Weekly eNews for January 13, 2023 | |
- Pageant Pictures
- A Special Liturgy
- School Supplies Donations due 1/15
- Welcome New Members
- New Show in the Gallery
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- An Afternoon for Reflection and Soul-Nurture
- Interest Meeting for a new Evening ECW Group
- Episcopal Racial Justice Group Meeting
- Annual Meeting - 1/29
- Overeaters Anonymous meets on Saturdays
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The Shepherds (with lambs and puppies and local hero dog Casper, still on the mend) | |
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Participating in God's Story
On Friday, several of Epiphany's families and children participated in our annual pageant, relaying the story of the three Magi following the star to find the Christ child. It was a fantastic evening, and I want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who made it happen (including our furry guests!).
During the pageant rehearsals and performance, what I kept thinking about was God's choice to be inextricably intertwined with humanity. On the one hand, God chose to be incarnate in Jesus Christ, who came to dwell with us in the humblest of circumstances. On the other hand, God chose humans—fallible and broken as we are—to co-author God's story! Human hands wrote the scrolls that would become scripture, human minds helped translate biblical passages, and to this day, we are invited to act out and to re-interpret the story of God's redemption over and over again in our own lives.
As our 3 kings cracked jokes about Herod, as our angel crew danced on and off stage, as our shepherds herded a dog, a puppy, and two lambs, I felt full of wonder and gratitude that God has invited us into God's story, just as we are, as our whole selves.
I'll end with the words that closed out our pageant:
The Magi had met a new kind of king—a King who had come into the world to shepherd all people toward peace. Like the Magi so long ago, we too follow the Epiphany star. We come, as people have come all through the ages, to bring our own gifts to this Child, who is the light of the world.
Grace & Peace,
Emily Elder
Director of Children & Youth Ministries
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A SPECIAL LITURGY | SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m.
| After a year of preparation and planning, we are thrilled to announce that Bishop Wright will officially install the Rev. Amy Dills-Moore as Epiphany's 11th Rector at a special service on Thursday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m. with a celebration to follow. Please mark your calendars, more details to come! | |
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | School Supplies Drive
Last chance to donate is this Sunday, January 15
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Epiphany's youth group is joining the Ismaili CIVIC's youth to collect school supplies to replenish the closets of several Title I schools around Atlanta and Decatur. We will be collecting school supplies until January 15, and then sorting them together with Ismaili CIVIC on MLK Day. Schools are especially in need of: pencils, glue sticks, black fine point whiteboard markers, tissues, composition books, colorful dry erase marker packs, and headphones.
Please drop your donations off in the bins near the Children's activity bags and books in the gallery.
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children's & Youth Ministries
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MEMBERSHIP | Welcome New Members
By Transfer—Richard & Sheila Ferrell
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Richard is a retired campus minister, who worked primarily at Emory University. Sheila worked as a buyer for a chemical company and then a garden distributor before retiring.
They are both very involved with their grandchildren's activities, studies and transportation. They love to travel and hope to do that again soon.
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They both were drawn to the sermons, music and worship at Epiphany. Sheila is singing in the Epiphany Choir and playing handbells with the Epiphany Ringers. Richard has been helping out as needed as an usher. Both are looking forward to more involvement in the parish and are pleased to call Epiphany their church Home. | |
By Baptism—Judith Isabella (Judy Belle) Danielle Fraijo-Paul
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Judy Bell was baptized on Sunday, January 8 at the Baptism of Our Lord. She is the daughter of Laraine & Megan Fraijo-Paul and little sister to Mary Eleanor (ME) and Olivianna (Livie). | |
A Thank You
from John & Laura Keys
Dear Epiphany Family,
Despite the fact that she was only forty-six when she died, our daughter Elizabeth had made a funeral plan. She had selected readings and hymns, specified the service rite, and named the charities to which donations should be sent. She chose Welcome Happy Morning as the opening hymn and Joy to the World as the final one. Easter and Christmas Birth and death—and resurrection. It is hard for us right now to find “happy” or “joy,” but with her example and your support we are working toward recovering both in our new reality. You have prayed for us and her, helped us to celebrate her life and bury her, sent messages and food, taken us out and given needed, loving embraces. Thank you for all you have been and done and are.
