Friday E-News | September 23, 2022

Dear saints,

Once a year the block on North Avenue and West Peachtree is invaded by a plethora of four-legged friends. Perhaps your pet at home is much like our dog, wondering where it is everyone went after we returned to school and offices following the long months of working and playing with said dog at home during Covid. After all, our dog knows, as do most domestic animals, that she has it pretty good.

On one hand, the resources we pour into our domestic creatures is astounding. During 2021, Americans spent something like $109 billion on rabbit food, guinea pig treats, fish bowls, and I imagine all manner of canine and feline accessories - more than we spend per year on the federal prison system and equivalent to the gross domestic product of Ecuador. In other words, we love our pets, a lot.

On the other hand, our pets can help us connect with our more compassionate, empathetic, and giving selves. They can slow us down. They teach children how to care for someone beyond themselves. And if we are honest, our pets often have a better sense of fun than we do. No doubt Pet Smart could probably discard half of its inventory and we would all be OK without the latest Snackshotz Treat Launcher and doggy treadmill. Yet that connection to the whole of who we are has a value that is hard to measure. So, bring your pet to church this Sunday, or worship with them online, and wherever you may be on the food chain, rejoice in the words of the psalmist proclaiming, 'let everything that has breath, praise the Lord'.

Peace,

This Sunday

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, September 25, 9:00 a.m. in Ellis Hall

Join us for a joyful Eucharist service celebrating the gift of God's creation, as we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Bring your pets, stuffed animals, and memories as our Primary and Junior Choirs lead us in worship and song.

We will have our regularly scheduled worship service in the Church at 9am.

Feast of St. Francis

Sunday, September 25, 11:15 a.m. in the Church

The All Saints’ Parish Choir presents movements from Mozart’s “Sparrow” Mass with chamber orchestra as we celebrate the life and ministry of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals.

All Saints’ Learning Online: A Conversation with Naomi Tutu and Mungi Ngomane

Sunday, September 25, 10:20 a.m., Zoom

Join our new priest associate, Rev. Naomi Tutu, and her daughter, Mungi Ngomane author of Everyday Ubuntu: Living Better Together, the African Way, as they explore the theme of Ubuntu and faith. Register online via Realm. The link to join this event will be emailed to all registered participants the day prior to the event.

Sunday Night Live: Prayer Beads

6:00-7:30 p.m., The Attic

Sunday Night Live is our youth group for all youth grades 6-12. Join us at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and to make rainbow prayer beads in preparation for Atlanta Pride weekend!

Bank of America Overflow Parking is Available

The overflow parking at the Bank of America building is available off North Ave. The parking lot will open at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays.

View a map >>

Giving

Welcome to Canvass 2023: Rooted Here and Growing Outward

To date our pledge count is: 116 towards our goal of 750 pledges.

Make your pledge today.

Think about the role All Saints' plays in your life.

Offer a pledge that is meaningful to you.

Think of giving as a spiritual practice as well as a financial commitment.

Every pledge matters as we build for the next year and root ourselves in this amazing place and grow outward to support others who depend on us.

Thank you so much.

Anne and Charlie Henn, Chairs of Annual Canvass 2023

Q: What is the easiest way to make a pledge?

A: Click on this link. If you don't have a secure Realm account, open one and then make your pledge. Its as easy as that!

Give a Gift or Make a Pledge Payment Today:

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 services
Text to Give: text AllSaintsAtlanta to 73256
Gift stocks or securities (click here for instructions >>)

Questions? Contact Ellen Hayes, Director of Development, at ehayes@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Classes and Groups

Ongoing Groups

Novel Theology >>

The next meeting is Wednesday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. Click the link above to learn more and register.

Popcorn Theology >>

The next meeting is Friday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ross Room. Click the link above to learn more.

Jesus on the Front Page >>

Meets every Sunday morning at 10:20 a.m. in P306 in the Parish House.

Sports and Spirituality >>

Meets the third Thursday of each month on Zoom. Register here.

