Weekly eNews for November 18, 2022 | |
Diocesan Council Report
by Paul Hinson, Junior Warden
It was my privilege along with Ann Fowler, Judy Jarady, Doug Runnion and our clergy to represent Epiphany at the 2022 Annual Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, Friday and Saturday November 11-12.
Our canons require an annual meeting of the diocese at which time specific tasks take place such as elections to replace the members of the diocesan standing committee who are rotating off, elections of delegates who will be representing the diocese at the next General Convention, and the adoption of a budget for the coming year.
In addition to these canonical requirements, resolutions from committees, commissions, parishes and individuals are read, debated and voted upon. I'd like to make you aware of a few of those that might be of particular interest to the Epiphany community. Legislation was passed resolving to continue in the blessing of same sex marriages regardless of the outcome of future court decisions. This issue was brought to council in response to the threat that the Supreme Court may reverse its opinion establishing the right of same gender couples to marry. The council also resolved to urge the governor and the state legislature to expand Medicaid to the full extent provided by law (Georgia is one of only 11 states still refusing to expand Medicaid). A resolution was passed which allows Deacons to be represented among the three clergy members of the six-member diocesan standing committee. Also of interest to Epiphanites will be the resolution stipulating that new construction of diocesan and parish buildings be subject to improved environmental and health performance, that landscaping emphasize native vegetation and low input (chemicals and water) plantings, and that diocesan and parish programs refrain from the use of single use plastics and styrofoam products. Finally, a resolution was passed requiring parishes with a deacon in active service to pay a small compensatory amount to the deacon and a corresponding amount into the church pension fund, primarily to open up to the diaconate the numerous benefits provided clergy by the Church Pension Fund.
Bishop Wright acknowledged that while its been a challenge to get in-person participation back up to pre-Covid levels for some parishes, those churches with higher than average in-person attendance share five characteristics: (1) a spirit of experimentation, (2) deep listening in order to be responsive to each unique parish context, (3) interconnectedness and belonging in the form of small group opportunities and self- and mutual-care, (4) being attuned to the needs of their neighborhoods, and (5) mutuality and a team approach to ministry.
It was a great two days of meeting, praying and worship with our fellow Episcopalians from all over north and central Georgia and I left with the same feeling I've had for some time: that our diocese is blessed by exceptional leadership. If any member of the parish has questions or would like to pursue any of these topics in a more in depth manner please feel free to contact any of the lay delegates or the Rev. Amy Dills-Moore.
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Photos from last Sundays Planting of the Blueberry Bushes
Click photo to see the album
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Grace | Gratitude | Giving has been our theme for the 2023 Stewardship Campaign.
We want to thank everyone who has made a pledge so far. Your generosity enables us to do all that we do and hope to do at Epiphany.
If you have not yet made your pledge, now through mid-December, please consider offering your gift of a confirmed giving for 2023 via a pledge. The Vestry will complete budget planning based on committed expected income. Pledge cards are available in the narthex and gallery, or you can make your pledge online by click the button.
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Thank you to Tom Democko, Margo Timberlake, Brandon Laird, Joy Boyden, Laura Gary, David Draper, Laura Gary and Larry Wilcox for sharing your stories for a meaningful Stewardship season. | | | | |
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Epiphany Car Magnets: Celebrate your love of Epiphany with your very own car magnet of our Stain glass Star! The 5” round Magnets are $8.00 each. Buy two for $15.00, three or more for $7.00 each. They will be available at the church on Sundays and can be purchased via the link below. If you prefer, you can bring your check to pay for the magnets instead. | | |
Year-to-date Financial Report as of October 31, 2022 | |
| October 31, 2022 | Budget | Actual | | Income | $511,252.60 | $492,684.31 | | Expense | $511,252.70 | $531,087.71 | | Net |
| ($38,403.34) | | | |
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GIVING | Track Your Giving in Realm
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Our online ministry platform called Realm, isn’t just a church directory or a way to register online for events. Members can also manage their giving and check pledge status at any time through the website or the smart phone app. If you’ve not created a login for Realm yet, Contact the parish office.
Contact: Shea McNutt, Parish Administrator
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If you shop on Amazon, consider accessing Amazon through http://smile.amazon.com and designating Church of the Epiphany Atlanta as your charitable beneficiary.
70 Amazon customers have made Church of the Epiphany Atlanta as their beneficiary. Our 3rd quarter donation was $58.63. Cumulative to date total is $1,083.19
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WORSHIP | Sunday Morning Service
10:00 a.m. in the nave
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Masks are recommended, but not required.
