Epiphany Candidate Profiles 2021 - Epiphany's Mission Statement Servants for God, our parish, and the community - Epiphany Richardson
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Epiphany
Candidate Profiles
2021
Epiphany’s Mission Statement
Servants for God, our parish, and the community
The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
421 Custer Road
Richardson, TX 75080
www.epiphany-richardson.org
972.690.0095
Vestry
(four positions to be filled – three-year term)
Sherry Buys
Jeff Jones
Misty Keasler
Kevin McCoy
Sam Mettauer
Meaghan Roche
Vicki Stevens
Tara Thornberry
Delegate to Diocesan Convention
(five positions to be filled – one-year term)
Chris Anderson
Letty Biedenharn
Cara Brown
Randy Kinnett
Chris Stevens
Bill Thrash
Jim Vineyard
Nominating Committee
(two positions to be filled – two-year term)
Beth Bell
Susan Petty
Chris Thierbach
Voting
October 4 – 11
Vote online at www.epiphany-richardson.org
Mail in your ballot
Drop off your ballot at any church service
Thank you for casting your vote!
If you have questions concerning the process please
contact Tara Thornberry, Nominating Committee
Chairperson at tarathronberry@gmail.com
VESTRY CANDIDATES
2021
Sherry Buys
Jeff Jones
Misty Keasler
Kevin McCoy
Sam Mettauer
Meaghan Roche
Vicki Stevens
Tara Thornberry
2021 VESTRY CANDIDATE Name: SHERRY BUYS Years at Epiphany: 40 years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. I have been an Episcopalian since birth. When my parents retired from the military in the late 70's I was in college. They moved to Richardson and found Epiphany. I attended on holidays, and summer and the family became members of the church. I was married in the church in 1981 and a year later moved back to begin my teaching career and attended Epiphany as a young adult. Fast forward many years. I found myself single and raising my daughter, Melissa, who has special needs. Life was very different for me and attending church with my daughter became very difficult over time as she grew older. I did not attend church regularly for several years, but I was still connected through my parents, Earl and Ida who are also members of Epiphany. I began to have a personal battle because I was not attending church. I was raised that if you didn't go to church then you stayed home in bed because you were sick! Well, a few years ago Melissa moved into a group home and I found myself having no excuse to not get back to church. I visit Melissa on Sunday's. When I looked up the church service times and saw that Epiphany now had Saturday service there were no more excuses. I could go to church on Saturday. Being the introvert that I am I thought I would come back quietly, attend church on my own schedule and all would be great. The second service I attended I was kind of asked to set up the alter for Saturday service, they had one person but needed another to help. I don't think I really had the chance to say no, and a good thing! Now I am committed to attending every Saturday. I retired from public school teaching 3 years ago and now work at a private school with special needs adults. My work is a little more relaxed so I continued to ask myself and pray about how I could get more involved at church. Recently I was called to consider the vestry. Again, I wondered why I would consider this, why would anyone call me to consider this. I didn't think that many people even knew me at Epiphany anymore. Well this is how my Christian journey which brought me to Epiphany continues. All things are possible with God. Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany. It has been many years, but I remember I worked in the bookstore, attended a singles bible study, participated in a dinner group, and currently set up the altar for Saturday service.
2021 VESTRY CANDIDATE Name: SHERRY BUYS Years at Epiphany: 40 years What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? I am not sure I know about challenges at Epiphany. There is a new building, active parishioners, a wonderful staff, and priests. It appears to me that you are doing all you can to meet the needs of parishioners during COVID. I am sure there are everyday issues that need to be dealt with and problems that arise that will need to be solved. I don't think I will be working independently to solve any problems. As a group of people working together as a team, praying together, and solving problems I think decisions can be made and challenges are faced as they need to be addressed. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? Yes, I have seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19. There are more times to pray with others than ever before. People are giving to the pantry more and given the online services people still attend church and come together for a service reaching people that may not even attend Epiphany.
