Weekly eNews for February 10, 2023 | |
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Issue Highlights
- Black History Month
- L'Arche to speak at ECW Meeting 2/14
- 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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Dear Epiphanites
Senior Wardens perform an incredible service to the church and to the clergy with whom they work, and I have been blessed to work with amazing senior wardens since my arrival at Epiphany.
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This past year, I have been so grateful for the work and ministry of Erin Braden. She has helped us navigate a year of transition and future planning with so much grace. We began the year still in the midst of a COVID surge. As we emerged from that into another new normal, we had the opportunity to begin thinking about our future as a parish. She led the vestry and myself to complete a Mutual Ministry Review with guidance from the diocese where we assessed our work together and where we sensed how God was at work in our midst. She guided us through the process of the Congregational Assessment Tool to hear your feedback about where you sensed we were as a parish. After we completed those steps, she did a tremendous amount of work preparing for the church to call me as your rector.
She guided our vestry with such grace and competence, offered support and counsel to many in our parish in their ministry areas, and helped us think about processes throughout the church and how we might do things more effectively and transparently. She epitomizes the compassion and good boundaries that you have heard me preach since I arrived here as an important part of our common life. Beyond all that, she was a tremendous support to me personally and professionally. Working with her has been a joy. I hope you’ll join me in thanking her for her service to this parish for the last year.
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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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In Sunday’s sermon, I quoted Verna Dozier. Born in 1917, Dozier was an influential African American female lay theologian. She received her B.A. and M.A. from Howard University, where she encountered Howard Thurman and his teachings. A high school teacher of English literature and a religious educator, she focused adult education on Bible study and on claiming the authority of the laity. She is credited by many in the Episcopal Church with actually changing the field of scripture study and reclaiming attention to the ministry of all the baptized. | |
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Some of you asked for the quotes from her from Sunday’s sermon:
“A Scripture community has a passion for justice. It is interesting, she said, that in our religious life, we have talked much about love, but little about justice. Justice is the most fundamental concept in the Old Testament and is almost ignored in our study of Scripture. Justice is about life in community. We are more individually-minded than community-minded. Religion for many of us is very individualized, private, and personal. We wax eloquent about love and say not a word about justice. Love without justice is sentimentality.”
In Dialogue with Scripture: An Episcopal Guide to Studying the Bible, 1993
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“The church missed its high calling to be the new thing in the world when it decided to worship Jesus instead of following him… Worship is setting Jesus on a pedestal, distancing him, enshrining him in liturgies, and stained glass windows… Following him is doing what he did: weeping over a situation that was far removed from the dream of God and spending his life to make it different.”
The Dream of God, 1991
In our adult formation class, Carol Bartlett challenged us to deeper thinking about our oneness with creation and the ways in which our language and our beliefs translate into behaviors. Here are a few quotes from that class:
The Earth is the body of God.
Sally McFague
What if we said the Earth is made of God, rather than the Earth is made by God?
John Philip Newell
Each species is the voice of God speaking.
Thomas Berry
God has given to the earth the breath that feeds it.
God’s breath vibrates in yours, in your voice.
It is the breath of God that you breathe.
Theophilis of Antioch
Our Sunday conversation is rich – in worship, in formation, in the hallways and the courtyard. I’m glad to be on this journey with you. See you this Sunday.
Amy+
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Turkey-Syria Earthquake—What you can do
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Earlier this week, a deadly 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck along the border between Turkey and Syria. Although this disaster just happened, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) is already working with partners to provide support.
Please join ERD in this relief effort by making a donation at episcopalrelief.org.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Feeding Ministry—2nd Fridays of the month
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A few more volunteers to help cook, deliver the meal of clean up for tonight's meal would be appreciated. Click the button if you'd like to help.
Contact: Anne Kerner, Ministry Co-Chair
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Guest Preacher
We welcome Trey Davis as our preacher on Sunday.
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A graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana—the state where he was born and raised—he minored in sacred music, which led him to the Episcopal Church as a staff singer at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Shreveport, Louisiana. He is currently in his final semester in seminary at Candler School of Theology. There he studies both conflict resolution and Anglican studies. During his time in seminary, he has served at Emmaus House, been program director for Freedom School in Macon, GA, as well as served as a seminarian on staff at Holy Innocents’.
