eNews for February 6, 2026 | |
- Children's Chapel during the service
- Formation for All
- Youth Group at 5:00 p.m.
| | Upcoming Meetings & Events |
- Family Eucharist - 2/10 - RSVP
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Prisontown Performance - 2/15 - RSVP
- Shrove Tuesday - 2/17 - RSVP
- Ash Wednesday - 2/18
- Holy Comforter Quarterly Dinner - 2/18
- Grant Submissions Due 2/25
- Lent Practices
- Rescheduled Men's Dinner - 3/7
- Vacation Bible School Dates
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Dear Epiphanites,
In this season of Epiphany, we are reminded of God’s light breaking through the darkness of the world in countless ways. It feels especially fitting, then, that our long-anticipated solar installation was placed into service this January—a tangible sign of God’s light and its power to transform energy into something that can positively impact the world God so deeply loves.
Epiphany’s Path to Solar began many years ago as a vision of our Earth Guild. They believed that reducing our community’s energy consumption was both a fitting response to God’s care for creation and a compassionate witness to the wider world. Epiphany consulted with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL) who conducted a Power-Wise Energy Audit and helped us identify measures for lowering our carbon footprint.
Since then, we have taken many steps along this path: moving away from single-use plastics in favor of reusable and recyclable alternatives; installing motion-activated lighting and energy-efficient LED bulbs; planting pollinator-friendly gardens with native plants; adding nearly 100 trees to our campus; composting food waste; and reducing the number of bulletins printed each week.
The completion of our solar installation marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to lower carbon emissions and to care for those most vulnerable to the impacts of a changing climate and it happened thanks to your generous giving to our solar campaign.
This Sunday, we invite you to join us in the courtyard immediately following worship as we celebrate the completion of this project and dedicate the solar installation to God—an expression of our gratitude for all we have been been blessed with and our enduring commitment to care for creation.
We are thankful for every member of the Epiphany community who believed in this work, saw its importance, and shared your time, gifts, and resources to make this day possible.
Amy and Carmie
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Kitchen and Parish Hall Flooring
If you have been in the kitchen recently you may have noticed that a number of floor tiles have come loose. The floors in the kitchen and parish hall have served us well but the time has come for them to be replaced.
The kitchen vinyl composite tile (VCT) was replaced with quarry tile this week. VCT needs buffing to maintain its appearance but that's not safe in a kitchen since it makes the surface too slippery. The quarry tile is durable, easy to clean and should look good for years to come which is why it is used in many commercial kitchens today.
As we were working on the kitchen flooring issue, a donor generously volunteered to pay for the replacement of the parish hall floor. The flooring has served us well, but after 22 years its looking rough. After looking at various options, we decided on a wood look luxury vinyl plank (LVP) that should coordinate well with the existing oak cabinets. LVP is a durable product that is also easy to maintain and does not require regular buffing which is a considerable expense that we will be able to eliminate from our budget. I'm grateful to our generous donor and excited about the new updated look for the parish hall.
Amy
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Formation for All
Sundays at 11:30 a.m.
Please join us for the final class in our series exploring biblical views on and responses to material poverty. We will continue our consideration of the nature and scope of poverty in America today, including how we can cultivate more just, effective, and transformative responses to poverty in our own churches and communities. Facilitated by Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio, Executive Director of the Candler Foundry.
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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. • lower-level classroom / donut den
The Youth (6th - 12th grade) curriculum, Current: Seeking God Together, explores 13 spiritual practices that can deepen and transform our relationship with God and others using interactive, age-appropriate strategies to help children and youth connect with God and the church as whole.
Click here to provide donuts for the youth on Sunday mornings.
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Youth Group
Sundays at 5:00 p.m. • location varies
This Sunday our youth and their parents are invited to meet in the Donut Den for the first half of Super Bowl 60! Wings are provided; families are invited to bring sides to share.
