Dear saints,

This Sunday is a celebration of firsts. 

The Rev. Absalom Jones was America's first black priest. Born into slavery in 1746, it was a remarkable life's journey that brought him from that beginning to the priesthood 56 years later. Who is to say the first time it was that Absalom Jones knew that God had a call on his life that the world around was not yet willing to recognize and to honor? How long must he have held onto the hope that was set before him?

Similarly, as we host a screening of the documentary, The Philadelphia Eleven, on Sunday afternoon, I cannot help but wonder at the generations of women who, prior to July 1974, looked up at the altar, and saw a space reserved only for men to serve as priests and yet all the same felt that deep call of God call within as they imagined themselves standing there, right where they belonged. I can recall the priest who formed me as a curate in my first call in the Church of England sharing exactly that experience long before women were ordained to the priesthood. Those remarkable women leaders who stepped forward to help the church stumble forward into its necessary progress made a space so that your daughter and my daughter might see themselves in their place should their hearts so call them there. 

It takes courage to lead that way. I must say that for my own part, as a straight, white, man in a denomination that is still dominated by straight, white, men, I have not had to face what it is like to summon such courage. That is not to say that I have never been brave, or had to be brave in my life—nor is it to say that you have not had to be brave or exercise courage in yours. It is simply to note that sometimes I have found it important for me to sit back once in a while in sheer admiration at how others have lived and led. 

The gift of being the Body of Christ is that the larger story we are all invited to enter into is not one about exceptional people. One of the more striking theological points about Jesus is in fact his ordinariness. That is kind of the point—that God would become ordinary, just like you and me. Instead, the bigger story of being the church, of being God's people, is the one that speaks of how all of us can be brave, how together we can step forward. 

So, I invite you to take inspiration where you find it this weekend. I know I will. 'Tis a gift to belong to such a great cloud of witnesses.

Peace,



Simon

THIS SUNDAY

The Last Sunday after the Epiphany and The Feast Day of Absalom Jones 

Sunday, February 11, Church

Weekly Service Times*

• 8:00 a.m. (Traditional Language, No Music) 
• 9:00 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music) 
• 11:15 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music) 
• 5:00 p.m. The Welcome Table (Contemporary Language, Contemplative Music) 

PARKING: Overflow parking is available at Bank of America. Please request validation tickets from an usher upon arrival or exit in the Narthex. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS: For evening service attendees (The Welcome Table), The Fox Theatre’s Hamilton showings may impact traffic, travel times and/or impose detours en route to church.

The Feast Day of Absalom Jones  

Sunday, February 11, 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Worship Services, Church 

Absalom Jones was the first African American person to be ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church. He was a prominent abolitionist and church reformer in Philadelphia in the early 19th century. We celebrate his legacy on February 11. The Singing Sisters, directed by long-time friend of the parish Laura English Robinson will join the All Saints’ choir at both principal services. We joyfully continue our partnership with the Singing Sisters, who bring greetings from their spiritual home: Ebenezer Baptist Church. 

Share Your Thoughts: Future Of Our Block Town Hall

Sunday, February 11, 2024, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall

Join fellow parishioners in Ellis Hall for a town hall style conversation about the future of our block. Please come and share what's most important to you about our church, your ideas and visions for the block, and what you feel we should pay most attention to through this process. We encourage you to attend at least one of three upcoming town halls. The one town hall following this Sunday will be on Sunday, February 18. For more information about the block discernment process please visit: allsaintsatlanta.org/futureofourblock

Join a Home Gathering

Share Your Vision for Our Block

E-Mail the Steering Committee

Learn More About the Future of Our Block

Review the Future of Our Block Introduction PDF

Philadelphia 11 Documentary 

Sunday, February 11, 12:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m., Ellis Hall 

Come after the 11:15 a.m. worship service for a light lunch and screening of a documentary about the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church. Revs. Jennifer McBride, Nontombi Naomi Tutu and Karen Evans will lead the discussion. This film, which is not available to the general public, invites us to question historical hierarchies and the meaning of radical inclusivity, as well as to consider the importance of female priests for our church community. To register for this event, visit bit.ly/asecphilly11. 

Join the Habitat Build 

On eight Saturdays (January 20 - March 16), All Saints’ will build a home partnering with Habitat for Humanity. We invite you to be part of that effort by signing up at bit.ly/2024HabitatBuild for one or more of the build days. Volunteers are still needed for February 24 and March 9! No building experience is required! However, on-site volunteers must be at least 16 years old. And here is a helpful off-site volunteer opportunity for all ages!: Make Lunches for the Build Crew 

Please find out more from build co-chairs, Jack and Clifton Askew-Norton in the courtyard between services or contact them at askew.nortons@gmail.com. 

