Dear saints,

This Sunday we celebrate the culmination of several months of discernment as a church about the next few years of our ministries and life together. Following the 9:00am service, I will make a presentation in Ellis Hall of our strategic plan for mission for the next three years. As you will hear, the plan invites us to widen the circle of what it means to be the church. 

We wish to make the most of the lessons of the past few years and grow into being a truly hybrid church: in-person and online; on and off our block. We seek to become even more a community that makes space for all sorts of people at all stages of their journey of faith, deepening our relationship with God and with one another as we do. Once again, we hear a call to embrace change and hear in that invitation the Spirit's work in and through us that promises to make all things new. 

Change has also been in our life as a staff in recent weeks with the retirements of Maurice Reddick and Lori Guarisco, and the departure of Katie Presley for her first call as an associate rector in South Carolina. That change continues this week with the news that Kirk Rich will be leaving All Saints' this summer to take up a position as Music Director in his home state of Kentucky where he will also be closer to his family there. You will see from Kirk's letter below that this is a wonderful opportunity for he and Laura, and we give deep thanks for all Kirk has offered in music leadership here over these past five years. Kirk's final Sunday will be July 2, from which point our Associate Music Director Brendan Conner, will become Acting Music Director for the next several months. We will begin a search for a new Music Director in the early fall, and we have a strong plan in place for the smooth management of our adult music program for the months ahead. 

'There is a time for everything', the scriptures tell us. As the times change in this parish community, may we trust that the One who calls us onward is and will always remain faithful. As we draw the circle wider let us give thanks for the gift of this church. 

Peace,

Dear Friends, 

This past Monday, I informed Simon of my intention to resign as Director of Music at All Saints’. After several months of prayerful discernment, I have accepted the position of Director of Music at St. Francis in the Fields, a cardinal parish in the Diocese of Kentucky (Louisville). St. Francis has a long history of excellent liturgy and music based in classical Anglican expressions. Their commitment to preserving the tradition of Anglican hymnody, psalmody, and regular celebration of Choral Evensong is not only well-suited to my skillset, but a deep part of my spirituality and something I’m thrilled to be a part of. I have also been charged with strengthening their Royal School of Church Music children’s choir curriculum, a particular passion of mine. I’m excited for regular collaboration with the Louisville Orchestra and the University of Louisville’s award-winning Cardinal Singers, as well as administering a long-standing and respected concert series.

This decision was not easy, as the parishioners and especially the choir of All Saints’ have captured my heart in a way I could never have imagined. Laura and I have made lasting friendships in this place we will treasure forever. Filling the shoes of Ray and Beth Chenault was a daunting task, but I had your support and encouragement every step of the way. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished together these past five years. During lockdown, we developed one of the most extensive catalogues of virtual choir recordings in Christendom, keeping our community singing even from a distance. As singing restrictions began to lift, we created two new adult ensembles, The Parish Choir and the Schola. In partnership with Georgia State University, we developed scholarship opportunities for talented young graduate students, augmenting our morning choirs with some of the finest voices in the region. Our collaboration with organizations like Challenge the Stats has highlighted and celebrated the gifts of musicians of color in our city, greatly diversifying our roster of regular instrumentalists and soloists. 

I have every confidence in Associate Director of Music Brendan Conner’s ability to lead while All Saints’ discerns the future of its music ministry. I thank Simon for his confidence in elevating me to Director of Music so shortly after my appointment as Associate Director in 2018. It was the most incredible opportunity, and I will always be grateful. Please know that Laura and I love you all, and we take our leave feeling well loved in return. Be assured of our prayers, and please stay in touch: kirkmrich@gmail.com

Sincerely, 



Kirk Rich

Introducing the New Executive Committee

On Monday of this week, following last Sunday's annual meeting, the vestry elected the following vestry members to serve as officers on the executive committee of the vestry:

• Louisa Johnson, Senior Warden
• Greg Cole, Junior Warden
• Jack Norton, Clerk

The executive committee meets monthly with the rector and these three new members will join Simon and Sheldon Taylor, who continues as Treasurer and for whose continued service to All Saints' in that capacity we are deeply grateful.

THIS SUNDAY

The Seventh Sunday of Easter

Sunday, May 21

• 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) 

Rite 13 Ceremony for 7^th Graders

Sunday, May 21, 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m., Church

Rite 13 is a celebration of youth turning thirteen and transitioning from being a child in the church to being an adult in the church. It is a way of celebrating their entry into being an adult in the church and being able to make their own commitments and choices in the church moving forward!

