recovering the crucifix and receiving the traditional full-year's blessing.

After more than 100 years of celebrat-ing this tradition, the annual Greek Ortho-dox festival in Tarpon Springs continues to draw large crowds, yet many observers do not understand the true meaning be-hind these Epiphany ceremonies.

Epiphany, also known as "Three Kings Day" and "Twelfth Day," is a Christian

holiday commemorated on January 6. It falls on the twelfth day after Christmas, and for some denominations signals the conclusion of the twelve days of the Christmas season. Though many different cultural and denominational customs are practiced, in general, the feast celebrates the manifestation of God in the form of human flesh through Jesus Christ, his Son.

The word epiphany means “manifestation” or “revelation" and is commonly linked in Western Christianity with the visit of the wise men (Magi) to the Christ child. Through the Magi, Christ revealed himself to the gentiles. In East-ern Christianity, Epiphany puts emphasis on the baptism of Jesus by John, with Christ revealing himself to the world as God's own Son. Likewise, on Epiphany some denominations commemorate Jesus' miracle of turning water into wine, signi-fying the manifestation of Christ's divinity as well.

Because Epiphany is primarily ob-served by Orthodox, Catholic, and Angli-

can Christians, many Protestant believers don't understand the spiritual significance behind this holiday, one of earliest feasts of the Christian church.

If you were fortunate enough to have grown up in a town such as Tarpon Springs, Florida, which Brad and I often visited when we lived in Florida, then you are probably quite familiar with some of the unique cultural celebrations associated with Epiphany. What I re-member vividly about this ancient church holiday is kids skipping school each year on Epiphany to see many of the young men ages 16-18 of the Greek Orthodox

faith dive into the chilly waters of Spring Bayou to retrieve the cherished cross. The "blessing of waters" and "diving for the cross" ceremonies were famous in that predominately Greek community. That fame was shared for a year by one special Greek boy who had the honor of

Epiphany/Theophany Celebration and Its Traditions

PLAY & DINNER 2

ANNUAL MEETING 3

UNITY SERVICE 4

THANKSGIVINGS 4

RECTOR’S REPORT 5

CLOTHES CLOSET 7

ANNOUNCEMENTS 11

YOGA RESUMES 10

Inside this issue:

TranScript January 2013

T R A N S F I G U R A T I O N E P I S C O P A L C H U R C H

TranScript 2013

VOYTTO TECH: VOYTTO TECH: VOYTTO TECH: VOYTTO TECH: a scifi fable on bullying

Sunday, Feb. 17

Enjoy a Play & Dinner

This powerful play combines science, engineering, and

technology with a strong anti-bullying message. Klipp Ca-

sey travels from a planet far, far away to study at Voytto

Tech, the most famous science magnet school in the gal-

axy. Right away, Klipp has trouble fitting at his new school,

and becomes a target of social bullies and cyberbullies.

What can Klipp do? Who can he go to for help? And what

can anyone do about the huge energy crisis threatening

the planet? This highly interactive play is performed by two

actors, who become a variety of characters. The entire audience participates

from their seats, becoming characters in the story and brainstorming possible so-

lutions for Klipp’s problems.

Doors will open 4:30

Play begins promptly at 5 p.m.

Love offering

Dinner will follow at 6 p.m.

$5—tickets must be purchased in advance

They can be purchased online. There will be will-call.

Transfiguration Episcopal ChurchTransfiguration Episcopal ChurchTransfiguration Episcopal ChurchTransfiguration Episcopal Church

13925New Hampshire Ave. , Silver Spring, MD 20904

301-384-6264 www.transfig.org

We have classes for all ages. On Sundays, we have Indaba, classes or meetings for adults, which happen between services at 9:15 AM. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us in the circle. Topics are wide ranging.

In January the following things will be happening:

Jan 6 and 13—JJ Boulin and John Porter will walk us through bylaw proposals. (This will also take place

after the second service.)

Jan 20—No Indaba be-cause of the annual meet-ing (see below). However, the newly elected vestry will meet briefly in the Li-brary following the annual meeting. Breakfast will be prepared by the Omelet King.

Jan 27—A conversation around “parenting.”

If you would like to lead an Indaba class, let Meg know.