Faithfully,
John and Laura
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If you have not yet made your pledge, 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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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | Epiphany Star Car Magnets
Epiphany Star car magnets can be picked up before or after services in the Gallery (near the name tag towers).
Don't have one yet? The five-inch magnets depicting our stain glass Epiphany star are $8 each. Buy two or more for $15, three or more for $7.
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES | Children's Chapel
During the service
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1/15—Children up to 3rd grade gather during the last verse of the singing of the psalm and follow the cross to chapel after the Gospel. They return at the Peace. Parents are welcome to join them.
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children's & Youth Ministries
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FORMATION | Adults
Sundays at 11:15 a.m. • Parish Hall Room A
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1/15—The final session of Faith After Doubt will be led by Paul Hinson. This class has been discussing the book Faith After Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do About It, by Brian McLaren.
1/22—Starting next week: Love one Another: Jesus, St. Francis & Earth Care—A conversational time talking about our faith roots in caring for Creation. Come to talk and explore expanding our circles of compassion, loving bigger and broader. Led by Marion Curry and Carol Bartlett.
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FORMATION | Children & Youth
Will not take place this Sunday
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1/15—Due to the holiday weekend, Youth and Children’s Formation classes will not take place this Sunday. Children’s Formation will resume its regular schedule on Sunday, January 22, however, Youth Sunday morning formation will be on hiatus this spring due to additional confirmation meetings on Sunday afternoons.
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children's & Youth Ministries
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YOUTH | Youth Group
Will not take place on Sunday
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1/15—Due to the holiday weekend, there is no Youth Group tonight. However, we hope to see you tomorrow (1/16) from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at our Interfaith MLK Day Service Project with Ismaili CIVIC. Please see the blurb below.
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children's & Youth Ministries
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | Art Ministry
Now Showing in the Gallery
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Watercolors from Parishioner Maggi Ewing
Maggi has recently downsized and no longer has space for her beautiful work. Our “young at heart” nonagenarian has contributed so much to Epiphany over the years. Please support this talented artist as she provides our parish an opportunity to purchase these signature works.
Remember, 25% of all sales benefit Epiphany. Please make checks out to the artist.
Contact: Liefy Smith, Curator
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1/16—The Parish Office will be closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Day holiday. | |
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | Martin Luther King Jr. Service Projects
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1/14-16—Join members of the Earth Guild and the Racial Justice Group as we provide much needed free home repairs to senior homeowners in Decatur and Oakhurst.
Past projects have included painting, raking leaves, weatherizing, installing toilets, cleaning, repairing water damage, and installing wheelchair accessible ramps.
We hope to see you at one of the houses!
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1/16—All youth, children, and families are invited to join Ismaili CIVIC's youth and families for a service project on MLK Day.
From 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 16, we will be sorting collected school supplies at the Ismaili Jamatkhana (685 DeKalb Industrial Way, Decatur, 30033).
This is a great opportunity to serve with and to better know our Ismaili neighbors.
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LITURGY | Tuesday Morning Worship & the Men's Breakfast Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m. in the side chapel
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1/17—The Men’s Breakfast Group gathers for a simple breakfast and fellowship following Morning Prayer at 7:00 a.m. in the nave. Holy Eucharist is celebrated on 1st Tuesdays. If you would like to learn more, or help provide food for Men's Breakfast, please contact John Yntema.