He is now the Chaplain of the Lower School at Holy Innocents’ and in the ordination process to become a priest in the Diocese of Atlanta. A self-professed Anglophile, he has been to the United Kingdom a number of times. In his free time, he loves exploring music, film, and art. He has a deep love for theology, history, and liturgy. He is also an avid reader and diarist. The light of his life is his now three-year-old Jack Russell named Ludwig Warren van Beethoven Davis (or “Beatty” for short).
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
Children's Chapel
During the service
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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
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 a confirmation meeting today from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at Epiphany. Please let Emily know if you cannot make it.
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children's & Youth Ministries
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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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YOUTH
Youth Group (6th-12th graders)
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Tonight's youth group is a Super Bowl Watch Party at Epiphany! It begins when the game starts at 6:30 p.m., and we will watch together until after the half-time show. Please bring a snack or a side to share!
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children's & Youth Ministries
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PARISH GROUPS
Young Adults—Second Sundays
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Epiphany Young Adults will join in celebrating Emily Badgett’s birthday and will watch the Super Bowl at 7 p.m. at her house. Bring an appetizer to share and your favorite celebratory drink. Come enjoy a fun time of food, fellowship, friends, and some football. Email Emily to RSVP and for directions. /
Contact: Emily Badgett
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Art Ministry
Now Showing in the Gallery
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Watercolors from Parishioner Maggi Ewing
Sunday is the last day to purchase Maggie's work as the exhibit will be taken down early next week.
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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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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LITURGY
Tuesday Morning Worship & the Men's Breakfast Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m. in the side chapel
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2/14—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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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 meets on 2nd Tuesdays in the parish hall. We will start at 10:00 a.m. with a business meeting followed by a discussion of service projects for 2023. The Director of L'Arche will talk with us at 11:00 a.m. to explain L'Arche and how ECW may be able to work with them. Gretchen Maclachlan will talk with us about possible projects with Holy Comforter. This will be a bring your lunch to work meeting. All women of Epiphany are invited to attend.
Contact: Robin Hairston, President
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CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES
Tuesdays at Epiphany
| 2/14—Children & youth choirs and service projects will begin again this coming Tuesday, February 14. We hope to see you there! | |
LITURGY
Wednesday Noonday Prayer & Holy Eucharist
Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. in the side chapel
| 2/15—A Noonday healing service is offered on Wednesdays followed by Eucharist. Please join us in the Side Chapel. | |
Epiphany Choir: Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m. in the Music Suite
2/8—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.
Epiphany Ringers: Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. in the Choir Loft
2/8—This ensemble rings during worship services approximately once every 6 weeks. All the positions are filled at this time, but you can always let Julie know of your interest.
Children's Choirs resume on Tuesday, February 14
2/14—Beginning Choristers (pre-K-2nd grade), the Junior Choir (3rd grade-unchanged voices) will resume rehearsals on Tuesday, February 14.
Contact: Julie Ryder, Organist & Choirmaster
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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 Finnegan, Co-chair
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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 coming next week! Our VBS is with Holy Trinity Parish and St. Bart's, and will run from June 20 to June 23. This year's theme is Compassion Camp: Changing the World with LovingKindness.
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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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. | |
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 Finnegan, 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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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 Period is NOW OPEN
Application Deadline is Wednesday, February 28, 2023
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 Wednesday, February 28, 2023. Please return them by email to the parish office.
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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 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. Learn more or register at https://episcopalatlanta.org/event/hunger-walk-run-2023/ | |
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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Altar Arrangements & the Sanctuary Light | |
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, January 22:
- 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: 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 • Evelyn Perry, friend of Lisa Gray • 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 2/12-18: Cliff Edge & Les Howell
For those celebrating birthdays for the week of 2/12-18: Emily Badgett • Jeanette Hanson • Terry Howell • Alix Janke • Caitlyn Trautwein • Chris DiBello • Kelli Gantt • Amy Shipp • Eleanor Gaffney Stone • Sharyn Dowd • Bruce Maclachlan • Cookie Gold • Anne Kerner • Matt Cook • Jewel Allen • Johanna Hinman • Will Thomas • Susan Williams
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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