Dear saints,
For the past couple of weeks, I have enjoyed diving back into the All Saints' pool with some truly fantastic neighborhood gatherings. We've traveled from East Atlanta to Buckhead to Brookhaven, congregating in people's beautiful homes who, in a rush of blood to the head, agreed to allow a hundred or so All Saint's folks to drop by. I have thoroughly enjoyed the gatherings. You can feel an energy, a kind of pulsating light when you cross the threshold of a place where All Saints’ comes together. The fact of the matter is the saints love to be with one another and it shows!
We love to be with one another, yet the life we share together as a church has changed. Indeed, across the country, some people rethought their relationship to organized religion amidst the pandemic. Staying at home broke the habit of church going. It was not that our faith was rote or that our participation in a community as richly diverse and nourishing as All Saints' was merely a matter of duty or obligation. We were simply disconnected.
In this season of giving, we call to mind the value of All Saints' in our lives, I want to invite you to ask how your connection to the life of this church could be strengthened. And if you have been away more than you used to be, how might you get back into the habit of church?
'Habit' is an interesting word for the life of faith. We can sometimes think of a habit as something that doesn't go that deep. Yet the roots of the word are revealing. Habit comes from the word 'habitus', meaning the condition of something, itself rooted in the word 'habere' which refers to what something consists of. To make the choice to get back into the habit of churchgoing (however it is you might choose to attend) is to connect your body to the condition of your soul. Who you are at that deep level is a human being constituted within the grace and love of God. Getting into the habit of church is a way for you to acquaint yourself with the depth and breadth of the human condition.
One of the best invitations to a life of faith I have seen was at a church I visited earlier this year in Toronto, Canada. It simply said: "start trying." I invite you to start trying to reconnect yourself to All Saints' as the vital part of this church that you are. We are simply not the same without you. Yet with you—together, as one body, by God's grace—we are capable of more than we can imagine.
Peace,
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Giving
Annual Canvass 2024: Generous Hearts, Open Doors
“All Saints’ meets people where they are and its future is in continuing to adapt. Join us and make your financial commitment (pledge) for 2024!”
| - Deanna and Rashad Arcement - | |
Smile big for the Realm Directory Photo booth!
Your photo in the Realm directory needs updating! Come to the Canvass table in the Courtyard between morning services to get your new photo taken!
Visit us online at allsaintsatlanta.org/give. Thank you!
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The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost
Sunday, September 24, Church
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8:00 a.m. Holy Communion (Traditional Language, No Music)
- 9:00 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music)
- 11:15 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music)
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5:00 p.m. The Welcome Table (Modern Language, Contemplative Music)
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Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, September 24, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Ellis Hall
Celebrating St. Francis of Assisi, we pray God's blessing on our animal companions and recommit ourselves to the sacred work of caring for creation. Bring your furry, scaly, stuffed, and/or swimming animals for a special service in Ellis Hall. Music will be provided by our children's choirs.
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School of the Spirit: Forgiveness: Everyday Practice and Social Implications
Sunday, September 24, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Parish Hall 305/306, Live Streamed and via Zoom
Join us for this five-week course taught by The Rev. Dr. Jenny McBride and The Rev. Naomi Tutu. Central to the Christian proclamation is that we are a people of forgiveness, namely, those who receive God’s forgiveness and offer forgiveness to others. Yet, the real-life situations that invite us into the practice of forgiveness are often complex and hard to navigate. This course will offer frameworks for helping us think about the moral worth and role of forgiveness in our personal relationships and as a society. To participate in this class via Zoom, please visit allsaintsatlanta.org/links and enter password “AdultFormation2023”.
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Everyday Connections
Sunday, September 24, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ross Room
Join us for this NEW class! The proclamation of the Gospel during worship is the beginning of an ongoing dialogue between the text and those who hear it. The homily is a first response that begins, but does not end, this divine conversation. The “Everyday Connections” class provides a continual opportunity for participants to add their voice to the conversation by exploring the significance of the week’s Gospel reading for our everyday lives. To participate in this class via Zoom, please visit allsaintsatlanta.org/links and enter password “AdultFormation2023”.
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Grandparenting with God
Sunday, September 24, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Parish Hall 301
Grandparents want to share the wisdom of their years with grandchildren, and part of that wisdom is passing on their faith. Join us to learn about the important role you play in your grandchildren's spiritual lives and how it can affect their resiliency. To participate in this class via Zoom, please visit allsaintsatlanta.org/links and enter password “AdultFormation2023”.
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Brunch & Beyond with the Young Adults
Sunday, September 24, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., The 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! For more information, contact our Young Adult Coordinator, Tasia Blair, at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Jesus on the Front Page
Sundays, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Parish Hall 307
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.