2021 VESTRY CANDIDATE Name: Jeff Jones Years at Epiphany: 4 years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. We were looking for a more structured Christian life and were drawn here by Mother Betsy and the Saturday evening services and gradually became more involved with the community here and the people that make it. Describe the ministries you have been involved in at Epiphany. LEM, lay reading, tornado response, community garden helper What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? We all face challenges individually, as families, and as Christians. Epiphany has the the benefit of great leadership and a truly faithful congregation to prayerfully guide us through with God's help. It's important for each of us to utilize God's gifts to the best of our ability and gently encourage each other to do so. I feel that facilitating the current ministries here is very important, as well as constantly looking for ways to engage others to use their gifts to enhance our community. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? Our parish has been a leader in being innovative in our worship and outreach during this stressful time. The daily online prayers, and Sunday worship have given glory to God and brought church into our living and dining rooms. In some ways, I believe this has deepened our faith. We have maintained communion with God and each other. It helped my family to create a sacred place in our home for God, which I am thankful for. I believe it's God's will that we will return to the sanctuary soon, and we will have the safe physical community we have all been missing
2021 VESTRY CANDIDATE Name: MISTY KEASLER Years at Epiphany: 8 years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. We were looking for a new church home and living in the Heights. I learned about the community garden and drove by and was moved by such a lovely gesture that was open to the community. I’d heard an interview around the same time with Gene Robinson and was moved to visit an episcopal church. We came on a Sunday in which Betsy was explaining each part of the service and we loved the warmth we felt there - the Spirit of God was palpable in the service and the people. In an age-appropriate way for young children. I grew up in a Baptist church and being a member of Epiphany was the first time that I have been part of an Anglican community. Describe the ministries you have been involved in at Epiphany. I served for a few years in the Catechesis of the good shepherd. It was my first exposure to the curriculum and the Montessori approach. It was incredible seeing how God worked with in that curriculum In an age-appropriate way for young children. I’ve also served on Executive Council for the diocese for the past three years. What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? One of the most unique features of Epiphany is the diversity of viewpoints within our congregation. Our culture seems to be in a place right now where we are polarized and people are pulled toward those who are like them and avoid people who do not share their viewpoints. Epiphany has always done a great job of bridging people who might not otherwise be together. We are truly united in Christ and the work the love of God is doing within our church is evident. I believe as our world becomes more polarized, it is critical that Epiphany stay united in God’s work. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? As a member of the executive Council, I have listened to the struggles of other parishes within our diocese and their struggle for survival during these unprecedented times. In contrast, despite the isolation from one another, the community at Epiphany seems stronger than ever. God has clearly worked through leadership and the use of modern technologies with online services and daily prayer. Personally speaking, I feel more connected to our church right now then to any other community that we are a part of. This comes from being open and led by the spirit. Churches in our country will have incredible challenges to deal with until the current pandemic is over, from opening our doors to inside services to making decisions regarding infections within the church. It will be a time for real discernment and prayer. It will be so important that we lean on God for direction with each step.
2021 VESTRY CANDIDATE
Name: KEVIN McCOY
Years at Epiphany: 4 years
.
Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany.
Mabelle and I helped start a mission church in the PCA (Saint Thomas the Doubter) from 2011-
2014. We became familiar with the Episcopal liturgy at that time since we used the BCP to
develop our own liturgy. Our small church had a quite a few immigrant members, and we all
felt a calling to reach out to the Asian and Middle Eastern communities of Richardson and
Plano, as well as to reach Christians who had felt damaged by previous church experiences.
We were a tight knit group and leaned on each other a lot. Unfortunately, our little church was
not able to maintain enough financial resources to keep going and we were forced to close.
Afterwards, a group of us continued to seek another church that had the kind of spirit we had
experienced. By 2016, we were led to visit Epiphany and we stayed. We got plugged into
things right away, becoming regulars on Saturday night.
Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany.
Saturday night service (reader, preparing food for fellowship dinners), ICF Friendship Partner,
Campus Council, ICF Home Group, Morning Prayer leader
What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them?
