July 14, 2022
Dear Friends,

“It’s a miracle, Sarah! It’s an actual miracle!” It’s not often I hear such words. But last week, I did. A parishioner called to share her miraculous news: immunotherapy had been wildly successful in eradicating her lung tumors. This development amazed even her doctors. Her joy shouted through the phone line, even though health issues have reduced her voice to a whisper in recent months.
How often do we marvel at the miracles in our lives? Do we dance around the room when that “once in a lifetime” professional opportunity materializes? Or sing our relief when a sister safely returns from deployment? Dare we risk a playful summersault to high-five little ones as they meet developmental milestones? Or shake our hands toward heaven in gratitude that tornadoes have steered clear of our family’s home? It might seem smarter not to tempt fate since joy can be stolen away by the winds of circumstance. And don’t we suffer guilt whenever we stop to wonder about others whose outcomes aren’t so fortunate? 

Pretending not to notice miracles God is always working won’t mitigate life’s hard knocks. And joy is a sacred grace that builds up holy reserve to carry us when times get tough. I felt like doing the Stephen ColbertKing of Glorydance when recent news out of General Convention (the triennial national gathering of the Episcopal Church in the United States) revealed that our Church had elected two women of color as President, Julia Ayala Harris, and Vice President, the Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton, of our Episcopal House of Deputies (the body of lay and ordained leaders who help shape the direction of our denomination). Picturing a Latina lay woman and a Shackan First Nation woman priest leading our Church in these high profile roles feels like a marvelous miracle. The Spirit knows exactly what She is doing as She leads people of faith into our shared future!

Today, I commend to your attention words of wisdom offered by outgoing President of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, who led for the past decade and proudly celebrates a new generation of young adults in leadership in our denomination as one of the most significant priorities of her tenure. I also urge you to lean into these words of inspiration from incoming President Harris, who embraces her historic role by celebrating the new wineskins through which God is pouring the fruit of the Spirit into our lives, within the Body of Christ.

Whoever we are, God indeed calls all of us into divine service. As I witness this historic moment when two women of color take up the mantle of leadership in the Episcopal Church, I rejoice in the transformation that is unfolding around us. Just as I am thrilled for us to celebrate Sam’s embrace of a personal call to serve as an Episcopal Service Corps Fellow in Boston in the coming year. Please join us in the All Saints' Courtyard tomorrow night as we lift up our hearts in thanksgiving for this wondrous life that dares us to walk in love, sharing our gifts and graces courageously in Jesus' name, for the sake of this world God so loves!
May we know the blessed joy and freedom into which the Spirit leads us,
The Rev. Sarah Stewart
Associate Rector for Young Adults and Innovation
Tomorrow Night

Summer Social: Send-Off For Sam

This Friday, July 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Kennedy Courtyard

Don't miss this evening of fun as we gather in the Kennedy Courtyard to grill out, swap stories of summer adventures, and send Sam Osakue off to his Episcopal Service Corps experience with our communal blessing! Feel free to bring your favorite beverage to share.
Getting to know Sam a bit better ...

You grew up in New Jersey but have lived in Georgia for years. What inspired you to embrace this adventure of moving to Boston to participate in the Episcopal Service Corps?

My parents both work in medicine (dad, a doctor, and mom, a nurse) so I’ve always wanted to do something to help others and the Episcopal Service Corps Fellows Program seemed like a challenge where offering my energies felt right.

What are you most excited about as you make your home in Boston?

This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to expand my knowledge and have new experiences in a new city, applying my faith as I grow in the Episcopal way of following Jesus.

Who will be your companions in this service learning year?

A few weeks ago the Episcopal Service Corps hosted a virtual gathering. We had break out sessions with the folks in our respective programs. They are men and women from around the country; not all are Episcopalians. Several are exploring calls to full time ministry. Others are simply looking forward to the journey as we grow together.

Where will you be serving and what will you contribute in that context?

I’m going to be serving as a Grace Episcopal Church Fellow and offering my skills in technology, web design, and marketing, while also contributing to the communal formation, fellowship, and spiritual growth of the cohort who will share life together in the year ahead. I’m excited to explore Boston and to ride the train to New York to take in a Broadway show. I’m also looking forward to getting back to the winter cold that I loved growing up.

You were Confirmed in the Episcopal Church last November. What questions compel you as you dig into this faith-deepening experience?

As I head into this year, I am wondering how best to pay attention to this journey that is a mystery. How can I discern the next right step? Where do I offer what I have to share—personally, mentally, and physically—as I take each step on my journey of faith? Especially as someone who has different abilities and whose racial identity invites others to grapple with their histories and experiences, I am curious about how I can help people feel freedom in discovering that regardless of our ability, race, or sexual orientation, we all belong in God.

What are some of your favorite All Saints’ memories?

Our discussion of Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy stands out as a highlight. And the pandemic game night where we played Kahoot together. In terms of community service, I loved the Emmaus House Earth Day project where we cleaned up the grounds of their Peoplestown campus. It was inspiring to be outside and caring for creation while enjoying connections with church friends.

You’re a guy who loves Scripture and theology. What is your favorite book of the Bible?

