eNews for February 13, 2026 | |
- Guest Preacher Joe Iarocci, Emmaus House
- Children's Chapel during the service
- Formation for All
- Contemplative Practice at 4:00 p.m.
- Youth Group at 5:00 p.m.
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Prisontown Performance - RSVP
| | Upcoming Meetings & Events |
- Shrove Tuesday - 2/17 - RSVP
- Ash Wednesday - 2/18
- Holy Comforter Quarterly Dinner - 2/18
- First Sunday of Lent - 2/22
- Prayers in the Wilderness: A Service of Prayer & Lament - 2/22
- Grant Applications Due 2/25
- Lent Practices
- Rescheduled Men's Dinner - 3/7
- Vacation Bible School Dates
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Guest Preacher & Speaker
We welcome Joe Iarocci as our guest preacher and Adult Formation speaker today. Joe currently serves as interim executive director of Emmaus House, a nonprofit organization working to improve the economic and social well-being of the residents of Peoplestown and surrounding Atlanta neighborhoods.
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Joe has worked in the nonprofit sector for the past 25 years, including thirteen years in senior positions at CARE USA, one of the world’s largest international nongovernmental organizations dedicated to ending extreme poverty.
Joe practiced business law prior to joining CARE, on Wall Street and in Atlanta, representing individual entrepreneurs as well as multinational corporations.
An active member at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Joe currently serves as board chair of the Cathedral Preschool. Joe was married to his wife, Laura (Dornbush), at the Cathedral in 1983 and they raised their three grown children there.
Joe received his A.B. from Brown University and his J.D. from the Cornell Law School. Joe also holds a Masters in Theological Studies from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.
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Formation for All
Sundays at 11:30 a.m.
Adult Formation—Emmaus House: Past, Present - and Future: Joe Iarocci serves as interim executive director of Emmaus House, a long-time and deep-rooted partner of our parish. In this interactive session, Joe will share the history and current work of Emmaus House. Given that so much has changed since Emmaus House was founded in 1967, together we will also explore what the future of Emmaus House could hold.
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Adult Formation Playlist: Missed a class? You can find recordings of the current series and previous classes on our YouTube channel.
The fifth and final session of Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio's class on the Bible and Poverty can be viewed in its entirety at the link below. Ryan invites us to look deeply into what scripture has to say regarding wealth—its a difficult topic particularly for those of us who are better off than most and who have benefited as children of empire, sometimes at the expense of others. In what ways does our status make it more difficult for us to fully understand and embrace the kind of world God seeks as "the kingdom" or "kindom?" A link to Dr. Bonfiglio's slide presentation will be posted in the first comment as soon as we have it.
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Children's Formation—Sundays at 11:30 a.m. • locations vary
- Room 206—Godly Play for children 3 years old through 2nd grade.
- Room 205—Children in 3rd through 5th grade—a lectionary based curriculum for older children
Youth Formation—Sundays at 11:30 a.m. • varies
Youth will meet in the Epiphany kitchen during formation hour to pack sandwiches to be delivered to Church of the Common Ground.
Click here to provide donuts for the youth on Sunday mornings.
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Absalom Jones Service
Sunday, February 15 • 3:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish
| | | | 2/15—Join the Union of Black Episcopalians, Atlanta Chapter, on February 15 at 3:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish in Decatur for the celebration of The Feast of Absalom Jones, honoring the life, witness, and legacy of the first Black priest in The Episcopal Church. Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright, acting executive director of the Abaslom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing, will preach, and the Rev. Rylan Andre Harris will serve as the Minister of Music. Immediately following the service, Holy Trinity Parish will host a reception in the Parish Hall. | | | |
Contemplative Practice
This month we will meet on the THIRD Sunday, February 15 in Choir Loft at 4:00 p.m.
2/15—Come gather with us at 4:00 p.m. for a time of reflection, meditation instruction, and gathering with others seeking a more grounded way of being in the world. We will continue our practice of RAIN, learning to be open-hearted to the present as it is. RAIN grounds us for loving kindness in action. Led by Bobbi Patterson and Amy Dills-Wright. Contact Amy if you have any questions.
