Parish Notices for November 6, 2020 |
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This Sunday, November 8, is our Ingathering Sunday in the 2021 Stewardship Campaign “For such a time as this.” This campaign reminded us that God sees, hears, and feels us in these times and that we are called to love, comfort and support each other. We framed this initially in the context of the pandemic and all the extraordinary changes around us. |
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This week was also “such a time as this” and many of us are resisting being called for such a time. We are wondering if we have lost our way as a country and why meanness of spirit and disregard for others has become accepted. Many of us feel untethered and adrift, wondering if we do need to find that Emotional Support Canadian to get through. |
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And yet, here we are on Ingathering Sunday. The placing of a pledge card in the basket during our service has become more and more symbolic in our times. Many, if not most of us, have crossed the digital bridge to online pledging and paying. But today, with my pledge card in my hand, I feel the power of the act.
In my despair about the loss of love for each other, I know God sees me. I offer this pledge to create a community that shows the love of God.
In my anger at the disregard for the value of individuals seen as “other” I know God hears me. I offer this pledge to create a community that shows justice and comfort.
When I feel lost in despair, I know God feels me. I offer this pledge card to create a community that anchors and comforts me.
When my heart is heavy, my feet are tired and my spirit is weary, I know God feels me. I offer this pledge to create a community where I can rest, cry, laugh, love, and KNOW the amazing healing power of God’s grace.
We have two ways for you to experience the power of the pledge card, even if only symbolic.
If you are attending the 11:30 a.m. in person service, we will have an opportunity for you to place your card in the basket during the service. (We will have pledge cards available at the welcome table if you do not have one.) After you place your card, we will give you your “pledge candle” in acknowledgement of your pledge.
If you are not attending the 11:30 a.m. in person service, we will be in the church parking lot from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. to receive your pledge card. This will be a drive by ingathering, and you will receive your candle and a blessing.
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This is indeed “such a time as this” and we are called to create a place that is bright enough, loud enough, and clear enough that no one can mistake the alternative of God’s grace in our world. We look forward to you too experiencing the power of the pledge card. |
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Peggy Palmiter, Stewardship Chair |
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WELCOME TO CHRISTEN ERSKINE |
After a week of what the New York Times has called a nail-biting news cycle, I am delighted to announce some good news! Christen Erksine, Christian Educator and Godly Play Foundation Trainer, has agreed to serve Epiphany for the next several months as the Interim Director of Children's Ministries. Christen will begin her new position this coming week and will remain with us until August of next year. During her tenure Christen will focus on providing pastoral support and formational opportunities for children in our parish, in addition to working closely with our Children's Committee to help name the program's strategic priorities and lay the groundwork for their implementation. We are thrilled to have someone with Christen's passion and expertise serve in this position. You can read more about Christen in her letter of introduction below. Please join me this week in welcoming her to our staff team.
The Rev. Nicole Lambelet, Associate Priest for Family Ministry & Outreach
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I am delighted to join you in ministry as the Interim Director for Children's Ministries. From my own experience as a young adult and then a new parent, I know what a loving and supportive community this is. It is exciting to be part of Church of the Epiphany again.
I believe children are an integral part of the body Christ: we have much to learn from them as well as what we can share with them. I am looking forward to getting know the children and families of Epiphany. Here's a piece of my faith story so you know who I am. MORE>>
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Click on the login links below to join a service - a Zoom account is not needed. These links and all our worship information can also be found on the worship services page of our our website,
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Sunday Morning Worship @ 9:00 A.M.
Login around 8:50 a.m. to greet one another. Remain online after to participate in Small Groups Virtual Coffee Hour. Formation classes start at 10:15 a.m. (See listings below.)
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Weekday Morning Prayer @ 9:00 a.m.
Login around 8:45 a.m.for Virtual Coffee Hour. The Zoom Login is a private link. Email the parish office to receive the link and meeting ID.
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Wednesday Noonday Prayer @ 12:30 p.m.
Login around 12:20 p.m. to greet on another. The Zoom Login is a private link. Email the parish office to receive the link and meeting ID.
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Personal Prayer Time in the Nave for October has ended. Email the parish office if you would like this program to be offered again in November.
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Outdoor Worship Opportunities
Registration Required. More information and COVID protocols are listed on the sign-ups.
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Sunday Morning Worship @11:30 a.m.
11/8 - Registration Now Open
11/15 - Registration Now Open
11/22, 11/29
Wi-Fi outside is spotty, so print the bulletin at home and bring it with you.
Youth Evening Prayer Sundays @ 5:30 p.m.
11/8 - Registration Now Open
11/22 - Registration Now Open
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ADULT FORMATION - Two Offerings |
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The Prophets: From Jerusalem to Selma
Sundays at 10:15 a.m.
The class begins with an introduction to the Old Testament prophets and the visions of justice encountered there. It will then shift to a consideration of major prophetic figures from the contemporary struggle for racial justice in America. Led by Evan Basset, Theologian in Residence.
Meeting ID: 532 38 5901
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Modern Families - Two times offered
- Sunday Mornings at 10:15 a.m.
- 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 8 p.m.