Contact: John Yntema, Coordinator
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LITURGY | Wednesday Noonday Prayer & Holy Eucharist
Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. in the side chapel
| 1/18—A Noonday healing service is offered on Wednesdays followed by Eucharist. Please join us in the Side Chapel. | |
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Epiphany Choir: Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m. in the Music Suite
1/11—Our all-volunteer choir provides musical leadership for the 10:00 a.m. liturgy and feast days. Membership is open to fully vaccinated adults and youth.
Beginning Choristers (pre-K-2nd grade), the Junior Choir (3rd grade-unchanged voices) and the Epiphany Ringers will not meet in the month of January.
Contact: Julie Ryder, Organist & Choirmaster
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CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES | Tuesdays at Epiphany
Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. • Parish Hall
| The Tuesday Evenings service projects will pick up again when Tuesday Choir Rehearsals resume in February. | |
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | Overeaters Anonymous
Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. • Parish Hall
| 1/14—Overeaters is a twelve-step fellowship group. There are no dues, no fees and no weigh-ins. Their primary purpose is to abstain from compulsive eating and food behaviors and to carry the message of recovery to those who are still suffering from abusing food. All are welcome. | |
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Volunteers Needed for Children & Youth Ministries
If you are interested in serving with children or youth this semester (or providing a meal for Youth Group), please reach out to Emily Elder.
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children's & Youth Ministries
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Upcoming Events & Meetings | |
SPIRITUALITY | As the Days Lengthen - REGISTER NOW
February, 19 from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
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Registration is open for Contemplative Prayer and the Joyful Season of Lent: An Afternoon for Reflection and Soul-Nurture with Carl McColman, on February 19, 4:00 p.m.
Monastic writers describe Lent as a “joyful” season—but we tend to equate it with penance, giving up chocolate, and no “Alleluias” in church. Can we find joy in this austere time?
Noted contemplative author Carl McColman will share some thoughts on the beauty of silence, the mystery of Divine Love, the paradox of a “joyful” Lent, and the peace of Christ available to all who allow themselves to “Be still and know God.”
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Through Centering (Silent) Prayer and the wisdom of great mystics like Julian of Norwich and the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, he will help us discover a joyful path from Ash Wednesday to Easter—no chocolate necessary!
This event is free, but please click the button to reserve a place so we may plan for adequate space and seating.
Contact: Ann Fowler
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PARISH GROUPS | Interest Meeting for a new Evening ECW Group
Sunday, January 22 at Noon • Room 201
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1/22—The interest meeting for having an Evening ECW group start up this year will meet on Sunday, January 22 at noon in Room 201. We will discuss how the evening group wants to function and how often they want to meet, as well as meet current ECW members and learn about all the amazing things they have been working on. If you are looking for another way to connect with members of Epiphany, please plan to attend!
Contact: Alison Taylor, Organizer
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PARISH GROUPS | Episcopal Racial Justice Group Meeting
Contact Kay if you plan to attend
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1/24—You are invited to join the Epiphany Racial Justice Group for a meal, camaraderie and conversation on Tuesday, January 24 at 6:30 p.m. We plan to brainstorm about how to move forward with our racial justice work at Epiphany. All are welcome.
Contact: Kay Lee, Co-chair
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PARISH GROUPS | Daughters of the King (DOK)
Note different day and time this month!
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1/28—The Epiphany chapter of the DOK lay order meets monthly for prayer, service and evangelism. This Month, they will meet at noon in the parish hall. To learn more about the order, visit doknational.org.
Contact: Judy Jarady, Leader
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NOTICE | Annual Parish Meeting
| 1/29—Please join us in the parish hall at 11:15 a.m. We will hear reports from vestry members and heads of parish organizations, as well as our Priest in Charge. We will also elect new vestry members and thank the retiring ones, receive the 2022 Financial Report and the 2023 Annual Budget. Adult Formation will not take place this day. | | | |
PASTORAL CARE | Community of Hope's Circle of Care
Last Mondays, 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall
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1/30—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
| 2/2—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. | |
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | Society of St. Anna the Prophet Annual Vow Ceremony
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2/4—The Society of Saint Anna the Prophet (SSAP), a vowed, dispersed community of Episcopal women over the age of 50, will hold The Holy Eucharist and Vow Ceremony service at Epiphany on Saturday, February 4 at 11:00 a.m.
