Dear saints,
What did you do this summer? It's one of those casual and curious questions that lets us know that we are fast approaching Labor Day and so summer is something we'll soon be talking about in the past tense.
Let me share a little of what we did this summer. Four of our staff—with times away here and there—were holed up in a classroom with me week after week as we put our heads together to try to crack the code on a question that has been on our hearts at All Saints' for some time now: how can we build a community of high schoolers in this church?
If you don't have children in your life and/or you've never really had much to do with confirmation in the Episcopal Church, then you may not be familiar with the phrase "confirmation cliff." It's a bit of a startling image, but the concept is not unfamiliar. Youth will move along merrily in the life of a church, rising through the grades of elementary and middle school and then at the end of it all, they enjoy a wonderfully festive milestone as they are confirmed by the bishop, and then... for a great many of them, we barely seen them again. They fall off the cliff, so to speak.
The idea of there being a significant drop-off in engagement among youth once they hit high school is not unique to All Saints'. However, there are some challenges that we face as a church that other congregations may not. We draw from 20+ different school schedules across our 9th-12th graders. When friends from school or the neighborhood go to the youth group near home, trekking down to Midtown can feel less appealing. We do not house a large gym or sports league that can be effective in some cases in keeping older youth engaged.
Those are simply the challenges we know exist; they are not the limits of what we can do. This summer, the formation staff (Jenny, Kathy, Emily and Luke) and I have worked really hard to re-design six years of curricula for grades 6 to 12. We have established a series of new opportunities for high schoolers especially, including a youth vestry, youth vergers, a youth social media and photography team. We have also planned age-specific overnight trips. Plus we have planned a monthly rhythm of outings to compliment our already successful Sunday Night Live youth group.
The bigger change we have planned is for our staff to live out the vision we have for youth ministry here: to be the village that raises these children. Alongside the already incredible ministry of our lay staff of Kathy, Emily and Luke, the full-time clergy—myself, Andy and Jenny—will place ourselves in the room with our high schoolers as teachers and mentors and playmates on Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings. Six of our full-time staff are saying to the youth of this church, "We are all in, for you." What we wish to say to the parish is this: "Will you join us in being the village for these our youth?"
As I said in church on Sunday, perhaps you are reading this and you're sure I'm not talking about you. You're wrong about that. I am. I am talking about each of us stepping forward. What presence might you be in the life of a youth at All Saints' this year? It could be one evening up in The Attic. It could be a group you host in your home, or at your vacation place. It could be an experience of something consequential in Atlanta that you believe our youth should have that you help arrange. It could be any number of things. Tell us. Step forward. Email me or Jenny McBride or any of our formation staff. Take a look at this youth ministries brochure and scan a QR code to get connected.
How remarkable this community would be, what a reputation we would have, if the word about town was that All Saints' is a place where the whole community truly embraces youth in authentic and loving relationship. That would be the kind of church I would want my family to be part of, whoever I was.
We can be that church. Will you join us?
Peace,
| |
The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring, Rector | |
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, August 25
Weekly Service Times
- 8:00 a.m. (Traditional Language, No Music)
- 10:00 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music)
- 5:00 p.m. The Welcome Table (Contemporary Language, Contemplative Music)
| |
ANNOUNCEMENT: On Sunday, September 8, we return to our usual service times: 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Children’s Church resumes this Sunday, August 25 and Children’s and Youth Formation resume on Sunday, September 8. | |
ANNOUNCEMENT: The church office is closed on Fridays. The administrative staff will work remotely, however, on that day of the week. | |
PARKING: Overflow parking is available at the Bank of America—please enter on North Ave. Please request an additional validation ticket from an usher in the church narthex upon arrival or exit. Use both validation tickets upon exiting the Bank of America parking deck to park free of charge. Be aware, also, that on Sundays in Midtown Atlanta, street parking is free. | |
Name Tag Sunday
Sundays through September 8, in Kennedy Courtyard
Don’t forget to wear your name tag to church on Sunday. Or you can pick it up your way in – look for the name tag boards outside of church. It is a great way to meet and greet our fellow saints by name. Then, leave your name tag with us on your way out and it will be here again next Sunday.
| |
Children and Youth Ministries’ Open House
Sunday, August 25, 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Pritchett Center
Join us in discovering all we have planned for the Children and Youth Ministries this year. Meet the team and visit our spaces in the Pritchett Center! We look forward to seeing you there!
