Parish Notices for August 12, 2022 |
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New this Issue & Highlights |
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- CAT Survey Results
- Children's Chapel Begins this Sunday
- Interactive Eco-Event at Science Gallery this Sunday at 2 p.m.
- Labyrinth Walk this Sunday at 4 p.m.
- Youth & Families Welcome Back Dinner this Sunday at 5 p.m.
- Join the Sacred Ground dialogue series
- Register for the Kick-Off Picnic - 8/28
- RSVP for the Montgomery Pilgrimage - 9/10
- Private screen of Code Noir - 9/18
- New Chez Epiphany Cooking Class - 9/15
- Invitation to use the Votive Candle Stand
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Last Sunday was a joyful day as we offered blessings for our children and families and for all those in our parish who serve as educators as the school year starts. Children were provided Epiphany tags for their backpacks as daily reminders of our love and support for them. After the service, we gathered in the parish hall to welcome Sally Ulrey, Missioner for Congregational Vitality for the Diocese, who shared the results of our Congregation Assessment Tool (CAT). The results were affirming, encouraging, and even challenging—providing a rich backdrop to strategically explore our future together. We are grateful for the strong response rate with 159 of you completing the survey! Sally noted that this level of response ensures that the results are statistically significant and representative of parishioner assessments. If you were not able to join us last Sunday, please take a moment to click the link below for a summary of Sally’s presentation, or you can watch the recording. |
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Join us this Sunday, August 14 after the service in the parish hall for coffee hour and discussion of the CAT results. Treats will be provided by the Epiphany Book Group. |
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One of the first things Sally described to us was the overall level of satisfaction at Epiphany as shown by CAT responses. A cheer erupted as she shared that Epiphany falls in the High Energy/High Satisfaction “quadrant” according to our results. The CAT findings included this statement, “Respondents report having an extremely satisfying experience in being part of this community at Epiphany. This church has something incredible to offer to those who might be looking for a place to worship and connect.” These affirming results provide the backdrop for us to explore and learn from other key metrics measured by the CAT. The results show that parishioner satisfaction—defined as the the experience of “shalom” or contentment and wholeness—are driven at Epiphany by three major factors: 1) an atmosphere of hospitality, 2) engagement in ministry, and 3) open governance. The overall energy at Epiphany—meaning the experience of purpose and intention—is tied to how well conflict is managed and engagement in ministry and mission.
The CAT assessment provides priorities identified from the responses. These priorities will help guide our exploration of where God is leading us and where we should focus our energy as a Parish community. Your top priorities as we look to our future together are:
- To make necessary changes to attract families with children and youth.
- To reach new people and incorporate them into the life of the church.
- To develop ministries that work toward healing those broken by life circumstances and those living on the margins of society.
- To create opportunities for people to form meaningful relationships.
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The CAT results also describe the “cultural style” of the parish. Fittingly, Epiphany fits the description of the Magi style! A magi congregation values the rational integrity of faith, open discourse, intellectual curiosity, and a focus on justice issues. Understanding our cultural identity will help us better understand who we are and where we have room for growth.
One such area for growth is described as Spiritual Vitality, defined as the daily practice and living out of one’s faith and how faith affects daily life. This is not an unusual result for a Magi culture parish. This result has sparked some interesting conversation already, and I look forward to more conversations with you about how we can embrace the intellectual aspects of our faith while leaning into new ways of experiencing God and approaching spirituality, as we move towards a more expansive practice of our faith. The results of our survey are encouraging in so many ways, particularly given the challenges of the last several years. It’s a testimony of your commitment to this parish and the work we are doing together.
Our time with Sally was short, and there is more that we can learn from the CAT results. We invite you to join us during coffee hour this week to more fully explore the assessment. We want to hear from you—to learn more about your reactions and responses to all that we heard last week. We hope you will plan to join us this Sunday, August 14 after the service in the parish hall for coffee hour and discussion.
Your clergy and vestry leadership will continue to reflect together on all that we have learned from the CAT assessment and to explore the ways it should shape our planning for the future. Sally's presentation last Sunday does not mark the end of the process but instead launches us on a journey together as we consider the invitation these results represent for us as a parish as we look with joy and expectation to the future.
Grace and peace,
Amy
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Sunday Morning Worship
Masks required during worship
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Holy Eucharist - 10:00 a.m. in the nave
- The Healing Station is open in the side chapel.
- Childcare for newborns and children ages 3 and under is available in the nursery. Our vaccinated childcare workers wear KN95 masks.
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Beginning this Sunday, Children up to 2nd grade gather during the last verse of the Sequence Hymn and follow the cross in chapel after the Gospel. They return at the Peace. Parents are welcome to join us! |
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The Summer Choir is open to adults and youth; we rehearse one anthem on Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. and then sing it during the 10:00 a.m. liturgy (no vestments, no weekday commitment, lots of fun and fellowship). Join us upstairs in the Music Suite.