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The Healing Station is open in the side chapel.
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Childcare for newborns and children ages 3 and under is available in the nursery. Our vaccinated childcare workers wear KN95 masks.
Livestream Options: YouTube Link | Zoom Link
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES | Children's Chapel
During the 10:00 a.m. service
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Children up to 3rd grade gather during the last verse of the Sequence Hymn and follow the cross to Room 203 after the Gospel. They return at the Peace. Parents are welcome to join us!
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children & Youth Ministries
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AFTER THE SERVICES | Reception for the Rev. Nicole Lambelet
Adult & Youth formation will not take place on Sunday. Instead, please join us in the parish hall for a farewell reception for the Rev. Nicole Lambelet. Parish Life and Vestry are hosting the celebration of Nicole’s service to us with a Mexican meal and of course, cake and bubbly.
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FORMATION | Children
11:15 a.m. in the upstairs classrooms
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Children's formation classes take place directly following the 10:00 a.m. service.
Room 205 – Godly Play children (3 years old through 3rd grade)
Room 206 – 4th and 5th graders
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children & Youth Ministries
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YOUTH | Youth Group
Sunday Evenings from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
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This Sunday's youth group is a special Friendsgiving Potluck & Movie Night with Holy Trinity youth! We will meet at Epiphany from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. and we invite you to bring your favorite movie snack to share. Pizza and drinks will be provided.
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children & Youth Ministries
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | Art Ministry
Now Showing in the Gallery
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Epiphany’s Art Ministry welcomes back artists from the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter. All proceeds from this exhibit go to the Senior Art Ministry at this parish. Please make checks out to Holy Comforter.
A little background about Holy Comforter
Holy Comforter has been in Southeast Atlanta for over 100 years. In nearly every decade of that history, urban growth has changed the face of the neighborhoods around Holy Comforter, leading them to ask again and again, “Who is my neighbor whom God is calling on me to love?”
It is critical to understand that Holy Comforter does not run a program to help persons with mental illness; rather these people are the church gathered at Holy Comforter. These are the members of the Body of Christ who pray daily, who are fed by the Eucharist, who acolyte and serve, sing, run the altar guild, make pastoral care visits on Sunday, who bring their gifts for the service of everyone. These people, who are often alienated in society, are knit together by the love of Jesus Christ at Holy Comforter.
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The Arrangements at the Altar for today and the Sanctuary Light for this Sunday are given to the Glory of God | |
The arrangements for Sundays and the Sanctuary Light can be given as a memorial, thanksgiving or on a special occasion. The color and selection of flowers is based on the appropriateness of the liturgical season. The Sanctuary Light is a visible sign of the presence of the Blessed Sacrament held in reserve in the Tabernacle and burns for seven days.
To be listed in the Sunday bulletin, sign up by noon on Wednesdays.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | Annual Shoe Drive
Now through December 11
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Epiphany continues its tradition of collecting shoes for our friends at the Church of the Common Ground. Donations of new men's and women's shoes of any size will be accepted, especially men’s sizes 14-17 and women’s sizes 4-6 and 11-14. They are particularly in need of men’s shoes.
We will be collecting shoes through December 11.
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On December 11, the youth will organize the shoes and prepare them to be taken to Common Ground’s office.
Please take shoes out of their boxes and tie their shoelaces together. You can drop shoes off at the church on Sundays between 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and during weekday office hours.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | Toy Drive for Emmaus House
Drop off unwrapped gifts by Sunday, December 18
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For decades, parishes, friends and organizations have helped Santa by donating gifts to be delivered to more than 500 children in Peoplestown on Christmas Eve each year. Once again, Emmaus House is asking us to collect unwrapped gifts using their holiday guide for suggestions.
Epiphany will be collecting items through Sunday, December 18.
The in-person Children's Christmas Festival at Emmaus House will be on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Contact: Emily Badgett if you would like to help transport the gifts to Emmaus on Sunday, 12/18, or afterward on 12/19 or 12/20.
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PARISH GROUP | Tuesday Men's Breakfast Group
Tuesdays, 7 a.m. in the Nave
| 11/22—Each Tuesday morning, we begin at 7:00 a.m. in the chapel with Morning Prayer (Holy Eucharist 1st Tuesdays), and end our time together with a simple breakfast and fellowship. If you would like to learn more, or have any interest in helping provide food for Men's Breakfast, please email John Yntema. | |
CANCELLATIONS | Next Tuesday and Wednesday
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the following services and programs will not take place.
