eNews for December 12, 2025 | | | |
- Advent | Christmas | Epiphany Schedule
- Nativities Display up through 1/6
- Young Adult Cookie Swap - 12/14
- Christmas Flowers & Music Sign Up - 12/15 deadline
- Holy Baptism 1/11 - Sign up by 12/15
- Emmaus House Seniors Luncheon - 12/18
- Service of Light - 12/21
- Year End Gifts Reminder
- Christmas Eve Service Times
- Epiphany Pageant - 1/6/26
| | The weekly parish notices are published Friday mornings at 7:00 a.m.
The submission deadline is Wednesdays at NOON. | | | | |
ECW Christmas Craft & Bake Sale
purchase homemade goodies & crafts
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12/14—The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will hold their annual Christmas Craft & Bake Sale Sunday December 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please stop by the parish hall before or after the 10:00 a.m. service.
The proceeds from the bake/craft sale support our service projects during the year.
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Adult Formation
Sunday at 11:30 a.m. • parish hall
| | Advent Gifts of the Magi: Join Ann Fowler in an exploration of the rich history of the Magi story in art and culture. From early Christian mosaics to Renaissance masterpieces and modern interpretations, we’ll examine how changing theological, cultural, and political contexts have shaped visual depictions of Matthew’s account. We’ll also look at the Magi’s connection to the Advent season and how their journey symbolizes anticipation, revelation, and the widening circle of those drawn to the Christ child. | |
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Formation Playlist: Missed a class? You can find recordings of the current series and previous classes on our YouTube channel.
Formation playlists >>
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Advent Mini Quiet Day
Sunday, December 14 • Choir Loft from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
| | | | Advent is a season of quiet wonders: questions, awe, despair, curiosity. Come. You are welcome: Sunday, December 14 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. to join others in quiet and shared reflection and prayer. Let’s discover ‘how it’s working out’ – the season, you, family, decisions, life with God. Guided by the Rev. Dr. Bobbi Patterson. | | | | |
Youth Group
Sunday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. • donut den
| Youth Group will meet this week with Rev. Carmie! Join us in the Donut Den Sunday from 5:00-6:30 p.m. to learn more about listening as a spiritual practice. | | | | |
Young Adults Cookie Swap
Sunday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. • Parish Hall
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12/14—The young adult group will celebrate the season with a cookie swap on Sunday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
Bring two dozen cookies and a container to take goodies home. For more details, reach out to Jordan Moody.
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Altar Arrangements & Sanctuary Light Sign Up
NOTICE: Dates through December 2026 are now LIVE.
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The Arrangements at the Altar are given to the Glory of God and in memory and thanksgiving for Elizabeth Keys, by McCall Butler.
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The Sanctuary Light is given to the Glory of God and in honor and remembrance of her brother Chris Belcore, by Barbara Belcore.
Altar Arrangements & the Sanctuary Light can be given in honor of an anniversary, birthday, or in memory of a loved one. Click the button link to reserve dates that have meaning for you.
Click here to choose a date >>
| | | | Deadlines for Monday, December 15 | | | | |
Christmas Flowers & Music
submit names by Monday, December 15
| If you would like to make an offering in thanksgiving or memory of someone for Christmas, please fill out the form at epiphany.org/Christmas-flowers-music. From there you can choose to make your donation via online giving, or if you can also mail a check payable to Church of the Epiphany noting Christmas Flowers and/or Christmas Music in the memo line. | | To be printed in the Christmas Eve bulletins, submissions must be received in the parish office by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15. | | |
Submit Reimbursements for 2025
Submit by Monday, December 15
| | | | 12/15—If you have expenses that should be reimbursed in this fiscal year, they must be submitted and approved by Monday, December 15. Any expenses submitted after the December 16 will be applied to the 2026 budget. | | | | |
Toy Drive for Emmaus House
bring unwrapped gives by December 15
| This Christmas, we have the opportunity to share God’s love with the children and families of Peoplestown. Our donations of unwrapped gifts or gift cards for infants through teenagers can help bring joy to the over 500 children served by Emmaus House. Bring unwrapped gifts to Epiphany by December 15. | | | | |
Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
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12/15—Deadline to sign up is Monday December 15—The sacrament of Holy Baptism for adults, infants and children will be administered on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Contact the parish office if you or a member of your family desires to be baptized.
