| |
- Sing in the Summer Choir!
- Expanded Coffee Hour - Sign up to host
- Parishioner Art Show Artists Wanted
- Blessing of the Backpacks - 7/26
- Playground & Popsicles - 7/26
- Faith & Film Concludes - 8/9 | RSVP
- Parish Retreat - 8/18-20 | RSVP
| | | |
Walking back into our beautiful building after being away on sabbatical for six weeks brought me so much joy on Monday morning. Being greeted by your beloved faces throughout the week was even better. I am grateful for the time away and I am so grateful to be back. Thank you to the Rev. Carmie McDonald for her leadership while I was away and every day. She managed worship leadership, building issues, pastoral care, and the hundreds of details we deal with each week with her usual grace and exceptional gifts. I feel fortunate to have such an amazing partner in ministry. Thank you, as well, to our wardens, Jordan and Jacob, our vestry, and our dedicated staff for their work of leading the parish, and to all of you who participate in the life of the church and make it a place to which we all look forward to returning.
During my time away I got to spend time with family and friends, travel with our children, tour some beautiful gardens in Cape Cod, spend lots of time outdoors, and read the stack of books that I've been piling up. I had time to listen for the quiet stirrings of the Spirit in my life and the life of this parish. I came back excited for all that lies ahead in the new program year. I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.
Grace and peace,
Amy
| |
Sing in the Summer Choir
Join us any Sunday now through August 30
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.
Contact Julie Ryder if you have questions or want more information.
| | | | |
Expanded Coffee Hour
Sign up to Host a Sunday!
| |
The Parish Retreat Committee is hosting today’s coffee hour. Please join us in the parish hall after the service for goodies, and coffee, tea, and juices.
There is just one date left in need of host - 8/23. Groups or individuals are welcome to sign up 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.
| | |
Youth Group
There will be no youth group this week because of our summer schedule. Youth are invited to join us for ice cream in downtown Decatur next week at 5:00 p.m.
| |
Altar Arrangements & Sanctuary Light Sign Up
-
The Arrangements at the Altar are given to the Glory of God in thanksgiving for the birth of Leo Charles Iwamoto, by Loren & Susan Williams.
-
The Sanctuary Light is given to the Glory of God and in honor of Jessica Moody and her birthday, with love from Mom, Dad, and Jordan.
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 | | Epiphany Youth enjoying Camp Mikell this week. | |
Thank You for Supporting our Neighbors at DEAM
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stayed after worship on July 12 to participate in our parish-wide service project. Together, Epiphanites of all ages packed 200 lunch bags for DEAM (Decatur-area Emergency Assistance Ministry), providing ready-to-go meals for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
Your enthusiasm, generosity, and willingness to serve made this project a wonderful success. It was inspiring to see our parish community come together in fellowship and service, living out our call to love our neighbors in tangible ways.
Whether you packed bags, enjoyed fellowship, or helped behind the scenes, thank you for making a difference. Your participation is a reminder of the generosity and compassion that define our parish.
Thank you as well to members of our Community Engagement Committee for organizing the project and providing a delicious Expanded Coffee Hour that made the morning even more special.
If you have feedback about the project, or would like more information about DEAM or any of our Community Engagement Ministries, please email Rev. Carmie McDonald. She would love to hear from you!
| |
Help with Making Sandwiches
The Decatur Area Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM) serves more than 150 families and 350 unhoused neighbors each month, providing food assistance, helping prevent utility shutoffs, and purchasing life-sustaining prescription medications for those in need throughout the Decatur area.
DEAM, which is housed at Holy Trinity Parish in Decatur, relies on volunteers from partner churches to support its meal ministry. This summer, while Holy Trinity's kitchen is being renovated, DEAM is seeking volunteers to prepare sandwiches off site and deliver them for distribution.
If you would like to help, please sign up at the link below or email the Rev. Carmie McDonald for more information. Your gift of time can make a meaningful difference in the life of a neighbor experiencing food insecurity.
| | | | Last Saturday, St. Luke's hosted the second Saturday of our Summer Saturdays VBS program. The day centered on the theme of family. We explored the story of Abraham and Sarah, learning how God called them into a family that would become a place of belonging and blessing for many people. Click the collage to see all the photos from the day. | | |
| Actual | Budget | | Revenue | $ 48,502.81 | $ 70, 889.76 | | Expenses | $ 68,729.46 | $ 70,852.88 | | Net | ( $ 20,226.65 ) | $ 36.87 | | | Year-to-Date Financial Summary | | |
| Actual | Budget | | Revenue | $ 432,216.21 | $ 425,338.50 | | Expenses | $ 417,052.80 | $ 425,117.28 | | Net | $ 15,163.41 | $ 221.22 | | | |
Vacation Bible School
July 25
7/25—VBS “Neighbors” continues. The last Saturday of Vacation Bible School is on Saturday, July 25 at Holy Trinity Parish.
Children ages 3 years through rising 5th grade are invited to a morning filled with storytelling, music, crafts, and games. Families will then rejoin us in the afternoon for a service project and family Eucharist.
| | |
Volunteers Needed
Are you interested in serving with Epiphany’s Children and/or Youth during the 2026-27 school year? If so, please reach out to Taylor Irwin.
| | Meetings & Programs Taking Place This Week | | |
|
Men’s Breakfast Group—Tuesdays following the 7:00 a.m. service
7/21—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
7/21—This group focuses on practicing Celtic Spirituality, where we gather to discuss and experience the beauty of nature and celebrate the divine in all creatures, including ourselves. Led by the steering group of Carol Bartlett, Nan Ross, and April Maa. Contact April for more information, to be placed on the email list, or to receive a link to the virtual meeting. In-person meetings are in Room 201. To learn more about Celtic Spirituality in general, one resource is www.earthandsoul.org.