- Beginning Choristers on Tuesday
- Tuesdays at Epiphany service project
- Wednesday Noon Service
- Epiphany Ringers and Epiphany Choir on Wednesday
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EARTH GUILD | Recycling at Epiphany Update
CHaRM no longer accepts batteries for recycling; therefore, Epiphany will no longer accept batteries for recycling.
You can put alkaline batteries, such as AA, AAA and D batteries, in the trash in a container—a cardboard box or plastic tub is a safe option. Prevent any fire risk by taping 9-volt battery terminals with a piece of masking, electrical or duct tape.
Rechargeable 9-volt batteries, AA and AAA batteries and D cells can be taken to Home Depot who has partnered with Call2Recycle, a nonprofit battery recycling program that have their bins at the store. Any rechargeable battery that weighs up to 11 pounds and is under 300-watt hours is accepted. There's no charge for recycling.
Please do continue to drop off your natural corks, or you can take them directly to CHaRM on Hill St in Atlanta. To see a full list of items they accept, visit https://livethrive.org/charm/items-we-accept/
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Upcoming Events & Meetings | |
PARISH LIFE | The Nativities Collection
We're doing it differently this year
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Our original collection of Nativities was acquired by a bequest from Dr. William Lemonds in loving memory of James Lattimer Anderson Belcher in 1995. Other nativities have been given by parishioners and friends of the parish over the years, bringing our collection to just over 300 nativities.
For the past 25 years during the season of Advent, we’ve shared our collection with the public as an exhibit, with selected nativities in the narthex and gallery to illustrate the birth stories of Luke and Matthew accompanied by scripture and hymn texts. All the rest of the continually growing collection was displayed in the parish hall.
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As it has been a challenge over the last several years to gather enough volunteers to set up, take down and staff the welcome table for the full exhibit, a couple of decisions were made. One – we would no longer add to the collection. Two – for this year, we are going to just have a display of nativities for the parish of the stories of Luke and Matthew in the narthex and gallery, once again accompanied by the scriptures and hymn texts.
Since we are not having to staff an exhibit this year, it was also decided that the display of the stories of Luke and Matthew could stay up through the Feast of Epiphany on January 6. We still need volunteers to set up the 23 nativities for Luke and the 35 nativities for Matthew.
We are looking for volunteers over two days to help set up the exhibit – Wednesday, November 30 and Thursday, December 1. Then we’ll need folks to help pack it all back up on Monday, January 9. If you would like to sign up for a shift, please sign up.
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CHILDREN'S MiNISTRIES | Childcare Note
Occasional volunteers needed
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We are looking for a few adult parishioners to serve as nursery volunteers once or twice a semester. We have several wonderful regular childcare workers that watch our youngest members during the service, but they occasionally need a weekend off. Please contact Emily if you are interested in helping serve in this way.
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children & Youth Ministries
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | ERJG Visit to Emmaus House
Sunday, November 27
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11/27—The Episcopal Racial Justice Group invites you to join them on a visit to Emmaus House Chapel. The service starts at 10:00 a.m. We will meet at 9:45 a.m. Our understanding is that masks are required. As many of you already know, Epiphany has a very strong connection to Emmaus House. You can learn about Emmaus House and its chapel at emmaushouseatlanta.org/chapel.
Contact: Kay Lee
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | Appleton Ministries Offering
Sunday, November 27
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11/27—The Thanksgiving Offering for Appleton Ministries is collected the Sunday following Thanksgiving and designated for Appleton Episcopal Ministries–a diocesan ministry that supports the Freedom School Macon, a food pantry, a domestic abuse shelter, weekend lunch programs and other community ministry projects through the Middle GA Convocation. All cash offerings will be designated to them today. You can also give online at https://www.epiphany.org/ways-to-give or via check, marking “Appleton Ministries” in the memo field. | |
PASTORAL CARE | Walk with Me—A One Act Play
Monday, November 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Nave
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11/28—The Community of Hope is proud to sponsor Walk with Me, a short one-act play written and performed by acclaimed actress and Epiphany member Carolyn Cook. Walk with Me is a story of a woman caring for her mother, who lives with dementia. Anne McSweeney, a licensed clinical social worker, will also be present to share her perspectives on resources and ways to support both caregivers and the person with dementia. The free performance will take place in the Epiphany nave on Monday, November 28, at 7:30 p.m. There will be time for discussion after the play, and printed information for caregivers will be available.