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The Welcome Table: Sunday Evening Worship Service and Dinner
Sundays with Courtyard hospitality at 5:00 p.m. and Worship at 5:15 p.m. in the Chapel
Before your busy week begins, the Welcome Table is a place to join with others and find rest and refreshment. Come to the Welcome Table: a service of music (song and solo instrument), prayer (together and in ways that speak to us individually), and communion. A community dinner for all participants follows the service.
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On Sunday, September 17, our Associate Rector for Formation, The Rev. Dr. Jenny McBride, debuted a five-week course she will co-teach with The Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu. The course is part of the School of the Spirit and is called Forgiveness: Everyday Practice and Social Implications. The course offers frameworks for helping us think about the moral worth and role of forgiveness in our personal relationships and as a society. To participate in this class via Zoom, please visit allsaintsatlanta.org/links and enter password “AdultFormation2023”. To learn more about The School of the Spirit, visit allsaintsatlanta.org/connect-grow/adult-formation/school-of-the-spirit/. | |
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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.
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Pup-Up Pet Blessing in the Park
Saturday, September 23, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Piedmont Park (just behind Shake Shack, next to the farmers' market, inside the 12th and Piedmont gate)
Join us for a pup-up pet blessing in the park. Bring your furry friends to celebrate the joy of animal companionship, and the gift of creation. As we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we remember his call to care for "this fragile earth, our island home."
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Annual Pride Eucharist
Sunday, October 8, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., St. Luke's Episcopal Church
The Commission on LGBTQ+ Ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta invites you to our annual Pride Eucharist, a celebration of love, acceptance, inclusivity, and unity. This service is open to everyone, regardless of who you are or where you come from. We extend a warm welcome to all!
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Confirmation and Holy Eucharist with Bishop Robert Wright
Sunday, October 22, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Church
We invite our whole community to this joyful, all-ages worship service! Bishop Robert Wright will lead us in word and sacrament, while Theodicy Jazz Collective will lead us in music. Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes helps us imagine God’s kingdom on earth, one defined by justice, mercy, peacemaking, and unconditional love. Each candidate has been prepared to make a public confession of their faith in Christ, whether as a candidate for confirmation, for reception into the Episcopal Church or for reaffirmation of Baptismal vows. There will be no Welcome Table service or meal on this Sunday—we invite attendees of that service to join for this service!
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Support the Flower Guild
Look at those beautiful flowers! All Saints is known for the fabulous flowers that adorn the altars each week. Did you know that flowers are not a line item in the church budget? We need your support year-round. The suggested amount is $200 per gift. To give, visit bit.ly/ASECFlowerDonate and for more information, contact Betsey Gibbs, Membership Coordinator, at bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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The Journey Bible Study
Mondays in fall, beginning September 11
Journey to the cross and resurrection with us as we explore Luke's Gospel. The Journey Bible study group resumes September 11th. The group meets via Zoom on Mondays at 11:00 a.m. The only requirement is a Bible. Register at https://bit.ly/thejourney-ASEC. The Zoom link will be sent to you following registration.
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All Saints’ Freedom Writers Invite and Training
All Saints’ parishioners are invited into a friendship with an individual incarcerated at a women’s facility in Georgia. Parishioners are prepared through a letter writing training on October 9, 7:00-8:30 pm (on Zoom) and participate in a time of reflective processing once a month over Zoom with other All Saints’ letter writers. If interested, contact: Rev. Dr. Jenny McBride, our Associate Rector for Formation, at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Wednesday Night Supper
Wednesday, September 27, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Ellis Hall
Enjoy an evening meal in community followed by a casual worship service and communion. The cost is $11 for adults and $5 for children and youth, and college students. You may register here (bit.ly/ASEC-WNS1) and pay online or pay at the door.
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🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ Annual Pride Parade
Sunday, October 15, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Piedmont Park
Enjoy an evening meal in community followed by a casual worship service and communion. The cost is $11 for adults and $5 for children and youth, and college students. You may register here (bit.ly/ASEC-WNS1) and pay online or pay at the door.
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Nominations for Diocesan Council
Each year, representatives from every church in our diocese gather for worship and an important governance meeting called Diocesan Council. On November 10-11, we will vote on the budget and a range of policy recommendations to guide our work for the coming year. We hear from our Bishop and other elected leaders about their vision, and we enjoy fellowship with Episcopalians from across middle and north Georgia. Finally, the All Saints’ delegation has valuable time with our clergy in a small group setting. If you are interested in the health and vitality of the Episcopal Church, we invite you to serve as a delegate on behalf of All Saints’. To nominate yourself or someone else, please send an e-mail to tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Sacred Ground Dialogue Circle – Forming Now
A new Sacred Ground dialogue circle is forming now. Meetings will be Mondays 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. via Zoom beginning October 30 (with an in-person luncheon and introductions on October 15), concluding in April. Register by October 10 to commit to this fabulous small-group opportunity and film-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. To register, e-mail sacredground@allsaintsatlanta.org expressing your interest in participating.
