Dear saints,

On Wednesday, the weekly horror of gun violence in America came to the All Saints' neighborhood in Midtown. The church was put on lockdown, as were the other buildings around us. We could see police cars speeding down West Peachtree. A beautiful spring day was shattered by the all too well-rehearsed sequence of events that follow a shooting. Frightening for us but utterly devastating for the family of Amy St. Pierre who died from her gunshot wounds. Four other women were injured. How does the husband of Amy, Julian St. Pierre, begin to explain to their two young children that their mom is never coming home? How does anyone put words to such loss? 

With all of the politics, the intransigence, the bewildering incapacity to effectively address this public safety crisis, it is easy for us - perhaps I should say, it is easy for me - to move too quickly to all of that, and neglect to feel the loss. A people created and formed within the love of God must make room for lament. We are called to weep with those who weep. Mourn with those who mourn. We need for the depth of our compassion to be the wellspring of our motivation for action. For, we need action. 

Were Wednesday's events about access to firearms? About the regulatory responsibility of government? About mental health? About a culture of violence? About whether rights have the same moral value as life? Wednesday was about all of it, and more. The issues at hand are complex yet the ethical imperative is simple. Inaction in the face of violence and the taking of life is an abdication of our responsibility to love one another as God loves us. 

I pray that together we might seek the welfare of the city. For in its welfare, in its shalom, we will find our own.

Peace,

THIS SUNDAY

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

Sunday, May 7

• 8:00 a.m. (Rite I in the Chapel) 
• 9:00 a.m. (Holy Eucharist Rite II): This service includes a Prayer and blessings for our high school seniors.
• 11:15 a.m. (Holy Eucharist Rite II): This service includes a Prayer and blessings for our high school seniors.
• 5:00 p.m. (The Welcome Table in the Chapel) 

Seeking Shalom

Sunday, April 16 through May 7, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ross Room and on Zoom 

The Hebrew word, shalom, encapsulates God's dream for the world. Shalom describes a vision of creation redeemed and restored not just through individual faith but through the cultivation of flourishing communities, just societies, and the healing of our social fabric. Join Emory professor, Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio, for this four-part course that examines the Biblical concept of shalom and how it can transform the way we think about discipleship and the mission of the church today. Registration is required via this link with the promotional code: AllSaints. E-mail Associate for Formation, The Rev. Dr. Jenny McBride for more information and to request the Zoom link to participate: jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org 

Congregational Models for Ecological Justice 

Sunday, May 7, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall 

Join Atlanta author, Jennifer Ayres, as she discusses insights from her most recent book, Inhabitance: Ecological Religious Education. Drawing from her research on churches across the country, Dr. Ayres will share a variety of compelling models of congregational commitment to ecological justice. The conversation is sure to spark imagination about the kind of work that is possible for our faith community.   

A Service of Recovery and Healing

Sunday, May 7, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., on Zoom

Led by The Rev. Bob Book, our Service of Recovery and Healing meets on the second Sunday of each month at 4:30 p.m. ET. We focus on one of the 12 Steps in the context of an Evening Prayer service. Anyone interested in recovery is welcome; confidentiality is required. Visit our website for more information and to register. 

The Welcome Table: Sunday Evening Worship Service and Dinner 

Sundays beginning April 30, Courtyard hospitality at 5:00 p.m. and Worship at 5:15 p.m. in the Chapel 

We invite you to a re-imagined evening worship service in the chapel, where we experience God’s hospitality and love for the world. The service includes beautiful music from a variety of traditions, accompanied by piano and a solo instrumentalist. We’ll share communion together, light candles as a symbol of our prayers, and enjoy a meal together afterwards. The sermon is brief and preached from the floor. The prayers invite your participation. The space is set up like a dinner gathering, in the round. 

Jesus on the Front Page

Sundays, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., P305/306 

Join this ongoing discussion of the news of the day and how we are called as Christians to respond in the public arena, in our private lives, and in our prayers. 

Photo of the Week

On Sunday, April 30, our congregation began a new evening service, called "The Welcome Table". The service included beautiful music, accompanied by piano and a solo instrumentalist. We shared communion together and lit candles as a symbol of our prayers. The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring, our rector, delivered the sermon from the floor, after which we enjoyed a meal together afterwards in Ellis Hall.

