Epiphany’s Epistle

EPIPHANY LUTHERAN CH URCH

General Information

2

From Pastor David

3-4

Congregation Activities

4-10

Birthdays & Anniversaries

11

Support Ministry

12

Congregation News

13-14

Council Minutes

15-16

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

“Living The Vision, Sharing The Light”

March 2019

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General Information

We’re glad that you picked up this newsletter and hope you will find it

interesting and full of opportunities to serve the Lord. We are an active

church with friendly people who are journeying with God through

Jesus Christ. Come join us!

For more information, please call us at 770-483-6222, or visit or

website www.conyerselc.org.

DEADLINE!

Sunday, March 17th is the deadline for infor-

mation to be submitted for the April Newsletter.

You can email your news to the church office at

staff@conyerselc.org. Thank You!

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday through Thursday

8:30 AM—1:30 PM

Pastor David’s Office Hours

Monday through Thursday

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

The afternoons he will dedicate to

hospital or communion visits; please

call the office at 770-483-6222 if you

wish to make an afternoon

appointment.

Time Changes for Sunday Morning

Fellowship Time at 8:45 AM

Sunday School for All Ages at 9:00 AM

Children’s Music Time 9:00—9:15 AM

(Sunday School to follow)

Worship Service 10:00 AM

A signup sheet is on the bulletin board

in the Narthex for those who wish to

purchase a lily. Please write your name and

dedication (In memory of, In honor of, or

To the Glory of God). The cost is $12.00

each. You may write a check or put cash in

an envelope and place in the offering plate.

The deadline is April 14th, Palm Sunday.

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From the Pastor

As we approach the season of Lent once again, we will focus on the theme, “The Values that Guide Us.”

In the Sundays and Wednesdays of Lent, we will explore the guiding principles that we worked on with the

Church Council and the Transformation Team and approved at our congregational meeting. To remind us,

our guiding principles are those values that are particularly important to us as a gathering of God’s

people. By calling these values “guiding principles,” we are saying that what we do as a church will

always reflect these values. These principles tell us how we will live our mission to follow Christ, live

faithfully and serve all. These principles tell us how God will lead us toward our vision of a people striving

to reach God’s community through love. When we consider any direction or any ministry at Epiphany, we

ask whether they reflect these principles.

So, what are our guiding principles?

Open Acceptance/Celebrating Differences is our firm belief that every individual matters. Our welcome

and embrace of others recognizes no distinctions: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave

or free, there is no longer male and female [or gay and straight, immigrant and native-born, black, white, or

Hispanic]; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) When we love and embrace differences,

we learn from the stranger and even let them lead us. We break down the dividing walls between us and

allow Jesus to “create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace.” (Ephesians

2:15)

John Swinton, a Christian psychologist, asked the question in this way: “What might it look like if churches

were to consider themselves guests in the stories of the lives of those who have different experiences?”

This principle challenges us with the following questions. Are we accepting and open to all people? Is

there any group of people that would feel excluded by us? Do we make a point of getting to know those

who are new among us? How about those who have yet to enter our doors?

Passionate praise and worship defines a community that loves God intently, and is interested in offering

up communal thanks and praise that is both focused and creative. We call this worship “passionate,”

because we recognize that it is a full-on faith commitment of the gathered assembly: “When you come

together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done

for building up.” (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Does our worship reflect a passionate desire to follow Jesus? What can we do to spark enthusiasm? What

can we do to be more relevant to people? Does our worship reflect how we see ourselves and who God

calls us to be?

Active Growth in Faith at Epiphany means that our lives must always be treated as unfinished products,

awaiting more growth and meaning, even as we probe the deepest questions of faith and life. This growth

in faith does not simply ask about our children and youth. For when does learning and growth end? Never!

It is a continual process: “But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the

head, into Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)

We challenge ourselves about our faith lives. Are we active and intentional about growing in faith? What

opportunities and resources are we providing and are we taking advantage of?

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From the Pastor & Congregation Activities

Tuesday, March 5th

6:30 PM - Main Hall

Come and enjoy “Fat Tuesday”!

Red beans & rice, & Pancakes will be served!

Adventurous mission and service implies that we want to serve. We joyously commit to being part of

the transformation of human suffering and sorrow in the world. We call our mission and service

“adventurous,” because we are invited to the joy and discovery that fills us as we find Jesus in lives of

service: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you

did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)

What new opportunities will present themselves? Where is God using our gifts and

talents to meet the needs of our community or our world? What adventure is God calling us to?

