Welcome to the All Saints' Young Adults Newsletter! We plan to publish this newsletter every week or two to provide updates about what's coming up for young adults, as well as parish-wide events that might interest you. If you do not wish to receive these updates, you can unsubscribe at any time (scroll to the bottom of the email). If you'd prefer to receive the parish-wide weekly newsletter instead (or in addition), click here and select the Main Parish-Wide Email List.
August 15, 2019
Friends,
“Chemistry is love and joy,” my high school teacher always insisted. While some never agreed with her claim, most students inevitably rode that wave of curiosity sparked by class experiments. Whether we were making molecules, breaking apart chemical bonds, or unleashing potential energy, we felt fully alive at the Bunsen burner. Such escapades often yielded surprising discoveries. And that “chemistry in the room” took time to develop. Even for those among us who did not become professional chemists, these experiences were transformational. 

This fall, the young adult community at All Saints’ will embark on a new season of experimentation, pursuing fresh opportunities to study , serve , socialize , and sustain our spirits together. God’s presence in our lives, in our city, and in our wider world draws us toward authentic connections that shape how we live, serve, and grow. Such communal bonds strengthen our individual capacities for flourishing, which really is to say for love and joy in daily life.

As you look toward the new season, I hope you will take a few minutes to explore some of the opportunities for fellowship and formation we have planned (detailed below). Wherever and however you choose to participate in our collective, I look forward to knowing you!
In the joyful bonds of affection,
The Rev. Sarah Stewart
Associate Rector for Young Adults and Innovation
But First...Don't Miss This!
Before delving into the many, new offerings for young adults this fall, I’d like to encourage you to join our parish community for a special service of remembrance this Sunday, August 18.

Not only will we get to hear the powerful preaching of our very own diocesan bishop, The Rt. Rev. Robert Wright, but we also can sit together for the first time in church! Please find me at the reception at 5:30 p.m. in Ellis Hall (or at the plenary conversation that starts at 6:00 p.m.) so that we can sit together in the sanctuary (let me know if you want me to save you a seat!).

Wednesday, August 28, 7:00—8:30 p.m., Room P307, Parish House

On the final Wednesday of each month, be part of a discussion that invites us to sink our teeth into spiritual resources for living with courage and faith in an ever-changing world. Fall dates: August 28, September 25, October 30, and November 20*.

*Please note that we'll meet on the third Wednesday in November due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Sunday, September 15, 10:20—11:05 a.m., Room P202, Parish House

On the third Sunday of each month, explore resources from our Christian tradition that can support us in our daily lives. Fall dates: September 15, October 20, November 17, and December 15.

Sunday, September 1, 10:20—11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall, Parish House

Join saints of all ages in making sandwiches for Emmaus House and Midtown Assistance Center. Many hands make light work – last year we made 900 sandwiches in 35 minutes!

Thursday, September 26, 6:30—9:00 p.m., Ellis Hall, Parish House

Celebrate new beginnings with the graduating residents of Covenant Community, our ministry partner that provides treatment and substance abuse recovery support for men experiencing homelessness. This is a meaningful and moving ceremony and dinner to mark the start of a new chapter and honor the hard work these men have done to complete the rigorous life-stabilization program. No need to RSVP.

Sunday, October 20, 1:00—4:00 p.m., Atlanta Community Food Bank, 732 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd, NW Atlanta, GA 30318

Join fellow young adults at the Atlanta Community Food Bank Product Rescue Center for an afternoon of service and fun, as we inspect, sort, and pack quality grocery donations for distribution to agencies across Georgia.

Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes are required; sneakers or work boots are encouraged. Flips flops, sandals or heeled shoes are not allowed. Please wear comfortable clothing you won't mind getting wrinkled.

Click the link below to sign up, and invite your friends to join us too! If you'd like to carpool there, please email me at sstewart@allsaintsatlanta.org by October 16.

Thursday, August 22, 7:00—9:30 p.m., Manuel's Tavern

In keeping with tradition, we will kick off our first Saints on Tap gathering of the program year at Manuel's Tavern. Join us at this cozy neighborhood tavern for food, drinks, and fellowship. Please email Michael Asmussen at michael.asmussen@gmail.com to let him know you're coming so he can reserve our seats!

Saturday, August 24, 8:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m., Sweetwater Creek State Park

Enjoy active fun in the shade (and sun) as we hike one of the trails at Sweetwater Creek State Park (expect a 3-5-mile walk). Meet at the church to depart for the park at 8:15 a.m. sharp. Pack your own water, sunscreen, and light snacks for the morning. Bring money for lunch, as we will plan to stop for a bite together before our drive back. Please email me at sstewart@allsaintsatlanta.org by Thursday, August 22 to let me know if you’re coming so we can arrange carpooling.

Monday, September 16, 7:00 p.m. Labyrinth Walk and 8:00 p.m. Taize Service, St. Philip's Cathedral

Explore contemplative movement and prayer, as we engage the ancient practice of walking the labyrinth and participate in a communal service of Taizé prayer at St. Philip's Cathedral. Meet at St. Philip's outdoor labyrinth at 7:00 p.m. or catch a ride from All Saints' parking lot at 6:30 p.m. Anyone needing a ride, please email me at sstewart@allsaintsatlanta.org by Wednesday, September 11 so we can coordinate carpool.
For more information contact The Rev. Sarah Stewart