Weekly eNews for January 26, 2024 | | |
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ECW Book Sale this Saturday and Sunday
Interfaith Children's Movement Partnership
Intergenerational Anti-Racism Event - 1/28
Bach/Biber Project - 2/11
Shrove Tuesday - 2/13
Ash Wednesday - 2/14
Endowment Grant Applications due 2/28
DEAM Pantry Drive for January
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NOTICE
Annual Parish Meeting
11:30 a.m. in the parish hall
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1/28—Please join us in the parish hall at 11:30 a.m. for this important meeting in the life of our church.
Amy and members of the Vestry will report on the state of the parish in 2023 and look ahead to what’s planned for 2024.
We will also elect new vestry members and thank those who are retiring.
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Carol Bartlett
Carol Bartlett is fairly new to Epiphany. She came knowing there was an active Earth Guild group. She has joined that and found many additional ways to be in community at Epiphany. She attends the monthly Sunday Meditation group, works with the Food Ministry and is enjoying the Welcom! Dinner group. She has been an English teacher in the college classroom, with adult literacy groups and with refugee groups. Gardening is one of her pleasures and she is grateful for community gardens. Children and grandchildren are treasures in her life.
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Paul Bonner
Paul Bonner and his wife Barbara have been at Epiphany since October of 2022. After retiring, they determined they needed to come to Decatur to be near Barbara’s family. Paul is the son of an Episcopal priest who has been active in the Episcopal Church his entire life. They have three aduIt children, two living in Charlotte and one in New York City. Paul worked in public education as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal for 38 years. He is now spending a good deal of my time working on novels based on his experiences as an educator and in faith. He served on three vestries between their time in Charlotte, NC and Huntsville, AL. Paul is honored to be a part of the Epiphany community.
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Cristin Davis
Cristin Davis has been a member of Epiphany since 2006 but just became an official Episcopalian this past year when she was received by the Bishop alongside her two children, Riley and Brady who were confirmed. Cristin has been an active member at Epiphany. She is currently a member of the Flower Guild and serves as an usher. In the past, she has spent her time working with children and youth at the church by teaching Pre-Godly Play, assisting with the SMA Groups, serving on the children and youth committee, chaperoning youth group, and volunteering for VBS. She has also served on a discernment committee and was part of a clergy interview committee. Cristin has been married to her husband Jeremy since 1995. They have two children, Riley who is a senior at Decatur High and Brady who is a sophomore. Cristin has been a teacher for over twenty years and currently teaches Pre-K and loves her job at Decatur Presbyterian Children's Community. She loves traveling, watching movies, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Cristin is excited to serve on the vestry after being asked multiple times over the last 18 years!
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Jordan Moody
Jordan Moody grew up at Epiphany and was baptized here on an Easter weekend when she was a few weeks old. As a youth, Jordan served as an acolyte and had the honor of representing Epiphany at Bishop Wright's ordination. Jordan spent 7 years in Nashville for college and work before returning to Atlanta and Epiphany in 2021. Since returning to Epiphany, Jordan has enjoyed fellowship with the young adult community and serving with the flower guild and the youth ministry. Beginning in 2024, Jordan will also serve as a Lay Eucharistic Minister. Outside of church, Jordan works as a Public Health Analyst at the CDC and lives in Decatur with her partner, Laura Praseutkoun.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Epiphany in New Partnership
Epiphany, with full Vestry support, has accepted an invitation into partnership with the Interfaith Children’s Movement (“ICM”). Since its founding in September of 2001, ICM has built a multi-faith grassroots advocacy coalition that works to create a Georgia where ALL children thrive. It operates at the intersection of advocacy, faith and intergenerational engagement, believing that child advocacy work is far reaching. ICM looks for ways to serve and empower young people and adults to be active agents of the change they wish to see in the world. ICM currently has 24 advocacy and congregational partnerships of many faiths, Epiphany will be number 25. This ICM partnership promises many wonderful opportunities for collaboration between Epiphany, its Community Engagement groups, ICM, and other communities of faith.
- Please keep an eye out for the many upcoming advocacy opportunities created by this partnership.
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If you have questions or ideas, please feel free to reach out to Epiphany’s ICM liaison, Kay Lee
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
ICM "Have a Heart" Campaign
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We are asking Epiphanites of all ages to write at least one note in support of all Georgia’s children to be “mailed” in the designated ICM “Have a Heart” Campaign mailbox in the Gallery by February 11.