Having survived the pandemic and losing my grandmother this year, the story of Job means a lot to me. Knowing that we are not alone as we face life’s struggles, trials, and temptations really helps. As do the friendships we find in a faith community.

How can people be praying for you as you embark on this adventure?

Please pray for my safety and wellness. And for my future, as I consider where God is guiding me throughout this formative year.

When do you depart and how can folks stay in touch while you’re away, keeping up with all your explorations and discoveries?

The program begins on August 15 and will continue through the middle of June in 2023. You can keep in touch any of the following ways. I look forward to hearing from you!

Email

Twitter/Instagram

USPS Address
Sam Osakue
73A Columbia Rd.
Dorchester, MA 02121
This Sunday
Safe Space: Conversation Among Woman

Sunday, July 17, 9:00 a.m., Ross Room

Join friends and spiritual sisters in the Ross Room before the 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship service, as we reflect on recent events in our national life. This time together is designed for women seeking safe space to acknowledge hopes and hurts we carry as we pray for strength, courage, and creativity in our ongoing witness to Christ's love. For more information, contact Sarah Stewart at sstewart@allsaintsatlanta.org.
American Red Cross: Blood Drive

Sunday, July 17, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

Donate life-saving blood! The American Red Cross is facing a severe shortage as hospital demand continues to outpace donations. Please consider signing up for an appointment during the blood drive at All Saints' on Sunday, July 17. Signups are appreciated but walk-ins are also welcome!
Summer Service Opportunities
Threads: Back to School
Uniform Giveaway Days

In Threads (off the Tate Courtyard)
from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on these dates

Thursday, July 14
Friday, July 15
Saturday, July 16

Thursday, July 21
Friday, July 22
Saturday, July 23

Come help school children around our city enjoy a customized shopping experience at they gear up for school, returning in person to our block for the first time in three years to select uniforms and other wardrobe items to help them kick off a great year of learning. Whether you come for a single shift or turn out for the whole series, you'll be amazed to discover the magic of Threads, clothing children with dignity!
Refugee Ministries Resettlement Support

By Appointment
from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., on Zoom

Are you interested in helping a new arrival family or one that has been here a little longer but wasn't able to receive hospitality because of Covid with some basic welcome activities like going to the grocery store, to a park or on an outing. Email louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org to schedule your personal session and to get involved.
Summer Swimming Buddies

July 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: 
Home of Jennifer Brown, Linbergh

Sept 10 ALL DAY EXCURSION:  
Lyman family home on Lake Jackson

Transportation and supervision are needed to help our kids enjoy the water and build life-affirming relationships. Please consider serving as a swimming buddy to our youngsters. (John Pinkard makes it look like a pretty irresistible delight, doesn't he?!) Contact louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org for more information.
Small Groups

Sports and Spirituality

Thursday, July 21, 7:00-8:00 p.m., on Zoom

Please join Judd Asbill and Paul Terlemezian as we talk about sports and spirituality with playfulness and humor. Later this summer we'll aim to venture to an outdoor venue to take in an event together as a group. All are welcome!
Ongoing Groups:


  • ON SUMMER BREAK: Moms Bearing Coffee (historically the 1st Saturday of the month). Learn more >>

  • ON SUMMER BREAK: St. Cecilia's Young Women's Group (historically the 4th Sunday of the month). Learn more >>

Leadership Opportunities
Usher Ministry

Might you have a knack for welcome?

Ushers perform a valuable ministry of hospitality at All Saints’ Church. Ushers are often the first people to greet those who come to worship within our community of faith. As a team, we offer welcome by learning names and remembering faces; we distribute bulletins, collect offerings, provide attendance counts, and guide worshipers to communion. We take pride in the warmth of our ministry of extending a welcome that helps people feel at home on our block and return often to experience the love of God at All Saints'. Young adults are welcome to participate in this ministry of welcome!

Contact Charlie Rigby at (770) 330-9370 or polyadd333@gmail.com
for more details and to get involved.
Guild of the Good Shepherd

Do you enjoy sharing love with the world, in the fabulous form of homemade food?

Guild of the Good Shepherd hosts receptions with simple refreshments either before or after funeral or memorial services at All Saints'.

The Guild uses an automated sign-up application to mobilize members to help with providing food and serving as hosts at funeral and memorial receptions. Receptions differ according to the time of day and wishes of the families. Young adults are warmly welcome to get involved. You don't need to be present at the funerals to play your part!

Sign up here to get involved or contact Elizabeth Robertson at elizabethrobertson@me.com for more information.
Want to Connect?
We recently launched Realm, our new platform for online giving, directory, and event registration.

If you haven’t already, please sign up for an account to manage your personal information, control your giving, register for events, and keep in touch with the people and groups that matter to you.

If you have questions or would like assistance, please contact Betsey Gibbs at bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org.
Looking for the best way to catch up All Saints' Young Adults?
Stay up on the salient details via Slack!

Young Adults use our Slack Channel to connect and communicate. Haven't yet joined? Email Sarah Stewart at sstewart@allsaintsatlanta.org.
Resources for Personal Prayer in Daily Life
For more information contact the Rev. Sarah Stewart