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Youth Group
Youth are invited to join the parish wide showing of Prisontown on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. following the play, there will be a time of discussion with members of the group El Refugio.
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Prisontown Performance at Epiphany
Sunday, February 15 at 5:00 p.m.
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Please mark your calendars and get tickets to join us on Sunday, February 15th at 5:00 p.m. for a performance of the play Prisontown, part of Out of Hand Theater’s 25th Anniversary season, Imagining an America for ALL. It is a beautiful play to experience up close and the topic is especially timely. All are welcome!
Prisontown tells the story of a writer who goes to Lumpkin, GA, home to one of the nation's largest immigration detention centers, and witnesses the barbarity of the nation's immigration crisis, and a small town torn by poverty and the prison industry. Written by and starring former Out of Hand Associate Artistic Director, Lee Osorio.
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Enjoy a reception and discussion after the performance, when El Refugio will guide a short conversation and offer thoughtful ways to take action toward a more just world.
Tickets are $23 for students/seniors and $33 for general admission. Promo codes are available for educators/school employees (code: EDUCATOR), members of the Atlanta Artist Industry (code: ATLART), and Atlanta Nonprofit (code: ATLNONPROFIT).
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Altar Arrangements & Sanctuary Light Sign Up
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The Arrangements at the Altar are given to the Glory of God and in appreciation and love for my brother-in-law Bruce Maclachlan on his 90th birthday, by Sally E. McClintock.
- The Sanctuary Light is given to the Glory of God
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 >>
| | | | Recent Events & Other News | | Our recently installed solar panels were blessed after the services on Sunday. | | | |
Unknown Gift
We received a check from Fidelity for $2,969.58 with no designated giver. The only note is BNY Mellon Trust of Delaware. If you recognize this as a gift that you made to Epiphany, please email Susie Boyko and advise her on what fund that you want the gift applied.
| | This Week at Epiphany & Other News | |
Shrove Tuesday
Tuesday, February 17
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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Pancake Supper & Mardi Gras Potluck - Tuesday, February 17
Served from 6:00 to 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 our summer programming.
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!
RSVP for the Pancake Supper
| | | | ** PLEASE 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 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
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Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 18 at noon and 7:00 p.m.
2/18—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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Quarterly Dinner for Holy Comforter
Wednesday, February 18
| | | | 2/18—Holy Comforter is a unique worshipping community in the heart of Atlanta. About 60% of this congregation lives with mental illness. We prepare a meal during the afternoon and take the meal to the church, leaving at 6:00 p.m., and serve after the 6:30 p.m. service. After serving, the volunteers join the parishioners for dinner. Sign up to participate at epiphany.org/rsvp. Contact: Jeanette Hanson. | | | |
Contemplative Book Group
Thursday at 11:00 a.m. - six weeks
The Contemplative Book Group current study is on the book A Midwinter God: Encountering the Divine in Seasons of Darkness by Christine Valters Paintner. Join us at 11:00 a.m. in Room 201. This book study will run for six weeks. Remaining Dates: 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12
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Epiphany Endowment Grant Submission Period Closes February 25
Application deadline is February 25, 2026.
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Now Accepting Applications: Epiphany Endowment Grant applications are available online and in the gallery tract rack and can be submitted beginning January 25. Grants may be for capital improvements; scholarships or grants to members; or community outreach projects.
Click here for the application form >>
| | Group Meetings & Programs Taking Place This Week | | |
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Men’s Breakfast Group—Tuesdays following the 7:00 a.m. service
2/17—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 Dave Thompson with any questions.
Epiphany Earth & Soul—3rd Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. • Hybrid
2/17—Epiphany Earth & Soul will not meet this month.
Trivia Group—Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. • Wild Heaven in Avondale Estates
2/17—All are invited to join the Epiphany Trivia Group on Tuesdays at Wild Heaven in Avondale. Trivia begins at 7:00 p.m. and ends by 9:00 p.m. Contacts: Edie Brush or Jacob Geiger.