Our young people meet during the 10:15 service in the Community Building. We have classes for those from K-5 and youth group for grades 6-12. A nursery is kept in the undercroft for babies and pre-K’s.

The Eleventh Hour Bible Study meets Wednesdays at 11 in the Library.

Christian Formation at Transfiguration

Annual Meeting

Christina is the mother of Emily and Maya, has re-cently started her own business, and serves as a lector.

Hyacinth is known to us as the lady working the flower fund. She has also been instrumental on the fellowship committee and in bringing us our annual Dinner Dance.

Ruth is the mother of Anthony who is going off the vestry. Maybe the motto should be, “one Moore time.” Ruth has varied interests including a swim class, yoga, EFM (Education for Ministry class), and the Thrift Store.

Noel is a dentist who comes with his wife Bev. He is very often found at

the back door where he takes his usher duties se-riously. He is also the one who fills up the rec-tor’s pocket with throat lozenges when she is having one of her cough-ing spells—a very good person to have around.

These are persons known to be running as of this publication. We will be electing 3 persons to 3-year terms and one person to a 1-year term.

Prior to voting, we will be looking at our bylaws, which may change some parts of our procedure. Please look at them online and be ready to discuss them or make other suggestions at the annual meeting.

Each year at this time we gather to elect wardens and vestry members, to hear about what we have done, to have the budget present-ed, and to vision for the coming year. It is our family reunion of sorts.

This year we will be electing Senior and Junior Wardens. Both Bill Freeman and Val Grant are willing to serve another term as warden. However, by-laws keep them from continuing in their same job; so, they are running for one another’s posi-tion!

Running for vestry are Christina Eaglin, Hyacinth Fray, Ruth Moore, and Noel Tait.

Page 3

TranScript 2013

ANNUAL

MEETING

JANUARY 20

ONE SERVICE

AT 9 AM

BREAKFAST

ANNUAL MEETING

Each year the vestry

goes on Retreat soon after

the election of the new ves-

try. We do this in order to

learn what our duties are, to

get our annual assignments,

to discuss leadership as a

process, and plan our goals

for the coming year.

All vestry members, in-

cluding wardens and clergy,

are expected to attend this

retreat. This year’s retreat

will be held on Saturday,

February 16 at Claggett

Center in Buckeystown, MD,

from 8:30-2 PM. The cost

will be $35 per person and

will include lunch.

If you chair a committee

or have served as a warden

in the past, you are cordially

invited to join us.

Everyone who is going

should have their checks into

the office by February 3 so

that we may reserve our

spaces for the day.

If you are already on the

vestry, please bring your

notebooks. These will be

provided to all new vestry

members.

who did the backdrop, Gina

McBean-Linton who gave

musical support, Emily Eaglin

who codirected and her sister

Maya who assisted, Ebube

Mba who helped with the

sound system, and the many

parents who got their young

people here for rehearsals,

and the young people them-

selves.

We also give thanks for

all the lectors, LEMs, acolytes,

musicians, ushers, and mem-

Page 4

We give thanks for the

beautiful office candles given

in loving memory of her be-

loved husband by Linnet

Grant. We also give thanks

for the Eucharistic candles

Given to God’s Glory in

Thanksgiving for his Love,

Grace and Forgiveness which

were also from Linnet Grant.

We thank those who

worked so diligently to pro-

duce the Christmas musical,

especially J.J. & Betty Boulin

Thanksgivings

bers of the altar guild and

flower team who made the

Christmas season possible.

And the rector gives her

personal thanksgiving for all

of you who give to this church

throughout the year and

make its ministry possible,

and for all the many good

gifts given her. She feels

honored and loved and

blessed to be a part of this

church family.

Vestry Retreat

Unity Service

This years celebration will take place as follows:

January 27

3 PM

Colesville Presbyterian Church

12800 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20904

Please plan To

Join Us!

Each year the various Christian churches come to-gether in January to cele-brate the bond which exists among us. This ecumenical service includes those Roman Catholics, Baptists, Anglicans and Lutherans, Methodists and Disciples of Christ, and several other denominations.

In so many ways this gath-ering celebrates the mystery of Christ that exists within the body of the church.