This effort is Epiphany’s first venture in its partnership with the ICM. Valentine (or other) cards are to be written to Georgia State legislators compelling them to “Have a Heart” for Georgia’s children as they make decisions that will undoubtedly have an impact for years to come. These cards will be delivered by ICM to individual legislators on February 15.
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It is an easy way to advocate for children, taking only a few minutes of your time. For more helpful, detailed instructional information, please see the attached. Tell our legislators that our Georgia children must be prioritized. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Epiphany’s ICM liaison Kay Lee | | |
This Saturday at Epiphany | |
YOUTH MINISTRIES
Youth Gaga Ball Court Workday
Saturday, January 27 at 9:30 a.m.
All youth, and their parents, are invited to join us for a Gaga Ball Court Work Day TOMORROW (January 27) at 9:30 a.m. to finish up our Gaga Ball Court.
Donuts will be provided and we'll work until noon. Email Emily Elder to RSVP.
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PARISH GROUPS
Extra day added for the ECW Book Sale
This Saturday and Sunday
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FINAL TWO DAYS!
Come to the parish hall and shop for books. Proceeds will support their outreach program and the Youth Ministry.
Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
Children's Chapel
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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 and follow the cross to chapel after the reading of 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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WORSHIP
Sunday Morning Service
10 a.m. in the nave and online
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Adult Formation...
...will not take place on Sunday. Instead please join us after services in the parish hall for our Annual Parish Meeting.
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Formation for Children & Youth
Sundays at 11:30 a.m.—locations vary
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Click the button below to register your children and youth or check out the bulletin boards on the 2nd floor.
- Room 205 – Godly Play children (3 years old through 2nd grade)
- Room 206 – 3rd and 5th grade
- Lower-Level Classroom / Donut Den – Youth (6th to 12th grade)
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children's & Youth Ministries
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NOTICE
Endowment Grant Submission Period
Opens January 28
| 1/28—Endowment Fund Grant Applications are available online from the homepage and in the gallery tract rack and can be submitted beginning January 28. Grants may be for capital improvements; scholarships or grants to members; or community outreach projects. Application deadline is February 28, 2024. | |
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GIVING
Provide Donuts for Youth Formation Hour!
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We are hoping to provide the youth with donuts on Sunday mornings during Formation Hour (11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.) Click the button below if you are interested in taking a turn to provide donuts.
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children's & Youth Ministries
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INTERGENERATIONAL EVENT
Intergenerational Anti-Racisim Movie Night
January 28 from 5:00 to 8:15 p.m. • Room 201
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1/28—We invite Epiphany youth, parents, and adults of all ages to join us for pizza and a screening of “The Hate U Give." This 2018 movie is the gripping story of a young Black girl, Starr, and her community as they wrestle with the causes and aftermath of the death of her childhood friend, Khalil. The film will be followed by a short discussion regarding issues of racial justice raised in the film and exploring how our Christian faith guides us to live in solidarity with people of color.
*NOTE: This movie is rated PG-13, and contains some strong language and intense content. It is also fairly long (2+ hours). Please keep this in mind as you discern whether this event would be appropriate for you/your youth.
Contact Emily Elder with any questions and to RSVP. Space is limited to 12-15 people.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
January DEAM Pantry Drive
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All month—Epiphany stocks the pantry at the Decatur-area Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM) twice a year in January and June. For the month of January, we are collecting: grape and strawberry jelly, 1 lb. packages of yellow rice, and tuna packets (these are for homeless clients). Wooden bins for your donations are located in the gallery inside the front door.
Current Tally:
Jelly - 20 jars
Yellow Rice - 29 bags
Tuna Packets - 79
Contact: Doug Runnion, Coordinator
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Society of Saint Anna the Prophet Annual Vow Ceremony
Saturday, February 3 at 11:00 a.m.
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2/3—The Society of Saint Anna the Prophet (SSAP), a vowed, dispersed community of Episcopal women over the age of 50, will hold their annual Holy Eucharist and Vow Ceremony service at Epiphany on Saturday, February 3 at 11:00 a.m.
All are invited to attend. Inspired by Anna, the only elder woman mentioned in the New Testament, members of SSAP are both lay and ordained. Our vows to simplicity, creativity and balance are life changing.
