Church of the Epiphany fully complies with the Diocese of Rochester's Compensation Policies.

At the Church of the Epiphany we have two Sunday services, one at 8 am and the other at 10 am. In addition, we live stream our 10 am service on Facebook Live for remote participation. The 8 am worship is a quiet service, while the 10 am is celebrated with music, a small chancel choir and acolytes. Our worship at Epiphany centers around Sunday Holy Eucharist. Our services are usually celebrated using
Rite II from the Book of Common Prayer. The congregation favors sermons that teach us about our Christian faith, our church readings and how to apply these to our everyday lives. Our weekly service is supported by the majority of our parishioners who share their time and talent to enhance our church
service experience. Participation includes serving as acolytes, lay Eucharistic ministers, altar guild, music, usher, greeters, readers, coffee hour hosts and Sunday School teachers. The congregation’s inclusion in the ministry helps deepen our faith, enriches our service, and connects us to our church family.
As the church calendar shifts throughout the year, Epiphany has several special services which include worshiping outdoors, “ashes to go” on Ash Wednesday, blessing of the animals and other feast day celebrations. The church also celebrates the liturgical seasons by visually decorating the church, offering
additional musical ensembles and inclusion of our youth in services. Youth participation is through music, plays and participating in our opening procession as acolytes, carrying banners and bringing special offerings. Our worship service is welcoming to all visitors and encourages all ages to participate
in our worship.

The Church of the Epiphany is a friendly, caring and nurturing church that is inclusive and welcoming to all. Many parishioners describe Epiphany as a second family. The majority of the parishioners are involved in worship related ministries and focused small groups to keep the parish operating smoothly. Some examples of our small groups include liturgy and music, child and youth, social media, welcome and invitation, pastoral care, and property committees. Our parishioners are strong participants in our
monthly service ministry projects which benefit the underserved both locally and nationally. An excellent description of Epiphany from one of our parishioners is “I’ve always been impressed at how many people are so willing to step up to do all the things necessary to keep the parish going. Church is not just an hour on Sunday morning!”

The Church of the Epiphany has an average in-person attendance of 57 parishioners that desires to grow and expand our presence in the community. Epiphany, like many institutions, suffered
during the COVID pandemic with the mandatory social isolation that was imposed. Epiphany needs to be mindful and safely maneuver to increase its visibility in the community and actively invite new parishioners, especially younger ones. Our church is multigenerational and needs to bridge the differing worlds of the younger and older parishioners. Epiphany is financially sound but continues to operate with a “no frills” budget. There are few extras for the physical upkeep for the aging church.

The Church of Epiphany seeks the following characteristics for our new rector:
● Collaborative relationship with parishioners
● Good sense of humor, genuine, and an advocate for the church
● Extend pastoral care to individuals and families in need
● Skilled facilitator and delegator
● Relevant sermons that include teaching and application into today’s world
● Community involvement
● Lead of a multigenerational parish with differing viewpoints
● Financial awareness

The Rev. Virginia Tyler Smith

Transition Officer

Episcopal Diocese of Rochester

Transitions@episcopaldioceseofrochester.org

585-315-6604