We are spending the fall thinking about the core practices of church life as expressed by the sacraments. Gathering around the structure put forth in Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans, the group will explore what church is for, what it means for us to gather, and how church life and family life work together to form human identity.
Sunday Group: Confirmation - the church welcomes us (pp.161-199).
Meeting Number: 873 6605 4019
Thursday Group: 1st and 3rd Thursdays, Nov. 5th, Holy Orders: the church tells us we are commissioned (pp. 97-117).
Meeting Number: 851 6230 2412
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Age specific formation groups for youth are offered on Sundays. To register your youth for a link, please email our Youth Director, Matt Schramm. In addition to enjoying meaningful connection with their peers, youth and their teachers will be working their way through the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) curriculum which is focused on developing and integrating faith to all areas of life.
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This Sunday, join our new Interim Director for Children's Ministry, Christen Erskine, at 10 a.m. for the Godly Play story, The Great Family. We're so excited to welcome all Epiphany children for a time of singing, wondering, and worshiping God!
Meeting ID: 890 5875 0509
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On the 1st & 3rd Sunday nights from 5 - 6 p.m. a combined Middle & High School age youth group gathers via Zoom for conversation and community building. First we discuss the past week's events and devotional material. Then we play community games like Jackbox, Code Names, and Bible Jeopardy.
Meeting ID: 532 38 5901
On 2nd & 4th Sundays from at 5:30 p.m., we gather for outside for Evening Prayer and games. Registration is required, click here to register.
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The Christmas meeting will be December 7. We will make some final decisions about books to read in 2021. Please "bring" a poem to read to the group if you are inclined. Also, it was suggested by Mary Lou that we all read The Uncommon Reader, a novella by Alan Bennett. If enough people read that, we will have a short discussion about it. According to Wikipedia, "The title's "uncommon reader" (Queen Elizabeth II) becomes obsessed with books after a chance encounter with a mobile library. The story follows the consequences of this obsession for the Queen, her household and advisers, and her constitutional position."
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The choice for January is Transcription by Kate Atkinson. According to Wikipedia, "The novel focuses on the activities of British orphan Juliet Armstrong throughout World War II and afterwards, and how she begins a career as a low-level transcriptionist for MI5, before rising through the ranks."
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Grief Pastoral Care Group |
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The Grief Pastoral Care Group meets 1st Thursdays at noon via Zoom for a healing and faith based conversation around grief and loss. Led by parishioners Megan Fraijo-Paul and Nancy Thompson, both trained psychotherapists. Email either Megan or Nancy to join the group.
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Flex & Stretch and Chair Yoga |
The Flex & Stretch class—which is the basic SilverSneakers class—meets on Zoom on Fridays and the Chair Yoga program meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All at 11 a.m. Email Ellen Mintzmeyer for the login.
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Weekly Prayer for Racial Justice |
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We prayed together beforehand and invite you to join with us:
For the experience of today, for another chance to live
and serve you and serve one another, we are truly grateful.
Free us this day from:
All fear
All anxiety
All bitterness toward others
All cowardice
All prejudice
All laziness in our thoughts and actions.
Fill us with:
Love that knows no barrier
Courage that cannot be shaken
Faith strong enough for dark times
Strength sufficient for our tasks
Wisdom to meet life’s complexities.
Be with us today and fill our hearts with love for all your people.
Amen.
(Excerpted from JustFaith Ministries)
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Thanksgiving at Home
Return filled bags by Tuesday, November 17
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Each November, Emmaus House, a mission of the Diocese, sponsors Thanksgiving at Home for our neighbors in Peoplestown. Many of the households in the neighborhoods surrounding Emmaus House are living with food insecurity. A lack of food is even more prevalent this year, given the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, Thanksgiving is just one more day of struggling to survive, as well as a reminder that they lack what other households take for granted.
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Thanksgiving at Home helps people to enjoy a day of lovingly prepared food with their family. Turkeys are provided as well as a bag of groceries for side dishes. If you are interested in helping supply the groceries, click here to let us know you are willing to purchase the list of items below. Bags can be dropped off in the bin outside Epiphany’s front door Monday-Thursday. If you are dropping off on the weekend, please email Erin Braden or Kristin Phillips to let us know. Bags are due by Tuesday, November 17.
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Please fill a doubled paper bag (with handles) OR a reusable shopping bag that their clients can keep with: |
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- 2 Cans of String Beans (English cut)
- 2 Cans of Corn
- 2 Cans of Peas
- 1 Can of Cranberry Sauce
- 1 Large Bag of Stuffing
- 1 Box of Brownie Mix
You may also donate funds directly to Emmaus House so that they can purchase turkeys.
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Virtual Passing of the Plate |
While we are not able to worship in the same space at this time, please remember that Epiphany is a living church, and still needs your financial support.
In "Such a Time as This" it is important that we continue passing the plate. This is our virtual version of that very important and meaningful activity. Sometimes we are all moved in spontaneous and emotional ways to express our joy, gratitude, or appreciation to this wonderful parish. Those moments of giving are an important part of our spiritual and financial life. This is another way to offer you the chance.