View all upcoming events

Adult Formation

America the Beautiful: Sustainability & All Saints’

Sunday, October 2, 10:20 a.m., Ellis Hall

Engage in conversation with a panel of All Saints’ parishioners, each of whom shares a passion and expertise in building a more sustainable Georgia. The panel will imagine the possibilities for us as a greener church in the years to come.

All Saints’ Learning Online: Seeking Shalom

Sundays, October 2, 9, 15, & 30, 9:45-10:30 a.m., Zoom

The Hebrew word, shalom, encapsulates God’s dream for the world. Shalom describes a vision of creation redeemed and restored not just through individual faith but through the cultivation of flourishing communities, just societies, and the healing of our social fabric. Join Emory professor, Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio, for this four-part course that examines the Biblical concept of shalom and how it can transform the way we think about discipleship and the mission of the church today. Use code (All Saints) to register for free.

Deep River, My Home is Over Jordan: Howard Thurman Contemplative Zoom Series

Wednesdays, October 5, 12, 19, & 26, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Zoom

You are invited to a contemplative Zoom series on Wednesdays in October, facilitated by All Saints’ seminarian Rodell Jefferson and parishioner and Candler graduate Caroline Enloe. Based on the recordings of lectures by the famed Black theological Howard Thurman, topics will include boundaries of the self and breaking down the ego, right action, and emphasis on the movement and flow of life that leaves a mark on each of us.

Education for Ministry (EfM)

Where are you in your faith journey? If your answer is “I’m not sure,” then EfM is waiting for you! The Education for Ministry (EfM) program is a four-year program sponsored by the theology school at the University of the South (Sewanee). We cover the Bible and other church documents and then discuss how to use that knowledge to better your daily life. All Saints’ has more than 400 EfM graduates, one of the largest in the Episcopal Church! If you are interested in learning more about the program and possibly joining a group, please contact Steve Hines at hines@ajobs.com or at 404-323-0610.

Worship & Music

32nd Annual Pride Eucharist & Pride Parade

Thursday, October 6, 7:30 p.m., in the Church

Integrity Atlanta and the Commission on LGBTQ+ Ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta will sponsor the 32nd Annual Pride Eucharist. The service will be held at All Saints’ and The Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright, Bishop of Atlanta, will preach and preside at the Eucharist. The service is open to all, and all are welcome. Sign language interpretation will be provided.

Then on Sunday, October 9th All Saints’ will march in the Pride Parade – all are welcome to join, meeting at the church steps following the 11:15 a.m. service.

Join the Eucharistic Ministers!

Are you interested in deepening your spiritual experience during our services? The Eucharistic Ministers Team could be a great fit for you. Our team assists the Celebrant during the Eucharist by helping to serve the consecrated bread and wine. Training can be completed in one session and is usually conducted between the 9:00 and 11:15 services. The time commitment is limited to Sundays and only on a voluntary basis. If you are interested in learning more or have questions, please reach out to Jan Kibler at janetkibler58@gmail.com.

Parish Life

Popcorn Theology: Adam’s Apples

Friday, September 23, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m., Ross Room

Join us to watch "Adam's Apples," a Danish film by Anders Thomas Jensen. "Designed to elicit as many gasps as laughs, Jensen's pitch-black comedy offers an audaciously skewed take on good vs. evil." This film is for adults only. We'll have time for discussion immediately following the film. Feel free to bring your own food and drink. Popcorn will be provided.

Wednesday Night Supper: Pizza & Newcomer Night

Wednesday, September 28, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

It’s pizza and newcomer night! Join us for a parish-wide dinner and some great conversation. To register ahead of time, visit our website or register online via Realm. For more information, contact Jill Gossett, Parish Life Director, at jgossett@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Make New Friends with Foyer Groups

One of the very best ways to get to know fellow parishioners in a big church like All Saints’ is through informal, small dinner group gatherings at one another’s homes. The groups formed are a great mix—single, married, families with children, various ages and stages. Signups will be at the Parish Life table or you can register online at the All Saints' website. For more information contact Barbara Blender at bblender@bellsouth.net or Sherry Collins at sherry_collins@bellsouth.net.

