Epiphany 351: August 21 Update

The Wardens and Vestry of Epiphany have been working and meeting throughout the summer as plan continue to develop for the massive renovation project that continues on tract to start on September 9th. Eighteen months later, if all goes well, we’ll be moving into our new home. One of the items on the Vestry agenda this week was the appointment of the Epiphany 351 Design Advisory Team. That team is tasked with making recommendations as to not only what we will take from our current worship spaces, but where they will go at 351. I am very happy to announce the following members have agreed to serve our church in this important task: Chris Abelt, Caroline Angell, Louise Bozorth, Janette Gautier and Deacon Horace Whyte.

Specifically this team will:

1. Assist in surveying the congregation as to which liturgical items currently used at Epiphany (furnishings, windows, art, etc.) should be incorporated into the new building.
2. Evaluating the results of those surveys and providing a list of recommended items to be incorporated into the new building.
3. Advising as to the physical placement of each recommended item in the new building.
4. Evaluating and recommending finishes for the Nave and Sanctuary based on recommendations by the project architect, acoustician, and other professionals. (Finishes include paint colors, flooring, and other decorative elements.)
5. Recommending new liturgical items for purchase (metal ware, frontals, vestments, etc.)

As the name indicates, this team will be advising the Wardens and Vestry as they and I weigh the many competing challenges and trade-offs that are inherent is renovating a long-neglected 19th century building so that it can meet our needs as our future home. Included in that are two additional responsibilities the Warden, Vestry and I have: 1) the obligation to comply with all New York City Department of Building Codes for a church and a pre-school, and 2) doing so within a defined budget that ensures the long-term financial stability of the parish so it may continue to grow in into new expressions of life, mission, and ministry.

I want to personally thank Chris, Caroline, Louise, Janette, and Deacon Horace for saying yes to this unique opportunity to serve. I very much look forward to working with them and with you to help create our new “House of Worship”.

Faithfully yours,

Roy+