| |
Jesus on the Front Page
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m., Parish Hall 307
Our summer schedule offers a great opportunity to try Jesus on the Front Page! In this all-ages class, we explore what it means to live as faithful people in today's world drawing on scripture, our tradition, our experiences and the news of the day. E-mail Clark Lemons (clemons@emory.edu) if you have questions!
| |
The Welcome Table: Sunday Evening Worship Service and Dinner
Sundays at 5:00 p.m., In the Chapel and Ellis Hall
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 piano and singing, prayer (together and in ways that speak to us individually), and communion. A community dinner for all participants follows the service.
| |
Greetings, saints! This past Sunday at All Saints’, we held three worship services at our Midtown Atlanta campus: one at 8:00 a.m., a second at 10:00 a.m. and a third at 5:00 p.m. (our evening The Welcome Table service).
All Saints’ was packed full with celebrations and homecomings. Before the 10:00 a.m. service, people of all ages lined the block for our Celebration of Ministries, ready to process into the sanctuary with tons of banners lifted high.
| |
During the morning’s sermon, our Rector, The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring continued our exploration of John’s gospel and the theme of bread. With the familiar quote, “You are what you eat," he asked us to consider in this world that constantly challenges us, what do we choose to consume? Perhaps we are caught between the biblical contrast of Mannon and Manna, economies differentiated by what hunger we are left with. The bread of life is enough to be shared by all, and for none to be left hungry. How can we share the bread of life in our world? The gospel truth is that we already have all we need to be filled. Imagine what it would be like if we all choose to be manna? We can become the living bread for the world. | |
Following our worship service, people headed into the Courtyard and Ellis Hall for a bustling Back to the Block celebration. We loved welcoming each one of you, and worshipping all together with a full church and chapel! See our various posts for the series of events and more joyful faces of our community.
We would love to have you join us! Our community looks forward to you participating in upcoming services and events throughout the year! For more information visit allsaintsatlanta.org/calendar
| |
On our journey together in this vibrant parish, please remember to pause and place a gift in the offering plate during today's service. A grateful community thanks you!
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 the services
- Text to Give: text AllSaintsAtlanta to 73256
- Gift stocks or securities
| |
Have You Moved Recently?
Let the church know your new address and contact information! To update these details, contact our Membership Coordinator, Betsey Gibbs, at bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org.
| |
To make an Offering today or pay your pledge,
click the Give Now button above.
And visit us online at allsaintsatlanta.org/give.
| |
-
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.
| |
|
Pastoral Care Ministries
We are a community of prayer, for each other, and for the world.
If you would like to place a name on the prayer list, e-mail Tracey Sage (tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org) or fill out a prayer request form online. When you submit a prayer request, a priest will call. We offer healing prayer in the chapel during communion. Connect with these resources at: allsaintsatlanta.org/care
We have a lay-led pastoral care team, including:
• Sunday Callers (flower delivery)
• Bereavement Callers (telephone ministry)
• Eucharistic Visitors (communion on the go)
• Respite Care Atlanta (day-time support for caregivers)
• Note Writers (handwritten notes)
• E-Meals (homemade meals)
• E-Care (online prayer ministry)
| |
Registration for 2024-2025 Children's and Youth Choirs is NOW Available!
Children's Choirs (PreK-6th Grade) begin Wednesday, August 21, and the Youth Choir (Grades 7th-12th) kick-off is Sunday, August 25. E-mail Emily Halbert, our Director of Children and Youth Choirs at ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org if you have any questions! Register via the following link: bit.ly/2024-2025-ASEC-CandYMusic
| |
Join the All Saints’ Choir!