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We hope you will join us after the service for expanded coffee hour this summer.
Thanks to everyone who has filled the schedule for the rest of the Summer.
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ERJG Sunday Service Visit to Holy Cross
Sunday, August 14 at 9:45 a.m.
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The Episcopal Racial Justice Group will return to Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Decatur for another Sunday Service visit of fellowship and communion. The Service starts at 10:00 a.m., we will meet in front of the church at 9:45 a.m. Their website advises that face masks are required and asks that only fully vaccinated persons attend the service with partially or non-vaccinated persons or persons experiencing COVID symptoms encouraged to attend via their streaming platform.
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Only One Earth Initiative Eco-Event
Sunday, August 14 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Only One Earth Initiative is at the Science Gallery Atlanta at Pratt Pullman Yards – 2:00-5:00 p.m. Join Epiphany and our interfaith and ecumenical collaborators for a family-friendly self-paced interactive eco-event that looks at food, water and waste habits to help us consider what smart eco-choices can improve our environment.
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Labyrinth Walk & Contemplative Afternoon
Sunday, August 14 at 4:00 p.m. in the Courtyard
Walking the labyrinth, we seek a sacred path, open to God's guidance, leading us forward. Come gather with us Sunday, August 14 at 4:00 p.m. in the courtyard for a time of reflection, instruction on walking meditation, 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.
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Youth & Families Welcome Back Dinner
Sunday, August 14 at 5:00 p.m.
Join us for a potluck dinner at Epiphany at 5:00 p.m., to kick off youth group for the fall semester! We'll provide the main course (falafel), and we invite you to bring a fitting side dish or a dessert.
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Altar Arrangements and the Sanctuary Light |
The Arrangements at the Altar are given to the Glory of God and in memory of William H. Hall and Doris W. Hall by their daughter Pam Hall.
The Sanctuary Light is given to the Glory of God.
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The color and selection of flowers is based on the appropriateness of the liturgical season. However, you may request a particular flower or color be used when you signup. Suggested donation is $75. |
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The light is a visible sign of the presence of the Blessed Sacrament held in reserve in the Tabernacle and burns for seven days. Suggested donation is $6. |
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Youth Tubing Trip
Saturday, August 20 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Youth (6th - 12th graders) from the diocese are invited to tube down the Chattahoochee in Helen, GA! The cost is $42 per person, and covers lunch, dinner, a tube rental, and transportation.
Registration ends on August 17! Email Emily Elder with any additional questions!
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To register for this event, please fill out BOTH registration links below. One is for tubing itself, and one is for transportation to Helen, GA:
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Volunteer!
Youth & Children's Ministries is seeking willing volunteers to invest in and spend time with Epiphany's younger members! If you're interested in hearing more about these opportunities, please reach out to Emily Elder.
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Interested in Cooking for Youth Group?
This year, we're hoping to bring back meals at youth group (at least 2x/month), because breaking bread together is a valuable way to build community. If you are interested in providing meals for any of the youth groups this semester, please fill out the form located at epiphany.org/rsvp.
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Children's and Youth Choirs return - 10/4 |
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A Dialogue Series on Race, Grounded in Faith |
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Epiphany’s Racial Justice Group and members of Holy Trinity Parish's Beloved Trinity invite you to participate in the Sacred Ground dialogue series, which is part of the Episcopal Church’s Becoming Beloved Community initiative on racial reconciliation.
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Sacred Ground is an 11 session dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. The series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus in Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific Islander American histories as they intersect with European American histories. The curriculum confronts the historical roots of systemic racism and examines how that history still shapes American institutions and social interactions today. If you have interest in participating in a Sacred Ground small group over the course of the academic year with members of Holy Trinity, please email the Rev. Nicole Lambelet.
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Feeding Ministry - 8/12
Monthly on 2nd Fridays
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The Feeding Ministry cooks at Epiphany and then serves the meal at Gateway Shelter on 2nd Fridays. |
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You can help with one or more of the following activities:
- Wednesday - Food Shopping
- Thursday - Chopping Veggies
- Friday - cooking from 2:00–5:00 p.m., serving from 5:00–7:00 p.m. or helping clean up after the volunteer dinner at 7:00 p.m.
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Pilgrimage to Montgomery
Saturday, September 10 at 7:00 a.m.
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We will leave Epiphany at 7:00 a.m. and plan to return by approximately 7:00 p.m.
Our rental van has already filled up, but we anticipate getting a second vehicle, so please sign up on the Wait List if you’d like to join us!
The cost is $45 which covers the tickets, van rental and gas. Lunch is not included but there are 2 restaurant options nearby. Please register if you want to join us.
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Private Screening of Code Noir
Sunday, September 18 at 4 p.m.