Planned Giving

One easy way to make a planned gift is by telling your bank you'd like to open an IRA account with the beneficiary being All Saints' Episcopal Church. Many of us have these and the accounts can grow as we add to them over the years. Thank you so much, David Begley, Chair of Planned Giving, david@wdbegley.com 

All Saints' offers easy ways to pay your pledge or to make a gift:

• Online at allsaintsatlanta.org/give
• Mail a check to All Saints’ Church, 634 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308
• Put a check or cash into the offering plate during services
• Text to Give: text AllSaintsAtlanta to 73256
• Gift stocks or securities (click here for instructions >>)

Questions? Contact Ellen Hayes, Director of Development, at ehayes@allsaintsatlanta.org.

• Novel Theology >>

Meets one Wednesday a month on Zoom from 7:00-8:00 p.m.. Click the link above to learn more and register.

• Popcorn Theology >>

Meets one Friday a month in the Ross Room from 7:00-9:30 p.m. Click the link above to learn more.

• The Journey Bible Study >>

Meets every Monday at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Register here.

• Jesus on the Front Page >>

Meets every Sunday morning at 10:20 a.m. in P306 in the Parish House.



• Sports and Spirituality >>

Meets the third Thursday of each month on Zoom. Register here.

Three Choirs Festival Evensong featuring the All Saints' Parish Choir 

Sunday, May 21, 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 435 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 

Please join us for a Three Choirs Festival Choral Evensong at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, downtown Atlanta. The service will be sung by the combined choirs of All Saints', St. Luke's, and Holy Innocents, featuring music by New York City composers. A reception follows in J. Coleman Budd Hall: For more information, visit: www.stlukesatlanta.org/live 

Pentecost and 120th Anniversary Celebration 

Sunday, May 28, Church and the Courtyard  

Pentecost (May 28) is when we celebrate the birthday of the Church. Here at All Saints’, Pentecost is especially exciting because it is also our parish’s 120th anniversary! Join us for worship and our courtyard celebration, complete with food, crafts and live music. On this Sunday, we also move to a summer worship service schedule (8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and our 5:00 p.m. service, The Welcome Table). 

Strategic Plan Presentation: What’s God Up To? How Does God Call Us Forward? 

Sunday, May 21, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall

As we conclude this year of listening to the movement of God in our lives and in the lives of our neighbors, join Simon and the team that has been leading this listening work to hear how we discern God is calling us forward into the future of our ministries and life at All Saints'.  

World Labyrinth Day at All Saints': “Walk as One”

Saturday, May 6, 10:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Chapel 

This event will connect energetically to 15,000 people in 30 countries of labyrinths and walkers, heightening the power of collective contemplation for healing and global peace. The pilgrimage journey starts with intention, releasing the past world behind, walking to the center for renewal and rebirth. There will be an introduction to the Labyrinth at 10:45 a.m. and the Labyrinth will be available for walking from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., after which we will walk back out to reunite with the world. 

A Fond Farewell to Lori Guarisco, Katie Presley and Maurice Reddick 

Sunday, May 14, 10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Ellis Hall

We will take time to wish staff members Lori Guarisco (Threads Coordinator), Katie Presley (Parish Program Coordinator) and Maurice Reddick (Parish Project / Facilities Manager), who are all departing their roles at All Saints’, best wishes with their next steps. Our Rector, Simon Mainwaring will offer acknowledgements and well wishes at the start of the Annual Parish Meeting. 

Annual Parish Meeting

Sunday, May 14, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall

Join us for our Annual Parish Meeting, when we reflect on the past year and elect new members of the vestry, our church’s leadership board. 

Novel Theology Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, May 17, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., on Zoom and in P305

Please join Novel Theology for its end-of-year celebration on May 17th in P305. Book voting and a potluck dinner will begin at 6 p.m.. Discussion of Brit Bennett's The Vanishing Half will be led by Ellen Porter at 7 p.m. Contact Laura Trott at Lmtrott@gmail.com for details. Zoom bridge also available. Please contact Amelia Harmon (amelia.tuttle9@gmail.com) for more information and the Zoom link. 

Popcorn Theology: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Friday, May 19, 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Ross Room

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" (2016) is both for people who don't like Star Wars and a favorite of hardcore sci-fi fantasy fans. A story of hope in times of despair, it offers a deep understanding of how faith and ancient spirituality can be a guide through uncertain times. Young adults (and older!) most welcome! Popcorn provided but bring your own beverages! Conversation following! 

