Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also

Church budgets get a lot less attention than things like theology or worship style, but a budget is a great way to understand what a church values. 

My favorite passage from the Gospels is from Matthew 6, when Jesus is delivering the Sermon on the Mount. After discussing almsgiving, fasting, and how to pray (this is where the Lord’s Prayer comes from), his attention turns to how Christians ought to manage the gifts we are given: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

I think about that last sentence in every Finance Committee meeting, and especially when working on the church budget or thinking about my annual pledge. 

If you look at the Epiphany budget, you will see we spend most of our treasure supporting the staff who bring our ministries to life. Our priests Amy and Carmie, who lead worship, conduct the sacraments, and minister to us individually; Julie, who fills the church with amazing music; Shea, who runs everything seamlessly behind the scenes; Jason, who cares expertly for our facilities; Susie, who always makes sure our bills are paid; and our children and youth ministers. 

You have likely heard in several forums about our community’s desire to hire a full-time children's and youth minister (or full-time equivalent) after years of having people, usually seminarians at Candler, serve in the role part-time. Our draft budget for 2027 reflects that goal. It is an expression of what we believe will allow us to best serve the young people in our church. It is, I believe, where we ought to put our treasure. 

Epiphany is a thriving community, and I’m confident we have the resources needed to step forward and make this growth in our children’s and youth ministry possible. A pledge goal of $825,000 (8 percent over our 2026 pledged amount) is ambitious, but achievable.

A key reason I’ve been an active member of churches throughout my adult life is the wonderful youth group I was a part of in middle and high school. I had the same youth minister for seven years; she is one of those wonderful adult mentors who has a profound impact on your life. Having that sort of continuity was vital not only to allowing her to know and love each of us as individuals, but also to what we could accomplish as a group, whether that was attending national youth events or organizing summer service trips closer to home. That is a sort of consistency we have lacked at Epiphany for our young people.

If you have pledged to Epiphany in the years past, thank you for making the gifts that bring our ministries to life. As you consider your pledge for 2027, I hope you will increase it to the extent possible so we can fund this new full-time position.

If you give to Epiphany occasionally or regularly but have not made a pledge, please consider doing so. We base our budget–and particularly staff pay and benefits–on pledged income. 

You can make a pledge online, fill out the pledge cards mailed to each house, or email our parish administrator directly with your pledge.

Epiphany’s strength in all things lies in our collective worship and ministry. We are not looking for one or a few people to make this growth possible; we will do it together, as an entire parish. 

I hope you will join me in making a pledge to support all the ministries of Epiphany in the year ahead, but in particular to support our work with children and youth. 

Jacob Geiger,

Junior Warden

Worship with us at 10:00 a.m.

• Links for the bulletin and live streaming can also be found at epiphany.org

• Sermon Recordings are posted on Mondays.

Livestream Options:

YouTube Link | Zoom Link

Adult Formation

11:30 a.m. • parish hall 

For the month of October, adult formation will focus on the Sacraments in a class called Signs and Grace. We will be invited to engage more deeply with scripture and the liturgy of The Episcopal Church to explore the richness of baptism, Eucharist, and the sacramental rites of the church. We invite you to join us as we explore the ways in which sacraments are at the center of how we practice our faith and give us tangible ways to encounter God.

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.

• Lower-Level—Story Makers for youth in grades 6th through 12th.

Epiphany T-Shirts Available for Purchase

Sundays during Coffee Hour

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.

Art Ministry

Now showing in the Gallery

For the month of October, Epiphany’s Art Ministry presents a Parishioner Art Show featuring the Arts & Crafts of nine of our creators from the parish. Their talents are showcasing abstracts, botanicals, works with fabric, handmade journals, paintings, custom furniture, knitting, and woodturning. Some items are for display only (designated by NFS). Please pay by QR code and sign up to claim your favorites on the price sheet. Reminder: Epiphany earns 25% of all sales.

Nature photos by Epiphanites

As part of the Parishioner Art Show currently on display, the Art Ministry has made a space in the Gallery for the nature photographs taken by parishioners on the retreat last month. The photos were taken as part of the Contemplative Photography class led by guest presenter Larry Winslett at the retreat. (Photos are for display only.)

Photographers: Remember to write a short phrase or sentence for your submission this Sunday.

Contemplative Practice

2nd Sundays in the Choir Loft at 4:00 p.m.

Come gather with us on second 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 | Social Justice Conversation
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. • youth room

10/11—Our youth group is invited to take part in a meaningful discussion about the ways we can boldly stand up for justice, compassion, and equality in our local community and the wider world. Led by Epiphanite Jacob Barber, this social justice conversation will create a safe, open environment for students to ask tough questions, listen to diverse perspectives, and explore what it means to put love into action.

Click the image to see all the photos from the Animal Blessing last Sunday

Epiphany Stars

Many thanks to George Council, David Draper, Kathleen Rinehart, and Doug Runnion for stuffing, sealing, and stamping the Stewardship Mailing.

And another thank you to David Draper for taking the mailing to the post office.

Have you or another parishioner you know given a gift of their time and talent to Epiphany? Do you know someone who has received recognition for a personal achievement? If so, please let us know.