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Parish Anniversary Celebration to Benefit Habitat for Humanity
Saturday, November 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., 1200 Peachtree Promenade Central
In true All Saints’ style, on Saturday, November 4, the parish will mark its 120th anniversary of ministry with a party, and this one will lay the groundwork for our 2024 Parish Habitat for Humanity Build. The festivities will be held at 1200 Peachtree Promenade Central, near Colony Square and the Woodruff Arts Center, and will feature fun, food, entertainment, and live and silent auctions. You are invited to make your reservation for the party online by using the ticket and sponsorship information you received this week. And you can make the auctions even more spectacular with your auction donation—gift certificates, sports tickets, gift baskets, fine art, jewelry, crafts, or a designated time at a beach, mountain, or lake home. Use your imagination! For an auction donation form, please contact Jill Gossett, Director of Parish Life, at jgossett@allsaintsatlanta.org. Look for the Habitat Soiree table in the courtyard after the Sunday services and watch this space for more details about our celebration and its real purpose—continuing All Saints’ commitment to our city.
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Buildings & Grounds Committee Looking for HVAC Experienced Parishioners
The Buildings & Grounds Committee is seeking parishioners who have experience in the design, integration, and installation of commercial HVAC systems to contribute their expertise to the committee. The All Saints’ campus incorporates numerous individual HVAC systems operating on a unified control network. Maintaining these systems represents a significant annual expense for the parish, and we aim to expand the knowledge within the Buildings & Grounds Committee as we take on new initiatives. If you have an interest in this area, please don't hesitate to contact Danny Johnson at louisa.dan@gmail.com or Jeff Couch, our Facilities Manager, at jcouch@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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)
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Sunday Night Live (SNL)
Sundays from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., The Attic
All youth in grades 6th-12th are invited to join us for dinner, fellowship, and fun as we gather for Sunday Night Live, our traditional youth program! We gather at 6pm for dinner and end at 7:30pm.
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Volunteering with Bridge of Light
Saturday, October 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Off-Site
Young Adults Volunteering! Join us in providing services and dignity to individuals experiencing homelessness in Atlanta with our community partner, Bridge of Light. Bridge of Light is a non-profit organization that utilizes mobile resource centers to offer showers, laundry, and clothing to individuals experiencing homelessness.
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Service and Social Justice | |
Celebration of Memories & Hopes
Thursday, September 28, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Ellis Hall
Friends of Covenant! Our Annual Celebration of Memories & Hopes will honor residents who have completed the life stabilization program. Join us on Thursday, September 28 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in Ellis Hall. The Men of Hope Alumni group will coordinate the event and welcome the new members.
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Pride Festival Booth in Piedmont Park
Saturday, October 14, 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Piedmont Park
Sunday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Piedmont Park
🌈 Visit our Diocesan information booth at the festival and say hello! Enthusiastic volunteers are needed to staff the booth! Sign up here to be part of this exciting event: bit.ly/DioATLPrideMarch2023
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Emmaus House Annual Benefit
Sunday, October 15, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Off-Site
Join us for a fun evening of food and ice cream at Emmaus House, featuring Bishop Robert Wright, Dr. Beth Sarah Wright, who will share her children's book, and State Representative Phil Olaleye, who will discuss the challenges facing families on Atlanta’s southside. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.emmaushouse.org/annual-benefit.
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Threads Donation Needs
- It's that time again! Time to switch clothes for the season. We need clothing and donations for the fall season.
- Threads is especially in need of toddler clothing for boys—sizes 2T - 4T long sleeve shirts and pants.
- We also need books for newborns to 12-year-olds
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Threads Volunteers Needed
Would you like the opportunity to serve families in need and also hang out with a great group of volunteers? Well, Threads is for you! Threads needs volunteers on:
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Tuesdays from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join us for one hour or stay the entire day. Any time you can give is greatly appreciated. If interested, please contact Marcia Mayfield at threads@allsaintsatlanta.org
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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.
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Read The MICAH Project's September Newsletter
In this issue:
- Boy Scout Troop 42: A storied All Saints' ministry
- Emmett Till exhibit continues at Atlanta History Center
- New Sacred Ground Circle seeks participants
Learn more about The MICAH Project >>
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Click the image above to view our "thank yous" to parishioners from various staff members. We appreciate the ways you serve our parish community! | |
Connect with us on Realm!
Learn more >> Don't forget to join Realm, our new platform for online giving, directory, and event registration.
Questions? Please contact Betsey Gibbs at bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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