September 5, 2024 Edition

In my sermon this past Sunday, I spoke about the First Reading for the day, from the Old Testament Song of Solomon (Chapter 2: vs. 8-13). I noted that this book is problematic because of its sensuous language and the fact that it, along with the Book of Esther, does not mention “God” by name.

At the beginning of my sermon, I mentioned that in the early ’60s, a public high school principal in New Jersey invited students to recite a portion of the Bible for the students at the beginning of the day.  After one student recited a portion of the Song of Solomon (7:1-4), the principal decided that HE was going to choose the Bible verses from then on!

Some Biblical scholars note that the Song of Solomon (sometimes called the Song of Songs) is an allegory about God’s love for Israel – and in the Christian perspective, the love of Christ for his Church, but if you look at it as a piece of literature, it talks, in clear language, about human love. Click to read more.

Rabbi Barbara will be back with us at 10 AM on Sunday, September 8! As she promised, we will pray and sing as she does with her congregation. We will walk through prayers of Jewish services that teach us about caring for strangers who want to join us and about our responsibility to act to heal the world. You won't want to miss this fun! There's something for everyone! See you on Sunday!

Costa Rica Mission Trip Interest Meeting will be held Sunday, September 8 at 4:30-6:30 in the Parish Hall for EYC families, chaperones, and any other interested adults. Questions? Contact Tiffany Fulton.

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!

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.

Year 6 of Energy Saving Trees program is underway! One of the best things we can do to care for creation is to plant a tree. Homeowners in Concord zip codes 28025 and 28027 are able to order one free tree from the Arbor Day Foundation. You may choose from 7 different species of native trees that are ready to plant. Order your tree here! All 300 trees are typically reserved within 2-3 weeks, so don’t delay! Pre-ordered trees are picked up on October 19, 2024, at All Saints’. Contact Mark Robinson for more information or to volunteer.

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. 

Voting Absentee by Mail | North Carolina has no-excuse absentee voting and is first in the nation in sending ballots out. The first ballots will be mailed out this week.

If you would like to use this method to vote, 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.

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

We offer condolences and prayers for the family and friends of Clark Cook, former member of All Saints' and past Senior Warden, who entered the Resurrection on August 21, 2024. His obituary can be found here.

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 Donda, Janet, Monica, Sutton, Mother Mary, Regina, Darryl, Joshua, Catherine, George, and Beau.