Hi EPC Friends and Members, 

By now you’ve gotten the bittersweet news that I’ve taken a new job and am leaving EPC in February. (If you missed that communication, you can read it HERE.) It’s a big transition for a church to change pastors, for sure, and I know that. I would imagine that everyone has different thoughts and feelings about it and that there’s a wide range of thoughts and feelings. I’m here if you’d like to talk to me about the transition or to ask me more about my new job and why I chose to take it, or anything at all. I’ve set up some times in January for you to come and talk over coffee and cupcakes (or any other snacks you want to bring!) and if you’d like to come at a different time, just let me know.  For the next few weeks, the 3-2-1 and my preaching will be focused on the transition to new leadership, the future of EPC, and the logistics of these next steps.  Please feel free to reach out with any questions, thoughts, or concerns. Kaleigh and Cristi are also available to you. 
 
3 EPC Happenings
1. Epiphany is this Sunday! It’s the day we talk about the Magi traveling to see the baby Jesus and bringing him gifts. It’s sort of a magic Sunday, I think. There are stars, gifts, and reflections. I’ll have words for you to choose and take with you as a gift if you would like to do that this year.

2. As I mentioned, Cupcakes and Conversation dates are times to come and chat about the transition to a new pastor, ask any questions you have, and maybe even meet someone new. I hope you’ll plan to attend one or more of the gatherings. I’ll have plenty of good cupcakes and coffee and tea and we can talk about whatever you’d like to discuss. Plan to come with a friend or alone. Please see the times below. 

3. New Member Lunch — If you’ve joined the church in the last three years, there’s a special lunch for you on Sunday, January 21 at 11:30AM. See the details below! 
 
2 Interesting Links
 1. THIS is a beautiful song about Epiphany. 

2. Though it’s long and perhaps feels a bit dense, I’d like to refer you to the Presbytery of Chicago’s COVENANT OF CLOSURE regarding pastors who leave for other service. This document was prayerfully constructed by thoughtful people who understand best practices for helping congregations remain healthy. I’ll be going over this in the next few weeks from the pulpit, but if you’re interested in reviewing it so I can answer any questions, you know where it is! 

1 Thought 
If you could see
the journey whole,
you might never
undertake it,
might never dare
the first step
that propels you
from the place
you have known
toward the place
you know not.— Jan Richardson, For Those Who Have Far to Travel
An Epiphany BlessingThere you have it! Our 3-2-1 for the week. See you Sunday! 

It's not the same without you there, 

Join us for a special Epiphany Worship Service this Sunday. You'll have an opportunity to choose a star word for the year. 

Come for coffee, cupcakes, conversation, or all three at one of these times in January! Pastor Traci will provide the coffee and the cupcakes. You bring yourself and some conversation. All are invited and welcome! We'll meet in the Nelson-White room! No need to sign up, just come! Email or text Pastor Traci with questions. 

January 17 at 10:00AM 
January 24 at 7:00PM 
January 30 at 4:00PM and 7:00PM 

Have you started worshipping with EPC or Joined EPC since 2020? Come to a new member/visitor lunch on January 21 at 11:30. Please sign up by emailing Cristi in the church office. 

Save the Date for EPC's Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 5th after worship. We will have our annual meeting of the congregation and also say goodbye to Pastor Traci and her family and celebrate their ministry among us for the past five years. Please plan to attend!

Save the Date for our Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, February 14 at 7:00 PM. Join us for a service of prayer, song, and the imposition of ashes. Hope to see you there as we mark the beginning of the sacred season of Lent. 

Parents of teens are invited to a supportive time of conversation, community, and reflection as we gather around the joyful and challenging stage of parenting teens! We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at Brewpoint Craft from 10:30 am - 11:30 am. 

10:30 Sunday Worship Livestream - Click Here!

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Elmhurst Presbyterian Church
367 S Spring Road 
Elmhurst, IL 60126-3805
elmhurstpresbyterianoffice@gmail.com
630-834-7750