Aging membership: we need to both support older members who are facing physical and
mental health issues, and to draw in younger members to keep the church vital. It is important
that well-established familial and church community ties not form barriers that inhibit new
members from fully engaging in the church. We must also recognize and embrace the
demographic shifts that are taking place in the Dallas area and be willing to adapt our culture a
little towards them in ways that do not diminish our rich liturgical and cultural inheritance in
the Anglican tradition. We must encourage integration in all areas of our church life through
cross-generational and cross-cultural ministries, worship and activities.
How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic?
Many people have answered the call to serve in various online ministries (like the various
prayer services) and have contributed to meeting our donation goals for Network. I have seen
many new faces stepping up during this time, and a willingness among those who have served
faithfully for many years be willing to let new people join them or even take their place.
2021 VESTRY CANDIDATE Name: SAM METTAUER Years at Epiphany: 7 years. Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. I am reminded of this quote when thinking about my journey to Epiphany: “A good journey begins with knowing where you are and being willing to go somewhere else.” Richard Rohr When we first moved to Dallas, we attended a large Episcopal church, but it never felt like home. We left that church and found one that was a better fit and enjoyed our time there. Once we decided to start a family, it was important to us to attend a community church where our children could grow up with other children, so we sought out a church closer to home that had an established children’s program. From our first visit I knew Epiphany was where we needed to be. We have been members for seven years now, and thankful we found this place. For us, Epiphany is home. Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany. This year has made being involved challenging, but I currently serve on the Finance Committee, and as family we participate in Home Church. Pre-COVID, I was an usher, our children are involved in the children's programs, and I helped fulfill a Morning Mission. What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? Epiphany's biggest asset is the willingness and engagement of the parishioners. It often seems like there isn't a problem that cannot be tackled. Our over-zealous attitude can be a challenge in our post-COVID world. I think all of Epiphany is eager to return to Church and continuing our ministries; however, we need to do so in a safe and practical manner. Convincing a population of eager volunteers to slow down and take a step back, after our forced hiatus may cause some friction. We all adapted to Zoom calls and remote church, so I have faith we will adapt to whatever our new normal is as well. I am thankful we have a ministry team actively thinking of ways the congregation can safely engage, and that are taking a cautious approach, so everyone stays healthy. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? I see God working at Epiphany through the generous donations to Network, and all the ways people have found to worship together - multiple services daily via Facebook, porch ministries, outdoor services, and home church. The parish is actively trying to worship and stay connected in any way possible, and I think it's fantastic. Since we have younger children, doing church services at home with them where they can ask questions and wiggle, and we don’t have to worry about disturbing our pew neighbors has been an awesome experience. The kids get excited about transforming part of the house into our sacred space, and they will dance when we do music. Watching them experience God in that way has been one of the highlights of quarantine.
2021 VESTRY CANDIDATE Name: MEAGHAN ROCHE Years at Epiphany: 19 years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. I quite literally grew up as part of Epiphany. My family started attending Epiphany when I was 7 or 8 after we moved from Florida to Texas in the Summer of 2000. We attended an Episcopal church in Florida, and my mom was looking for an Episcopal church when we moved to Texas. She found Epiphany, and the rest is history. I’m so happy my mom decided on Epiphany, because I can’t imagine being part of a different church community. Describe the ministries you have been involved in at Epiphany. I’ve been involved in the both the youth and adult music ministries. I started with the Cherub Choir, then moved into St. Cecilia choir, then into youth handbells (Carillon Ringers). I joined Epiphany Ringers in high school and re-joined them in September of 2018. I volunteered with Vacation Bible School whenever possible. I became an acolyte as soon as I was able to and remained an acolyte until I graduated from high school. When I came back from college, in 2016, I joined the Lay Eucharistic Ministry and have been a member of that ministry since. What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? One of the major challenges facing Epiphany right now is the Covid-19 Pandemic. I think Epiphany has done a wonderful job of adjusting and adapting to a "new normal" for the time being and I'd like to see that continue on to services that take place indoors. One of the challenges the pandemic has brought on has been keeping everyone participating and connected. Some of the ministries that the church has (LEM, Music Ministries, Sunday school, etc) only work when there is a way to attend church or can only happen when everything is open to the public so the ministries can go into the community. Keeping these ministries connected through virtual meetings every so often is a good way to allow everyone the chance to keep up and make sure everyone is safe and healthy, but also to make sure that the members of those ministries still feel as though they are a part of something, since they haven't been able to serve on their ministry in some time. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? One of the major ways I've seen God working at Epiphany during the pandemic is the amount of participation that is still going on at every level. There are people involved to make sure the virtual services go off without a hitch every week, there are numerous people who have volunteered to lead prayers during the day at various times, and more people who volunteered to join that rotation after it got started. There are also the people that have volunteered to work at the outdoor church services and have done so through the hottest part of the summer to ensure that Epiphanites can remain connected through this time. There are so many members of our parish that jumped at any opportunity to assist with anything they could to ensure that everyone could stay connected and continue to worship even while having to stay home to stay safe.