Everyday Connections 

Sundays, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Parish Hall 305 

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 “AdultFormation2024”. 

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. 

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 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. 

NOTE: Thanks to parishioner Neal Idnani and our friends at NaanStop, we are pleased to share that we can meet most dietary restrictions at the Welcome Table dinner. In addition to the beautiful homemade meals that our parish will offer, we can also prepare delicious Indian food on request. 

On Sunday, February 4, the Junior and Primary Choirs presented a joyful performance of “I AM the Way”! This wonderful musical brought our All Saints’ community out in droves—Ellis Hall was packed!

The musical was full of stories and songs about journeys and change. Several of our young people took turns narrating and acting out vignettes from key Bible stories, including Paul on the road to Damascus and the Good Samaritan.

In this clip, the Children's Choirs sing "Home by Another Road," the final song of their musical with some help from the assembled community and Karol Kimmell, Director of Children and Youth Choirs. This is Karol's final musical at All Saints' before her retirement in May. Both Karol and the children's choirs received a well-deserved standing ovation.

For more on our Children’s Music program, visit us at allsaintsatlanta.org/music/children-and-youth-choirs.

We would love to get to know you! Our community looks forward to you joining us for upcoming services and events throughout the year! For more information visit allsaintsatlanta.org/calendar.

The Cornerstone Society recognizes parishioners who have made a planned gift to All Saints'. Join the more than 200 members who have made this important commitment. 

Consider offering a gift to All Saints' future.  A planned gift is offered today to support the church after your death. This is a thoughtful way to show your loved ones what matters to you.  These gifts remain and grow in the All Saints' Endowment fund. This is a carefully managed fund that supports ministries and programs now and long into the future.

For more information contact the Planned Giving Committee, Chair: David Begley david@wdbegley.com. 

Important Pledge Payment Note: If you have set up your pledge to be paid with a credit card, check now to see if the charges are indeed going through.  Look at your January statement. Do not wait until December to realize your card needs updating.  Thank you so much! 

If you have questions, please e-mail them to: ehayes@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.

• 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 P307 in the Parish House.



• Sports and Spirituality >> Meets the third Thursday of each month on Zoom. Register here

WORSHIP & MUSIC

All Ages Shrove Tuesday Service

Tuesday, February 13, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Kennedy Courtyard and Ellis Hall 

We gather to bury the alleluias in the ground and prepare for the simple Lenten season of preparation as we burn last year's Palm Sunday branches. And join us for a Mardi Gras pancake supper in Ellis Hall, which will serve as a fundraiser for our youth pilgrimage.  

Ash Wednesday Worship Services 

Wednesday, February 14, at Various Times, in the Church or at the North Ave. MARTA Station 

• Ash Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. in the Church 

This simple service includes communion and imposition of ashes with our clergy (without music). Many attend this service before heading to work.   

• Ash Wednesday, 12:00 p.m. in the Church 

This simple service includes communion and imposition of ashes (without music). Many attend this service on their lunch break. It is a great opportunity to meet our neighbors who work nearby. 

• All Ages Ash Wednesday Service, 5:00 p.m. in the Church 

This brief all-ages service includes music from our Children's choirs and an opportunity to receive ashes. There will be no communion. 

• Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes, 7:30 p.m. in the Church 

This beautiful service includes communion and imposition of ashes, with elegant music led by our adult choir and organist. 

• Ashes to Go, 8:30 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. at the North Ave. MARTA Station 

We share ashes with our neighbors at the North Ave. MARTA Station at 8:30 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. All are welcome to this public witness to our community. 

Ash Wednesday Open Labyrinth Walk following  

Wednesday, February 14, in between services, in the Chapel 

Begin the Lenten journey with a prayerful walk on a single path pattern, symbolizing life's turns, centering and renewals. 

The Baptism Banner Committee 

The Baptism Banner Committee is looking for new volunteers! If you enjoy crafting and giving gifts to others, your enthusiasm for our mission is what we seek most! The time commitment is flexible. Please contact Kate Mabry at Kate.L.Mabry@gmail.com or 404-274-5313 to get involved. 