The All Saints’ Choir is a welcoming group of adults that love to sing. Yes, it is a very talented group, but don't be afraid! This is a fabulous community in which to learn while making music alongside seasoned professionals! For more information, contact Scott Lamlein, our Director of Music (slamlein@allsaintsatlanta.org) for details.
| |
Music at All Saints’ News
This Sunday, we officially welcome Madison Tiegreen as the choir’s new Conducting Scholar, where she will gain valuable experience while pursuing her Master's in choral conducting at Georgia State University. Madison, who has been a staff singer and occasional assisting conductor, will continue to contribute her expertise and conduct under the guidance of our professional directors.
| |
Walking the Mourner’s Path
Weekly on Wednesdays, September 4 – October 16, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., P307
Walking the Mourner's Path is a small group program designed to help those who have lost a loved one. Understanding grief and how mourning affects us can help us find new purpose for our lives and joyful living. Contact The Rev. Karen Evans, Priest Associate, at kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org.
| |
The Journey Bible Study
Weekly on Mondays, beginning September 9, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., on Zoom
The Journey (Bible Study) continues, led by The Rev. Karen Evans, Parish Priest Associate. Starting in September, we will resume our journey through the Book of Revelation. The only requirements are a Bible and a willingness to learn. E-mail kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org for additional class information.
| |
Sunday Morning Formation: Hope Is Here with Dr. Luther Smith
Sundays, September 8 – September 22, from 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall
Join us for this three-week Sunday morning School of the Spirit course on Luther Smith’s latest book: “Spiritual Practices for Pursuing Justice and Beloved Community.” As we begin a new program year in the middle of a contentious election season, Dr. Smith will demonstrate how hope might become the interpretive lens through which we see reality and act faithfully in our corner of the world. Contact The Rev. Dr. Jennifer McBride for more information (jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org).
| |
School of Spirit: Theology for All Seasons
Wednesdays, beginning September 11, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., P 305/306 and on Zoom
Join us for this three-week School of the Spirit course on spiritual practices for pursuing justice and beloved community with one of Atlanta's wise sages. As we begin a new program year in a contentious election season, Dr. Smith will reflect on how hope might become an interpretive lens through which we see reality and act faithfully in our corner of the world. Read the intro to his latest book on the topic here. Contact The Rev. Dr. Jenny McBride for more information.
| |
Adult Inquirer's Class - Fall 2024
Wednesdays in fall, beginning October 9
Adult Inquirer’s Class is a five-part introduction to the life of faith at All Saints’. Meetings are on Wednesday nights, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The first four meetings are on Zoom with the final session in person over dinner at the church. Participants are asked to commit to all five sessions. Additional Adult Inquirer’s classes will be held in winter and spring. Upon completion of classes, confirmation and membership will be available. For more details contact Simon Mainwaring at (smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org) or Tracey Sage (tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org).
| |
The Faith and Justice Collective Luncheon Series
Sunday, September 22, from 12:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., Ellis Hall
Faith & Justice Collective luncheon series offers parishioners an opportunity for fellowship, learning, and engagement with justice work within and beyond our church community. This is the first of five luncheons; it will feature a panel discussion (moderated by Emily Schunior of Faithful Advocates) about Georgia policies that deeply impact the people we love and serve in our core ministries and our larger parish community. Please register in advance at bit.ly/asec-fandj-24luncheon1 to help us plan accordingly.
| |
Wednesdays @ All Saints'
Wednesdays, beginning August 21, Ellis Hall
Join us for Wednesdays @ All Saints' (aka Wednesday Night Supper). Grab a friend to come enjoy a meal while connecting with the community. Please note, we have new pricing:
- Adults - $14
- Kids (5-18) - $7
- Kids under 5 – Free
- Students - $7
| |
Annual Parish Retreat at Kanuga Conference Center
Friday, September 27 - Sunday, September 29, 2024, Kanuga Conference Center
Our 2024 hosts, Elizabeth & Michael Hill, invite you to attend the parish-wide getaway to Kanuga Conference Center in the North Carolina mountains from Friday, Sept. 27 to Sunday, Sept 29 to relish in "The Transformative Power of Music." Register on Realm or at bit.ly/asec-kanuga2024 today!
| |
All Saints' Adult Foyer Groups Registration
Broaden your circle of friends by getting to know your fellow All Saints' parishioners! Join an Adult Foyer Group for fellowship this fall through gatherings such as happy hours, home dinner parties, dinner outings and themed parties! Register at the Parish Life table in the courtyard or online via Realm (bit.ly/2024-asec-foyer-groups). Contact Betsey Gibbs (bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org), our Membership Coordinator, for access!
| |
Weekly Children & Youth Formation
Nursery/Little Saints: Birth-Pre-K, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m., 1st floor of the Pritchett Center
Children’s Church: Children's Church returns on August 25.
Children Formation: Children's Formation returns on September 8.