2021 VESTRY CANDIDATE Name: VICKI STEVENS Years at Epiphany: 10 years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. My husband and I came to Epiphany at the recommendation of friends who'd already joined the parish. We came for the music program and fellowship, and stayed because of the love we found as part of the larger parish family. Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany. Music: I'm a reformed soprano, which means I sing alto. Over the spring and summer, I've sung duets with my for you for streaming services. DOK/JDOK: I'm a member of DOK, Secretary for two years, and founded the Junior Daughters of the King Chapter. We're exploring our continued ministry to elderly and shut-in through Brandywine and Guardian Angels- started in 2019. We also have been known to read to dogs to socialize shelter animals. Missions: Local missions and several years in Honduras. Working with Fr Fabian Villalobos and Susan McLendon, I created our Puppet Ministry which allows children and volunteers to act out parables- even when we don't speak one another's language. I cook the blueberry cream cheese casseroles for the Annual Meeting. And I make chili for the Crawfish Boil. I serve on Flower Guild, and write and do photography for the parish. What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? Without a doubt, finding our way back to one another as a parish family. We are a congregation who cherish our differences as well as our love for God, which we share in common. As a parish and a world, our 2020 experience has been akin to the Titanic: one minute in the dining room, next minute in the water. There are plenty of boats. We're towing together, toward the same shore. No one gets left behind. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? Personally, I saw God in the Zoom classes for the Junior Daughters in transition to DOK. In the weekly choir meetings Corey put together. In the online services and prayers. In the very granular one-on-one I've had with people online, praying in the dark of night with people and for people. In the stamina and good spirits of our Servants who have labored on. As with 2020, our path into this particular future is not one we've walked before. With God's help we continue forward, as a community.
2021 VESTRY CANDIDATE
Name: TARA THORNBERRY
Years at Epiphany: 6 years
.
Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany.
I was raised and confirmed in the Catholic church when I was 16 in Lubbock, Texas. I was very
active in my church, singing in the choir, assisting in catechesis, and helping with the youth
group. I loved my church, the fellowship, tradition and community, but I always felt like there
was a bit of an asterisk when it came to my faith. I struggled with some of the things I had been
taught and always felt like something was missing. When I moved to the Metroplex I joined a
local church and sang in the choir (like I had in Lubbock) but it never really felt like home.
After I had my girls, attending church became a challenge, but as they approached the age to
attend Catechesis it became paramount that I find the right place for them to grow in Christ.
We attended a few local churches, but none really fit the bill. The moment we stepped foot in
the church at Epiphany I knew we were home. We were welcomed the first day and both
Mother Betsy and Temple followed up the week after to answer any questions that I had. One
of the things that I remember most about my conversation with Mother Besty was the way she
encouraged my questions. I’ve not run out of questions, but I’ve found a community that offers
support and love and doesn’t shy away from hard questions. I’ve found a home that does not
offer up a pretense that it is perfect, because it knows there is only one perfection.
Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany.
