News for November 6, 2026 | | | |
- Donations for Common Ground - 11/8
- November Art Show
- Thanksgiving at Home Drive - 11/15
- Fall Newcomers' Gathering - 11/15
- Veteran's Recognition - 11/15
- Winter Items Drive - Concludes 11/29
- Advent Retreat Morning - 12/5
| | | |
Thank you to everyone who so generously responded during October’s Stewardship campaign. You have reinforced through your pledges of time, talent, and treasure that we truly belong to each other.
As of the middle of this week, we have received 124 pledges for a combined amount of $715,000.
This is a wonderful response. For context, our 2026 final totals were 161 pledges of a combined $761,000. What has been pledged for 2027 is already the third-highest in dollars pledged in at least the past decade and exceeds the amounts pledged in 2023 or 2024, even when accounting for inflation.
| | | | |
And while this is an excellent start, we are currently below our goal of $825,000. If you have not returned your pledge yet, please do so as soon as possible by putting a pledge card into the offering plate on Sunday or emailing Parish Administrator Shea McNutt.
Two important reminders:
- We do not assume anyone’s pledge carries over from year to year.
- If you use the Autopay feature in Realm to make your gift monthly or quarterly, we cannot see if that will carry over into the new year. Even if you are pledging the same amount as this year and not changing your Autopay, we need a returned pledge card or email confirmation from you.
In this Sunday’s Vestry meeting and Monday’s Finance Committee meeting we will be reviewing the draft 2027 budget. The more certainty we have about pledges and our progress toward our goal, the more we can solidify in our planning for next year’s spending. As we do each year, members of the Vestry will also call members who have pledged in past years but have not returned a pledge this year. We do this to check in on parishioners and see if there are pastoral issues the clergy need to know about, and also to enable us to finish preparing the budget and make plans for 2027.
Thank you again to all who have made a pledge to Epiphany for next year. If you have any questions about pledging or the church budget more broadly please feel free to email me (my email address is available in Realm) or speak to me at church.
Jacob Geiger
Junior Warden
Vestry Liaison to Stewardship Committee
| |
|
| |
How to make a pledge
We offer several ways to share your commitments of your time, talents, and treasure for the coming year — through your pledge card which you will receive next week, through your Realm log-in, or by clicking on the button here.
| | | | | | |
Adult Formation
11:30 a.m. • parish hall
Dr. Elizabeth Arnold, Scholar-in-Residence for the Candler Foundry, returns to Epiphany to lead us in a study of Women of Advent.
This series highlights the often-overlooked stories of the women who prepared the way for Christ, revealing their courage, faith, and prophetic witness. As such, Jesus is seen to be in the line of his foremothers. This course invites participants to reflect on how their lives illuminate the hope, longing, and promise at the heart of the Advent season. Join us in the parish hall.
| |
|
Formation for Children & Youth
Children’s Formation begins at 11:15 a.m.
- Room 206—Godly Play for children 3 years old through 2nd grade.
- Room 205—Wondering & Belonging for children in 3rd through 5th grade.
| | |
Youth Formation begins at 11:30 a.m.
Our youth will carpool from Epiphany at 11:30 a.m. to attend the service at the Church of the Common Ground at Woodruff Park in Atlanta.
| | |
Donations for Church of the Common Ground
Sunday, November 8 after the service
Please sign up to donate cupcakes, coffee, hot chocolate, and sugar for the youth to take to the Church of the Common Ground’s Homecoming Service on November 8. We need at least 100 cupcakes to celebrate! Deliver cupcakes to Tristen Webb after the service.
| | | | |
Contemplative Practice
2nd Sundays in the Choir Loft at 4:00 p.m.
Come gather with us on 2nd Sundays 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.
| | | | |
Youth Group
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Fellow parishioner Joel Fowler will guide us in a cooking class! Parents and youth will learn how to cook omelets; students will have a variety of ingredients to choose from. The cost to attend is $25 per person.
| | |
Art Ministry
Now showing in the Gallery
| |
For the month of November, Epiphany’s Art Ministry welcomes acrylic and charcoal art by Sara Culpepper. Sara’s creative process is a journey through memory and emotion, inspired by the humor and love found in life. By weaving these personal threads into professional designs, she creates art that invites viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty within the human condition.
Please pay by QR code and sign up to claim your favorites on the price sheet.
Reminder: Epiphany earns 25% of all sales.
| |
| | |
Altar Arrangements & Sanctuary Light Sign Up
- The Arrangements at the Altar are given to the Glory of God.