Enthusiastic generosity is our recognition that everyone at Epiphany has the responsibility and joy of

living a grateful life that shares abundantly from personal blessings. We call our generosity “enthusiastic,”

because of the joy that overflows into our lives as we give of ourselves: “The point is this: the one who

sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each

of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a

cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

As we struggle as a church to meet our budget, this guiding principle of enthusiastic generosity especially

challenges us. Can we bring that same enthusiasm we provide for so many projects, can we bring that

same enthusiasm to our regular giving each week? We have everything we need and more right here in our

midst. Do we believe that? Do we live that? Do we give of ourselves enthusiastically, extravagantly and

joyfully?

So as we commit ourselves once again to this journey of Lent, let us explore these guiding principles

together and see where God is leading us. Planting this seed of faithfulness, let us see what harvest God

will raise up among us.

In Christ,

Pastor David

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Congregation Activities

Lent Begins on

Wednesday, March 6th

We will have a service of Holy Communion

and Imposition of Ashes at 12:00 PM & 7:00 PM.

Please join us for the Season of Preparation.

The Values that Guide Us –

Re-visioning Our Values

for Today

As we explore our five Guiding Principles during the Lenten Season, we invite you to join

us for a Bible study, in which we will study Scripture and discuss what these principles

mean for us in our individual lives and in the life of Epiphany. The study will happen here

at Epiphany on the Tuesdays during Lent from 7:00 – 8:30 PM in classrooms 4, 5, 6.

Tuesday, March 12th: From Service as Duty to Service as Adventure

Matthew 25:31-46

Tuesday, March 19th: From Worship as Sunday to Worship as Lifestyle

John 4:19-26

Tuesday, March 26th: From Education to Growth in Faith

Ephesians 3:14-21

Tuesday, April 2nd: From Hospitality to Celebrating Differences

Ephesians 2:13-22

Tuesday, April 9th: From Stewardship to Generosity

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

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Congregation Activities

Midweek Lenten Worship

Wednesday, March 13th through April 10th

Our Lenten worship theme this year is:

“The Values that Guide Us”

Soup and sandwich suppers start at 6:00 PM followed

by worship at 7:00 PM with Holden Evening Prayer.

Groups listed below will provide soup and sandwiches for our midweek services:

March 13th: Women’s Bible Study (WELCA), Altar Guild

March 20th: Men’s Bible Study, Worship Committee, WINGS

March 27th: Fellowship, Youth All Ages, Education, Confirmands

April 3rd: Choir Groups, Social Ministry

April 10th: Church Council, Prayer Ministry

Chili Cook-Off, Celebrate Cultures, Support Our Youth

Sunday, March 24th

11:30 AM

On Sunday, March 24th come join us for a major celebration and feast after worship. Join us in

a Three-In-One spectacular!

Chili Cook-Off: Do you have the best chili recipe ever? Then come prove it and enter into our

annual chili cook-off. Even if you do not cook chili, you can always participate as a judge for the

contest. And even if you do not judge the event, you can always eat the chili there!

Celebrate Cultures: Along with the chili, we also invite you to bring a dish that represents

your cultural background. Whether it is Guyana, Jamaica, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Germany, or

California, let us celebrate our differences through the food that we share.

Dessert Auction for our Youth: But make sure that you do not forget

your sweet tooth. Our youth will be holding a dessert auction to help raise

funds for two spectacular summer events they will attend: AFFIRM –

our annual synod youth leadership week in June – and Lutheridge – our

Lutheran camp in North Carolina.

So bring your taste buds. Bring your empty stomachs. Celebrate our cultures at Epiphany. And

celebrate and support our youth! Sign-ups will be available in the narthex.

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Congregation Activities

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Congregation Activities

Sunday, April 28th HUNGER WALK ATLANTA 2019

JOIN EPIPHANY’S TEAM

Get on board with our Hunger Walk Atlanta 2019 event! We raised a total of $1,804

last year. We will be walking on Sunday, April 28th. The location this year is the

Home Depot Backyard at Mercedes Benz Stadium. We would love to have you join

us on the walk (it’s a lot of fun!) Donation envelopes are available on the table in

the narthex. You can also register online at hungerwalkrun.org, use Facebook or

email your family and friends for donations!

All donations go to feed hungry children and adults in Atlanta. Please prayerfully

consider donating to this cause and to help fulfill our goal! We are also

eligible to receive a food grant from Lutheran Services of Georgia (LSG) which

would support our local food bank. Last year we received a check for $433 that was

given to Rockdale Food Bank.

You may make a donation and place in the offering plate, please designate “Hunger

Walk 2019”or you may donate to Epiphany’s Team directly online at

hungerwalkrun.org and then click on the donate tab and follow steps to

donate to team “Epiphany”.