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Epiphany's Racial Just Group (ERJG) is hosting a private screening of the film Code Noir including a discussion with cast members and the creative team after the film.
Code Noir tells the story of General Alex Dumas, the first person of color in the French military to become general-in-chief of a French army. Born of a French aristocrat and an enslaved Haitian woman, Dumas was a hero of the French Revolution and father of the famous novelist, Alexandre Dumas. Join us to hear his story, examined through the lens of the justice system. We'll screen the movie, and then enjoy a discussion with the cast and creative team of the film, including Epiphany member Carolyn Cook. Light refreshments will be served.
The cost of the screening has been covered so there is no charge to attend. However, in order for Eventbrite to register and process your ticket a donation of at least $1.00 is required. While only $1.00 is required to register, we encourage you to consider a small additional donation in support of the Theatre du Reve theater company that created this fascinating film.
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Community of Hope's Circle of Care - 8/22
Monthly on 4th Mondays at 6:00 p.m.
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The Community of Hope's Circle of Care members gather monthly on 4th Mondays from 6:00-8:30 p.m. 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 by one of the trained caregivers, please contact Ann Fowler.
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The Grief Pastoral Care Group - 9/1
Monthly on 1st Thursdays at noon
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The Grief Pastoral Care Group meets on Zoom 1st Thursdays at noon 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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Parish Events & Groups Meetings |
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The Living Contemplatively Spirituality Book Study Group - 8/11
Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
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The Living Contemplatively Spirituality Book Study Group meets together on Zoom on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. This time they are reading and discussing The Gift of Years by Joan Chittister.
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Book of Forgiving Book Group
Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. - last meeting 8/16
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The Book of Forgiving book group meets Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Choir Loft and is led by Ellen Mintzmyer and Susan Ashmore. The book by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter the Rev. Mpho Tutu, is a manual on the art of forgiveness—helping us to realize that we are all capable of healing and transformation.
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Kick-Off Picnic
Sunday, August 28 after the service
We’re kicking off the fall programming with a picnic after services on August 28. Joel Fowler will be grilling beef tenderloins for us, as well as hot dogs and veggie burger. Parishioners are invited to bring salads, sides, desserts. Parish Life will provide beverages.
The RSVP link will be published on the home page later this afternoon.
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Join the Epiphany Choir
Rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 7 at 6:45 p.m.
Our all-volunteer choir provides musical leadership for the 10:00 a.m. liturgy and feast days with rehearsals on Wednesdays from 6:45-8:30 p.m. The first rehearsal of the season is September 7. Membership is open to fully vaccinated adults and youth.
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Acolyte Q & A Sessions
September 11 & 25 at 9:00 a.m.
Are you, or do you know someone interested in becoming an Acolyte? If so, information sessions will take place on Sunday September 11 and Sunday September 25 at 9:00 a.m. Acolyting is open to all those in 4th Grade and above (including adults).
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New Chez Epiphany Cooking Class
September 15, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Our next Chez Epiphany Cooking Class will be Thursday, September 15, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in the church kitchen with Joel Fowler. The theme this time is Japanese food!! Note that, in addition to other dishes, the menu will include sushi—BUT it won't be exclusively raw fish sushi. There will be plenty of non-raw toppings for those who prefer otherwise.
The cost is $30 per person (slight increase due to more expensive Japanese ingredients), which includes the class and the dinner we have together from what we cook. Hope you can make it!
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You may have noticed the votive candle stand that has been moved to a new spot just inside the door of the nave when you enter from the narthex. The votive stand was built by Bill Graves from reclaimed wood from a prior renovation. The cross atop the stand was from the marble reredos mounted behind the altar when the altar was on the opposite end of the nave prior to the 1989 renovation of the nave. The votive stand was originally placed in the prayer room at the back of the nave and recently moved into the nave to allow it to be more visible and used more regularly. |
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Candles have long been used in worship and are for us a reminder of the presence of Christ who said “I am the light of the world.” Lighting a candle in church may be done as an act of prayer, in memory of someone, or as a way to show devotion to God. We invite you to come in and light a candle and spend time in prayer in the nave anytime the church office is open. |
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Provide relief and help communities recover from flooding and fires |
Deadly flooding and fires in southern and western parts of the US are displacing thousands and creating a financial burden on the most vulnerable. Episcopal Relief & Development is working with church and local partners to provide help where it’s needed the most. Your swift response and compassionate gift to the Episcopal Relief & Development Disaster Fund will provide supplies to help communities in Kentucky, Virginia, Missouri, California and other places make a full and sustained recovery. Visit episcopalrelief.org to make a contribution today for US Disaster Response.
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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. This quarter our donation was $37.14.