- The Sanctuary Light is given to the Glory of God and in memory of Shanna Jackson by Terri Lawrence & Julie Ryder.
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 | | |
The Rt. Rev. Rob Wright, Bishop of Atlanta was our celebrant and preacher last Sunday at the All Saints Service.
Congratulations to the following members who were confirmed or received by the bishop to the Episcopal Church at the service: Jacob David Barber • Ellyn Bryan • James Bryan • Kayleen Hartman • Mattis Taylor • Leona Wierwille
| | | | |
Four members of the Flower Guild: Ann Fowler, Wallace Bryan, Polly Nodine, and Annie Strahan, attended a Flower Festival at Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston, S.C., last week.
It was a wonderful experience which included three days of floral arranging demonstrations and insights into the principles of church flowers. The two Welsh presenters, Daphne Furneaux and Delyth Price, did a marvelous job of making the event entertaining as well as informative. The guild members were grateful to have the opportunity to attend due in part through the funds in the Flower Guild. Thank you Epiphany.
| |
| | Thank you for your donations! | |
The ECW is grateful to the parish for the generous offering of non-food items to the Emmaus House Pantry drive in October.
You donated 150 rolls of toilet paper, 124 tubes of tooth paste and 74 tooth brushes to individuals and families who are struggling to meet the most basic needs.
| | | | | | Epiphany T-Shirts Available for Purchase | A recurring theme in our vestry discussions is the importance of raising awareness of our parish in our surrounding communities. One opportunity you now have is to wear one of our new t-shirts as you are out and about. The front is simply our star logo and the back states our theme—We believe God loves you. No exceptions. T-shirts are $20, and will be available for purchase during coffee hour. If you would like to make special arrangements for purchase contact Beth Floyd. | | Thanksgiving at Home with Emmaus House | | | | Each year, Epiphany partners with Emmaus House to support their annual Thanksgiving at Home initiative. As rising grocery prices continue to place an even greater burden on families in need, our support is more important than ever. We’re asking for donations of reusable grocery bags packed with the items listed here so that our neighbors in Peoplestown can make their favorite side dishes—while Emmaus House provides the turkeys and other essentials. Log into Realm to contact Lynda Smith if you have any questions or if you'd like to help deliver bags to Emmaus House. | Donations can be left in the Gallery anytime between now and Sunday, November 15. | | | |
Winter Items Drive
Collecting until Sunday, November 29
Epiphany is participating in Project Live Love's Winter Items Drive for men and women.
Bring any of the following to the basket in the gallery:
Gently Used:
Coats, Jackets, Sweaters, and Hoodies
New Packages:
Socks, Underwear, Stocking Caps, and Gloves
Contact Sally Walker with questions.
| | | | |
Epiphany Book Group
2nd Mondays at 7:00 p.m. • location varies
| |
11/9—The Epiphany Book Group meets on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact Linda Ryder-Wolf if you have any questions.
November selection: The Power of Dignity: How Transforming Justice Can Heal Our Communities, by Judge Victoria Pratt (on Zoom).
| | |
Music Ministry
Contact: Julie Ryder
Join the Epiphany Choir!
Wednesdays • Music Suite upstairs
Our all-volunteer choir provides musical leadership for the 10:00 a.m. liturgy and feast days with rehearsals on Wednesdays from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Membership is open to adults and high school youth.
| | |
Choirs for Children & Youth
Tuesdays • Music Suite upstairs
Children’s and Youth Choirs began on Tuesday, September 22. Registration is now open for children in pre-K (1 year prior to Kindergarten) through 8th grade.
| | Other Meetings & Programs Taking Place This Week | | |
|
Men’s Breakfast Group—Tuesdays following the 7:00 a.m. service
11/10—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 Dave Thompson to get on the reminder email list.
Episcopal Church Women (ECW)—2nd Tuesdays at 9:30/11:00 a.m.
11/10—The ECW gather 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, they will adjourn to Melton’s App & Tap for lunch. All women of Epiphany are de facto ECW members and are welcome.
Epiphany Trivia Group—Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. • Wild Heaven in Avondale
11/10—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.
Gateway Center Meal Ministry—meals served 2nd Fridays of the month
11/11-13—Volunteers cook in the Epiphany kitchen and then serve the meal at the Gateway Shelter once a month. To help prepare, cook, or serve the meal, sign up here.