The Final Sunday of Formation 

Sunday, May 21, 10:15 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Kennedy Courtyard

This Sunday, will be our last morning formation for our children and youth ministries! We will be celebrating teachers and kids in Kennedy Courtyard with ice cream, outdoor games, and lots of fun as we close out our formation year!

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 to hear how we discern God is calling us forward into the future of our ministries and life at All Saints'.

Brunch & Beyond: A Young Adult Gathering (Keep for May 7 and May 14)

Sunday, May 21, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Ross Room

Join us for our monthly Sunday brunch! Come enjoy a delicious meal and lively conversation. All are invited – whether you're looking to connect for the first time, reconnect after a long while, or keep connections going! RSVP via e-mail to Rodell Jefferson at rjefferson@allsaintsatlanta.org.

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

Final SNL Backyard BBQ

Sunday, May 21, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., The Frilingos’ Home

We will close out our SNL year with a backyard BBQ at The Frilingos home! Parents are encouraged to stay and enjoy this time together too. Please sign up to bring a side or dessert (we will provide the main course!) We can't wait to celebrate the end of the year together!

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, May 14, our parish held a Moving Up Celebration during the 9:00 a.m. service to celebrate two special milestones: our 5th graders moved into their new spiritual home, the Attic and our 3rd graders moved into Club 45, our tween formation group. In the photo above, some of our Y'all Saints crew (children's ministry kids) joke around in clown noses during the service.

Giving

If you made a 2023 Financial Pledge:

- Did you update your credit card info for recurring payments in 2023?

- Do you have a Realm account to check your pledge balance, produce your own year-end statements, use the parish directory feature with photos? 

To get a Realm account, contact Betsey Gibbs, Membership Coordinator, bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org  and receive an invitation to join Realm. It’s as easy as that!

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.

Pentecost and 120th Anniversary Celebration 

Sunday, May 28, 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., 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. 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). 

Churches Together for Racial Healing: A Book Study on Catherine Meeks  

Tuesday, May 23, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Atlanta 

Join fellow Episcopalians from across Atlanta in our latest session reading together Dr. Catherine Meeks' new book The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning: Meditations for Racial Healing. Over the past several months members from six Atlanta Episcopal churches have come together to discuss a couple of chapters from the book, grow in relationship and imagine how God calls us to strive for racial healing in our city. The next gathering is at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Atlanta (435 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308). For more information please contact: Simon Mainwaring: smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org 

Just Action: A Conversation with Richard and Leah Rothstein  

Saturday, June 13, 6:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., Ellis Hall 

Join us for an evening with Richard Rothstein and his daughter, Leah Rothstein, co-authors of Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law. The authors will be interviewed by Rev. Natosha Reid Rice. This event includes a reception, a Q&A session and a book signing. 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

Brunch & Beyond: A Young Adult Gathering

Sunday, May 21, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Ross Room 

Join us for our monthly Sunday brunch! Come enjoy a delicious meal and lively conversation. All are invited – whether you're looking to connect for the first time, reconnect after a long while, or keep connections going! RSVP via e-mail to Rodell Jefferson at 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.

Early registration for our annual parish retreat at Kanuga Conference Center is coming soon. Payment plans will be available. And special thanks to our Chairs Kate and Greg Richeson for organizing the retreat. For more information, please contact our Director of Parish Life, Jill Gossett at jgossett@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)

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 

Stirring the Soul for Racial Equity:  A Pilgrimage to the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing 

Saturday, June 3, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Off-Site 

Please join your All Saints' family and friends for this special event to learn more about the amazing work underway at the Center.  Dr. Catherine Meeks will lead our discussion and tour, followed by a delicious lunch from Naanstop and a walking tour of the Atlanta University Center. A small charge of $15 is the only payment and will cover the cost of lunch.  Scholarships are available. For more information, contact Janet Kibler at janetkibler58@gmail.com. Link

Vacation Bible School Volunteers Needed 

June 5 - 9, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., The Attic 

Come share a day or two or the whole week with our children and teens at VBS.  The only skills needed are a love of Christ and the willingness to serve!  It is a lot of fun and you will have a group of other adults to help.  E-mail Kathy Roberts at kroberts@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

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. 

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