TranScript January 2013

We were very pleased that we were able to make some headway with our vestry’s goal to increase

our technology within the church. The new computers are up and running, we have made use of the projector

purchased by the Men’s Group, the Youth are putting together their own technology site in their classroom, and

the web site has been launched with its ability to have folks sign in for access to a members only section which

contains materials such as continuously updated directory and our bylaws.

The vestry continued its new organization which came out of the 2011 vestry retreat. The point of the

new organization was to help us create a vestry structure which would help us fulfill our mission to the church

and to the world by spreading the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord. The vestry continued to incorporate

leadership partners into their midst, and so the decision was made to have these leadership positions with these

leaders:

Commission Vestry Liaison Leadership Partner

Christian Formation (Pre-K—Adult) David Boyd Toni Thompson

Evangelism Laurette LeGendre/Anthony Moore

Fellowship Lois Manderson Ladi Gray-Coker

Finance and Stewardship John Porter Kathy Berry

Marketing Craig Carter Gail Carter

Service (Pastoral Care and Outreach) Cheryl Church J.J. Boulin

Technology and Communications Tom Mirgon (Dianne Atkins)

Worship J.J. Boulin Meg Ingalls

Property Jr. Warden, Val Grant (Dianne Atkins)

Administration and Personnel Sr. Warden, Bill Freeman Meg Ingalls

In addition to the vestry, this year saw the advent of the Transfiguration Thrift Shop. John Porter was the chief organizer of the project. Very soon, it became apparent that a separate board was needed to oversee the operations of the Thrift Store. Virginia Smith was elected as Chair, and John was made the Director of Opera-tions. Kathy Berry oversees the finances along with those of the overall church. In addition to these, others have been named to the board: Ruth Moore, Ruby Brackett, Bill Freeman, Val Grant, and Meg Ingalls. This board has developed a unique way of using the funds raised by the shop.

The board discussed a recommendation to the vestry on how the net revenues of the Thrift Shop might be spent. Following is its recommendation: 60% For the shortfall between pledged and actual income from pledges 30% For use in a liquid investment instrument for future projects 10% For mission and ministry

Rector’s Report on 2012

Page 5

TranScript 2013

The caveat of this recommendation is that this money not be budgeted into the General Budget by the

vestry, but that it remain as a non-budgeted gift for the above purposes; further, that should the money

not be spent in the budgeted categories, that the money roll over to the following year and not be sub-

sumed by the General Budget of the Church. It was further recommended that the mission and ministry

portion be held as a grant to be given once the Thrift Shop board has been petitioned for the money.

We have been very busy this year. The Men’s Group has had its Spring Fest and Fish Fry and or-

ganized Super Bowl Sunday as well as completed many other projects. The Women of Transfiguration

has formed and has a new set of officers: Chair: Constance Anammah; Co-chair: Christine Kasule; Sec-

retary: Beverly Tait; Treasurer: Kathy Berry; Public Relations: Lilly Omaboe; UTO Chair: Juliette

Oguledo; Sunshine Chair: Karen Stoddard; Delegates to Diocesan ECW: Rosamond Daniels and Gail

Carter.

We had our Dinner Dance and Women’s Tea which raised a lot of money for the church. We had

our Christmas Bazaar and Health Fair. Kellie Renich has started her Parish Nurse program, and we have

had not only speakers for Indaba but Kellie provides blood pressure screenings for us monthly. Kathy

Berry has taken the lead in producing Community Concerts for us. We have welcomed Dr. Anna Maria

Izquierdo-Porrera and her clinic into our building. And we continue to have a wonderful working relation-

ship with the Joe Dalton who uses our staff office for counseling, the RSDAs, Simply Swing, Interact, Nar-

cotics Anonymous, and Maureen Fama who does our Yoga class. Grace Coward arranged for a trip to

Jamaica, and the group was greeted by Lois and Easton Manderson at their home on the island.

We have done good work with AIM, helping get the Dream Act passed, and with EMEAN, C-4, the

Boy Scouts, Our Little Roses, and Food for the Poor. We have had friends from Liberia and Jamaica as

well as local clergy, our seminarian Barbara Seward, our own Rector Emeritus Rich Kukowski, and our new

bishop The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde fill our pulpit, and we continue to be a place of welcome for

people from around the world.