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Congregation Activities

March 10th & 31st

11:30 AM —1:30 PM

Practices of Faith

Lord’s Prayer

Part 2 and 3

Women’s Bible Study & WELCA Meeting

Tuesday, March 5th

Bible study is from 9:30—10:30 AM in rooms 4-6. We continue with our study

Women of the Bible. This month’s topic is Ester.

WELCA’S meeting will follow at 10:45 AM. Carol Carter will be providing re-

freshments. Items needed this month for Back Pack Buddies are small cans of

vegetables and school glue is needed for Epiphany Preschool.

All Women of Epiphany are invited to attend!

Terri Lange, President

Altar Guild Meeting

Saturday, March 2nd

10:00 AM

All members are urged to attend the meeting. We will meet in the

church library. If you have any questions call Sheila Sipe at

678-625-8573 or email at sipesm@yahoo.com.

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Epiphany Women’s Book Club

The Epiphany Women’s Book Club will meet on Tuesday, March 19th at

7:00 PM to discuss “To Kill a Mocking Bird” and “Go Set a Watchman” by

Harper Lee. Our hostess and discussion leader is Margaret Hill. All

women of Epiphany are invited to join us. For more information call

Evelyn Brown at 404-825-4615 or email her at evbrown56@gmail.com .

All women of Epiphany are invited to join us!

Congregation Activities

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Meets Thursday Mornings

7:00 to 8:00 AM Main Hall

Pastor David leads a discussion on the

upcoming Sunday’s lessons.

WINGS

(Women in God’s Service)

At our February meeting, WINGS (Women IN God’s Service) assembled Valentine “We

Care” packages for the college students of our congregation. Inside each box, we placed

two Valentine treat bags … one for the member of Epiphany and one for each student to

give away to a roommate, a classmate or a friend. These care packages were filled with lots

of candy, heart shaped trinkets and an inspirational message. What a great way to tell these

young adults we are thinking of them while they are away at college!

WINGS will meet again on Sunday, April 7th. More details to come in the April Epistle!

Denise Baker

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Birthdays & Anniversaries

Date Years

George & Vinton Ramsay 10 46

Dave & Anita Smith 11 53

Did we miss announcing your

birthday, anniversary or special

event? Please email the church

office at staff@conyerselc.org so

that we may update our records.

Thank you!

Altar Flowers 2019

In order to continue to have flower

arrangements we need you to

participate. We have two calendars

available so people can share the

same date. You will be able to

purchase one flower arrangement for

$25.00. Check your calendar for

special dates you would like to give

glory to God through the gift of altar

flowers.

If you have any questions, please call

the Church Office at 770-483-6222.

2 Jan Hudson

3 Debbie Reese

5 James Carter

Patricia Garst

7 Peyton Taplin

Jack Wiles

8 Connor Lubick

9 Sally Adams

Debbie Buckner

Pantel Taplin

Lois Stegherr

11 Daniel Atkins

15 Jewell Ewerth

18 Jordan Atkins

19 Sandy Jones

21 Mary Anderson

Ed Stegherr

24 Ava Schlueter

24 Ken Sipe

25 Joanie David

Ed Riley

29 Tyler Lyons

30 Heath Brickell

Karin Tackett

Marshall Taplin II

31 Kim Johnson

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Support Ministry

NAMI

(National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Meets 7:00 – 8:30 PM

1st and 3rd Mondays as Scheduled

We will be meeting on March 4th at

Epiphany Lutheran Church and on

March 18th at Covington

Presbyterian Church on Clark Street.

(Come in the door nearest to the corner.)

The Rockdale NAMI Support Group is open

to all adults who have a family member or

friend suffering from mental illness, regard-

less of the diagnosis. The group is led by

trained individuals who themselves have

loved ones living with a mental illness.

They understand your daily challenges and

can offer you encouragement and support.

All group sessions are confidential. There is

no cost and there is no need to register.

If you have any questions or need more

information call or text Barbara Nieman at

770-823-8912 or visit www.namiga.org.

Volunteers Needed!

A short 1.5 to 2 hour commitment is

all it takes on a Saturday morning to

ensure that people in need in our

community receive a meal. Has not

knowing what’s required held you

back from volunteering? If so, you are

welcome to either ride along to see

how it all works, or I can give you a

complete written explanation. Just

contact Tim Lohr at 404-807-2192, or

by email at timlohr@icloud.com.

Otherwise, you can simply write your

name on the signup sheet in the

narthex. Thank you!

Don’t Throw Your Ink

Cartridges Away!

Do you have an HP, Lexmark, Canon, Dell or Sharp inkjet printer?