Ushering for All Saints 

All Saints' Usher Ministry invites volunteers to serve our church. We offer hospitality and assistance to all worshippers. Ushers distribute bulletins, collect offerings, provide counts and assist with communion. 9:00 a.m. usher teams serve three months per year. 11:15 a.m. usher teams serve four months per year. In you would like to serve, contact Charlie Rigby at polyadd333@gmail.com. 

Faith in the World: A New Online Dialogue Series for 2024: “How to Be a Mystic Activist” 

Tuesday, February 13, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Zoom Only 

Join The Rev. Natosha Reid Rice in conversation with Catherine Meeks, Ph.D, Catherine Meeks, Ph.D. is Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing. In our second Faith in the World dialogue series, they explore what it means to be a “mystic activist.” The dialogue is online only, so please register at bit.ly/ASEC-Faith-in-the-World-Feb-2024 to join the conversation. 

All Ages Lenten Devotional Materials 

For Lent 2024: Wednesday, Feb 14, 2024 – Thursday, Mar 28, 2024 

Pick up your choice of Lent Devotional Materials for all ages. The children and youth team purchased two amazing resources for the parish for Lent devotions, one about Climate Change and one using Mary Oliver poetry. Parishioners can choose which one they would like to use as individuals or families. These printed resources will be available at Wednesday Night Supper on Wednesday, February 14 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in Ellis Hall. Digital versions will be available on our website at bit.ly/2024ASECLent on Ash Wednesday, February 14.

Bonhoeffer's Worldly Christianity and Its Relevance Today 

Wednesdays in winter, beginning February 21 – March 20, 6:45 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., P 305/306 

Many U.S. Christians are drawn to Dietrich Bonhoeffer—the twentieth-century, German, pastor-theologian and Nazi resister—because he courageously lived what he believed. While plenty of Christians admire Bonhoeffer as a historical figure or an exemplar of Christian faith, far less do the harder work of reading his theology. After gaining an overview of his life and work through the documentary, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Pacifist, Nazi Resister, this course, led by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer McBride, will introduce participants to some of Bonhoeffer’s most compelling theological concepts and explore their relevance for Christian discipleship and public engagement today. To participate in this class via Zoom, please visit allsaintsatlanta.org/links and enter password “AdultFormation2024”.

Sport and the Common Good 

Sunday, February 25 and Sunday, March 3, 10:20 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Ellis Hall 

This course, led by The Rev. Dr. Andrew Barnett, will engage the formative role that sports can play in our personal and collective lives, for good and for ill. How might we leverage the power of sport to advance the common good? Is there a role for the church and Christian theology in this visible public space?

Retirement as Vocation: Discerning God’s Call and Practical Considerations 

Sunday, February 25 and Sunday, March 3, 10:20 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., P 305/306 

“Should I retire? What will I do? Who will I be if I am not working?” These questions are not at all uncommon as we get into and past middle age. In this course, led by The Rev. Karen Evans, we will talk about retirement in its various stages and how we can answer God’s call to a new way of living out our Christian life. The class is encouraged also to participate in Legacy Sunday on March 10 in Ellis Hall, where we will speak practically about making wills, health care powers of attorney, funeral preparation, and the other decisions that are prudent to make before they are needed. 

All Saints' CONNECTS: Lent Spiritual Conversations 

All Saints’ Connects is our small group ministry for spiritual conversation. The Lent groups will run from the week of Ash Wednesday (the week of February 11) through Holy Week (the week of March 17). There are multiple days and times to choose from. Our small groups meet weekly for one hour by Zoom. To sign up for a group, contact Jilli Robertson at jilli.ff.robertson@gmail.com

The Journey Bible Study  

Mondays in winter at 11:00 a.m.

This Bible study is led by The Rev. Karen Evans, our Priest Associate for Pastoral Care. During meetings, participants study one book of the Bible in detail, looking at its context, meaning and application to our lives. We are currently studying the Gospel according to Luke. The only requirements are a Bible and a willingness to learn. Register at bit.ly/thejourney-ASEC. The Zoom link will be sent to you following registration. 

Contemplative Prayer 

Wednesdays in winter and spring, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Parish Hall 202 

Join fellow parishioners for contemplative prayer after Wednesday Night Supper. As Richard Rohr says, “In contemplation—the practice of being fully present in mind, body, and spirit—we join in deep solidarity with other spiritual traditions in working toward the healing and restoration of ourselves and our world.” Participants read aloud from and discuss contemplative writers in the first half hour, then practice silent centering prayer in the second half hour.  