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Emmaus House Seniors Luncheon
hosted by the Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
| 12/18—The ECW will host a luncheon for the Emmaus House Seniors. This is an annual event and a lot of fun for the seniors and the ECW Members. Contact Kathleen Rinehart if you would like to help with this event. | | | | |
The Nativities Display
now on view through January 6
In our narthex, 23 nativities are arranged to illustrate the birth story in Luke and in our gallery, 35 nativities are arranged to illustrate the birth story in Matthew accompanied by scripture and hymn texts. This is just a part of a larger collection that began with a bequest of a collection that was bequeathed to Epiphany in 1995 by Dr. William Lemonds in loving memory of James Lattimer Anderson Belcher.
A curated selection of additional nativities from the larger collection are on display in the parish hall, including a collection of nativities that children are invited to handle.
If you can help pack them back up on Wednesday, January 7 or Thursday, January 8, please sign up.
| | | | Office & Building Closure | 12/24-1/5/25—The Parish Office will close at noon on Christmas Eve and open again on Monday, January 5. Outside of worship services, no other services or programs will take place during that time. | | Group Meetings Next Week & Ongoing Programs Schedule | | |
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Men’s Breakfast Group—Tuesdays following the 7:00 a.m. service
12/16—The Men’s Breakfast Group gathers for breakfast and discussion following the 7:00 a.m. Tuesday service and are typically on their way by 8:00 a.m. Contact John Yntema with any questions.
Choirs for Children & Youth—Tuesdays
12/16—Beginning Choristers meet from 4:45 to 5:15 p.m.
12/16—Junior Choir meets from 5:15 to 6:00 p.m.
Register your child for choir >>
Trivia Group—Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. • Wild Heaven Avondale
12/16—All are invited to join the Epiphany Trivia Group. Trivia begins at 7:00 p.m. and ends by 9:00 p.m. Questions? Contact Edie Brush or Jacob Geiger.
Choirs for Adults & Youth—Wednesdays
12/17—The Epiphany Ringers rehearse from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Choir Loft.
12/17—The Epiphany Choir rehearses from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. in the Music Suite.
Epiphany Earth & Soul—For December we’ll meet online only at 11:00 a.m.
12/20—This group focuses on practicing Celtic Spirituality, where we gather to discuss and experience the beauty of nature and celebrate the divine in all creatures, including ourselves. For the month of December, the group will join the John Phillip Newell Winter Solstice Online Virtual Celebration at 11:00 a.m. and meet immediately after for an Epiphany group reflection on 12/20. Led by the steering group of Carol Bartlett, Nan Ross, and April Maa. Contact April for more information, be placed on the email list, or to receive a link to the virtual meeting. To learn more about Celtic Spirituality in general, one resource is www.earthandsoul.org.
Community of Hope’s Circle of Care—For December, on the 3rd Monday
12/16—Members gather at 6:00 p.m. to pray, learn, and provide each other with mutual support as they reflect on their emotional and spiritual responses to pastoral encounters. If you or a loved one would like to receive a pastoral visit or home communion by one of the trained caregivers, please contact Ann Fowler.
The Munch Bunch—3rd Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. • Thinking Man Tavern
12/17—Give yourself a mid-week-treat and join friends and friends-to-be for lunch at 1:00 p.m. at the Thinking Man Tavern on Howard Avenue in Decatur. No agenda. No reservation needed. Just fun. Log into Realm to contact Laura Keys if you have any questions.
Contemplative Book Group—five-week book study Thursdays • Room 201
12/18 (Week 3)—Join us for discussion of Richard Rohr’s book, The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage as we learn to live compassionately in a time of violence and despair. Using what he calls “sacred criticism,” Rohr shares a distinct approach to confronting evil and injustice that acknowledges the wholeness of history, our interconnectedness, and the reality of a divine and universal love. Register at epiphany.org/rsvp. Note: Due to the Holiday Season, Week 4 will take place on Thursday, January 8.