Two members of Epiphany are members of the SSAP: Katherine Hilliard-Yntema, Barbara Ryder.
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MUSIC
The Bach/Biber Project
Sunday, February 11 at 5:00 p.m. in the Nave
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2/11—Join us for the second in a series of 6 performances over the next three years of the Bach/Biber Project.
Violinist Judith Cox and organist Julie Ryder will present 2 of Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber’s Rosary Sonatas which are based around the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Bach’s Violin Partita in B minor is also on the program.
This presentation will take place as part of our monthly Contemplative Practice.
For more information, visit Bach/Biber Project or contact Julie Ryder.
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PARISH LIFE & WORSHIP
Shrove Tuesday
Tuesday, February 13
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.
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PARISH LIFE/ YOUTH MINISTRIES
Pancake Supper & Mardi Gras Potluck - February 13
Served from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m.
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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WORSHIP
Ash Wednesday
February 14 at noon and 7:00 p.m.
2/14—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 MINISTRIES
Vacation Bible School
Registration is open
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6/10-14—Save the date and register for this year's VBS, which will take place from June 10 to June 14. We will once again host VBS with St Bart's and Holy Trinity Parish. For more details and to register, click the link.
Contact: Emily Elder, Director of Children & Youth Ministries
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Ongoing Meetings & Programs | |
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NOTICE
Forward Day-by-Day Booklet Price Increase
| Located in the tract racks by the front door are pamphlets and a quarterly booklet from Forward Movement —a ministry of the Episcopal Church since 1935. The Forward Day-by-Day booklet is a pocket-size publication of daily Bible readings and devotions. For the first time in decades, the price of the quarterly booklet has been raised. They are now $1.25. A QR Code is available at the tract rack, or cash can be put in the cash box by the booklets. Forward Movement is also available as a podcast and as a smartphone app. | |
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COMMUNIT ENGAGEMENT
Epiphany Racial Justice Group (ERJG)
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2/5—Please join us as we continue seeking the Spirit’s guidance on ways to work toward a more just and equitable world. We will meet at 6:00 p.m. in Room 202.
Contact: Suzanne Yoder, Chair
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PARISH GROUPS
Epiphany Book Group
2nd Mondays at 7:00 p.m. - location varies
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All are welcome to join the Epiphany Book Group on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. This month they will meet only on Zoom. Contact Linda for the meeting link.
All are welcome!
Contact: Linda Ryder-Wolf, Coordinator
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Book selections for 2024
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February: The Yellow House, by Sarah M. Broom on Zoom
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March: The Accidental Saints, by Nadia Bolz-Weber at Epiphany
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April: Ordinary Grace, by William Kent-Krueger at Epiphany
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May: TBD - at Epiphany
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June: Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt at Epiphany
- July & August: No Meetings
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September: The Unanswered Letter: One Holocaust Family’s Plea for Help, by Faris Cassel at Epiphany
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October: Democracy Awakening, by Heather Cox Richardson at Epiphany
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November: Still Fooling ‘Em, by Billy Crystal on Zoom
- December: Appetizers & Dessert at 5:30 p.m. and pick books for 2025 at Epiphany
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PASTORAL CARE
Community of Hope's Circle of Care
Last Mondays at 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. • Parish Hall
| 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 Fowler. | |
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PARISH GROUP
Men's Breakfast Group
Tuesdays following the 7:00 a.m. service
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—The Men’s Breakfast Group gathers for breakfast and discussion afterwards and are typically on their way by 8 a.m.
Contact: John Yntema, Coordinator
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PARISH GROUP
Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
2nd Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the parish hall
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The ECW meets on 2nd Tuesdays in the parish hall at 10:30 a.m. Afterwards, they will adjourn to Melton’s App & Tap for lunch. All women of Epiphany are invited to attend.
Contact: Robin Hairston, President
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Epiphany Choir: Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m. in the Music Suite
Our all-volunteer choir provides musical leadership for the 10:00 a.m. liturgy and feast days. Membership is open to adults and youth and mid-year enrollment is welcome.
Children’s and Youth Choirs resume on Tuesday, January 30
Beginning Choristers (pre-K-2nd grade), the Junior Choir (3rd grade-unchanged voices) will resume rehearsals on Tuesday, January 30. New singers should register via Realm by January 29.