Youth Formation: Youth Formation returns on September 8.
| |
Registration for the 2024-2025 Children and Youth Choirs is available!
Children's Choirs (PreK-6th Grade) begin Wednesday, August 21st, and Youth Choir (Grades 7th-12th) Kick-Off is Sunday, August 25th. Email Ms. Emily at ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org if you have any questions!
Please click on the link to register: Children & Youth Choir Registration
| |
Registration for 2024-2025 Children's and Youth Ministries is NOW Available!
A new program year is here! Be sure to register for Children and Youth Ministries now. You may register via the following link: bit.ly/2024-2025-ASEC-CandYMusic
| |
Young Adults Go to a Braves Game!
Friday, August 23, 7:20 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Truist Park
Join us as we cheer on the Braves and enjoy the Friday night fireworks show! We will meet at the church to carpool. Please reach out to Tasia Blair, our Young Adult Coordinator, at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org to reserve your ticket!
| |
Young Adults’ Hike Inn Cabin Trip
Saturday, September 14 at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday, September 15 at 4:00 p.m., Amicalola Falls
Join us for a reset retreat, where we will immerse ourselves in the tranquil beauty of Amicalola Falls, unwind from our daily lives, savor homemade meals and connect with each other and nature. The cost is $35 and space is limited. Register online at bit.ly/asec-ya-retreat an contact our Young Adult Coordinator, Tasia Blair, at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org for more information.
| |
Young Adult Fellowship Online!
Are you in your 20s or 30s and interested in fellowship, discipleship and service? Reach out to Tasia Blair at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org to receive our monthly newsletter, get added to the WhatsApp group chat and find out what events we have coming up!
| |
SERVICE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE | |
We Need You! Volunteer Receptionists
Become a volunteer receptionist at All Saints’! Our volunteers work on a bi-weekly schedule covering a four-hour shift. If interested, please contact Marie Louise Muhumuza at mlmuhumuza@allsaintsatlanta.org or Tracey Sage at tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org.
| |
Covenant Community, Inc.’s Celebration of Memories & Hopes
Thursday, September 19, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Ellis Hall
Join us to celebrate Covenant Community's newest Hall of Fame inductees and honor our Pillar of Hope Award recipients. RSVP is required for this special event.
| |
Refugee Ministries’ Giant Swimming Buddies
Saturday, August 24, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Off-Campus in Marietta, GA
Join us for a giant Refugee Ministries swimming party at the neighborhood pool of returning host from St. Anne's Shannon Deisen. We will be inviting all of our families. Let us know if you can help with transportation or food. A great opportunity for families, teens and new volunteers. Sign up online at: bit.ly/giantswimmingbuddies
| |
Refugee Ministries’ Zoom Tutoring Program
Are you interested in tutoring a refugee or asylee child on zoom? Volunteers (Grade 6 and up) are needed to offer twelve sessions to students at the same time each week 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday -Thursday. Session 1 runs from August 25 to November 23. For more information, contact our Director of Refugee Ministries, Louisa Merchant, at lmerchant@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 Marcia Mayfield at threads@allsaintsatlanta.org. Note that the Threads shop will be closed on Saturday, August 31.
Current Needs:
- Boys’ shorts in sizes 14 and 16
- Boys’ pants in sizes 10,12 and 14
You may purchase items please via the Threads Amazon Wishlist: bit.ly/ASECThreadsAugust2024
| |
2024 Go! Summit: Community in the Communion: Nourishing Lives, Healing History, and Building Healthy Partnerships
Saturday, September 7, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 435 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Speakers include the Rt. Rev. Victor Atta-Baffoe, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Coast, Ghana, Beth-Sarah Wright and Terry Franzen. You can register on the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta's website or at https://www.tfaforms.com/5132554.
| |
Read The Faith and Justice Collective's
August Newsletter
The August issue includes the following highlights:
- Theodicy Jazz Collective Debuts Suite of Freedom Songs
- Tribute to a Renowned Freedom Singer
- High Museum Studies Black Quilts and Abstract Art
- Faith & Justice Luncheons Begin Next Month
Click here to sign up and receive the newsletter delivered to your inbox
| | |
Click the image above to view our "thank yous" to parishioners from various staff members. We appreciate the ways you serve our parish community! | |
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.
| |
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.
| | | | | |