Looking Ahead
1/7-9—Gateway Shelter Meal Ministry—2nd Fridays • Parish Hall/Kitchen
1/9—Caregiver Support Group—2nd Fridays at 11:45 p.m. • Zoom
1/13—ECW—2nd Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. • Kitchen and lunch out
Click here for a description of these groups and programs >>
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Social Justice Action Group—Virtual Group
This social advocacy group promotes social and cultural change. The group identifies community events in which we can participate, and also provides a curated list of local community happenings via Realm Groups. If you’d like to be part of this virtual group, join via Realm to view current opportunities of social justice action in our area.
| | | Upcoming Services & Events | | | | |
Youth Advent Party
Sunday, December 21 at 5:00 p.m.
| 12/21—On Sunday, December 21, last youth group of the year will be the annual Youth "Advent" Party (previously, the Youth Christmas Party)! Youth are invited to wear their favorite ugly sweater or cozy pajamas and to join us in the donut den for a night of crafts, movies, candy, and hot chocolate! | | |
Service of Light
Sunday, December 21 at 5:00 p.m. • in-person & live-streamed
| | | | 12/21—The Christmas season is a time of joy and expectation but it can also deepen the pain and isolation experienced by those who are grieving. The Service of Light is a worship service with Holy Eucharist meant to speak to the needs of those experiencing grief and loss. It offers a time of prayer and meditation and a reminder that we are not alone. This service is hosted by the Grief Group, the Pastoral Care Committee and Community of Hope, all of whom provide care to Epiphany parishioners who would like pastoral support. The service will also be live-streamed. | |
Gifts for Life
give a gift with lasting impact
This holiday season, consider giving gifts that make a lasting difference for communities impacted by injustice, poverty, disaster, and climate change. Through Episcopal Relief & Development’s Gifts for Life, you can help transform lives around the world.
Here are a few meaningful ways to give:
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Support sustainable livelihoods by donating a goat, pig, or flock of chickens to help families build steady sources of food and income.
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Empower women and strengthen communities by funding vocational training or providing resources for a family garden.
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Help children thrive by supplying nutritious food for early learners or educational materials for preschoolers affected by HIV/AIDS.
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Give as a group by joining friends and family to purchase one of ERD’s disaster relief or food security packages.
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Education for Ministry
Courses starting in January
| Esther Harbert is looking for a co-mentor for an EFM group that would start in January 2026 and end in December 2026. We will only meet for 36 out of 52 weeks in 2026. If interested, please contact Esther. | |
Liturgical & Event Calendar Through Epiphany | | | | Year End Gifts & Pledging | |
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Check your Auto Pay Schedule
For those of you who schedule your pledge payments through online giving via Realm, be sure to check your account to be sure that your online giving is set up to continue in the new year, or will restart with the amount of your annual pledge for the coming year.
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Year End Gifts for 2025
Deadline 12/31—Pledges and contributions need to be received at the church or postmarked by December 31, 2025 and stock contributions must be delivered to the church brokerage account by December 31, 2025 to be recorded for 2025.
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Make a Pledge for 2026
If you have not already done so, please make a pledge of support to our operating budget—without which we would not be able to worship, find respite, and serve one another and all those in our community we touch through our ministries. Pledge cards are available in the narthex and gallery, or you click the button below.
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Staff Christmas Gifts
Parishioners are invited to express their gratitude to clergy and staff for their work this year by making an offering online or by check. To give online click the button and select the Staff Christmas option from the pull-down menu. To give by check, please list “Staff Christmas” in the memo line.
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Track your Giving with Realm
Our online ministry platform called Realm, isn’t just a church directory or a way to register online for events. Members can also manage their giving and check pledge status at any time through the website or the smart phone app. If you need a long, contact the parish office.
| | Christmas Services at Epiphany | | |
Christmas Eve Services—Wednesday, December 24
both liturgies will be live-streamed
12/24—Childcare will be provided in the nursery for children ages 4 and under for the 4:00 p.m. service.
4:00 p.m.—The Celebration of the Nativity of Jesus with a moment for children, music of the season by the Epiphany Children’s & Youth choirs, the Hildegard Ensemble, and the Epiphany Ringers, and Holy Eucharist.