Inspired by Anna, the only elder woman mentioned in the New Testament, members of SSAP are both lay and ordained. Our vows to simplicity, creativity and balance are life changing. For more information or to contact us, visit our website at www.annasisters.org.
Applicants must be confirmed Episcopalians, over the age of 50, with a heart for ministry to elders and children, a passion for discovering the gift of their own aging and a longing for intentional community.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | The Feeding Ministry
2nd Fridays of the month
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2/8-10—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.
Contact: Anne Kerner, Ministry Co-Chair
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FORMATION | Contemplative Practice
Second Sundays at 4:00 p.m. • Parish Hall
2/12—Come gather with us at 4:00 p.m. in the parish hall for a time of reflection, meditation instruction, and gathering with others seeking a more grounded way of being in the world. Led by Bobbi Patterson, Elizabeth Ura and the Rev. Amy Dills-Moore.
Contact: The Rev. Amy Dills-Moore
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PARISH GROUPS | Epiphany Book Group
2nd Mondays at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom ONLY for February
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2/13—All are welcome to join the Epiphany Book Group on the second Monday of the month. We will be meeting only on Zoom for the month of February. Starting in March, the discussion will return to a hybrid format - both in person and on Zoom.
Book selections for 2023:
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February: Our Unfinished March, by Eric Holder
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March: The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, by Phaedra Patrick
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April: Living Faith, by Jimmy Carter
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May: Mercy Street, by Jennifer Haigh
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June: The Moonstones, by Wilkie Collins
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September: The Murrow Boys, by Lynne Olson
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October: Hag-Seed, by Margaret Atwood
Contact: Linda Ryder-Wolf, Leader
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PARISH GROUPS | The Episcopal Church Women (ECW)—Daytime Group
2nd Tuesdays at 10 a.m. • Parish Hall
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2/14—The ECW Day Group meets on 2nd Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in the parish hall followed by lunch out.
Contact: Robin Hairston, President
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Altar Arrangements & the Sanctuary Light | |
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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.
For this Sunday, January 15:
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The Arrangements at the Altar are given to the Glory of God.
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The Sanctuary Light is given to the Glory of God and in thanksgiving for Brendan and Ian on their 12th birthday, by Kelli Gantt.
Sign up by noon on Wednesdays to be listed in the Sunday bulletin.
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For members who are bidding our prayers: Ellen Mintzmyer • Rod & Michele MacLeod • Audrey Banfield • Nan Ross • Maggi Ewing • Chris Miller • Rob Godsall • Susan Scott • Beth Towers • Mary McCall Cash • Wende Crowe • Zoey Laird • Judy Jarady • Evan Vega • Sally McClintock • Larry Wilcox • Colleen • Ann Rowles • Sally Brockington
For friends and family: Ellison Fidler, daughter of Lee Fidler & Alison Taylor • Nancy, Norman, Linda, Melody, Scott and Sue, relatives of Nick Theyerl • Sharon Price, cousin of Dick Price • 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: James Kevin Lewis, friend of Terri Lawrence • Jim Stevens • Patsy Schaible, grandmother of Nick Theyerl
For members who desire our continuing prayers: Jewel Allen • Alma Fuller • The Rev. Ruth Healy • 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 the week of 1/15–21: Janet & William Wilson
For those celebrating birthdays for the week of 1/15–21: Olivia Simian • Chris Miller • Bill Monk • Sylvia Yaw • Stephanie Thompson • Andrea Carpenter • Dexter McKinney • Kathleen Rinehart • Matilda McNeely • Derek Yeager
For those awaiting the adoption of a child: Jessica & Duane Burns
For those awaiting the birth of a child: 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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