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Use your phone's camera to scan the QR code below |
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Give Arrangements in Honor of Someone |
The Flower Guild continues to supply altar flowers on a very limited budget. We are using flowers and greenery we can glean from our gardens and the church. Our funds come directly from donations and during Easter and Christmas the donations are generous and we manage well.
Now, though, in the current situation, our funds have diminished. If you do sign up to give an arrangement in memory or thanksgiving of a loved one, the donation will be acknowledged during the service. We are so grateful to the parish for all the support to glorify our church and are anxious for us to worship together again soon. The sign up link can be found on the homepage, the RSVP page or click on the lotus flower icon.
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Epiphany Art Ministry Welcomes... |
Acrylic work by our Art Ministry curator Liefje (Liefy) Smith
October - November 19
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View the Exhibit online 24/7 - The exhibit is online with pop-up images including titles and prices.
View the Exhibit in-person - If you would like to see Liefy's work in-person, stop by the church Monday afternoons from 2 - 5 p.m. and follow the protocols posted on the above link.
Remember, Epiphany receives 25% of sales.
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NON-FOOD Pantry Drive FINAL TALLY |
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Thanks so much to everyone who donated to the Non-Pantry Food Drive. The Stamp program does not cover non-food items such as personal care, hygiene or cleaning products, so the ECW sponsors a pantry drive for Emmaus House twice a year. |
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Parishioners donated a total of:
- 263 bars of soap
- 172 tubes of toothpaste
- 84 toothbrushes
- 3 travel dental kits
- 3 small dental floss
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Pastoral Emergencies: Please call the church at 404.373.8338 and leave a message for Amy (ext. 14) or Nicole (16). They will receive a message alert and call you back.
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Staff: The staff continues to work mostly from home. They check their email and voicemail messages regularly.
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Building Sign-In Required: The building is closed to in-person worship and meetings, however, if you need to enter the church building for any reason, please sign in and out using the logbook at the entrance.
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DIOCESAN & EPISCOPAL NEWS |
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Required Trainings for Staff & Lay Leadership
If you are not sure of your training status, contact the parish office.
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Dismantling Racism is offered by the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, and runs from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Click here for dates and to register.
Safeguarding Training: The New Inclusion Module OR the Healthy Boundaries and Preventing Abuse Module via Zoom is required for people who need re-certification for either Safeguarding God's Children or Safeguarding God's People as well as people who have never had either training. Click here for dates and to register.
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The 2020-21 issue of Pathways magazine is now available to order. The award-winning publication shares inspiring stories from middle and north Georgia.
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Imagine Church is a monthly series offering a renewed approach to online worship through music, visual art, and spoken word. It takes place on the 4th Sunday of the month at 7 p.m. Watch on Facebook or the Imagine Church Watch page.
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Click here to find the latest postings from our bishop including:
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For Faith, Bishop Wright's weekly email devotional
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For People, Bishop Wright's podcast.
Click here to subscribe to Connecting, the Dioceses' monthly newsletter featuring diocesan-wide news, events, announcements, and inspiration.
Click here to see all the news and stories from around the Diocese.
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Episcopal Relief & Development works in collaboration with church partners and other local organizations to facilitate healthier, more fulfilling lives in communities that are struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease.
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- Names of our friends and family remain on the list for four weeks.
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The Anniversary & Birthday List for the month can be found here.
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Send prayer requests to the parish office.
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For members who are bidding our prayers: Sally Brockington, Sam Burnett, Max Creighton, Rob Godsall, Henry Laird, Sandy Land, Claire & Logan Shults, Stephanie Thompson, Tom & Robin Hairston, Tom Mundy, Sara Kathryn Wierweille, Jeanne Hatcher, Kyle D'Mellow
For friends and family: Bill & Carolyn Allen, parents of Jewel Allen; Isabel, granddaughter of Mike & Beth Towers; Karen, friend of Ellen Mintzmyer; Lynda Jaser, friend of Barbara Belcore; Evelyn and Jeremiah, friends of Paige Howell; Chris Godek, friend of Linda Ryder-Wolf; Oliver, Kristine & Maddux, family of Anna Sherrill; Karin, a member of the community who requests prayer
For those who have died: Charles Scouten, uncle of Stephanie Thompson; Murphy Davis, co-founder of the Open Door Community, and long-time friend of the Epiphany community.
For those celebrating anniversaries for the week of 11/8-14: Cindy Lamons & Marc Wisniewski, Barbara Nama & Edward Rosenzweig
For those celebrating birthdays for the week of 11/8-14: Amelia Stoner, Mary Jane Wiseman, Brennan Breed, Joey Saavedra, Sebastian Jordan, Jackie Miller, Jeff McGrath, Ellen Mintzmyer, Clare Schexnyder, Nancy Chandler, Steven Gleason, Alexander Sprinkle
For members who desire our continuing prayers: Jackie Boles, Arlen Gray, Ron Hutcheson, Rod MacLeod, Chris Miller, Tom Mundy, June Sparks
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The weekly parish notices are published Friday mornings at 7 a.m.
The submission deadline is Wednesdays at 5 p.m.
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