Young Adult Saturday Service: Bridge of Light

Saturday, May 20, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Offsite 

The Young Adults will be in the community with Atlanta non-profit Bridge of Light. We'll be giving out clothes, organizing shower services, and making new friends in the city. We would love to be in this work with you. For more details, contact Rodell Jefferson: rjefferson@allsaintsatlanta.org

All Saints' Welcome Video Filming

Sunday, May 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

On this Sunday, we will have a film crew on our block to shoot a welcome video for our parish, inviting folks near and far to partake in our community. If you would like to participate by sharing your experience of All Saints’ on film, we invite your participation. If interested, please e-mail communications@allsaintsatlanta.org.  

Save the Date - Generation Celebration Kanuga 2023

Friday, September 29 at 5:30 p.m. - Sunday, October 1, 2:00 p.m., Kanuga Conference Center, Hendersonville, N.C.

The Young Adults will be in the community with Atlanta non-profit Bridge of Light. We'll be giving out clothes, organizing shower services, and making new friends in the city. We would love to be in this work with you. For more details, contact Rodell Jefferson: rjefferson@allsaintsatlanta.org

Weekly Children & Youth Formation 

Nursery/Little Saints 

Birth-Pre-K, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1st floor of the Pritchett Center 

Children’s Church 

K-5th grade, 8:40-9:30 a.m., 2nd floor of the Pritchett Center

Children Formation 

K-5th grade, 10:20-11:05 a.m., 2nd floor of the Pritchett Center

Youth Formation 

6th-12th grade,10:20-11:05 a.m., The Attic (3rd floor of the Pritchett Center)

Threads is Now Receiving Applications for Coordinator Position (half-time) 

As we prepare to say farewell to Lori Guarisco this summer, we are now receiving applications from interested candidates for the Threads Coordinator. It is a half-time position working with a wonderful team of volunteers. Please do let Simon know if you or anyone you know might be interested in the position: smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org. The position posting is available on our website here. 

A Celebration of Possibility: Recovery Summit with Covenant Community

Saturday, May 8, 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

Join Covenant Community, Inc & Recovery Resources of Atlanta-Midtown as we kick-off National Prevention Week. Residents and staff will engage with the #MyPreventionStory movement by sharing Freedom: Love Liberates, an interactive presentation that blends music, dance, and creative storytelling. For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/recovery-summit-tickets-608796806637 

Respite Care Atlanta Volunteer Information Session 

CORRECTED: Monday, May 8, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 2nd Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, 2715 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 

The next Respite Care Atlanta volunteer information session is May 6th at 10:00 at Second Ponce De Leon Baptist Church. Come learn about this fabulous day care for people with dementia. Contact Susan Virgin at sdv20@bellsouth.net about this flexible opportunity to help others! 

9th Annual Midtown Assistance Center (MAC) Midtown Race, a 5K Run / Walk in Piedmont Park 

Saturday, May 13, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Piedmont Park 

Join us for this 5K in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. This event benefits Midtown Assistance Center (MAC). Leashed dogs and strollers are welcome. START/FINISH: Near Park Tavern and Midtown High School. 500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. The race will start promptly at 8:30 a.m. Link

Refugee Ministries: 2023 Swimming Buddies Program 

Saturday, May 20, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Off-Site 

Kids look forward to Refugee Ministries Swimming Buddies program all year. We especially need help with transportation and water supervision. For more information and to sign-up, contact Louisa Merchant, Director of Refugee Ministries, at louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org 

Threads School Clothing Drive

Would you be interested in helping Threads by organizing a clothing drive at your child's school? We have the flyer printed and ready for you! It's easy! Just contact Lori Guarisco at threads@allsaintsatlanta.org 

Threads Welcomes Families for Shopping

Threads welcomes families for in-store shopping Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Interested in volunteering? Contact Lori Guarisco at threads@allsaintsatlanta.org 

Library Volunteers Needed! 

The Eggleston Library at All Saints' is a special, rare place among churches. We need volunteers to help maintain it during regular opening hours. If you love libraries and the books in them, this might be the ministry for you! Email eglibraryallsaints@gmail.com for more information. 

Photo Sharing at All Saints’ 

The Communications Team invites you to submit photographs of All Saints’ events via e-mail for inclusion in forthcoming publications, newsletters, monitor feeds and on social media accounts. If you have content to share, please send photographs via e-mail to communications@allsaintsatlanta.org in .JPG or .PNG formats. 

Click the image below to view our "thank yous" to parishioners from various staff members. We appreciate the ways you serve our parish and community!