Weekly eNews for February 17, 2023 | |
Issue Highlights
- New Year, New Vestry
- Black History Month
- Deepdene Cleanup 2/18
- As Days Lengthen - Register Now for 2/19 event
- Shrove Tuesday 2/21
- Ash Wednesday 2/22
- IONA 2024 Pilgrimage Interest Deadline 2/24
- Green Team Summit 2/26
- Endowment Grant Application Deadline 2/28
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New Year, New Vestry
Your Vestry met at the Cathedral of St. Philip on February 10-11 for a wide ranging and rewarding retreat to plan for the upcoming year. Among the highlights: Lisa Daily was unanimously selected as your Junior Warden (the “people’s warden”!), and liaison assignments for each Vestry member were reviewed and accepted – see photos and roles at our Vestry Page.
Besides the approval of the 2023 budget, your Vestry approved a “Resolution Towards Environmental Stewardship” at the suggestion of the Earth Guild (see the resolution here) and a Statement on Racial Justice (see the statement here).
Lisa, Liefy, Peter, Susan, Kaylie, Paige, April, Judy, Matthew, Andrea, Sally and I are excited to serve the Parish this year.
Bert Bender, Senior Warden
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C2023 Budget Approved & 2022 Year End Results Reported
In cooperation with the careful planning of your Finance Committee and the stalwart efforts of our Stewardship team supported by your Vestry—and you, the generous pledgers from our pews —we have exceeded our 2023 operating pledge goal. With the increase, we are able to provide a 5% “cost of living” compensation increase to our wonderful staff!
You can see our 2023 budget and 2022 results on our “Publications and Forms” page, where the 2023 budget proforma includes compensation for a full-time, 12-month Associate Priest . However, we anticipate paying only for actual months employed in 2023 (fewer than 12, resulting in an anticipated budget surplus for 2023). We ended 2022 with a small deficit of $9,940 that was absorbed by retained surplus amounts from prior years.
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Yes! We exceeded our goal! Thank You! And … it’s not too late …
If you have not yet made a pledge, please consider offering your confirmed giving for 2023 via a pledge.
Pledge cards are available in the narthex and gallery, or you can make your pledge online by clicking the button.
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As we commemorate Black History Month, we will be introducing you to some Black Episcopalians who have shaped us as people of faith. | |
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Absalom Jones
By Emily Badgett, Seminarian
As someone in the ordination process and living in Atlanta, I am constantly reminded of the work of Absalom Jones. Many are familiar with the Absalom Jones Center that Catherine Meeks runs. But many may not know about the scholarship that bears his name also. The Absalom Jones Fund for Episcopal HBCUs supports two institutions affiliated with The Episcopal Church since the 1800s: Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Voorhees University in Denmark, South Carolina. As a Sewanee graduate myself, it is easy to think that it is the only remaining Episcopal University, but this fund reminds me that there are a total of three Episcopal Universities, two of which are HBCUs.
The Center here in Atlanta and this scholarship funds speak to Jones’s dedication towards education. In addition, they challenge the perception that Episcopalian means white. Instead, Abaslom Jones was born into slavery in 1746 and he taught himself to read partly from the New Testament. After working to purchase his wife’s freedom and his own, he and his dear friend Richard Allen mobilized the Black community during the Yellow fever epidemic of 1793 for the community to care for the ill. At the end of the 18th century, Abaslom Jones was one of several free Africans who petitioned Congress and the President to end Slavery. In 1802 after serving as an Episcopal Deacon for seven years and countless years of service before that, at age 56, Jones was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop William White which marked him as the first African American Episcopal Priest. He then would serve as rector of The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, the first all-Black Episcopal parish, after many years of dedicated service as both a deacon and a layperson. Absalom Jones’s legacy is profound and complex. Jones did a lot of firsts, but he knew the importance of community to support and sustain ministry. So this week I would encourage you to learn more about the community around you and how might you connect in a new way and/or sustain an already existing ministry. Epiphany sure has lots to offer!
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Earth Guild Event
Forest and Wildlife Habitat Restoration
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2/18—Please join Earth Guild members outdoors from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in Deepdene Park across from the church. We will join our neighbors to pull weeds, remove invasive plant species, pick up trash, mulch tree wells and shrub beds, and install native plants.
If you haven’t walked through Deepdene before, you’re in for a treat. It’s a 22-acre wooded tract with a stream winding through it and a topography that ranges from steep slopes to a flat meadow.
Contact: Frances Finegan, Co-chair
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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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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Turkey-Syria Earthquake—What you can do
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Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) is providing critical relief to communities in Turkey and Syria impacted by the earthquake. In supporting our local partners with life-saving supplies and resources, medicine and emergency support, we can help communities rebuild and heal.