Following are the statistics for 2012:

Transfers In Transfers Out Baptisms Confirmands

Beatrice Addison Liz Arango+2 children Taiyo Nelson Jordon/Wade Malone Ronnie Arrington Doreen Nakinbwe Noelle Amuzu Katherine Sebina Patricia Lester Bon/Maudline Agoha Rebecca Medrano Mirgons—Austin, Katie, Shade Odebiyi + Brittany +Kaylee&Jonathan and Jordan +Rani, Ayo, Ademide Wesley Baldwin Danielle Livingston Victoria Nelson Marriages Deaths Peter Bwewusa Joann Mirgon/Craig Erb +indicates membership Calvin Sempbwa Betsy Johnson/Tom Rogers +Bob Dove +John Nolan Martin Banguwa Walter Blaine Angelina Quaye Maxwell Woods +Peggy Eisenhauer Irma Joan St. George SitRam Freda Aryee +Evelyn Staples +Hazel Lackey Stephanie Renich +Kathleen Sawyer Kalanzi Kajubi

Page 6

TranScript January 2013

C-4 Clothes Closet What

January is Transfiguration’s month to staff the C-4 Clothes Closet and Baby Closet. Transfiguration is one of the founding Colesville congregations of this outreach to those who are less fortunate in our community. Clothes donated by the participating congregations and the community are made available at no cost, to those who are eligible to receive food stamps, or other such community services. Eligible people can use the service every other month on Tuesdays and Fridays and for the handicapped on Thursdays from 10-11, when it is less congested. We need your Help!

To make this work, volunteers are needed to empty the drop boxes at the [building], sort and fold the donated clothes, stock the shelves and clothes racks, aid clients, and administer the process. For any of you who can contribute 2 hours a day, three days a week through January, your service will be greatly appreciated! Howev-er, many of us have busy schedules and work commitments, and any and all contributions of your time on any Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday from 9 to 11 will be appreciated. Many hands make light work. When?

Where?

The C-4 Clothes Closet is in the old Colesville School, just north of Transfiguration on New Hampshire Ave.,

on the right. Use the driveway on the north end of the building, drive to the back parking lot, and use the back

entrance.

How Can You Help In Other Ways? We need your used winter clothing that is in good condition. Have your children outgrown some clothing recently? Or perhaps you have received a Christmas gift of clothing that just doesn’t fit or is “wrong” in some way and can’t be easily returned. Your donation of clothing to the Clothes Clos-et would be greatly appreciated! (And it is tax deductible). Clothes may be safely left in the Red Drop Boxes between the two wings of the building and reached using the south driveway. Or drive around to the back parking lot and bring them through the back entrance any Tuesday, Thursday, or

January 2013 Transfiguration C-4 Clothes Closet

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 9 -11 AM

2 3 9 -11 AM

4 9 -11 AM

5

6 7 8 9 -11 AM

9 10 9 -11 AM

11 9 -11 AM

12

13 14 15 9 -11 AM

16 17 9 -11 AM

18 9 -11 AM

19

20 21 22 9 -11 AM

23 24 9 -11 AM

25 9 -11 AM

26

27 28 29 9 -11 AM

30 31 9 -11 AM

Page 7

More about C-4

The Clothes Closet, located in the former Colesville Elementary School, is the largest arm of C�4 and, in a typical year, serves over 2,000 Montgomery county residents and their families by providing free cloth-ing, household essentials, and linens. The Baby Closet, also located in the former Colesville Elementary School, in a typical year serves over 400 expectant and needy mothers with baby clothes, diapers, furniture, and car seats. The Holiday Toy Closet, with an annual budget of about $7,000, is also located in the former Colesville Elementary School and each year provides at least 2 toys, games, stockings, and books to each of 1000 children ages 1-12. The School Supply Program, the newest C-4 activity, is also budgeted at about $8,000 thousand dollars per year and is has provided over 800 needy students with essential school supplies not provided by the county school system including writing implements, paper, binders and book bags.

C-4’s accomplishments over the past 44 years epitomize the generous character of its volunteers and

member congregations -- you.