The Life Together group was the first ministry at Epiphany that I participated in and was one
of things that convinced me that I had found a home here. I’ve had the opportunity to
participate in several other ministries as well. I’ve enjoyed the uplifting community and
completed many studies with the Ministry of Mothers Sharing (M.O.M.S). I assist in children's
ministries (Catechesis and children’s chapel) when help is needed. My girls and I love having
the privilege of contributing to the meal ministry that serves Austin Street Center. In 2016 I
joined both the flower guild and the Daughters of the King (served as DOK secretary in 2017
and currently maintain the compiled DOK prayer list). I sing with the choir for special events
and hope to have more opportunities when my girls get a little older. I have sewn dresses for
Dress a Girl around the World, assisted in the Gift Shop, and have knit several shawls for the
Prayer shawl ministry. In 2018 I was elected to the nomination committee and will fulfill my
commitment at the end of this year. Seeing all of the generous hearts of the community at
Epiphany and being privileged to serve beside them has been one of the enriching things to my
faith.2021 VESTRY CANDIDATE Name: TARA THORNBERRY Years at Epiphany: 6 years What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? Epiphany is a small but lively community. It is important that we continue to find ways to feed the spirit, especially those that might be feeling disconnected. We are going to have to balance a lot of things as we start to reintegrate back into our physical space and we’ll need to make sure that the part of the parish that will be delayed in reintegration still has opportunities to connect in ways that are relevant to their needs. I would like to find ways to connect some of the younger generations to our older generations. In a few of our organizations we have had opportunities for some of the children to be mentored by other members of the church. In the DOK some of the members are prayer partners to JDOK and in the flower guild sometimes children help deconstruct the arrangements. I’d like to look at other ministries to see how we could encourage more intergenerational interactions. Some things will have to wait till we are able to fully reintegrate, but I think there are probably a few that could start earlier with the aid of technology. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? The pivot that Epiphany has made to quickly accommodate the physical and spiritual needs of its community required such open and willing hearts from so many people. People have been patient, willing to adapt and generous with their gifts. It’s been such a pleasure to see how everyone has come together.
DIOCESAN DELEGATE
CANDIDATES
2021
CHRIS ANDERSON
LETTY BIEDENHARN
CARA BROWN
RANDY KINNETT
BILL THRASH
CHRIS STEVENS
JIM VINEYARD2021 DIOCESAN DELEGATE CANDIDATE Name: CHRIS ANDERSON Years at Epiphany: 11 Years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. I’m a church musician and teach church music at SMU. Finding a church home in which music-making was an integral liturgical act was a big consideration, as was finding a vibrant cross-generational congregation in which our daughter could take full part. Epiphany (which also is geographically close to where we live, a plus) is both theologically alive and people-oriented! Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany. Well, music in the first place! I was the interim music director and organist here in 2013. My wife Lisa had served as Saturday service pianist until the pandemic arrived. And our daughter Erica has been deeply committed to the youth program, JDOK, and the acolyte ministry. What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? I think the question for Epiphany is similar to that for many parishes: How does the biblical mandate to serve one's neighbor get realized in a time when the larger society seems to be drawing inward? The call is to be counter-cultural in this respect. There is no one solution, no one answer. But the church must try to live up to and act upon the hard insight of I John 4:20: "Those who say 'I love God,' but hate their brothers or sisters are liars, for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen." How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? Through the countless small kindnesses of people toward each other, and in the energy it has taken to maintain a vital worship life.
2021 DIOCESAN DELEGATE CANDIDATE Name: LETTY BIEDENHARN Years at Epiphany: 36 years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany I am a lifelong Christian and 4th (maybe 5th) generation Episcopalian. In 1984 I was attending another Episcopal church in the area when friends invited me to Epiphany. I came to check it out and never left! Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany. Network of Community Ministries volunteer and rep. for Epiphany, Episcopal Relief and Development rep., Outreach committee, Honduras and Uganda missions, Onward Campaign Leadership team, Spiritual Gifts planning team, Vestry, Diocesan convention staff, and delegate, Nominating committee... What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? I think it's going to be a challenge getting back to "normal" (whatever that turns out to be!)! Being sure everyone feels safe as we return to indoor services and meetings is probably the biggest challenge we'll face short term. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? I have been continually amazed and gratified by the generosity of our parish family! Our donations to Network are measured in tons not pounds as in the past! Only God could have made this happen!
