Parish Notices for January 22, 2021 |
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Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 24 at 10:15 a.m.
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You’re invited to join us online at 10:15 a.m. for this important meeting in the life of our church. We will hear reports from vestry members and heads of parish organizations, as well as the priest-in-charge. We will also appoint new vestry members and thank the retiring ones, receive the 2020 Financial Report and the 2021 Annual Budget. No other Adult Formation Programs will meet.
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We will use the regular Sunday Morning Login button on the homepage, or click here.
Click the button below for a link to a PDF of the 2021 Annual Report to the parish.
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New Vestry - Class of 2024 |
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Bert Bender
Bert Bender has been a member of Epiphany since he and Kay Lee were married here on May 1, 1993 and became members of the Episcopal Church. Both he and Kay had been Roman Catholic to that point, although Bert was educated by Jesuits, so there’s that. Regular attendees at the 8:50 service, he and Kay found respite in the pew during the years after their sons Brendan and Alex were born (in 1996 and 1998, respectively), when the young ones could find sanctuary in childcare. 20 years ago, our rector Claiborne Jones “asked” Bert to join the Vestry (actual quote: “I’m going to ask you a question and you have to say yes”). This was back when instead of a beautiful Courtyard we had two grey trailers and trash bins out front, so during his “ex-officio” years after Senior Warden service Bert was tasked by Claiborne with Parish Hall/Classroom construction matters (and Byrdland purchase) before becoming a member of the Finance Committee for a while. Keeping a low pew profile since then, he’s been somewhat engaged in a variety of Scouting roles locally and nationally. Once a practicing lawyer, he retired from Alston & Bird to spend time enjoying concerts and restaurants and traveling with Kay and kids. That shift to leisure was in early 2020, so Ann Fowler knew he’d be home when she called him to re-join the Vestry.
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Lisa Daily
My family has been at Epiphany for 33 years. During that time, I have been involved in most Epiphany ministries. I have been very active in Outreach over the last 10 years and lead Epiphany’s work in Haiti. I am a member of Epiphany’s Racial Justice group. My vocation is public health. I had a 25-year career with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and worked 15 years as an independent public health consultant. I am married to Jim Rabb who is active in Epiphany’s feeding ministry. Our son, Jimmy Rabb, lives in Atlanta.I enjoy yoga, hiking, travel and volunteering. I currently serve on the board of Theatre du Reve, an Atlanta-based French language theater company. I also enjoy working at Emmaus House’s summer Freedom School Program. This is my third stint on the Vestry.
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Peter Dodge
Peter and Julie Dodge first attended Epiphany in June 2019 upon moving to Atlanta to live near their son and grandchildren. Since then, Peter has served the parish as a counter and an usher. With Julie, he has prepared and served meals for Emmaus House. Peter was a member of the steering committee planning and facilitating the Just Faith seminars recently concluded and continues as an active member of the Racial Justice Group. Peter is a cradle Episcopalian. The bishop who confirmed him at age 12 was subsequently excommunicated for heresy. To this day, Peter speculates about whether there was a cause and effect link between these two events. A graduate of Amherst College and the University of Michigan Law School, his private Michigan law practice (continuing to this date) emphasizes real property transactions, probate administration, small businesses, civil litigation and the formation and governance of non-profit and tax exempt organizations. He previously served two vestry terms at his previous church in Ann Arbor.
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Liefy Smith
My husband, George, and I have been members of Epiphany for about twenty years. Shortly after the construction and renovation in 2003, I served as the Building and Grounds person on the vestry (2004-2006). Rector Claiborne Jones suggested the new gallery space be used for art shows and invited me to exhibit. Thus, the Art Ministry was born and it has been going for nearly eighteen years. My other work with Epiphany has included wall graphics, custom furniture, and helping design the Memorial Garden. George and I have lived in Decatur for nearly twenty-eight years. I am originally from New Orleans and am the third of seven children. Upon George’s military retirement and ten moves, he asked me where I wanted to go and we chose Atlanta. My work has included being an illustrator in Japan followed by many years as a director of interiors for several architectural firms. I have been an artist for the past 20 years. We have two children-Ben (wife, Erin) and Sacha and we are blessed to have them in the Atlanta area. My interests beyond art and design include traveling, and boating. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our Epiphany Parish!