The current list of recyclable cartridges is on the bin in the narthex.

The Youth are continuing their fundraising project, Empies4Cash. With the help of a

small recycling company, empty inkjet cartridges can be recycled and remanufactured.

Our youth group receives up to $3.00 for each cartridge that is brought in. This program

directly benefits our youth programs. You can help! Bring in your empty cartridges

(placed in the original box or a Ziploc bag to keep it safe from spills and damages), to the

recycle bin that can be found in the Narthex. Please remember to check the list on the

box to make sure your cartridge can be recycled in this program. They do not accept

all cartridges! Thank you for your continued support of our youth ministry!

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Congregation News

SOCIAL MINISTRY NEWS….

Back Pack Buddies continues to do well. Keep those donations

coming. We especially need instant oatmeal, grits, small boxes

of cereal and breakfast bars. For Lent will are gathering items

for the Women's Shelter Project Renewal. We want to make up

gift bags to give them on Mother's Day and we want to use this

time in Lent to get items we need. Our gift bags will consist of

a nice set of towels, bath items, and gift cards, A wrapped large box will be available for

these items will be located in the Narthex starting on the first Sunday of Lent. Thanks to all

of you who support our ministry.

Evelyn Brown, Social Ministry Team

EPIPHANY PRESCHOOL NEWS….

Hello everyone!

In February, we enjoyed celebrating Valentine's day. Each class had it's own little party and

many of the parents were able to contribute delicious food and even joined their children for

the fun! I'm so thankful for the group of parents that we have. They are a blessing!

In March, we are looking forward to warmer weather as spring comes around. We may even

get a visit from the mischievous leprechaun! He likes to make messes in the classrooms and

sometimes leaves little green footprints!

I'm hoping to line up some visits from community helpers, so If you or someone you know

could help us out, please let me know.

Please remember, as always, our scholarship fund. I don't ever want to turn someone away

because they can't afford to have their child attend our school. If you are able, every little bit

makes a difference!

Thank you all for your prayers and support!

Penny Brown, Director

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I mentioned last month that Fellowship has adjusted somewhat to

accommodate the changes brought about by having only one

service. However, an issue is forthcoming that presents somewhat

of a conundrum for us. With having only as daylight service and

one regular worship service, the question arises, “Will there be an

Easter Breakfast this year and, if so, when would be the best time

to have it?” And, of course, the sister question, “Will you plan to

attend?” The issue was presented to the Council and they decided

to send out an email notification/questionnaire relating to this

matter. If we do have one, it will be the 35th annual event. If we

don't, the record will stand at 34. Isn’t it comforting to know that

only you can determine the answer to the conundrum. February had been a rather quiet month with only three coffee and donuts sessions. Then

there was a small, quiet reception following the memorial service for Bette Brown on the

afternoon of the 23rd. March opens the way for several more opportunities for fellowship.

March 5th, red beans and rice along with pancakes for Shrove Tuesday. March 13th will

begin a series of soup and sandwich suppers prior to the mid-week Lenten services. March

24th we will have our annual Chili-Cook-Off.

Then, after two more suppers in April, we need to know the answer to the question of the

conundrum mentioned above. To have or not to have, that is the question.

Bill Schroeder, Council Liaison

Did you know Kroger

has a Community

Rewards Program?

If you select Epiphany Lutheran Church as

your charity, Epiphany will receive a quar-

terly check based on the amount of dollars

you spend at Kroger. Donations will go to

support the Preschool and Parent’s Morning

Out programs. Joining is easy, go online to

their secure website at: www.kroger.com.

When enrolling please use Epiphany’s

Account Number LR632.

Thank you!

Congregation News

Children of God

Congratulations to Jacob Drasher for

making the Dean’s List at Kennesaw

State University Fall 2018 Semester with

a 3.7 GPA. Way to go Jacob!!

If you have a family member that has made the

team, or the choir, or a club, or has achieved some

kind of recognition for an accomplishment, please

write up a short description of the accomplishment

and turn it into the office by the 15th of the month.

We would like to include it in the newsletter.

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Council Minutes February 17th

The meeting was called to order at 11:30 pm. Council members in attendance: Pastor David, Bill

Schroeder, Ray Ramos, Terri Lange, Teresa Lyons, Bruce Hefner, Pat Viohl, Rene Kuhn, Bryan Peterson,

Michael Thompson and Nyahaley Labor. Cathy Hubbard joined us.

The group had sharing time.

The January Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed. Motion was made, seconded, and approved with 11

Aye’s.

