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- Pentecost This Sunday - WEAR RED!
- RSVP for the picnic This Sunday
- Intergenerational Field Day This Sunday
- Expanded Coffee Hour Begins - 5/31
- Bach/Biber Project - 5/31
- Sing in the Summer Choir - begins 6/7
- Faith & Film Summer Movie Series
- VBS Volunteers Needed
- Photos from Recent Events
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Dear Epiphany Family,
Our parish has been blessed through the years with wonderful and beloved children and youth directors. Taylor Irwin came to us while she was still a seminarian at Candler to serve as our Director of Children, Youth, and Families. She was in discernment for priesthood and now is nearing ordination to the diaconate this December, and God willing to the priesthood next June. She is also excitedly preparing for her upcoming marriage to the Rev. Hope Anderson, a priest in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina so she will be leaving us at the end of July to prepare for her marriage this fall and a move to South Carolina.
It is the nature of this position that change is inevitable, but always hard. Your Vestry and clergy are in the process of discerning the needs of our children and youth as we look to the future. We are hosting listening sessions, interviews with parents and parishioners, and we hope to have a parish wide session at the end of the summer to share what we have learned. We want to get input from the parish about what you are willing to commit to as we seek to live out the parish priority we set of making the necessary changes to prioritize ministry to children and youth. We also want to think together about what we want that ministry to look like going forward, at a time when recruiting people for those positions is increasingly difficult due to the changing nature of seminary education.
To give us time to discern the path forward, we have asked parishioners Edie Brush to coordinate our children's ministry and Tristen Webb to coordinate our youth ministry through the end of this year. These paid positions will be ten hours per week each. We are excited about their willingness to serve their parish in this way since they are both known to our children and youth as volunteers, which will hopefully make the transition somewhat easier for our students.
Look for more updates to come as our discernment continues. Please reach out to Carmie if you have questions about this while I'm away. And please plan to join us as we celebrate Taylor on her last Sunday with us on July 26.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we celebrate Pentecost together and enjoy our parish picnic and intergenerational field day.
Grace and peace,
Amy
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Day of Pentecost
Sunday, May 24
| 5/24—Sunday, May 24 is the 50th day of Easter, the Day of Pentecost. It commemorates the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the followers of Jesus after his ascension. | | | | |
Remember to Wear Red!
The use of red at Pentecost is a symbolic representation of the flames of fire that descended on those who were gathered that day, so remember to wear red as a visual representation of the Holy Spirit’s presence and the birth of the Church.
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Annual Parish Picnic
Sunday, May 24 • Join us after the service
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5/24—Please join Parish Life for a picnic style lunch served after the service. Joel Fowler and his crew will be grilling beef tenderloin, hot dogs, and veggie burgers. Please sign up to bring a table ready dessert or side dish to share. Parish Life will provide beverages (tea, lemonade, and water).
Cost for the tenderloin is $10 and $3 for the hot dogs and veggie burgers. Family maximum cost is $35.
New this year: There will be a tent in the courtyard!
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Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. Intergenerational field games will take place in the meadow. | | | | | | |
Intergenerational Field Day
Sunday, May 24 • During the Parish Picnic
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5/24—Intergenerational field games will take place in the meadow during the parish picnic. Adults and children of all ages are invited to participate.
You may want to bring a change of clothes and some comfortable shoes for this event. Bring lawn chairs to watch the games!
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Youth Group
Not Meeting this Sunday
| There will be no youth group on Sunday due to the holiday weekend. Join us next week at 6:00 p.m. upstairs for a hide-and-seek teambuilding night. | | |
Art Ministry
now showing for the month of May
Epiphany’s Art Ministry welcomes paintings by local artist, Phyllis Kalu for the month of May. Phyllis is a contemporary visual artist specializing in acrylic painting, known for her vibrant and expressive works that bridge community, creativity, and spirituality. Please use the Art Ministry QR code to pay. Reminder—25% of all sales benefits Epiphany.
Learn more about the artist and the art ministry at epiphany.org/epiphany-gallery.
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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 >>
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Building Issues
We want you to be aware of some building issues that have arisen this week, especially ahead of our parish picnic this weekend.
Some of you were here the Sunday after Easter when we had issues with overflowing toilets and problems with the sewer line. That backup happened again last Sunday night. (Please remember that nothing but toilet paper should be flushed in the toilets.) We have contacted our insurance provider and a remediation team has been out to begin work on the damage, most of which is concentrated in the office area and hallways.
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In addition to all that, our refrigerator is unable to maintain a safe temperature. It is always our preference to repair rather than replace for environmental and financial reasons but it has required several recent repairs and the cost to repair it this time is high enough that it makes more sense to replace it. The new refrigerator will be more energy efficient, use a more environmentally friendly refrigerant, and have a lower environmental impact than our previous one as well. That replacement will happen soon but, in the meantime, know that it is cooling but not cold enough to safely store perishable food.
I'm grateful to say that we are able to make these repairs because your generosity has allowed us to build money into the budget to make capital repairs when they arise. Thank you for the way you care for our building and the way you care for each other.
Grace and peace,
Amy
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Families with "Littles" Potluck
This year Claire & Cody Chaffins hosted the annual gathering of families with "littles" on Friday, May 8.
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Annual Youth Car Wash
Thanks to all who came out for the Annual Youth Car Wash on Saturday, May 9.