2021 DIOCESAN DELEGATE CANDIDATE Name: CARA BROWN Years at Epiphany: 10 Years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. I sought a church home that was truly the body of Christ in the world. A church that walked the walk and talked the talk both inwardly and outwardly. I needed a place that honored the mystery and the sacred and acted upon it as well. Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany. Youth, engaging in mission work, youth activities, chaperoning – everything from The Pancake Supper to Crawfish Boil to Sunday dinners. Teaching. Currently a co-facilitator for Seekers, Sinners and Saints. Taught youth and adult and other studies in the past. Campus Council. Diocesan Delegate. Delegate for Candidacy committee member. Crawfish Boil volunteer. Art Show coordinator and then participant. LEM. Porch Communion deliverer. PRN What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? We have done amazingly well through COVID, growing in new ways to reach our church and those who need us. As this new norm continues and evolves, we continue to create new and meaningful ways to connect to each other and our community. Exactly what that means is the challenge. Thus, primarily I pray for this, suggesting ideas if helpful and enacting where I can. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? Let me count the ways… online church with a few willing to support and create the actual services themselves; outreach to Network; Sunday School services; various studies; Stewardship campaign adapted to COVID; spirit filled leadership including Mother Betsy, Canons David and Neal, as well as our vestry, senior and junior wardens and the countless ministries; continued improvement of the church grounds, buildings and lots. Our church is dynamic and open to where the Holy Spirit leads, willing to listen to God and inspired to be there when and where we need to be.
2021 DIOCESAN DELEGATE CANDIDATE Name: RANDY KINNETT Years at Epiphany: 6 Year Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. I was raised in the United Methodist Church, but I had doubts about my faith as a young adult and fell away from the church in college. I was an atheist for fourteen years. On Christmas in 2013, I had an argument with my dad, a third-generation Methodist minister, about the credibility of Christianity, and he told me that it wasn’t a matter of believing first and then becoming a Christian: living in faith came first and belief followed. I found this absurd. The next day, I found myself overwhelmingly curious about Christianity for the first time I could remember, and to learn more, I contacted a couple I was friends with, who happened to be members at Epiphany. They described Epiphany to me and invited me to attend. I did, on Epiphany Sunday (Jan. 5) 2014. Wondering what to do next, I asked Fr. Bill, who advised me to (1) come to church every Sunday, (2) read the Bible regularly, and (3) pray daily. I followed his advice, and by Easter, I was able to recite the Nicene Creed and mean every word. I met Mtr. Betsy that January, too; she introduced me to Daily Office and got me plugged into Life Together. Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany. I’ve been involved with the Life Together Sunday school class (formerly “20s and 30s”) since I began attending services at Epiphany. We gather together weekly in sharing our lives’ joys and trials with each other, doing devotional readings, and most importantly praying for one another. I’ve participated in several mission trips to Atlanta, TX, and one in Tahlequah, OK. I was in adult choir for a couple years and always sign up to participate in Lessons and Carols. What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? From my perspective, Epiphany has a gift of meeting neighbors and visitors with love, showing them how to walk in love, and then finding specific ways to send them forth to do whatever work God gives them to do. It feels like that’s what Epiphany did for me. I think Epiphany’s challenge is twofold: to continue to use this gift, and to share it with other parishes. As a Diocesan Convention Delegate, I would look and listen for ways to lead in these areas on behalf of Epiphany, using our means and personnel however we can. Whether it’s through church planting, supporting rural parishes, helping Camp All Saints, or serving in any other regional missions that bring our neighbors to Christ and direct them in discipleship, what an opportunity we have to lead our diocese in serving Christ through love of neighbor.