Epiphany Recycles

One way that we, as people of faith, are called to be stewards of creation, is to recycle waste whenever we can. Ongoing thanks to John Yntema for his dedication to managing our program. Please follow the link below if you use our recycle bins. DeKalb County significantly changed their rules about what they accept - particularly regarding plastics. 

Click here to see the list of acceptable items >>

Non-Food Pantry Drive

during the month of October

October—The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) sponsor a pantry drive twice a year for Emmaus House for items not covered by the SNAP Program. This time for the month of October, they are collecting toilet tissue and toothbrushes and toothpaste. Bins for donations are in the gallery.

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.

Epiphany Book Group

2nd Mondays at 7:00 p.m. • location varies

10/12—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.

• October selection: Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro (at Epiphany).



• November selection: The Power of Dignity: How Transforming Justice Can Heal Our Communities, by Judge Victoria Pratt (on Zoom).

Episcopal Church Women (ECW)

2nd Tuesdays at 9:30/11:00 a.m.

10/13—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.

Program: David-Lee Mattison, the new executive director of Emmaus House, will be our speaker. ALL members of the parish who would like to hear him speak are welcome to attend the program.

Youth Group | Friday Night Hangout

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. • lower level classroom

10/16–Unwind, play games, grab a snack, or work on your own projects! It’s a low-key space to work, hang out, and meet new people—everyone is welcome.

Parish Workday

Saturday, October 17 • 9:30 am to 12:30 p.m.

10/17—Please plan to join us for our Fall Parish Workday as we work to spruce up our beautiful building and campus. There will be something for everyone whether you prefer working indoors dusting and cleaning windows or outside putting down mulch and straw. This is a great way to get to know your fellow parishioners, and we especially want to encourage our youth and young adults to help. We will have tools, supplies, and doughnuts, of course. Feel free to bring gloves and any tools you enjoy working with. See you there. 

Youth Group | Sawnee Hiking Trip

2:00 to 7:30 p.m. • Cumming GA

10/18—We’ll be going on a cool afternoon hike on the Indian Seats Trail located in Cumming, GA, about an hour north of Epiphany. We will meet at 2:00 p.m. to carpool from Epiphany, and we’ll have dinner together before heading back that evening. Estimated time back to the church is 7:30 p.m.

Young Adults | Grace & Grub

7:00 p.m. • home of the rector

10/18—Young Adults are invited to the Rector’s home for an evening of food and fellowship.

Epiphany Men’s Fellowship Dinner—Sunday, October 18 • 6:00 p.m.

10/18—The Epiphany Men’s Fellowship Dinners (EMFD) group will have Spanish theme centering around paella on Sunday, October 18 at 6:00 p.m. No agenda—just a gathering to prepare a meal and enjoy conversation. Cost, including drinks, is $30 per person. For questions or suggestions, contact Brian Wright or Joel Fowler.

NOTE: Everyone is asked to bring sweatpants or a sweatshirt to donate for patients in a local mental health facility

Tuesday Night Family Eucharist Returns

Tuesday, October 20

10/20—Our Family Eucharist Service is back, starting October 20! 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.

New Chez Epiphany Cooking Class

Thursday, October 22 at 6:00 p.m.

10/22—Joel Fowler’s next Chez Epiphany Cooking Class will be Thursday, October 22 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the parish kitchen.

This time the class will center around making Chile Rellenos (mild and/or spicy) with Mexican accompaniments. No previous experience is needed.

The cost is $30 per person, which includes the class and the dinner we have together from what we cook.

Daylight Savings Time Ends

11/1—We return to Standard Time on Sunday, November 1. Be sure to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday Night.

Morning Liturgy: All Saints

Sunday, November 1 at 10:00 a.m.

11/1—Our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Rob Wright, will join us as we observe the Feast of All Saints at the 10:00 a.m. service. Names of parishioners who were baptized, confirmed, married, ordained, or died since last year’s observance will be listed in this bulletin.

Evening Liturgy: All Souls' Choral Evensong

Sunday, November 2 at 5:00 p.m.

Join us for the All Souls’ Choral Evensong Service—an evening service at 5:00 p.m. to remember and honor all whom we love but see no longer.

There will be incense at this service.

• If you would like to list the names of loved ones who have died (not limited to the previous year), please fill out the online form by Noon on Monday, October 26.

Click here to fill out the form >>

• Parishioners are invited to bring mementos and pictures of loved ones for the Table of Remembrance.

• Following the service, there will be a reception in the courtyard hosted by members of the Community of Hope. They will also be available that evening for extra support as you remember loved ones. 

Live Love Event at Gateway Center

Saturday, November 7 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Come bring your talents and support our friends at Gateway Center for this one-day event. In our Seeking Shalom formation, Ryan Bonfiglio encouraged us to “risk proximity”—to bring our beliefs into practice. This is your opportunity to not only help in service but also show the recipients kindness, respect, and love.

The event will include:



• Serving Lunch
• Health Screenings
• Art Projects
• Haircuts and Nail Care
• Restocking the Clothes Closet
• Distributing Warm Items
• Building Improvements
• Loving On People!

The cost to participate is $29 which includes your lunch and a t-shirt. There are parking passes for $10. We will plan to carpool from Epiphany, and the number of needed passes will be purchased once we know a count.

All ages are welcome! If a parent and youth (9 or older) attend together, Epiphany will cover the cost of the youth.

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.