Thursday Morning Book Group—11:00 a.m. Thursdays through November 19
11/12—The Thursday morning book group is discussing the newly-released book Have Mercy: Following Jesus in Politically Perilous Times. Theologians and ethicists discuss the practice of mercy in times of fear and division. The group meets in Room 201.
| | | | |
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.
| | |
|
Other Meetings on the Calendar
- 11/17—Caregiver Support Group—3rdTuesdays at 5:30 p.m. • Zoom
- 11/18—The Munch Bunch—3rd Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. • Thinking Man Tavern
- 11/23—Community of Hope’s Circle of Care—4th Mondays at 6:00 p.m. • Parish Hall
- 12/3—Grief Pastoral Care Group—1st Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. • Zoom
- 12/3—Fireside Sit & Sip—1st Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. • Courtyard
| | | | Upcoming Services & Events | | | | |
Veteran's Recognition
Sunday, November 15 at the 10:00 a.m. service
| 11/15—We recognize the Veterans in our parish on the Sunday closest to Veterans’ Day (November 11). If you have not previously done so, please email the office and let us know the military branch and campaigns that you served in (e.g., Name, U.S. Navy, Vietnam) by noon on Monday, November 9 in order to be included in the bulletin. | | | | |
Fall Newcomers’ Gathering
Sunday, November 15 at 12:30 p.m. • parish hall
| 11/15—Epiphany’s membership committee invites all newcomers and visitors, both individuals and families, to a light lunch following formation at 12:30 p.m. Old-timers are welcome too! This social gathering will be a time to get to know one another and learn more about our parish, programs, and ministries from clergy and parishioners. | | | | |
Tuesday Night Family Eucharist
Tuesday, November 17
11/17—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, and 6:15 p.m. for the start of the service.
| | | | |
Advent Devotional Booklet
free in the narthex, limited supply
| |
If you are looking for an Advent devotional to read as a spiritual practice during Advent, pick up one of the Living Compass booklets in the gallery: Living Well Through Advent 2026: Practicing Patience With All Your Heart, Spirit, Body, 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.
| | | | |
Fireside Sit & Sip
monthly at 7:00 p.m. • Courtyard
| 12/3—The Fireside Sit & Sip group is for women primarily in their 40s, 50s, and 60s to come together just as you are. Bring a camp chair and join us around the fire pit in the courtyard to sit, sip, and enjoy conversation. Please RSVP and sign up to bring drinks or snacks. Questions? Contact Kathy Corcoran. | | |
Advent Retreat Morning
Saturday, December 5 • 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
| 12/5—Take time for retreat and silence as we enter into the season of Advent. Partake in personal and contemplative prayer and enjoy a meal and fellowship with others. Led by seminarian Brittany Cole. Cost is $15 person/free for students. Space is limited to 20 people. | |
|
For members who are bidding our prayers: Johanna Hinman • Pam Tipton • Chris Prikkel • Lucy Davidson • Daniel Hyland (spouse of Paul Hinson) • Dick Gonter (spouse of Ann Williamson) • Paul Hinson • Judy Cox • Michele MacLeod • Alix Janke • Joy Boyden • Lisa Gray • Larry Wilcox • Mike Curry • Chris Miller & Ron Hutcheson • Philip Anderson • Louise Bedrossian (spouse of Bob Thompson) • Barbara Belcore • Esther Harbert • Sally Brockington
For friends and family: Melissa Keating, friend of Linda Ryder Wolf • Jean McGraw, mother of Chris McGraw • Maddie Ferrell Mixon, granddaughter of Sheila & Richard Ferrell • Bill Conkell, friend of Richard & Susan Messner • Fran Block, mother of Erin Braden • Juan, friend of Christen & Kurt Erskine• The Rev. Walter Jones, father of Carmie McDonald • Lisa Gibbs, friend of Mike & Marion Curry • Louise Peters, grandmother of Tristen Webb • 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 • Ellen Mintzmyer • Ann Rowles • Pat Spivey • Beth Towers • Michael Towers, Jr. • Wayne & Judy Urban • Larry Wilcox • Wes, Kelly & Lillian Wright • Colleen
For those who have died: Joyce Hitchcock, sister-in-law of Ruth Olson • Kay Harris, mother of Rebecca Webb • Frances Ellison-Dansby, friend of Cliff Edge
For those celebrating birthdays the week of 11/8-14: Mark McDonald • Collier Chaffins • Jeff McGrath • Ellen Mintzmyer • Nancy Chandler •Amaranthe Parker • Mary Beth Nelson • Eliza Neel
| | | | 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.
| | | | |
