Parish Leadership

Rector Rev. Alan R. Hesse

Senior Warden George Ford

Junior Warden Pam Driscoll

Treasurer Joe Cormier

Music Director Davis Dillon

Parish Secretary Judy Valle

Nursing Homes

Annual Report on Nursing Home Ministry 2006

Dear Epiphany Family,

I didn't get this written in time for the annual meeting but it does belong there.

As we review last year's investments, accomplishments and problems, we plan to make the year ahead better.

In 2006, the Nursing Home Ministry team visited our extended Family at Harrington House in Walpole, Charwell House in Norwood and the Thomas Upham House in Medfield each month. We brought our prayers, hymns and the Eucharist to those who would otherwise not be able to receive them. We brought our God's Word and Love through the Gospel and our own reflections. We exchanged the Peace of the Lord with lovely people who rarely get the chance to reach out and touch anyone.

There, but for the Grace of God, go you and I. Imagine losing your earthly treasures, your homes, your families. Imagine losing your physical abilities like hearing, eyesight, the ability to walk. Imagine being away from those you love, lonely, trapped and isolated in your own body.

Make a difference to these fellow Christians. Please join us for a visit. It only takes an hour of your time but it means so very much to those we visit. When you look into the eyes of those with whom you exchange the Peace, you know the presence of Jesus, also.

I am also extremely grateful for the blessings I've received by being able to bring communion to our shut-in or hospitalized Epiphany Family members. People like Peg Ellison, Olive Arthur and Sandy Emswiler. We may only share communion but also some great stories of events long past.

I was able to visit with Bill Anderson several times this past year. He was an encyclopedia of information that I am glad to say was a close friend in spite of a few clashes. He will surely be missed by many.

Bertha Argentero lived at the Thomas Upham House but what an extraordinary lady. She looked forward to our visits each month. The hymn "God be with you till we meet again" will always remind me of her.

There are many other friends that I've gained through this ministry. Their friendships are real treasures that I can lay up for eternity because their bonds established through and with Jesus Christ. I've had the privilege of meeting them and sharing God's love with them. It's a joy and an honor worth pursuing.

In conclusion, please join us in visiting our not so close congregation. Bring your kids and teach them to care and love unconditionally, unselfishly. Give them treasures that they will really grow with and they will thank you later.

Yours truly in Christ,

Paul Potter