Please join ERD in this relief effort by making a donation at episcopalrelief.org.
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
Children's Chapel
During the service
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Children (up to 3rd grade) are invited to gather at the cross by the Choir Loft during the last verse of the Sequence Hymn for the reading of the Gospel and Children’s Chapel. 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
Sunday Formation Classes
Sundays at 11:15 a.m.
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Adult Formation: 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 in the parish hall.
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Children's Formation: Godly Play will be in Room 205 for children from 3 years old to 3rd grade, and "Surveyors of Scripture" will be in Room 206 for children in 4th and 5th grade.
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Youth Formation Sunday morning classes are on hiatus due to additional confirmation meetings on Sunday afternoons.
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FORMATION
Youth Confirmation Class
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There is no confirmation meeting today, due to DeKalb and Decatur school breaks
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children's & Youth Ministries
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YOUTH
Youth Group (6th-12th graders)
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There is no youth group today, due to DeKalb and Decatur school breaks. We will see you next at the Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 21!
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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Lexicon of Human Dignity
Dr. Colleen Morich, Epiphanite and founder of the Lexicon of Human Dignity, is displaying 5 of the 12 informational Artworks in the Gallery through March 22. The last of the series has been finished and is “Good Trouble,” highlighting Congressman John Lewis.
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The Lexicon of Human Dignity artwork highlights Thought Leaders from the Atlanta area, across many disciplines. Informational Artworks are the cornerstone of this project. They provide easy to understand picture-based stories of how our Thought Leaders are working in their respective fields to support Human Dignity in our neighbors across the Atlanta Region. By illuminating the vocabulary of Human Dignity, and with it the conversation about the challenges facing our neighbors, their insights help educate, engage and activate people to pay closer attention to how we might support their Human Dignity.
The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany sponsored the Lexicon of Human Dignity project. You can learn more at www.lohd.org and visit all 12 of the Informational Artworks, including the 5 that will be displayed this time in the gallery.
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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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2/21—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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CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES
Tuesdays at Epiphany
| 2/21—There will be no service project this week, but siblings and families are invited to come decorate the Alleluia banner during rehearsal. We hope you'll also stay for the pancake supper afterwards! | |
On Shrove Tuesday, come to the parish hall at 5:30 p.m. to help decorate the Alleluia Banner. All ages welcome! Then join us at 6:00 p.m. for pancakes (cooked by our Youth) and/or potluck Cajun (you bring it). There will be King Cake for dessert. The Burning of the Palms Liturgy will follow in the Courtyard at 6:45 p.m. | |
PARISH LIFE/YOUTH MINISTRIES
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - February 21
Served from 6:00-6:45 p.m.
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The Epiphany Youth will be preparing a pancake supper to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, and to raise money for their summer pilgrimage (destination TBD).
One serving is 3 pancakes (with toppings) and 2 pieces of bacon or 1 vegetarian sausage. There will be a gluten-free option available as well.
Please RSVP so that we know how much batter and bacon/veggie sausage to buy and cook. We also encourage you to bring a topping or a side—the theme is cajun food, for Mardi Gras!
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NOTE: If you plan to just enjoy the pancakes, you do not need to bring a dish to share. And you do not need to RSVP for pancakes if you are just planning to sample the Cajun fare. | |
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Pancake Volunteers Needed
We need a minimum of 5 adult volunteers who can help with chaperoning, organizing, and cleaning.
Volunteers need to be at the church from 5:45-6:30 p.m.
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2/22—We will observe the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday services at 12:00 & 7:00 p.m. in the nave and online. | |
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Children's Choirs resume on Tuesday, February 14
2/21—Beginning Choristers (pre-K-2nd grade) meet Tuesdays from 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.
2/21—Junior Choir (3rd grade-unchanged voices) meet Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
The Epiphany Choir: Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m. in the Music Suite
2/22—The Epiphany Choir will NOT meet this week.
Epiphany Ringers: Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. in the Choir Loft
2/22—The Epiphany Ringers will NOT meet this week.
Contact: Julie Ryder, Organist & Choirmaster
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Upcoming Events & Meetings | |
PARISH PRIORITIES
Coffee, Cake & Conversation
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2/26—Join us in the Parish Hall after the service on Sunday, February 26 for Coffee, Cake and Conversation about the priorities of our Parish.
With a new year, new Core Values, new Vestry and budget, and more, we want to look at our professed values and mission, and how we can better live those in our Parish lives and relationships.
Plus: baked goods! We look forward to joining together.