The Munch Bunch—3rd Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. • Thinking Man Tavern
2/18—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. Contact: Laura Keys.
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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 provides a curated list of local community happenings via Realm Groups. If you’d like to be part of this group, join via Realm Groups to view current opportunities of social justice action in our area.
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Looking Ahead
2/23—Community of Hope’s Circle of Care—Last Mondays of the month
3/5—Grief Pastoral Care Group—1st Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. • Zoom
3/5—Fireside Sit & Sip—Once a month at 7:00 p.m. • Courtyard
3/8—Contemplative Practice—2nd Sundays at 4:00 p.m. • Choir Loft
3/9—Epiphany Book Group—2nd Mondays at 7:00 p.m. • location varies
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March Selection: Citizens of London, by Lynne Olsen (Epiphany)
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April Selection: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride (at Epiphany).
3/10—ECW—2nd Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. • Kitchen and lunch out
2/13—Caregiver Support Group—2nd Fridays at 11:45 p.m. • Zoom
| | | | Upcoming Services & Events | |
Formation Opportunities During Lent
Sundays – February 22, March 1, 8, 15, and 22
This Lent we will journey with Jesus on the way to Jerusalem using Walking the Way by John Dear as our guide. We will reflect on the nonviolence of Jesus as he sets his face toward the cross—teaching, healing, practicing civil disobedience, sharing bread and wine, praying, and meeting suffering with steadfast love. Drawing connections to figures like Gandhi and Dr. King, John Dear invites us to consider what it means to follow the nonviolent Jesus today. This course will be led by the Rev. Amy Dills Wright, the Rev. Carmie McDonald, Paul Hinson, and Suzanne Yoder.
Midweek Lenten Bible Study: February 25, March 4, 11, 18, and 25
Join the Rev. Carmie McDonald on Wednesdays at noon during Lent—February 25, March 4, 11, 18, and 25—for a midweek Bible study centered on prayer, reflection, and conversation. Together we will engage a five-part video series led by Bishop Wright, We Confess, which explores the Old Testament lectionary readings for the season. All are invited to pause in the middle of the week as we join with others on the Lenten journey.
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Prayers in the Wilderness: A Service of Prayer & Lament
Sunday 2/22 • 6:00 p.m.
2/22—In our baptismal covenant we commit to strive for justice and peace and to respect the dignity of every human being. Recent events related to immigration enforcement have left many of us feeling distressed about the treatment of others and in a kind of wilderness ourselves. If you're feeling the need for space to gather with others in your grief or anger, the need for prayer and lament, the need to be reminded of the light that continues to shine in our world, we invite you to gather on Sunday evening, February 22 at 6:00 p.m. for a candlelight service we are calling Prayer in the Wilderness: A Service of Prayer & Lament.
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Happening & New Beginnings Registration Deadlines
2/23 Deadline—Our diocesan retreat weekends for youth at Camp Mikell are fast approaching! Registration for New Beginnings 51 for middle school students closes February 23 for the March 6–8 retreat.
Visit eycdioatl.org for details and registration >>
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RESCHEDULED Epiphany Men's Fellowship Dinner
Saturday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m.
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Gumbo is still on the menu!
3/7—The Epiphany Men’s Fellowship Dinners (EMFD) group has rescheduled their meal for Saturday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m. No agenda—just a gathering to prepare a meal and enjoy conversation.
The menu for this meeting will center around Gumbo. Cost including drinks, is $30 per person. Register by Thursday, March 5, so we know how much food is needed. For questions or suggestions, contact Brian Wright or Joel Fowler.
Donation Request: We are asking everyone to bring a new pair of sweat pants and/or a sweat shirt for those in need at a local psychiatric hospital.