Caregiver Support Group—3rd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. • Zoom
7/21—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.
Epiphany Trivia Group—Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. • Universal Joint in Oakhurst
7/22—All are invited to join the Epiphany Trivia Group on Wednesdays at Universal Join in Oakhurst. Trivia begins at 7:00 p.m. and ends by 9:00 p.m. Contacts: Edie Brush or Jacob Geiger.
Contemplative Book Group—Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. in Room 201
7/23—The group has been discussing Subversive Sabbath by A. J. Swoboda. This Thursday is the final meeting.
| | | | |
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.
| | |
|
Looking Ahead
7/27—Community of Hope’s Circle of Care—4th Mondays at 6:00 p.m. • Parish Hall
8/6—Grief Pastoral Care Group—1st Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. • Zoom
8/6—Fireside Sit & Sip—1st Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. • Courtyard
8/9—Contemplative Practice—2nd Sundays at 4:00 p.m. • Choir Loft
8/11—ECW—Sandwich Making 2nd Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. • Parish Hall/Kitchen
8/12-14—Gateway Shelter Meal Ministry—2nd Fridays • Parish Hall/Kitchen
8/19—The Munch Bunch—3rd Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. • Thinking Man Tavern
8/18—Epiphany & Earth & Soul—3rd Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. • Room 201 | Zoom
| | | | Upcoming Services & Events | |
Parish Retreat Registration Goes Live on Sunday | |
9/18-20—The Annual Parish Retreat will once again take place at The Mountain in Highlands, NC the weekend of September 19-21. The Registration deadline is Friday, September 4.
For those who are interested in coming up earlier on Friday before the retreat begins that evening, Amy will offer a Quiet Day Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Email Amy if you are interested in participating or for more information.
| | | | | | |
Blessing of the Backpacks
for everyone returning to school
7/26—Are you or your children returning to school in August? We invite you to attend the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, July 26, and bring your backpack for a special backpack blessing!
| | | | |
Playground & Popsicles
7/26—All families with children are invited to join us on the Epiphany playground from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. for a time of popsicles and play and to give a fond farewell to Taylor!
Please RSVP to Taylor Irwin >>
| | | | |
Youth Group
Ice Cream in Decatur
7/26—Our youth will meet downtown at the Decatur Square at 5:00 p.m. to walk to ice cream and to bid farewell to Taylor. Youth are invited to RSVP to Taylor Irwin by casting their vote for the favorite ice cream shop.
| | |
Calling All Creatives!
Parishioner Art Show Coming Soon
8/3 Deadline—Epiphany’s Art Ministry is excited to invite our adult parishioner creatives to exhibit and sell work for the month of September in the Epiphany Gallery.
Work can include photography, ceramic, painting, woodwork, etc.
| | | Contact Page Love Smith or Liefy Smith by August 3 to reserve your place in the show. | | Faith & Film Summer Movie Series - August Film | | | | |
8/9—Join us for the final film in the Faith & Film summer series, Wake Up Dead Man. We will gather at 5:30 p.m. for pizza and popcorn. The show will start at 6:00 p.m. as we watch the film projected onto a 120-inch screen in surround sound in the parish hall.
We ask that you please RSVP no later than Friday, August 7 so we can plan for pizza and popcorn.
| | 8/8—Middle and High School students are invited to tube the Cartecay River in downtown Ellijay with friends from across the diocese. If you are interested in registering or learning more, click the link below. | | | | Epiphany Book Group on Summer Haitus | |
The Epiphany Book Group is on hiatus for July and August. They will next meet on Monday, September 14 at Epiphany where they will be discussing Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver.
All are welcome. Contact Linda Ryder-Wolf if you have any questions.
| | | | Upcoming EYC Events to Know About |
- Happening 84 (October 16-18 @ Mikell)—High Schoolers
- The Overnight @ Annual Council (November 6-7 @ the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta)—Middle & High Schoolers
- New Beginnings 52 (November 13-15 @ Mikell)—Middle Schoolers
Click here to learn more >>
| |
|
For members who are bidding our prayers: Nick Theyerl • Emily Thompson • Patrick Hanna • Dianne Osborne • Michele MacLeod • Alix Janke • Jamie Hare & Caitlin Cox, Wally & Anna • Eloise Wierwille • 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 • Sally Brockington
For friends and family: Shay, friend of Eric Schulz • Hattie Thore and her family, and Beefy McBar, friends of Hazel Hall • Nicole Bowles, neighbor of Larry Wilcox • Ben, co-worker of Dave Thompson • Rosalind Blair, sister of Katharine Hilliard-Yntema • Rachel Blair Anderson, friend of Barbara Belcore • Briana, Ella, and Cora Woods-Jaeger, friends of Nancy Thompson • Anne, Joan, Glen, Eli, and Walt, cousins of Judy Jarady • Bob Hogg, brother of Liefy Smith • Rachel Williams, daughter-in-law of Susan & Loren Williams • Kay Harris, mother of Rebecca Webb • 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: Veta Smith, mother of Cecilia Democko • Alice Roberts, aunt of Richard Ferrell • David Wong, relative of Judy Cox & Raymond Leung
For those celebrating anniversaries the week of 7/19-25: Wallace Bryan-McGrath & Jeff McGrath
For those celebrating birthdays the week of 7/19-25: Susan Cunningham • Reid Prikkel • Scott Yaegle • Jessica Moody • Carter Peatman • George Councill • Caspar McCord • Larry Nodine • Steve Smith
| | | | 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.
| | | | |