Contact: Ann Fowler, Leader
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PASTORAL CARE | Community of Hope's Circle of Care
4th Mondays, 6:00 p.m. in the parish hall
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11/28—Members gather to pray, learn, and provide each other with mutual support as they reflect on their emotional and spiritual responses to pastoral encounters. If you or a loved one would like to receive a pastoral visit or home communion by one of the trained caregivers, please contact Ann.
Contact: Ann Fowler, Leader
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PASTORAL CARE | The Grief Pastoral Care Group
1st Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. on Zoom
| 12/1—The group meets each month for a healing and faith-based conversation around grief and loss. Led by parishioners Megan Fraijo-Paul and Nancy Thompson, both trained psychotherapists. Please contact Megan / or Nancy before attending for the first time. | | |
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CHILDREN & YOUTH | Advent Cookie Event
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12/3—All children, youth, and families are invited to join us on Saturday, December 3 from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. to drink hot cocoa, fellowship, and make cookies for children to decorate at Lessons & Carols the next day.
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children & Youth Ministries
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FLOWER GUILD | Advent Wreath-Making Workshop
Reservation Required
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12/4—The Epiphany Flower Guild will lead an Advent Wreath-Making Workshop after the service on December 4 in the parish hall. This is the second Sunday in Advent since the first Sunday will be Thanksgiving weekend. A short reflection about the history of the advent wreath and the themes of advent will take place prior to the event.
The workshop will cost $20 for materials which include everything that is needed for making an advent wreath: (1) oasis wreath, (4) candles with holders, and greenery. We will accept reservations until all 20 spots are full. Click the RSVP button below.
Contact: Polly Nodine, Flower Guild Chair
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LITURGY | Lessons & Carols
5:00 p.m. with a reception following • cookie decorating will be happening!
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12/4—The Epiphany Choir, Beginning Choristers, Junior Choir, Hildegard Ensemble and Epiphany Ringers will present Advent Lessons & Carols on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. in a liturgy similar to Christmas Lessons & Carols made popular in the 20th century by Kings College, Cambridge. The promise of the coming Messiah is told in lessons from the Old and New Testaments interspersed with Advent carols, hymns, and choir anthems. The service takes place in the nave followed by a reception in the parish hall. | |
PARISH GROUPS | Epiphany Book Group
1st Mondays at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall
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12/5—In December we will meet, not to discuss a book, but to share treats and have some fellowship during the holidays. Contact: Linda Ryder-Wolf / linda.wolf.1962@gmail.com.
Here are our book selections for the first quarter of 2023:
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January: The Nightwatchman by Louise Erdrich
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February: Our Unfinished March by Eric Holder
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For March: The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
All are welcome to join us.
Contact: Linda Ryder-Wolf, Leader
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | The Feeding Ministry
2nd Fridays of the month
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12/7-9—Volunteers cook at Epiphany and then serves the meal at Gateway Shelter on 2nd Fridays. Please RSVP to help prepare, cook or serve the meal. Sign up by the Monday Prior to the cook date.
Contact: Anne Kerner, Ministry Co-Chair
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FORMATION | The Living Contemplatively Spirituality Group
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. on Zoom
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12/8—This time we are reading and discussing The Gift of Years by Joan Chittister. Contact: The Rev. Amy Dills-Moore.
Contact: The Rev. Amy Dills-Moore
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PARISH GROUPS | ECW Christmas Craft & Bake Sale
Sunday, December 11 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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12/11—The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will hold their annual Christmas Craft & Bake Sale Sunday December 11 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. They will have homemade goodies and a few craft items for sale. Please stop by the parish hall before or after the 10:00 a.m. service.
The proceeds from our bake/craft sale support our service projects during the year.
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PARISH GROUPS | Emmaus House Luncheon, hosted by the ECW | 12/13—The ECW we will host a luncheon for the Emmaus House Seniors. This is an annual event and a lot of fun for the seniors and the ECW Members.Contact: Robin Hairston, President | |
PARISH GROUPS | Daughters of the King (DOK)
4th Sundays at 11:15 a.m. in the Side Chapel
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The DOK will not be meeting for the months of November and December. The Epiphany chapter of the DOK lay order meet monthly for prayer, service and evangelism. To learn more about the order, visit doknational.org.