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If you registered and paid for meal originally scheduled for January 25 that was canceled due to the inclement weather and CANNOT attend the rescheduled date, please let the parish office know so that Shea can cancel your reservation and refund your money. | | | | | | |
Youth Art Show in the Gallery this Spring
Submissions Due 3/15—This spring the Epiphany Art Ministry will include an exhibit featuring work from the Epiphany Youth! Youth are invited to bring up to three pieces of artwork in any medium. Funds will be split 50% to the artist / 50% to the Youth Group fund. All submissions are due by Tuesday, March 15. For questions, contact Liefy Smith or Page Love Smith.
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Youth Pilgrimage to Camp Mikell
June 27, July 11, July 25
| | | | This year, our youth pilgrimage takes a new shape as students are invited to attend Camp Mikell’s Intermediate Camp (June 16–22 for rising 7th–9th graders) and Work Camp (July 12-18 for rising 10th graders through recent graduates). Money raised during youth fundraisers in the coming months will help offset registration costs, and we will travel together to and from Toccoa. Taylor will join students for check-ins and some evening meals. Visit campmikell.com to register and experience the Mikell magic this summer! | | |
Vacation Bible School
June 27, July 11, July 25
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This year’s VBS will take a new shape! Families with children ages 3 through 5th grade are invited to gather for three Saturdays this summer for a shared experience of storytelling, service, and Sacrament. Join us on June 27, July 11, and July 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information about youth counselors and adult volunteer opportunities.
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Lenten Practices - February 22 through March 22
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United Thank Offering (UTO)
Make a practice of thank offerings during Lent
In 1889, two Episcopal women envisioned a way to collect small thank offerings in homes as a personal expression of gratitude. Today, UTO contributions from Episcopalians around the world support more than 5,300 Episcopal missions and ministries. UTO boxes/envelopes are in the Gallery. Make checks out to The Episcopal Church Women, noting UTO in the memo. Ingathering will be Sunday, April 12, but checks can be made out to the ECW anytime between now and April 12.
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A Booklet from Living Compass
Free in the gallery, limited supply
If you are looking for a Lenten devotional to read as a spiritual practice during Lent, pick up one of the Living Compass booklets in the gallery: Living Well Through Lent 2026: Cultivating Healing and Wholeness in Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind. Prefer a digital practice? A free PDF version is also available at livingcompass.org. You can also sign up to receive a daily email of each reflection for free.
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Meditations from Episcopal Relief & Development
Free online
This year, Episcopal Relief & Development is offering Lenten Meditations with spiritual reflections from author and TikTok influencer Sister Monica Clare, on the holy habits that bring us closer to God. Visit episcopalrelief.org/church-in-action/lent/ to sign up for daily meditation emails, read them online, or download their booklet.
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For members who are bidding our prayers: Richard Shirah • Kim Boswell • Larry Wilcox • Mike Curry • Wes, Kelly & Lillian Wright • Laraine Fraijo-Paul • Chris Miller • Ellen Mintzmyer • Philip Anderson • Louise Bedrossian (wife of Bob Thompson) • Barbara Belcore • Esther Harbert • Veta Smith (mother of Cecilia Democko) • Sally Brockington
For friends and family: Nancy & Ron, neighbors of Linda & Paul Parisi • Pearl & Tom McHaney, friends of Sara Cushing • Sally Williams, daughter of Susan & Loren Williams • Mark McCord, cousin of Pam Tipton • Kay Harris, mother of Rebecca Webb • 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 • Bruce Fort • Esther Harbert • Robin Hairston • Rod MacLeod • Sally McClintock • Chris Miller & Ron Hutcheson • Ann Rowles • Pat Spivey • Beth Towers • Michael Towers, Jr. • Wayne & Judy Urban • Larry Wilcox • Colleen
For those who have died: Marshall McGraw, uncle of Chris McGraw
For those celebrating anniversaries the week of 2/15-21: Cliff Edge & Les Howell
For those celebrating birthdays the week of 2/15-21: Bruce Maclachlan • Cookie Gold • Anne Kerner • Matt Cook • Taylor Irwin • Jewel Allen • Johanna Hinman • Susan Williams • Wende Crow • Lauren DeMotte-Kelly • Evan Gibbs
| | | | 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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