Children & Youth

Middle School Attic Invasion: Wacky Welcome Back

Friday, September 23, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m., The Attic (3rd floor of the Pritchett Center)

Calling all 6-12th graders! Friday Night Attic Invasion is a chance for our middle schoolers to have full reign over the Attic, with an emphasis on making friends and having fun. We play crazy games in the gym, watch movies, and enjoy dinner together.

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

Children's Church takes a break this week. Join us in Ellis Hall at 9am for the Blessing of the Animals!

Children's 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, The Attic (3rd floor of the Pritchett Center)

Read this week's youth newsletter

Service and Social Justice

MICAH Remembrance Pilgrimage

Saturday, September 24, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

To commemorate the anniversary of the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre, we will visit a quilt exhibit, “Lives Taken, Lives Remembered,” that includes original quilts honoring the 36 documented African Americans who were lynched in Fulton County. Following that exhibit, we will drive a short distance to attend the marker dedication remembering Zeb Long, one of the victims murdered during the massacre. To register, or for more information, contact Jan Kibler at janetkibler58@gmail.com.

6th Annual Covenant Community Golf Classic

Monday, September 26, Stone Mountain Golf & Country Club

Welcome to the 6th Annual Covenant Community Golf Classic in Memory of Bryan Scott Mink! After a two-year pause, this year's tournament is set to be our biggest and best yet, and we want you to be a part of the excitement! The day will feature 18 holes of golf in a scramble format, mini-competitions throughout the tournament, a raffle, silent auction, and more. A dinner and special awards ceremony will conclude the day. All proceeds from this event will benefit Covenant Community, Inc.

Learn more >>

Midtown Assistance Center Open House

Wednesday, September 28, 10:00 a.m.

613 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308

You're invited to the Grand Opening of MAC's new office space! Same mission. Same values. New location. From an expanded client services area to a client choice food pantry, you'll be amazed to see how this enhanced, larger space allows us to expand services to our clients.

RSVP to info@midtownassistancecenter.org

Covenant Community Annual Celebration of Memories & Hopes

Thursday, September 29, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

Please join us for a Night Under the Stars as we celebrate the transition of four Covenant Community residents during our annual Celebration of Memories & Hopes. These men have worked hard to heal and recover from addiction and homelessness and to join other Covenant alumni as “Men of Hope.” This is a wonderful opportunity to witness first-hand the incredible, transformative power of the residential program. As those who have attended one of these events in the past can attest, you should mark your calendar: it’s a deeply moving, inspirational and joyful experience! Please RSVP to Sharmin Blue at sblue@covenantatanta.org or 404-823-7773.

September Parish Wide Threads FALL Clothing Drive

• Requesting donations of gently used or new Children’s clothing for both Boys and Girls, infant through size 18 and small adult clothing in preparation for RE-Opening Threads for in-shop shopping in October. The School Uniform Event was a huge success, with 400 children served with clothing and shoes. However, that left Threads with low inventory so we need a Clothing Drive now!

• Donation boxes are located on the first floor of the Pritchett Center and in the first-floor stairwell between Ellis Hall and Egleston Hall.

• Please consider talking to neighbors and family and asking them to donate too! You may also think about involving your children’s extracurricular groups, scouts, or sports teams as well.

Questions? Contact Lori Guarisco at threads@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Share a Meal with the Men of Covenant Community

Mondays, September 26 and October 3

Covenant Community is a great ministry that provides residential drug treatment for homeless men struggling with addiction. From the time it was founded at All Saints' over 30 years ago, our parishioners have provided dinner to share with the residents of Covenant Community. Please consider breaking bread with them on a Monday night. You could bring dinner yourself, with friends, or even co-workers. Children are also welcome to join! Meals for around 15 people can either be shared with the men inside the residence or they can be dropped off during the day.