Contact: Judy Jarady, President
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PARISH GROUPS | Episcopal Racial Justice Book Group
Book Selection for January & March
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1/11—The next Episcopal Racial Justice Book Group discussion will be held on Wednesday, January 11 from 6:30-8 p.m. in Room 201. We will discuss Speaking of Race: Why Everybody Needs to Talk About Racism - and How to Do It by Celeste Headlee.
Here’s is an excerpt from a description of the book found on Amazon. “In this urgently needed guide, the PBS host, award-winning journalist, and author of We Need to Talk teaches us how to have productive conversations about race, offering insights, advice, and support. This is the book for people who have tried to debate and educate and argue and got nowhere; it is the book for those who have stopped talking to a neighbor or dread Thanksgiving dinner. It is an essential and timely book for all of us”
In March, the ERJ Book Group will discuss The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein. Date to be determined.
Contact: Kay Lee, President
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PASTORAL CARE | As the Days Lengthen - SAVE THE DATE
February, 19 from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
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2/19—Epiphany’s Community of Hope presents As the Days Lengthen: Contemplative Prayer—and the Joyful Season of Lent. Join us on February 19 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. for an afternoon of Reflection and Soul-Nurture with Carl McColman. Visit tinyurl.com/joyfulseason for more information and to register for the event.
Contact: Ann Fowler, Leader
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Art from the Heart
November 17 - 19 at St. Bede's Episcopal Church
2601 Henderson Mill Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
Opening Party
Thursday, November 17, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Early Shopping Opportunity
$10 per person, includes hors d’oeuvres | Cash bar
Market Days
Friday, November 18, Noon–7:00 p.m.
and Saturday, November 19, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
No admission charge | Food and drinks for sale
Live performances by local artists on Saturday
Art from the Heart began 5 years ago as a celebration of art and community. It is an annual artists' market hosted by St. Bede’s Episcopal Church and the Church of Our Savior.
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For members who are bidding our prayers: Dave Thompson • Mary McCall Cash • Wende Crowe • Pam Hall • Julie Dodge • Zoey Laird • Judy Jarady • Evan Vega • Sally McClintock • Larry Wilcox • Colleen • Ann Rowles • Sally Brockington
For friends and family: Mary Parks, friend of Terri Lawrence • Kay Hopkins, friend of Jewel Allen • Rachel Wolf, daughter of Linda Ryder-Wolf • Rhonda, Marcin, Kami & Sydni, friends of the Moody family • Harold Amslem, brother-in-law of George Councill • Janet Gary, mother of Bill Gary • Kevin Lewis, friend of Terri Lawrence• Keisha Ramsey • Sophie Murray • Kirk Tcherneshoff, brother of Amy Shipp • Sophia Baginski, friend of David Draper • Russell Saxon, nephew of Kathie Ryan • Keren Clay, neighbor of Susan & Richard Messner • Rosalind, sister of Katharine Yntema • Dave Tipton, brother of Pam Tipton • Isabel, granddaughter of Mike & Beth Towers
For those who have died: Elizabeth Keys, daughter of John & Laura Keys • June Sparks • James LaDow, friend of Linda Ryder-Wolf
For members who desire our continuing prayers: Jewel Allen • Alma Fuller • Ron Hutcheson • Rod MacLeod • Tom Mundy • Floyd Parker • Pat Spivey • Wayne & Judy Urban • Kathy Walmsley
For those in the armed forces: Henry Laird • Stewart Mundy
For those celebrating anniversaries for week of 11/20-26: Bonnie & Chris Kissler • Nelson & Lola Oyesiku • Kaki & Adam Woodlief • Kim & Elliott Boswell
For those celebrating birthdays for the week of 11/20-26: Jessica Boatright • Jack Tillman • Ty Maiberger • Jason Rooks •Eric Schulz • Shona Harbert • Carolyn Cook • Nduva Hartman • Zane McKinney • Sue Haley • Rowen Morrisey • Peggy Palmiter
For the birth of Collier Allen Chaffins, son of Claire & Cody Chaffins and brother of Caleb Chaffins born Friday, November 11.
For those awaiting the adoption of a child: Jessica & Duane Burns
For those awaiting the birth of a child: Kaylie & Evan Gibbs • Magda & Doug Kertscher
Did we miss your anniversary or birthday? Send the full date of your anniversary and/or your date of birth to the parish office at parishadmin@epiphany.org so that we can update our records.
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The weekly parish notices are published Friday mornings at 7 a.m.
The submission deadline is Wednesdays at NOON.
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