7:30 p.m.—An extended prelude begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature the Epiphany Choir, flute, and strings.
8:00 p.m.—The Celebration of the Nativity of Jesus with music of the season and Holy Eucharist.
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Christmas Day Service—Thursday, December 25
This service will take place only on Zoom
Join us at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom to celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas morning. Take a moment to pause this day and give thanks for the glorious arrival of the Word incarnate among us
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Christmas Lessons & Carols—Sunday, December 28
Christmas Lessons & Carols will take place at 10:00 a.m. Come and continue our gratitude for the birth of Christ in word, music, and Eucharist.
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Christmas 2—Sunday, January 4
Please join us for Sunday morning Eucharist at 10:00 a.m. Formation for all will take place afterwards at 11:30 a.m.
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The Feast of the Epiphany
Tuesday, January 6 at 6:00 p.m.
1/6—The Feast of the Epiphany will be celebrated on our Feast Day, Tuesday, January 6 at 6:00 p.m. Following the service, please join us in the parish hall for our Feast Day Feast.
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Participate in the Epiphany Pageant
open to both adults & children
Are you interested in playing a part in Epiphany's annual pageant on our Parish's feast day? All ages are invited to participate. Children, youth, and adults who are interested in participating are invited to sign up. The pageant rehearsal will take place at 4:30 p.m. on January 6.
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Epiphany Feast Day Feast
please RSVP for the dinner
1/6—Following the Epiphany Pageant service will be our Feast Day Feast: A Tex-Mex potluck dinner. Sign up to bring a table-ready entrée (chili con carne, tamales, enchiladas, etc.) side, salad, or cornbread. Drinks, desserts, toppings, and chips & salsa will be provided. Go to epiphany.org/rsvp to sign up if you plan to stay for dinner and let us know what you are bringing.
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For members who are bidding our prayers: Kim Boswell • Carol Fuller • Chris Braden • Larry Wilcox • Brandon Laird • Joy Boyden • Jewel Allen • Mike Curry • Wes, Kelly & Lillian Wright • Laraine Fraijo-Paul • Evelyn Stewart • Chris Miller • Ellen Mintzmyer • Philip Anderson • Bruce & Ann Fort • Louise Bedrossian (wife of Bob Thompson) • Barbara Belcore • Esther Harbert • Veta Smith (mother of Cecilia Democko) • Sally Brockington
For friends and family: Polly Becton, friend of Page Love & Steve Smith • Bret Gurley, mother of Stephen Gurley • Joseph Johnson Jr., nephew of Kathleen Rinehart • Hugh Smith, father of Lynda Smith • Greta Corcoran, mother of John Corcoran • Mark McCord, cousin of Pam Tipton • Kay Harris, mother of Rebecca Webb • Ray Piper, husband of Charlotte Piper • Danny Nodine, brother of Larry Nodine • Mark Thornhill, uncle of Kurt Erskine • Louise Peters, grandmother of Tristen Webb • Sherri Sharpe, cousin 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 • Mary McCall Cash • Wende Crowe • Pat & Bill Graves • Esther Harbert • Robin Hairston • Rod MacLeod • Sally McClintock • Chris Miller & Ron Hutcheson • Tom Mundy • Ann Rowles • Pat Spivey • Beth Towers • Michael Towers, Jr. • Wayne & Judy Urban • Larry Wilcox • Colleen
For those who have died: Anne Warner • Tom Mundy, Jr.
For those celebrating anniversaries the week of 12/14-20: Marion & Mike Curry • Lisa & Randy Stewart • Susan & Loren Williams • Laura & Stephen Gurley • Kelli Gantt & Yanko Rickell
For those celebrating birthdays the week of 12/14-20: George Janke • Gabriel Guyton-Edmiston • Kathie Ryan • M. K. Williamson • Jessie Montgomery • Isabelle Braden • Sytha Cheatham • Everett DiBello • Carlos Quiroz • Ron Hutcheson • Dan Matthews
For our Haitian siblings and the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti.
| | | | 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. | | | |
The weekly deadline for submission of announcements for the Friday Morning eNews
and the Sunday bulletin is Wednesdays at Noon. Please send your submissions
ready to go to the parish office.
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