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Liturgical & Event Calendar through Spring
Asterik (*) denotes services that will also be live-streamed
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Season of Lent
February 22—Ash Wednesday services at 12:00 & 7:00 p.m.*
February 26—First Sunday in Lent • 10:00 a.m.*
March 30—Installation Service • 6:00 p.m.*
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Each Week during Lent
Sunday Holy Eucharist • 10:00 a.m.*
Weekday Morning Prayer • 9:00 a.m. (Zoom only
Tuesday Holy Eucharist 1st Tuesdays • 7:00 a.m.
Wednesday Stations of the Cross • 11:45 a.m.
Wednesday Eucharist with Healing • 12:15 p.m.
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Holy Week & Easter
April 2—Palm Sunday • 10:00 a.m.*
April 5—Tenebrae • 7:00 p.m.
April 6—Agápe Supper (RSVP) • 6:00 p.m.
April 6—Maundy Thursday Liturgy • 7:00 p.m.*
April 7—Good Friday Liturgy • 12:00 p.m.*
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April 9—Easter Sunday
The Great Vigil of Easter • 6:00 a.m.
Easter Day Service • 9:00 a.m.*
Easter Breakfast • 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt • 10:15 a.m.
Easter Day Service • 11:00 a.m.*
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Earth Guild Event
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2/26—Please join the Earth Guild and our friends at Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL) at its annual Green Team Summit from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs. The Summit gives people of faith across Georgia an opportunity to gather and learn how we can work together for environmental justice and sustainability.
Contact: Frances Finegan, Co-chair
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PASTORAL CARE
Community of Hope's Circle of Care
Last Mondays, 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall
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2/27—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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COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT
Earth Guild Meeting
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2/28—Please join the Earth Guild on Tuesday from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. in Room 201. We will review our annual plan and focus on 2nd quarter events.
Contact: Frances Finegan or Carol Bartlett
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2/28—After choir practice and the service project on Tuesday, February 28, we'll have a Family Eucharist service from 6:15 - 6:45 p.m. All are welcome to join! Pizza will be served beforehand. | |
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Epiphany Pilgrimage to Iona in 2024
If you are interested in the trip, please contact Ann Fowler by February 28, 2023.
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A trip for Epiphany members is being planned to Scotland’s Isle of Iona for a week of reflection and spiritual practice, led by noted Celtic teacher and author John Philip Newell. He offers teachings grounded in Celtic wisdom, inviting us to awaken to the sacredness of Earth and every human being, and calling us to translate this awareness into action in our lives and world.
The trip will be from April 18 to April 27. The total cost is approximately $4,000 to $5,000 for airfare, lodging, meals, and the program. Spaces in Iona pilgrimages are limited and fill fast. You will be placed on an email list providing information, updates, and notification of the 2024 registration opening this spring. Upon booking, a payment of $2,250 covering seven days of dinner, bed and breakfast, and the course fee is required. All transportation costs are separate and will be due later.
Contact: Ann Fowler
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NOTICE
Endowment Grant Submission Deadline is Tuesday, February 28
The 30-day period for requesting disbursements from the Epiphany Endowment Fund opened on the day of the annual parish meeting, January 29, 2023
Guidelines for distributions, pursuant to the Epiphany Endowment Fund’s Plan of Operation:
- Capital improvements, debt reduction, or the building program of the Church of the Epiphany;
- Scholarships or grants to members of the Church of the Epiphany for the purpose of attending college, seminary, nursing or medical school; for church-related camping or leadership conferences; or such other training which enables members of this congregation to grow in Christian faith and service to God’s people;
- Outreach into the community including, but not limited to, grants to Episcopal colleges and seminaries, social service agencies, institutions and agencies to which this parish relates, and to special programs designed for those persons in our area who are in spiritual and/or economic need; projects of the Episcopal Church at home and overseas.
Request forms are available at epiphany.org/endowment fund of the Epiphany website. Application Deadline is Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Please return them by email to the parish office.
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LITURGY
Wednesday Noonday Prayer & Holy Eucharist
Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. in the side chapel
| 3/1—A Noonday healing service is offered on Wednesdays followed by Eucharist. Please join us in the Side Chapel. | |
PASTORAL CARE
The Grief Pastoral Care Group
1st Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. on Zoom
| 3/2—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. | |
PARISH GROUP
Evening Episcopal Church Women
1st Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. on Zoom
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3/2—The Evening ECW (Episcopal Church Women) group will gather for an information meeting Thursday, March 2 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the parish hall. Come to meet some current members, hear a little bit of our history and discuss how a new evening group might work.