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Sherry Wallace, who sill serve as Clerk of the Vestry
I came to Epiphany around the year 2000. Over the years, I’ve participated in a wide variety of groups. I worked in the Peachtree Pine feeding ministry, leading it for a couple of years. I was chair of the Flower Guild for a number of years. I have been on Vestry twice, the first time serving as the Outreach liaison and the second as Clerk. I’m currently a Verger and am on the Pastoral Care committee. In addition to my activities at Epiphany, I volunteer at Emmaus House in the wood turning area and am on the Citizens Review Panel for the DeKalb County Juvenile Court. I have had a few careers, the most recent in corporate tax accounting. I worked at BellSouth/AT&T for 12 years and then switched to corporate tax consulting until retirement last year. I enjoy cooking, gardening, and traveling. I was scheduled for a trip to Ghana with the Diocese last spring and am looking forward to rescheduling once we’re free to travel again.
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Lisa Carlson was chosen by the Vestry to fill the unexpired term of Jason Wiles after Jason, Stephanie and Abigail moved to Duluth. According to our by-laws, Vestry selects a parishioner to fill any vacated unexpired positions. |
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Lisa M. Carlson
Lisa M Carlson first came to Epiphany with her dear friend Nancy Thompson in the early 1990s. At the encouragement of Nancy and of Rev. Claiborne Jones, Lisa and her wife Johanna Hinman became more regular attendees and active members over the past 20 years (having found the Episcopal Church to be nice middle ground between Lisa’s Catholic and Johanna’s United Methodist backgrounds). Lisa and Johanna were united through a commitment ceremony at Epiphany in 2004 and were excited to finally sign the marriage book when renewing their vows on their 10th anniversary. They are thrilled to serve as godmothers to Reid and Ripley Prikkel and are missing being at Epiphany with them and their parents Brittany and Chris on Sunday mornings. Lisa has served on the Epiphany Finance Committee and the Safely Together Task Force for COVID-19. Professionally, Lisa serves as Executive Administrator for Research Administration at Emory University School of Medicine and teaches in the Executive Master of Public Health Program. She is the Immediate Past President of the American Public Health Association. Lisa and Johanna enjoy hiking, flatwater kayaking, traveling and cooking. (They look forward to future opportunities to gather in the kitchen for Chez Epiphany with Chef Joel!) They share their Decatur home with two kittens, who joined the family New Year’s Eve and are busy creating happy chaos in every room.
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Sunday Worship @ 9:00 a.m.
Login at 8:50 a.m. to greet one another. Remain online afterwards for Small Groups Virtual Coffee Hour. Formation classes start at 10:15 a.m. (Class info listed below.)
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Dial 646.558.8656
Meeting ID is 532 385 90
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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.
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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Links can also be found on the worship services page of our our website. A Zoom account is not needed.
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Outdoor Worship Opportunities
Registration Required. COVID guidelines listed on the signup.
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Sunday Morning Worship @11:30 a.m.
Wi-Fi outside is spotty, so print the bulletin at home and bring it with you.
In the event of inclement weather or if temperatures fall below 45° we will cancel the outdoor service by way of email prior to the 9 a.m. online service. Check your email on the day of the service if the weather is uncertain.
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Guest Preacher on January 31 |
We are thrilled to announce that the Rev. Rhett Solomon will be our preacher on January, 31 for both services. Previously ordained in the Baptist tradition, Rhett became a deacon in the Episcopal Church this past December and, prayerfully, will be ordained to the Episcopal priesthood in June of 2021. Rhett is a gifted writer, poet, and preacher (among other things) and it is our absolute honor to welcome him to Epiphany this coming Sunday. You can read more about the Rev. Rhett Solomon here.