2021 DIOCESAN DELEGATE CANDIDATE Name: RANDY KINNETT Years at Epiphany: 6 Years How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? With miraculous perseverance. Internally, I saw Epiphany members checking in on each other, offering assistance, and keeping lines of communication open during a potentially lonely, anxious season. Initially, online services and Zoom Sunday school classes extended the feeling of normalcy from the “before-times” into the spring and summer months, but almost as quickly, new ministries developed precisely for this time. Epiphanites participated in all-day prayer vigils organized online and operated via teleconference. Weekly E-News messages reminded our parishioners that Network of Community Ministries, Gateway of Grace, Austin Street, and other area ministries were as crucial now as ever. New solutions to in-person worship brought the Body of Christ outside the walls of the church, in plain view of our neighbors. And perhaps most significantly of all (at least to me personally), my phone now dings three times a day to notify me that I am invited to pray in the evening, in the morning, and at noonday, in real time with Epiphanites young and old, lifting up the prayers of the people like rising incense. More than once, I’ve been working through a morning of teaching, parenthood, home repair, or whatever, and--ding!--there’s Kolade on my phone, asking me how he can pray for me. That has been a lifeline, and I hope it’s a new permanent Epiphany tradition.
2021 DIOCESAN DELEGATE CANDIDATE Name: CHRIS STEVENS Years at Epiphany: 10 Years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. The entire answer would take much too long to write in this space. Suffice it to say that Vicki's and my spiritual needs were not being met at the parish we used to attend Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany. Choir, Honduras Missions, Stateside Missions, Lector, Crawfish Boil What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? The challenges facing Epiphany are the challenges facing social organizations generally -- how to maintain a sense of "belonging" for members, and how to accomplish the mission in a world where physical interpersonal relationships must be limited. I would continue looking at the innovative use of technology to facilitate both of those situations . How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? The Holy Spirit has been among us, as comforter and counselor, leading us to employ our gifts in new ways as the situation has demanded. From virtual choirs, to lay people delivering the Eucharist, we've continued to carry forth the gospel in spite of the restrictions the disease has brought.
2021 DIOCESAN DELEGATE CANDIDATE Name: BILL THRASH Years at Epiphany: 4 years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. As a former member of the ELCA I found my faith bucket largely unfulfilled. I found Epiphany with my wife through Shannon Young. It's been one of the most rewarding journeys I have ever experienced. Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany. I have been involved in Crawfish Ministry, Parish Commission on Vocation, Usher Ministry and play a technical resource for other groups within Epiphany. What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? The future is uncertain, but one thing is certain "the Holy Spirit is at work." It's going to take patience, prayer, and faithful listening to make sure we're addressing the needs of our parish. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? Our reach, our engagement, and our participation. These are trying times and I have seen the community that exists at Epiphany not only strive to exist, but thrive in the face of such trying times. Our members have found ways to stay in touch, we've advanced our digital engagement and reach far beyond "these four walls."
2021 DIOCESAN DELEGATE CANDIDATE Name: JIM VINEYARD Years at Epiphany: 41 years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. When Anne and I left active duty military service, we settled in the Dallas area and began looking for an Episcopalian Parish. We knew after our first visit to Epiphany, this is where we belonged to be of service to God. Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany. I became actively involved with Men’s Club when it was established within the first year of our joining the Parish. This was followed with being involved with our Acolyte Ministry as a Master, a function with which I have been involved for some 35 years. I am an active member of the Epiphany Chapter of the Brotherhood of St Andrew as a founding member. I have served a term on the Vestry and was Junior Warden for two years. What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? We have short and long term challenges. Our short term challenge is to continue to work toward solutions to add and expand in person services and find ways to include our youth in our Parish activities. Our long term challenge involves our abilities as Christians to build on Christ’s teachings and guidance as we continue to maintain a place where our love for one another expands. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? God has been present at Epiphany since the Parish’s inception and is exemplified in the people. God has blessed us with people who always have stood to the challenge when it is presented. The number of people who volunteer for various functions and commit themselves to a myriad of ministries has led this Parish to meet and overcome the impediments of COVID 19. The heavenly father of our Lord Jesus Christ continues to guide us in doing wonderous things during these turbulent times. May it continue to be so.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
