PARIS – The Trinity Lutheran Church will hold an Epiphany Bonfire at 5:31 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, at the church on Route 117. The bonfire will be fueled by the branches from the church’s Christmas tree.

Epiphany is the church season directly following Christmas and is scripturally based on the story of the Magi from the East who followed the star to Bethlehem to greet the newborn king, Jesus, the Rev. Tom Teichmann said. The word epiphany itself means “to make known.” Christians celebrate this short, one-month season by rejoicing in God made known in Jesus Christ.

There is no significance to burning the greens, but Teichmann said, “It gives a good excuse for a good old-fashioned bonfire. While I was in seminary in Gettysburg, Pa., people from all the local churches gathered together at the college and had one, rip-roarin’ fire from all their trees!” he said. “It would be fun to have that kind of event in the Oxford Hills; a chance for people to symbolically chase away the darkness of the world with the light of Christ, and to have some fun and fellowship too!”

The Epiphany Bonfire consumes only Trinity’s tree however. It is part of this Sunday’s “Fill the Whole” worship experience, which is a contemporary, nontraditional service open to all regardless of commitment or level of belief.

“Fill the Whole is casual, and all ages are welcome. Refreshments are always a part of the church gatherings, as well as good conversation and community time,” Teichmann said.

For information, phone 743-6906.