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Adult Formation: is cancelled this week. Please be sure to attend the Annual Meeting.
Stories of God's Calling - Sunday January 31 at 10:15 a.m.
Adult Formation will resume next Sunday (1/31) with "Stories of God's Calling." This class is the first part of a three part series exploring the shape of God's calling in our lives. As Christians we are storied by God's calling and this semester we'll dive into how God's calling impacts the story of self, the story of us, and the story of now. The Epiphany series will be facilitated by Evan Bassett and will feature the stories of several Epiphany parishioners over the next several weeks. This week we will hear from Christina Montesinos! You really don't want to miss this.
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Formation for Families - Sundays at 10:15 a.m, starting January 17
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We will be discussing This Book is Anti-Racist, by Tiffany Jewell. The book examines the concepts of social identity, race, ethnicity, and racism. It is written for everyone, from young people to families and teachers. We will focus on how to raise anti-racist children as we work on deepening our own racial awareness and building a community that truly honors everyone. On January 31, we will discuss Section 2, pp 45-83. All are welcome, you do not have to have done the reading to come to this class!
Meeting ID: 851 6230 2412
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Children's Sunday Morning Formation will meet at 10 a.m. for Godly Play; all ages are invited. It is a time for our children to connect with one another, hear a story, wonder, pray, and sing.
Meeting ID: 890 5875 0509
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Youth Formation
Youth Formation for the beginning of the Spring Semester will take place during our in-person Evening Prayer gatherings. There will be time for a group check-in, as well as time to discuss the week's devotional material. Sign Up Here.
- Weekly devotionals are sent on Saturdays.
- Newsletters are sent on Mondays
Meeting ID: 890 5875 0509
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If you live in or near Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale counties, Disco Droid can send you text messages alerting you to when appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations are available for your priority phase. Just text VAX to their COVID-19 Vax App at 678-679-0250. More information available in this AJC article:
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Endowment Grants Available |
The 30-day period for requesting disbursements from the Epiphany Endowment Fund opens on the day of the annual parish meeting, January 24, 2021. The guidelines for distributions, pursuant to the Epiphany Endowment Fund’s Plan of Operation, are:
- Capital improvements, debt reduction, or the building program of The Church of the Epiphany;
- Scholarships or grants to members of The Church of the Epiphany for the purpose of attending college, seminary, nursing or medical school; for church-related camping or leadership conferences; or such other training which enables members of this congregation to grow in Christian faith and service to God’s people;
- Outreach into the community including, but not limited to, grants to Episcopal colleges and seminaries, social service agencies, institutions and agencies to which this parish relates, and to special programs designed for those persons in our area who are in spiritual and/or economic need; projects of the Episcopal Church at home and overseas.
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Rethinking Resilience in a World of Change
Virtual Workshop and Reflection with Bobbi Patterson
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Thursday, January 28 from 9 a.m. - noon
This Workshop introduces Adaptive Resilience Theory (ART), an approach to change that builds skills born of reflective wisdom. Participants will learn insights and tools combining ART and contemplative principles and practices.
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The Food 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 in March and October.
This time for March we are asking you to give liquid dish soap and paper towels. Bins will be by the front door. If you would like to contribute, but are not getting out during the pandemic, you can donate $10 to the church and we will shop for you. Please mark Emmaus House in the memo.
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Pledge Update
As of today, 143 households have made a pledge for 2021 for a total of $507,222.92. Please click on the button below to add your pledge and help us meet our goal for the 2021 calendar year.
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If you haven’t created a login yet to the new online church database, the Invitation Email link you were sent has since expired. |
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But there are multiple ways to create your login:
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Give in Honor of Memory of Someone
The Altar Arrangements and the Sanctuary Light can be given as a memorial, thanksgiving or special occasion.