CANDIDATES
2021
BETH BELL
SUSAN PETTY
CHRIS THIERBACH2021 NOMINATING COMMITTEE CANDIDATE Name: BETH BELL Years at Epiphany: 19 Years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. My Christian journey didn't really bring me to Epiphany, it started with Epiphany. My earliest memories of learning about the church and God are from Epiphany. The day I learned what communion was about to the day I was confirmed all happened at Epiphany. Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany. I've been involved in many ministries at Epiphany. I was part of VBS and choir as a child and then when I got older I began volunteering at VBS and working as a childcare worker in Epiphany's childcare under Sarah Jo and I was a part of EYC. Now I am involved in the young adult group at Epiphany, I often participate in the home missions as well as the Atlanta and Oklahoma missions, and I do compline on Monday evenings. What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? The main challenge I see Epiphany facing at the moment is the disconnect from parishioners during this time, as people are away from the physical church they will be distanced mentally as well, "out of sight, out of mind", without any activities they are not participating in the Church. I would remedy this by trying to create Covid-19 appropriate activities for all ages, much of which we are already doing, but if we could put more focus on bible study groups and outreach in the community, I believe we could still improve. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? I have seen God working at Epiphany many times during the pandemic, I know my faith has grown with the introduction of the daily office through live online services has really helped me to feel connected, especially now that I lead compline on Mondays. I also feel the presence of God in the young adult zoom group I do. And most of all I felt God working when Epiphany prayed with me for my Nana's recovery from Covid-19 a few weeks ago, when she got better within a week, I feel I can give credit for that to God and I'm very happy for it. Thank you!
2021 NOMINATING COMMITTEE CANDIDATE Name: SUSAN PETTY Years at Epiphany: 44 Years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. A friend of my daughter's told her about the wonderful EYC at Epiphany. We were at another Episcopal church with 3 teenagers active. So we tried this the first Sunday after school started. 86 kids showed up for Jr. and Sr. EYC that Sunday. We found a new home! Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany. Jr. and Sr. EYC sponsor for 7 years in the 1980s. Taught High School Sunday School (short term), Altar Guild, Book Store Volunteer, On the ground floor of the Mowing Ministry…still mow.., Children's Chapel, DOK. What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? The usual challenges.. Recruiting committed volunteers to run the various services and programs that are available at Epiphany. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? It's been amazing to see the involvement of so many families sharing online services from their homes. This has gone deeper than the socialization of face-to face meetings at the church building. Caring for others, in and out of our parish. God has definitely been in charge!
2021 NOMINATING COMMITTEE CANDIDATE Name: CHRIS THIERBACH Years at Epiphany: 8 Years Describe how your Christian journey brought you to Epiphany. Chellie, Curtis and the kids were going here. We kept visiting and decided to move our membership. We were members of Christ Church Plano which had changed a lot and a lot of people had moved or left. Describe the ministries you have been involved with at Epiphany. Office Angels, Altar Guild, Bridge What challenges do you see facing Epiphany, and how would you address them? Because of the pandemic, probably isolation of children and young people, which is being addressed by the inter-action activities being offered. This is probably more difficult with the smaller children and parents of the children. How have you seen God working at Epiphany during the Covid-19 Pandemic? All the online (zoom, etc.) activities, the services on the parking lot and love of the people.
Epiphany 2021 Ballot
Name: ________________________
Please include your printed name since we cannot vote in person
and this is the only way to verify qualifications for voting.
Note: Mail or drop this form off at church during the voting period from October 4-11.
You may also vote online at www.epiphany-richardson.org
(To vote circle your selections)
Vestry – Select 4
Sherry Buys Jeff Jones Misty Keasler
Tear or cut along this line
Kevin McCoy Sam Mettauer Meaghan Roche
Vicki Stevens Tara Thornberry
Delegates to Diocesan Convention - Select 5
Chris Anderson Letty Biedenharn Cara Brown
Randy Kinnett Chris Stevens Bill Thrash Jim Vineyard
Nominating Committee – Select 2
Beth Bell Susan Petty
Chris Thierbach
Qualifications for Voting
18 years of age
Communicant in Good Standing (Confirmed member)You can also read
