September 12, 2024 Edition

I am writing this as I prepare for sabbatical, knowing you will be reading it several weeks from now. First, thank you. Thank you for believing in the mission of this church, for being companions together on this journey with Jesus, and for being a reminder of the love of God to all you encounter in the world each day. Thank you for this time of sabbatical. I am grateful for you, for this place, and for the ways God’s dream is continuing to be revealed in the midst of us.

Gratitude.

Put “gratitude” into your web browser and you will get a fascinating range of information from psychologists, religious leaders of all faiths, and everyday people who have experienced gratitude changing their life. Click to read more.

You are invited to a new Bible study that starts Friday, September 13 at 10 AM in the church parlor. We will explore the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26) and how to cultivate these qualities in our lives. Please reach out to Lynda Waller with any questions. All are welcome!

Wanna feed some hungry youths?! Sign Up to Provide EYC Meals! Our youth programs are growing and we need your help to feed everyone on Sunday nights. If this is an area you (or your ministry team) are interested in helping out with, please know we have plenty of grateful bellies you can fill! Click to sign up! Contact Tiffany Fulton for details.

Fellowship Dinner with Grace Lutheran will be Thursday, September 19 at 5:30 PM at Grace Lutheran. All Saints' will bring side dishes and dessert. Grace Lutheran will provide the entrees. We are excited to resume these fellowship gatherings! Talk to Chuck Collier for details.

Our neighbors are hungry | Food insecurity rates in our county continue to rise. You can help! Every Sunday you are welcomed and encouraged to bring canned food to place in the basket by the altar. As we share the communion meal together, let’s also remember to feed our neighbors. Food from the basket is delivered to the Food Pantry (and their 5 satellite locations). For ideas on what to buy: click here OR you can donate on Realm (by selecting CCM Food Bank from the drop down menu). Mark your calendars for Nov. 17-Nov 23 – our next opportunity to serve dinners at the night shelter.

Adult Christian Formation | Understanding Christian Nationalism: What it is. What it is not. Why it matters. With Rev. Sally Johnston | Classes start September 22 with "What is Christian Nationalism?" We’ll look at a brief history of the development of this movement and what threats it poses both to democracy in the United States and to Christianity in the 21st century. The class will include a presentation with time for questions and discussion and a resource guide to books, films and webinars for further education.

The Reverend Sally Johnston is an Episcopal priest affiliated with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte. Although retired, she continues her ministry with a focus on social justice, formation and pastoral care, especially related to grief and loss. She is also a Camino-walker and always ready for the next pilgrimage adventure. 

All Saints’ is hosting our annual Blessing of the Pets on Sunday, October 6 at 4:30 PM in the church courtyard, right outside the Welcome Center. This service is traditionally held on the Sunday closest to Saint Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day. “All pets are welcome” – dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, snakes, birds, lizards, and more – all are welcome to come and receive a blessing! We will have exhibitors from local animal rescue and pet charities. We will also be holding a pet food drive to support rescued animals, and those needing assistance in feeding their animal companions. You can bring pet food with you to church anytime between now and the event, or bring it with you on October 6 at 4:30 PM. The collected food will be given to animal shelters to help defray some of their costs and also to the Splashpaw Foundation, which provides pet care assistance to shut-ins and others that may not have the resources to care for their pets. So bring your furry, feathered, and scaly companions to All Saints’ at 4:30 PM on October 6 to have them blessed, and enjoy some fun and fellowship with fellow pet owners. If you have questions about the event, please contact Rhonda Kovar.

UPDATE: Due to recent court action, all absentee ballots will have to be reprinted, delaying the mailing to the voters.

If you have already requested a ballot, there is no need to request again. If you have not requested a ballot and you would like to vote by mail, request one as described below. Requested ballots should be mailed out in the next two weeks.

If you would like to vote by mail, you may apply online. You can also print a request form (English / Spanish) and submit the form to your county board of elections in person or by mail.

If you do plan to vote by mail, be sure to allow plenty of time to receive and return your ballot. All absentee ballots must be received by your county board of elections by Election Day, November 5. If you have any questions about how to vote (but not who to vote for), please see Martin Ericson.

Pride Night at Cannon Ballers Game was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and sponsored. We had a great turnout!

We offer congratulations to Alice and Don Smith, who will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary on September 16. 

We offer congratulations and love to Evan Coia and Caroline Rice, who were engaged this past week!

Prayer is the foundation of the ministry of this parish. If you would like to request prayers, please share here. If you are hospitalized, please let the church know. If you are unable to make the call yourself, ask for the chaplain on call and they will make it for you. The church phone number is 704-782-2024.

Prayers have been requested for Kathy, Crystal, Donda, Janet, Monica, Sutton, Mother Mary, Regina, Darryl, Joshua, Catherine, George, and Beau.