Page 8

Page 9

EPIPHANY and Following (1/6—1/12)

Epiphany Isa. 52:7-10 Rev. 21:22-27 Matt. 12:14-21

Monday Isa. 52:3-6 Rev. 2:1-7 John 2:1-11

Tuesday Isa. 59:15-21 Rev. 2:8-17 John 4:46-54

Wednesday Isa. 63:1-5 Rev. 2:18-29 John 5:1-15

Thursday Isa. 65:1-9 Rev. 3:1-6 John 6:1-14

Friday Isa. 65:13-16 Rev. 3:7-13 John 6:15-27

Saturday Isa. 66:1-2,22-23 Rev. 3:14-22 John 9:1-12, 35-38

EPIPHANY I (1/13 - 1/19)

Sunday Isa. 40:1-11 Heb. 1:1-12 John 1:1-7,19-20, 29-34

Monday Isa. 40:12-23 Eph. 1:1-14 Mark 1:1-13

Tuesday Isa. 40:25-31 Eph. 1:15-23 Mark 1:14-28

Wednesday Isa. 41:1-16 Eph. 2:1-10 Mark 1:29-45

Thursday Isa. 41:17-29 Eph. 2:11-22 Mark 2:1-12

Friday Isa. 42:1-17 Eph. 3:1-13 Mark 2:13-22

Saturday Isa. 43:1-13 Eph. 3:14-21 Mark 2:23-3:6

EPIPHANY II (1/20 - 1/26)

Sunday Isa. 43:14– 44:5 Heb. 6:17-7:10 John 4:27-42

Monday Isa. 44:6-8, 21-23 Eph. 4:1-16 Mark 3:7-19a

Tuesday Isa. 44:9-20 Eph. 4:17-32 Mark 3:19b-35

Wednesday Isa. 44:24-45:7 Eph. 5:1-14 Mark 4:1-20

Thursday Isa. 45:5-17 Eph. 5:15-33 Mark 4:21-34

Friday Isa. 45:18-25 Eph. 6:1-9 Mark 4:35-41

Saturday Isa. 46:1-13 Eph. 6:10-24 Mark 5:1-20

EPIPHANY III (1/27 - 2/2)

Sunday Isa. 47:1-15 Heb. 10:19-31 John 5:2-18

Monday Isa. 48:1-11 Gal. 1:1-17 Mark 5:21-43

Tuesday Isa. 48:12-21 Gal. 1:18--2:10 Mark 6:1-13

Wednesday Isa. 49:1-12 Gal. 2:11-21 Mark 6:13-29

Thursday Isa. 49:13-23 Gal. 3:1-14 Mark 6:30-46

Friday Isa. 50:1-11 Gal. 3:15-22 Mark 6:47-56

Saturday Isa. 51:1-8 Gal. 3:23-29 Mark 7:1-23

Daily

Bible

Readings

Stretch and Relax

Donation Yoga Class

Where: The Church of the Transfiguration 13925 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring MD 20904

When: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:15 PM

Beginning January 16 This is a free class and cash donations will be accepted. All donations will go to the outreach of Transfiguration. This fund supports community charities such as C 4, as well as Our Little Roses, an orphanage for girls in Honduras. The class will be appropriate for all skill levels. We will focus on simple stretches and end with a relaxation. If you have never taken a Yoga class this is your chance to try one and support an important outreach. Dress comfortably, bring a yoga mat if you have one, and come with an open heart!

Preregistration is required and important. Sometimes a class must be cancelled and the teacher needs to be able to contact everyone. Please come and please call first. Maureen Fama 301-384-6019 to sign up.

Page 10

ANNOUNCEMENTS

www.transfig.org

TRANSF IGURAT ION

EP I SCOPA L CHURCH

Phone: 301-384-664 Fax: 301-384-4221 E-mail: church@transfig.org

13925 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20904

A MEMORIAL SERVICE…

For Bankole and Juanita Jarrett’s daughter, Dr. Julene Ricks-Ngwayah, will be held on Saturday, February 16, at 3 p.m.

ZUMBA CLASS

Saturday mornings 8 a.m.

Women of Transfiguration (WOT) Meeting Schedule All are invited. The meetings take place following the 10:15 service in the nursery

January 27; February 17; March 17; April 21

Transfiguration’s Men’s Group All are welcome. The meetings take place following the 10:15 service in the library.

January 27; February 17; March 17; April 21 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper February 12, 6:30—8 p.m. Ash Wednesday Services February 13, 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.