, healing and ministering in the power of the Spirit. This empowerment was given to begin with Jesus and then continue through the Body of Christ: the Church; in other words us.
Following the sermon, the bishop confirmed two young ladies: Stephanie and Samantha. Already, there are four or five people who are looking forward to being confirmed/received later this year.
After Holy Eucharist, the fellowship continued over a delicious lunch with deep pit roasted beef and various salads, fresh fruit and an anniversary cake. As we were eating dessert, Bishop’s Warden, Tom Elwood presented a fascinating retrospective on Power Point, which gave a brief history of Church of the Epiphany. We were honored to have founding member Dorothy MacDonald present, along with one of Epiphany’s best-loved priests, Fr Watson “Bart” and Vivian Bartholome. Miriam Bartlett was honored for forty years of ministry for playing the organ.
At the end of the celebration, Bishop Schofield blessed a new set of green vestments, which will be used for the first time this coming Sunday, January 14th.
Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make it so memorable. It was a wonderful day!
Fr Van McCalister
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