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The Education for Ministry (EFM) Zoom group got off to a good start last fall, and will continue again for the 2022-2023 school year. There are 4 states represented in the group—including GA, with Epiphany’s own Sara Cushing—and one group member from Turks & Caicos. Despite the format, the group has bonded well, but would be able to easily welcome new members. All 4 years are invited to join. |
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EFM is a four-year extension program of the School of Theology of the University of the South. It is partly academic readings, but the heart of EFM is theological reflection, or “TR.“ In a TR, participants discuss issues of faith, what they believe, what they question, how it relates to their everyday lives, and how they keep faith alive. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. The cost of the program is $350 per year. The meetings will be held from early September through May. For further information, contact Esther Harbert.
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Required Trainings for Staff & Lay Leadership
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Dismantling Racism training is offered by the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing. Currently, the training is only being offered online via Zoom from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In-person trainings have not yet resumed.
Safeguarding Training: Click the link to register for Safeguarding God's Children (SGC) or Safeguarding God's People (SGP) trainings. The link below is for the Zoom trainings. In-person trainings are restarting. Check with the parish office for any available dates if that is your preference.
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Morning Prayer takes place every weekday at 9:00 a.m. on Zoom. Login at 8:45 a.m. for coffee hour. Contact the parish office for the link.
Tuesday Morning Prayer/Holy Eucharist: The Men’s Breakfast Group meets each Tuesday morning at 7 a.m. for Morning Prayer (Holy Eucharist 1st Tuesdays) followed by a time of fellowship before heading on their way for the day. Contact: John Yntema.
Wednesday Services: Wednesday Noonday Prayer takes place at 12:00 p.m. in the nave. A Healing Service with Eucharist follows at 12:15 p.m.
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Dave Schneberger Funeral | Saturday, August 20 at 2:30 p.m.
The Waldorf School of Atlanta Sanctuary, 711 S. Columbia Dr. Decatur, GA, 30030
Masks are required. There will be gathering outside the sanctuary after the service.
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Knox Robert (Bob) Burnett | Sunday, September 18 at 4:00 p.m.
The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
Masks are required. Following the service there will be a reception in the parish hall.
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For members who are bidding our prayers: Keith Fox • Annalia Polemitis • Maia & Brynn Schneberger • Julie Dodge • Zoey Laird • Lisa Daily • Floyd Parker • Lane Burnett • Lisa Gray • Judy Jarady • Stephanie Thompson • Ron Hutcheson • Evan Vega • Jane Stutz • Jewel Allen • Sally McClintock • Rod MacLeod • Larry Wilcox • Jennie Richardson • Colleen • Ann Rowles • Sally Brockington
For friends and family: The Pegg family, friends of Amy Shipp & Eric Schulz • Elizabeth Dolezel, sister of Marjorie Timmer • Kirk Tcherneshoff, brother of Amy Shipp • Kathy Black and Michael & Bethany Gaige, relatives of Barbara Beclore • Anne Cavett, daughter-in-law of Wayne & Judy Urban • Jerre McGrath, sister of Jeff McGrath • Sophia Baginski, friend of David Draper • Russell Saxon, nephew of Kathie Ryan • Peggy Bryant, mother of Patrick Bryant • Diana Lawrence, niece of Terri Lawrence • Keren Clay, neighbor of Susan & Richard Messner • Nicky Cullen, friend of Linda Ryder-Wolf • Rosalind sister of Katharine Yntema • Dave Tipton, brother of Pam Tipton • Betty Porter, relative of Christen Erskine • Isabel, granddaughter of Mike & Beth Towers
For members who desire our continuing prayers: Alma Fuller • Tom Mundy • Idamay Shaw • Pat Spivey • June Sparks • Wayne & Judy Urban • Kathy Walmsley
For those in the armed forces: Henry Laird • Stewart Mundy
For those who have died: The Rev. Dr. G. Robert (Bob) Gary, father of Bill Gary • Andrew Martin, nephew of Sherry Wallace • Bob Burnett • Bonnie Wolf, aunt of Brittany Allen
For those celebrating anniversaries for the week of 8/14-20: Christen & Kurt Erskine • Theresa Milazzo & John Pierson • Nadine & John Howarth • Julie Ryder & Teresa Lawrence
For those celebrating Birthdays for the week of 8/14-20: Margo Timberlake • Benjamin Baltrusaitis • Beckett Boatright • Amanda Styles • Meg Councilman • Ann Rowles • Joel Fowler • Hannah Thompson • Bradley McPhail • Rachela Davidson-Leghorn • Sullivan Tillman • Lila Hanna • Jen Yeager
For those awaiting the adoption of a child: Jessica & Duane Burns
For those awaiting the birth of a child: Claire & Cody Chaffins • Megan & Laraine Fraijo-Paul • Kaylie & Evan Gibbs
Did we miss your anniversary or birthday? Send your full date of your anniversary and/or your date of birth to the parish office 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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