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The Altar Arrangements are used for both the online and outdoor worship services. You may request a particular flower or color be used.
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.
To be listed in the Sunday bulletin, sign up here by noon on Wednesdays.
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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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Thank you!
Each year, one of the last acts our retiring Senior Warden does is to ask the parish to recognize and reward the staff for a year of hard work and dedication. This past Christmas, Epiphanites once again gave generously and our full-time, part-time and auxiliary staff all received a very nice bonus.
Thank you again for giving the gift you have to the staff. It speaks volumes and we appreciate your generosity!
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The Rev. Nicole Lambelet, Associate Priest for Family Ministry & Outreach
Julie P. Ryder, Organist & Choirmaster
L. Shea McNutt, Parish Administrator
Matt Schramm, Director of Youth Ministries
Christen Erskine, Interim Director of Children’s Ministries
Susie Boyko, Bookkeeper
Evan Bassett, Theologian in Residence
Jean Livingston, Childcare Worker
Charlotte Hill, Childcare Worker
Paul Henderson, Sexton
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Church Building Remains Closed
The staff continues to work mostly from home. They check their email and voicemail messages regularly.
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.
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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In Person: Our next in-person youth group is Sunday, January 24. We will gather at the parish for games, Evening Prayer, and a brief time for formation. The event will be held outside, masks are required. Sign Up Here
Online: Our next virtual youth group will be January 31.
Meeting ID: 532 38 5901
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The Epiphany Book Group meets 1st Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Email John Yntema for the login.
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February: The Library Book by Susan Orlean
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March: Plainsong by Kent Haruf
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April: Pale Horse Pale Rider: Three Short Novels by Katherine Anne Porter
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Join the Racial Justice Book Club
As part of racial justice work, Epiphany is forming a book club to:
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- educate and inform ourselves on the history of racial injustice
- better understand the challenges of changing racial inequities and seeking racial justice, and
- work toward pragmatic and effective ways to be better anti-racist advocates.
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The book group will meet at 6:45 p.m. on the last Wednesday of every month, starting on January 27, 2021. A link will be sent in advance of each meeting. Email Lisa Daily to sign up to receive the link.
To get started, we will read:
January - White Rage, by Carol Anderson
February, March, April - Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson
Please consider ordering your books from Black owned, local bookstores which you can find through an Internet search of “black owned bookstore Atlanta.”
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Grief Pastoral Care Group |
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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- 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: Rob Ashmore, Sally Brockington, Lily Burnett, Sam Burnett, Kyle D'Mellow, Jeanne Hatcher, Henry Laird, Tom Mundy, Terry-Lee Ross, Ann Rowles, Pat Spivey, Stephanie Thompson; Lindsay Todd
For friends and family: Isabel, granddaughter of Mike & Beth Towers; Betty Porter, relative of Christen Erskine; Dave Tipton, brother of Pam Tipton; Maggie & David, friends of Nancy Thompson; Rosalind Blair; Kim, friend of Barbara Belcore; J and Tobias Mintzmyer, nephews of Ellen MIntzmeyer; Millie, Kyung and Joslyn, friends of Ellen Mintzmeyer; Bill Knee, relative of Amanda Kay Seals; Ray and Mary Munoz, friends of Ann Fowler; Christy Green, friend of Nicole Lambelet; Tallu Quinn, friend of Nicole Lambelet; Laura Foxworth, niece of Amy Dills-Moore
For those who have died: Arlen Gray; Paul Rentz and John Boring, friends of Nancy Thompson
For those celebrating birthdays for the week of 1/24-30: Martha Arrington, Kyra Council, Addie Styles, David Brandon, Tad Braswell, Donna Taylor, Katie Pedersen, Julie Ryder, Max Boles, Georgia Gary
For those expecting a child: Amanda Kay Seals & Zac Toy
For members who desire our continuing prayers: 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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