A few weeks ago my son had an assignment at school to find a number of articles about community service. As usual, the assignment was put off until deadline, and then the whole family started a frantic search of the newspapers for the articles about community service. After a few hours of searching, we still couldn’t find the required number. Finally, a bright idea struck us: to take a look very locally at our Church of the Epiphany in Glenburn. It turned out that our church is doing so much of all kinds of community work that the list will be more than enough for several assignments.
After that, I decided to write an article about our church. It is not a big church, but very family oriented. In fact, the whole church acts like one big family. For example, every member of our congregation receives a birthday card, signed “from your Epiphany family.” These cards always arrive on time. People are taking care of each other not only on Sundays but every day, helping those who are in need. There are always collections going on. It could be a collection of food for the local Dalton pantry or a collection of empty prescription bottles to send abroad, a clothing collection or a pet food collection for the animal shelter. We help the Meals on Wheels program which provides food for home-bound people.
During Sunday school, kids learn Bible lessons through various interactive arts and crafts activities. My boys love this school so much they rush us through our morning routine so they could be on time.
During Christmas time, everybody decorates a big Christmas tree in the Parish Hall. All decorations are homemade right on the spot, including wreaths and Christmas cookies. We have wonderful pageant performances, which over the past several years evolved into unique show productions.
Easter becomes a festive celebration for everyone, including kids of all ages. After the church service, young kids have an Easter egg hunt and other fun activities prepared for them by the acolytes.
The highlight of the school year is the chicken BBQ, which helps to raise money for the acolytes’ trip to Washington, DC in October, where they represent our church in the Washington National Cathedral.
At the end of the year, we have an awards program, recognizing participation in Sunday school, music, acolytes, youth readers and presentation of the Ketchum Scholarship to graduating seniors.
Now, we have the Trolley trail going by our church and travelers will be supplied with free water bottles.
There are plenty of activities for all ages during the whole week. That includes spinners, “ugly quilt” group making wonderful quilts for the shelters, choir practices, etc. Everyone is very supportive and encourages the development of new skills.
Our youth help everywhere, starting from church services to helping people all over the world. For example during the summer, they traveled to Belize, New Orleans (after Hurricane Katrina), and Appalachia to help with construction, farming and everywhere they can help.
Everyone is welcomed to our church. Please stop by and check it out.