Contact: Julie Ryder, Organist & Choirmaster
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PASTORAL CARE
The Grief Pastoral Care Group
1st Thursdays at noon on Zoom
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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 the first time.
Contacts: Megan Fraijo-Paul, Nancy Thompson, co-leaders
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Feeding Ministry
Meals served 2nd Fridays of the Month
| Volunteers cook in the Epiphany kitchen and then serve the meal at Gateway Shelter on 2nd Fridays. Sign up to help shop, prepare, cook or serve the meal this month. | |
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GIVING
Altar Arrangements & Sanctuary Light Sign Up
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The Arrangements at the Altar are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Wister Cook, by Kathleen Rinehart’ and also in thanksgiving for Audrey Banfield’s 98th birthday by Rod & Michele MacLeod.
- The Sanctuary Light is given to the Glory of God.
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The arrangements for Sundays and the Sanctuary Light can be given as a memorial, thanksgiving or on a special occasion. Dates are now listed through the end of 2024, so you can reserve multiple dates throughout the year that have meaning for you.
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.
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Diocesan & Community News | |
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MARY & MARTHA'S PLACE
Celtic Insights for Living These Times
Saturday, February 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
| Internationally renowned vocal artists Virginia Schenck and Ruth Cunningham will facilitate a half-day, interactive workshop that draws on Celtic wisdom through poetry, songs and sound. In this workshop we will sing prayers and chants together, drawing on the ancient wisdom of our Celtic ancestors that have held civilizations for centuries, as well as drawing forth from our bellies the new wisdoms and sounds waiting to be born. Cost $30. | |
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HOLY CROSS, DECATUR
Feast of Absalom Jones Service
Saturday, February 10 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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2/10—The Union of Black Episcopalians in Atlanta invites all to participate in a service commemorating the life and witness of Absalom Jones on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright, speaking. For more information and to join others attending, contact Katharine Hillard-Yntema.
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CAMP MIKELL
Spring 2024 Allan Folk School Registration is Open!
| Registration is now open for the Spring 2024 session of The Allan Folk School at Mikell. Please join us from Friday, March 8 – Sunday, March 10, 2024 for a fantastic weekend of arts, crafts and fellowship. Download the registration form for a full list of available classes. | |
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For members who are bidding our prayers: Wayne Urban • Rob Godsall • Ellen Mintzmyer • Kim Boswell • Brett Boatright • Lisa Carlson • Laura, John & Sarah Keys • Robin Hairston • Audrey Banfield • Beth Towers • Mary McCall Cash • Wende Crowe • Judy Jarady • Sally Brockington
For friends and family: Sherri Sharp, cousin of Terri Lawrence & Julie Ryder • Jeff Smith, family member of George & Liefy Smith • Nick Brown, son of Colleen Morich • Fran Block, mother of Erin Braden • Mike Thesing, friend of Lisa Gray • Charlie Sawyer, relative of Amanda Styles • Rachel Baginski, friend of David Draper • Gary Davis, father of Jeremy Davis • Diana Lawrence, niece of Terri Lawrence & Julie Ryder • Dave Tipton, brother of Pam Tipton • Isabel, granddaughter of Mike & Beth Towers
For members who desire our continuing prayers: Jewel Allen • Alma Fuller • Rod MacLeod • Sally McClintock • Chris Miller & Ron Hutcheson • Tom Mundy • Floyd Parker • Pat Spivey • Ann Rowles • Shirley Sugden • Wayne & Judy Urban • Larry Wilcox • Kathy Walmsley • Colleen
For those who have died: Mitchell McIntire, friend of Amy Dills-Wright and Joshua Moore • The Rev. Ruth Healy
For those in the armed forces: Stewart Mundy
For those celebrating birthdays for the week of 1/28-2/3: Claire Chaffins • Donna Taylor • Katie Pedersen • Julie Ryder • Georgia Gary • Steve Tipton • J. P. Boulée • Audrey Banfield • Luke Mawson-Puckhaben • Henry Morrison • Nancy McCord • Susan Moody
For members awaiting the adoption of a child: Jessica, Duane & Abram Burns
For racial justice: For our state’s lawmakers debating bills to change how some 17-year-olds are prosecuted, to fund county mental health specialists to work with police, and to provide inmates with free calls to their families.
For our endangered world: For the protection of Lake Lanier—the most polluted lake in Georgia.
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Did we miss your anniversary or birthday? Send the 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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