Contact: Alison Taylor
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Feeding Ministry—2nd Fridays of the month
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3/8-10—Volunteers cook at Epiphany and then serves the meal at Gateway Shelter on 2nd Fridays. To help prepare, cook or serve the meal, click the button.
Contact: Anne Kerner, Ministry Co-Chair
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Racial Justice Book Group
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3/8—The next Episcopal Racial Justice Book Group discussion will be held on Wednesday, March 8th from 6:45-8 p.m. in Room 201. We will discuss The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein. Epiphanite, Linda Ryder-Wolf will lead the discussion. All are welcome.
One of Publishers Weekly's 10 Best Books of 2017
Longlisted for the National Book Award
This “powerful and disturbing history” exposes how American governments deliberately imposed racial segregation on metropolitan areas nationwide (New York Times Book Review).
Click here for full review on Amazon >>
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Hunger Walk
| 3/12—In partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, support the Episcopal Community Foundation and fight hunger. Fundraise to end hunger, then walk, run, and volunteer at this fantastic community event. Participate online or in person. | |
FORMATION
Contemplative Practice
Second Sundays at 4:00 p.m. • Parish Hall
3/12—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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3/13—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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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
Daughters of the King (DOK)
NOTE: The DOK will not meet in the month of February
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3/26—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, Leader
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A SPECIAL LITURGY
Installation of a New Rector
Thursday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m.
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3/30—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!
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
Vacation Bible School (VBS)!
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6/20-23— Registration for this summer's VBS is now open! Our VBS is with Holy Trinity Parish and St. Bart's, and will run from June 20 - 23. This year's theme is Compassion Camp: Changing the World with LovingKindness. Please see the Epiphany RSVP page to register.
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children's & Youth Ministries
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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. Sign up by noon on Wednesdays to be listed in the Sunday bulletin.
For this Sunday, February 19:
- The Arrangements at the Altar and the Sanctuary Light are given to the Glory of God.
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For members who are bidding our prayers: Jarrod Moody • Jordan Moody • Bonnie & Chris Kissler • Ellen Mintzmyer • Rod & Michele MacLeod • Audrey Banfield • Nan Ross • Maggi Ewing • Chris Miller • Beth Towers • Mary McCall Cash • Wende Crowe • Zoey Laird • Judy Jarady • Evan Vega • Sally Brockington
For friends and family: Brian Jaudon, friend of Laura Gary • Mike Dickerson, friend of Laura Gary • Sheila Thompson, mother of Nathan Thompson • Marie Davis, mother of Katharine Hilliard-Yntema • JoJo Brauer, friend of Emily Elder • Liza Deeters, friend of Lisa Carlson • Floyd Martin, Jr., friend of Larry Wilcox • Lauren Betsill, daughter-in-law of Chris & Carol Moser, niece-in-law of Joel & Ann Fowler • Brisa Espindola, friend of Laraine & Megan Fraijo-Paul • Kirk Tcherneshoff, brother of Amy Shipp • Eileen Gleman, mother of Lisa Carolson • Lee, Nadine, Sophie & Malcolm, family of Nicole Pritchard, neighbors of Kay Lee & Bert Bender • Kimberly & Joshua, friends of the Rev. Amy Dills-Moore • Mary, grandmother of Ellyn Bryan • Sophia Baginski, friend of David Draper • Russell Saxon, nephew of Kathie Ryan • Dave Tipton, brother of Pam Tipton • Isabel, granddaughter of Mike & Beth Towers
For members who desire our continuing prayers: Jewel Allen • Alma Fuller • The Rev. Ruth Healy • Ron Hutcheson • Rod MacLeod • Sally McClintock • Tom Mundy • Floyd Parker • Pat Spivey • Ann Rowles • Wayne & Judy Urban • Larry Wilcox • Kathy Walmsley • Colleen
For those in the armed forces: Henry Laird • Stewart Mundy
For those celebrating anniversaries for the week of 2/19-25: Brent Henderson & Calvin Houts
For those celebrating birthdays for the week of 2/19-25: Wende Crow • Lauren DeMotte-Kelly • Evan Gibbs • Cristina Montesinos • Nick Christian • Keira Bassett • Shannon Lambeth • Peggy Shaw • Bill Gary • Barbara Nama • Claire Tobin • Claudia Tillman
For those awaiting the adoption of a child: Jessica, Duane and Abram Burns
For our Epiphany youth who are beginning their confirmation journey: Lily Brandon • Ann Davis • Brady Davis • Riley Davis • Callie Finnegan • J.P. Loughlin • Ivy May • Henry Van Ness.
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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