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Office Closure
The office will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
| | Group Meetings & Programs Taking Place This Week | | |
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Community of Hope’s Circle of Care—4th Mondays at 6:00 p.m. • parish hall
5/25—Members gather 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.
Men’s Breakfast Group—Tuesdays following the 7:00 a.m. service
5/26—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 Trivia Group—Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. • Wild Heaven (Avondale Estates)
5/19—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.
Note: The Epiphany Trivia Group switches to its Summer Schedule—Wednesdays at Universal Joint in Oakhurst—starting Wednesday, June 3. All ages and expertise levels are warmly invited.
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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
6/4—Fireside Sit & Sip—Once a month at 7:00 p.m. • Courtyard
6/4—Grief Pastoral Care Group—1st Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. • Zoom
6/8—Epiphany Book Group—2nd Mondays at 7:00 p.m. • location varies
· For June: Deacon King Kong by James McBride. All are welcome. Contact Linda Ryder-Wolf.
6/9—ECW—Sandwich Making 2nd Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. • Parish Hall/Kitchen
6/10-12—Gateway Shelter Meal Ministry—2nd Fridays • Parish Hall/Kitchen
6/14—Contemplative Practice—2nd Sundays at 4:00 p.m. • Choir Loft
6/16—Epiphany & Earth & Soul—3rd Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. • Room 201 | Zoom
6/16—Caregiver Support Group—3rd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. • Zoom
6/17—The Munch Bunch—3rd Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. • Thinking Man Tavern
6/22—Community of Hope’s Circle of Care—4th Mondays at 6:00 p.m.
| | | | Upcoming Services & Events | | | | |
The Bach/Biber Project
Sunday, May 31 at 4:00 p.m. • Nave
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5/31—Join us for the 6th and final performance of the Bach/Biber Project with violinist Judith Cox and organist Julie Ryder. Donations welcome, and a reception in celebration of this 3-year cycle will follow.
For more information, click here >>
Make a donation >>
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Expanded Coffee Hour
Begins Sunday, May 31 • Sign up to Host a Sunday!
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Begins 5/31—We hope you will join us after the service on Sundays for an Expanded Coffee Hour during the summer. Anyone is welcome to bring some simple breakfast items.
Individuals and families may bring a dish or groups can sign up. Parish groups are welcome to set up displays, handouts, or fliers to promote their ministries.
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The Epiphany Trivia Group
Summer Schedule begins Wednesday, June 3
| 6/3—The Epiphany Trivia Group switches to its Summer Schedule—Wednesdays at Universal Joint in Oakhurst at 7:00 p.m.—starting Wednesday, June 3. All ages and expertise levels are warmly invited. | | |
Fireside Sit & Sip
Monthly at 7:00 p.m. • Courtyard
| | | | 6/4—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 to bring drinks or snacks. Questions? Use Realm to Kathy Corcoran or the Rev. Carmie McDonald. | |
Summer Dates:
- June 4
- No gathering in July
- August 6
| | Contact Julie Ryder if you would be interested in participating. | | |
6/7—The Summer Choir is open to adults and youth; we rehearse one anthem on Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. and then sing it during the 10:00 a.m. liturgy (no vestments, no weekday commitment, lots of fun and fellowship).
Join us upstairs in the Music Suite beginning Sunday, June 7.
| | Faith & Film Summer Movie Series | | | | We are excited to announce this year’s Faith and Film Summer Movie Series. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us! | |
Sunday, June 14 – Love, Simon
Sunday, July 12 – Hamnet
Sunday, August 9 – Wake Up, Dead Man
We will gather at 5:30 p.m. for pizza and popcorn. The show will start at 6 as we watch the film projected onto a 120” screen in surround sound in the parish hall. Stay tuned for more details and a link to register.
| | Click on the movie poster to see the film's trailer. | | | | Youth Trip to Camp Mikell | This year, our youth 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 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 Volunteers Needed
On June 27, when we host Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Epiphany, it would be wonderful for our children to see familiar faces! Click the button to Volunteer for a shift on that day.
VBS Volunteer Training
Saturday, June 21 at 2:00 p.m. • St. Luke’s
6/21—Volunteer and youth counselor training for VBS will be held on June 21 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. For more information, contact Taylor Irwin.
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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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For members who are bidding our prayers: Darwin Embser (partner of Larry Wilcox) • Joy Boyden • George Ross • Lisa Gray • Richard Shirah • Larry Wilcox • Mike Curry • Chris Miller & Ron Hutcheson • Philip Anderson • Louise Bedrossian (wife of Bob Thompson) • Barbara Belcore • Esther Harbert • Veta Smith (mother of Cecilia Democko) • Sally Brockington
For friends and family: Ginger Hogg, sister of Liefy Smith • Daiga Dunis & Kim Wallen, friends of Susan & Loren Williams • Sara, sister of Susan Moody • Melinda Little, cousin of George Ross • The McCord & Bloom families, relatives of Pam Tipton • Rachel Williams, daughter-in-law of Susan & Loren Williams • Kay Harris, mother of Rebecca Webb • Danny Nodine, brother of Larry Nodine • 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 the marriage of Andrea & Sean Manning, who were married on Saturday, May 16 at Christopher Creek, Arizona. Andrea is the daughter of Nan Ross.
For those celebrating birthdays the week of 5/24-30: Sean Bennett • Lane Burnett • Carol Fuller • Pam Tipton-Thierry • Caroline Peacock • Liam Higgins • Paul DeSandre • Paige Howell • Scott Sheehan • Adam Gaeddert
| | | | 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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