Matthew Girardi, a South Orange sixth grader in halo and wings, gently cradled the baby Jesus in his arms at the presentation of the annual Epiphany pageant at St. Andrew and Holy Communion on Sunday. "Do not be afraid, Mary," he whispered.

He placed the infant on Mary's lap. Baby Phoebe Horne wasn't sleeping, but she was calm and yawned while she gazed into the eyes of Mary in this retelling of the Christmas story.

Mary (Chelsea Greene), Joseph (Jack Henry Woods) and the baby were greeted with anthems sweet. The shepherds watched and the angels sang, and three kings" presented frankincense, gold and myrrh.

This coming Sunday, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church will be at the church. Katharine Jefferts Schori, leader of 2.4 million Episcopalians around the globe, will preach and celebrate, a historic moment for the church in South Orange Village and the culminating event of its year-long 150th anniversary celebration.

Prominent church leaders have preached at services throughout the anniversary year. Last Sunday, The Right Rev. Pierre Whalon, Bishop of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, watched the children perform the Epiphany pageant. Other guests have included the Anglican Communion's first female bishop, Barbara Harris, and North Carolina Bishop Michael Curry.

"We are deeply honored that on this day when we celebrate the life and witness of Dr. Martin Luther King, a drum major for freedom and righteousness, The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, blesses us with her presence," said The Rev. Canon Sandye A. Wilson, rector of St. Andrew and Holy Communion. "We and she will never be the same."

The church has been rehearsing sacred dancing and special music in honor of the presiding bishop's visit. She is author of "Gospel in the Global Village: Seeking God's Dream of Shalom." Her reflections on leadership and on religion and science reflect her unique experiences as a professional oceanographer and the first female primate within the Anglican communion.

The presiding bishop will preach at the 10:30 a.m. service on Jan. 17. For more information, call the church 973-763-2355 or visit www.SAHCchurch.org.