The Agenda for today’s meeting was presented and reviewed. Motion was made, seconded, and approved

with 11 Aye’s with the addition of New Business Item Easter Breakfast.

FINANCIAL REPORTS:

1. Financial Secretary Sharon Skinner

Envelope offerings for January was $16,971.50 and loose offerings were $161.00. Total received for the

month was $17,132.50.

2. Treasurer Margaret Ramos

Operating income for January was $17,132. Total expenses were $28,934.00.

Motion was made, seconded, and approved with 11 Aye’s to accept financial reports with corrections to

include automated offerings in Operating Funds and some line item errors.

PASTOR’S REPORT:

Transformation Team: The Transformation Team has discussed how we might continue to promote our mission, vision, and guid-

ing principles. We are looking into signage to promote our mission. The weeks of Lent will be focused

around the guiding principles.

The Transformation Team will begin community interviews over the next month. The eight members of

the team will form four teams of two, that will commit to at least one interview per month (thus, four total

per month). These interviews will be with identified community leaders in Rockdale and Newton Counties,

with the purpose of hearing what is going well in our community, as well as where the challenges lie. By

hearing these different perspectives, we can begin to discern potential involvement for the congregation.

Church-Sharing: After a forum with Juan and LaShonda Humphries and a discussion at our congregational meeting, the con-

gregation affirmed moving forward in renting space to InfoLife Church. Pastor Humphries and I have met

to work on a written agreement, a draft of which is included with this report. I have talked with our insur-

ance agent, and InfoLife Church will need to have a separate insurance policy. Our insurance company is

willing to at least provide a competitive quote for InfoLife Church.

InfoLife Church would like to begin worship services on March 3. Their service would be at 11:30. They

would take place in the Fellowship Hall, unless we have something taking place that Sunday, in which they

would then use the sanctuary.

The two next steps in this process are the following: 1. Have a lawyer review the agreement. 2. Make cer-

tain that InfoLife Church has the appropriate insurance.

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Council Minutes February 17th

Statistics (January 1 – February 17, 2019):

Worship: 6 Sundays (1/13,20,27; 2/3,10,17); Epiphany Service (1/6); MLK Commemoration (1/20)

Hospital Visits: 6

Visits: 6 (6 Member)

Community Visits: Coffee with Michael Franklin of RER

Counseling:

Life Passages: Pastors Meeting: 1 Pastor Coffee, 1 Magi Conference, 3 meetings with Pr. Humphries

Committee Meetings: Executive Committee, Transformation Team, Endowment Committee, Preschool

Board

Education: 6 Men’s Breakfast. 2 WELCA Study, 2 Confirmation, 3 Adult Sunday School, Led an

Introductory Revelation Study at Nativity Lutheran, Bethlehem

Other Meetings/Events: 10 (Congregational Meeting, Council Retreat, Community Resource Network, 2

Chamber of Commerce, MLK Breakfast, Family Promise Board, Family Promise Community Meeting,

Family Promise Host Recruitment meeting, Family Promise Radio Interview)

Internship: 1 Individual meeting with Nyahaley

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Endowment Committee Vacancy – Motion to approve Bryan Peterson’s nomination was voted on and

approved with 11 Aye’s.

2. Endowment Fund Distribution Vote – Motion to approve fund distribution as stated in report was

approved with 11 Aye’s.

3. Transformation Team Update – See Pastor’s report. Michael updated us about the Easter Egg Hunt

taking place on April 20th.

4. InfoLife Church Agreement – See Pastor’s report. Termination clause, release of all claims (hold harm-

less) and Info Life acquiring a separate insurance policy needs to be added to agreement. Loss of keys cost

and toiletry expenses were discussed.

NEW BUSINESS:.

1. Synod Assembly Voting Delegates – Takes place on May 31st – June 2nd in Chattanooga, TN. Bryan

Peterson would like to go. Rene Kuhn who was going to check her schedule to see if it is possible to

attend. If not, Pastor will speak to Jessica and Rachael.

2. Easter Breakfast – An email congregational survey will be done to determine how many members

would attend a breakfast and if so, what time would be best.

3. Chili Cookout – will be held on March 24th. Youth would like to have the cake raffle to raise money for

their summer camp on the same day.

4. Nativity Lutheran Conference Meeting – will be held on April 14th. Synod voting instruction and qual-

ities desired in a new Bishop will be discussed.

REPORTS: 1. President: No updates. Ray Ramos

2. Vice President: No Updates. Bill Schroeder

3. Intern: No Updates. Nyahaley Labor

Next Meeting: March 17th

Lunch: Pat Viohl

Adjournment: Motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and was approved. Session closed with the

Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully Submitted, Terri Lange