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Happening & New Beginnings Registration Deadlines
Our diocesan retreat weekends for youth at Camp Mikell are fast approaching! Today is the final day to register for Happening 83 for high school students, taking place February 20–22. 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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Altar Arrangements & Sanctuary Light Sign Up
- The Arrangements at the Altar and the Sanctuary Light are 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 >>
| | | | This Week at Epiphany & Other News | | | | |
Thank you to everyone who donated to the DEAM Pantry Drive last month. Our goal was to collect 50 each of the following:
Cereal - 50
Canned Soup - 104
Canned Fruit - 49
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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 >>
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ECW Monthly Meeting
2nd Tuesdays at 9:30/11:00 a.m. • parish hall
2/10—The ECW meets monthly at 9:30 a.m. to make sandwiches for Emmaus House. The meeting and program begin at 11:00 a.m. in the parish hall. Afterwards, we will adjourn to Melton’s App & Tap for lunch. All women of Epiphany are invited to attend.
The speaker for February is Darlene Schultz, President and CEO of Georgia Works, a program that serves chronically homeless men and women, providing housing and a path to self-sufficiency.
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Family Eucharist & Service Project
Tuesday, February 10 • all activities in the parish hall
2/10—We look forward to seeing you for this family and kid focused celebration of the Eucharist. Please arrive at 5:00 p.m. for the service project, 6:00 p.m. for pizza (RSVP at this link), and 6:15 p.m. for the start of the service.
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Parents Listening Session
2/10—On February 10 during our monthly service project, parents of children (up to 5th grade) are invited to a listening session with the Rev. Carmie McDonald. Listening sessions offer a chance to share both your children’s experiences in our programs and how you as parents feel about these experiences. This feedback helps us develop our programming and we are very eager to hear from you!
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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: 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12
| | Group Meetings & Programs Taking Place This Week | | |
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Epiphany Book Group—2nd Mondays at 7:00 p.m. • location varies
2/9—The Epiphany Book meets on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. See listing below for location. All are welcome. Contact Linda Ryder-Wolf if you have any questions.
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February 9: A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman (Zoom)
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March 9: Citizens of London, by Lynne Olsen (Epiphany)
Men’s Breakfast Group—Tuesdays following the 7:00 a.m. service
2/10—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
2/10—Beginning Choristers meet from 4:45 to 5:15 p.m.
2/10—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 in Avondale Estates
2/10—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.
Choirs for Adults & Youth—Wednesdays
2/11—The Epiphany Ringers rehearse from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Choir Loft.
2/11—Our all-volunteer Epiphany Choir rehearses from 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. in the Music Suite.
Monthly Meal Ministry—meals served 2nd Fridays of the month
2/11-13—Volunteers cook in the Epiphany kitchen and then serve the meal once a month. To help prepare, cook, or serve the meal, click here to sign up >>
Caregiver Support Group—2nd Fridays at 11:45 a.m. • Zoom
2/13—The Caregiver Support Group meets monthly over Zoom. Parish members who are caring for a loved one gather to talk about their experience and support one another. The group is co-facilitated by parishioner Nancy Thompson, a Georgia-licensed psychologist. Contact Nancy if you are interested in joining this group.
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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
2/17—Epiphany & Earth & Soul—3rd Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. • Room 201 | Zoom
2/18—The Munch Bunch—3rd Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. • Thinking Man Tavern
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
| | | | Upcoming Services & Events | |
Sandwich Making for Common Ground
2/15—On February 15 during formation hour, youth are invited to make sandwiches to be delivered to Church of the Common Ground.
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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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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.
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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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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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PARISH LIFE/ YOUTH MINISTRIES
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.
3/5—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.
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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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RESCHEDULED Epiphany Men's Fellowship Dinner
Sunday, 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 have rescheduled their meal for Sunday, 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!
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Vacation Bible School
June 27, July 11, July 25
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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Lent 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 2025: 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: 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: Gus Thierry, cousin of David Thierry • Louise Bennett, relative of Michele & Rod MacLeod • Dr. Alan Hinman, father of Johanna Hinman
For those celebrating birthdays the week of 2/8-14: Susan Bridges • Sharon Burrow • Hayes Wagner • Dan Mundy • Jeanette Hanson • Terry Howell • Alix Janke • Lindsey Mitchell • Caitlyn Trautwein • Kelli Gantt • Amy Shipp • Makayla Stadler
| | | | 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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