For the past several months the Bishop’s Committee has focused on completing a “Letter of Covenant” requested by the diocese of Texas. The whole church has been given the opportunity to participate through various discussion formats as well as through questions asked during church services. All of that data has been reviewed and studied to accurately reflect the views of Epiphany. The bishop’s Committee has formulated everyone’s input into the statements below.

Epiphany’s Mission Statement

 To be part of God’s family growing through worship and ministry by sharing his love to our community and beyond.

Epiphany’s Vision Statement

To be a place where people find God’s purpose for their life and become empowered to make a difference.

We will be able to realize our vision by growing warmer through our fellowship, grow deeper through our discipleship, grow stronger through our worship, and grow broader through our ministry.

Short Term Goals:

Growth in Sunday School, youth programs, and the number of young couples. More outreach. Obtaining Parish status. Further develop Christian formation.

Long Term Goals:

Growth in membership. More outreach. Participation in renewal ministries.

Confirmation Classes

Confirmation classes are for those wanting to formally join Epiphany, as well as deepen their faith. The classes will be held after church on Sundays for about an hour beginning on Sept 17 th ending with confirmation on October 22 nd . If you are interested, please contact the church office .

LA Care Needs

Ranch Style Beans, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, pintos, and canned meats are especially needed. Anything is appreciated and needed.

BISHOP’S VISIT

Just over a week after being consecrated Bishop, The then Rt. Rev Deana Harrison will visit Epiphany on October 22 nd for confirmation. She will be here for our regular Sunday service and we will have a potluck for her after church. She wants to meet with the Bishop’s committee during her visit as well.

Regional Altar Guild Workshop

Are you interested in getting more involved in another aspect in the life of our congregation? The Altar Guild Workshop is inviting all who are interested in doing this important work or want to learn more about it to attend this workshop. It is being held at Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown on Saturday, September 23 from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. The theme of the workshop is “Setting His Table”. The Venerable Dena A. Harrison, Suffragan Bishop-elect, will be on hand for welcoming remarks and introductions. A $5.00 per person contribution for lunch is requested, payable at the workshop. A count of those attending from our congregation is needed by September 18. Please contact Bess, Father Ted, or Phyllis McNelly.

Bread of Life Cookbook

To order your cookbooks, contact Carol Weathers @ 512-756-1957. Cost is $12.00 until November 1, then they will be $16.00. It’s a great idea to have extras on hand for gifts, etc.

People are often unreasonable and self-centered:  forgive them anyway.  If you are kind, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives:  be kind anyway.  If you're successful, you'll win some false friends and some true enemies:  succeed anyway.  If you're honest and frank, people may cheat you:  but be honest anyway.  What you spend years building, someone can destroy overnight:  build anyway.  If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous:  be happy anyway.  The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow:  do good anyway.  Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough:  give the world the best you've got anyway.  You see, in the final analysis, it's between you and God, it was never between you and them anyway ..."  ~Mother Teresa

Please furnish items for the newsletter to Bess or me by the 25th of the month. This is your newsletter and suggestions will be welcomed. Ideas and suggestions will be passed on to Father Ted for consideration. Thanks for your help. My number iis 512-515-7606.

Linda Hardy