School of the Spirit: Making Sense of the Old Testament

Wednesdays in winter and spring, 6:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., Parish Hall 305/306 and on Zoom

Join Ryan Bonfiglio for a twelve-week course that not only examines the contents of the Old Testament, but also its significance today. The course is 12 weeks and those weeks are broken into three blocks: Remaining sessions will be held on January 17, 24, 31 and February 7 | April 10, 17, 24 and May 1. Registration is still available! Visit us online at https://bit.ly/allsaints-ot

PARISH LIFE

Wednesday Night Supper  

Wednesdays in winter, 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. 

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Night and Youth Pilgrimage Fundraiser  

Tuesday, February 13, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Ellis Hall 

Before and after the Shrove Tuesday worship service join us for a Pancake Supper prepared and served by All Saints' youth. Learn about the youth pilgrimage to Croatia and how you can support the pilgrims. The suggested donation for the supper is $5-10 per person. All donations go toward the pilgrimage. 

Novel Theology: “The Penelopiad” by Margaret Atwood 

Wednesday, February 21, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Ross Room and on Zoom 

This month we will be discussing The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood. The discussion will be led by Jerry Byrd. 

All Saints’ Goes to the Capitol 2024 

Tuesday, March 5, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Off-Site 

Join Faithful Advocates to talk with legislators about pending legislation. Don’t worry if you’ve never gone before! Others will be there to help guide you through the steps. Mark your calendars! For more information contact Suzanne Wakefield at faithfullocals@gmail.com 

All Sorts’ Gaylight Savings Lunch 

Sunday, March 10, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Ellis Hall 

Join All Sorts, the All Saints' LGBT+ and friends group for formation and fellowship for our launch lunch on March 10 in Ellis Hall. Sign up via the link below for the potluck if you can participate, or just bring yourselves!  Families are welcome: bit.ly/AllSortsGaylight 

CHILDREN & YOUTH

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 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., 2nd floor of the Pritchett Center 

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

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

Sunday Night Live (SNL) 

Sunday, January 14, 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 6:00 p.m. for dinner and end at 7:30pm. 

SAVE THE DATE: Vacation Bible School (VBS) has been scheduled for June 3 - 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon, with after-care available. Watch this space for additional information about VBS! 

YOUNG ADULTS

Volunteering with Bridge of Light 

Saturday, February 17, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Off-Site 

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. Please contact Tasia at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Fowling Social 

Saturday, February 24, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Fowling Warehouse 

Join us for some friendly competition as we try our hand at this bowling and football combination game of Fowling. Dress in activewear is suggested and small bites will be provided. Please contact Tasia at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

Young Adults' Brunch 

Sunday, February 25, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., The Ross Room 

Come enjoy a delicious meal and lively conversation with the All Saints' Young Adults'. All are invited – whether you're looking to connect for the first time, reconnect after a long while, or keep connections going! Childcare is available upon request. Please contact Tasia at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org.

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! 

Lenten Food Drive 

Sunday, February 18 – Sunday, March 17, Ellis Hall 

We hope you will participate in the MAC Lenten Food Drive! Last year, MAC distributed 8,485 bags of groceries to 1,902 households. Please grab a bag with a list of needed items on your way out of church on February 28 and return them filled throughout Lent to the bins outside Ellis Hall. Contact Jenny Jobson at jjobson@midtownassistancecenter.org

Midtown Assistance Center (MAC) Sunday 

Sunday, March 3, 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Church and the Kennedy Courtyard 

Join us for MAC Sunday on March! Representatives from MAC will speak at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services. And please stop by the courtyard between services to learn more about MAC and opportunities to engage in MAC's work. 

Core Ministries’ Progressive Dinner 

Wednesday, February 28, 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Ellis Hall  

Join us for an amazing Italian dinner from 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and enjoy a tour of our Core Ministries from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Children are welcome! Bring one friend who didn't attend the dinner last year and get their entry free! Register here: bit.ly/ASECMinistriesDinner

Threads Clothing Needs

Threads has received a wonderful donation of approximately 500 nearly new and new children's clothing items! What the Threads shop needs NOW are books and pajamas. And if you want to know what the exciting Threads shop is all about, please stop by the shop on the block and drop off a donation! Thanks so much! 

To help us replenish, shop at bit.ly/ASECThreadsFeb2024. Thank you in advance!

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 

Respite Care Atlanta 

Respite Care Atlanta is a daycare for people with dementia. The program is from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday at 2nd Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Buckhead. This is a very flexible fun-filled volunteer opportunity! The next information session will be Monday, March 11. Contact Susan Virgin at sdv20@bellsouth.net.

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. 

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