Dear saints,

Tradition has it that the origin of the Lessons and Carols service was in part the brainchild of Bishop Benson of Truro, who in the late 19^th century was desirous to get his Cornish congregants out of the pubs at Christmas time and into church. You have to admire his ambition! The carols that were chosen were mostly sung at that time in people's homes. It was music people would have known and loved. No special singing qualifications required. 

This Sunday at All Saints' we will live into that all comers spirit with our annual non-anxious Christmas pageant at 9:00am followed by the masterful Bob Edge as he leads a forum in Ellis Hall that will take us through some of the musical high points of this holy season, music we will know and love. For all of the polish and packaging of this time of year, meant to ensure that things are just right, the message of Christmas is a theology of all comers. It is a time for us to recall that to name Jesus as Emmanuel, God with us, is to set the door of the church ajar for all, freed from our anxieties over how we might perform, thus opening us to be formed into the shape of love God had intended for us all along. 

Come to church this weekend and help the Advent light grow.

Peace,

Come As You Are Christmas Pageant 

Sunday, December 18, 9:00 a.m., in the church 



We are so excited to have our traditional, non-rehearsed, low-stress Christmas Pageant on the 4th Sunday of Advent. All children of any age are invited to become part of the story of Jesus’ birth and celebrate the hope and everlasting love of God. For those wanting to participate, meet on the 2nd floor of the Pritchett Center at 8:15 a.m. to choose a costume. Email Kathy at kroberts@allsaintsatlanta.org to volunteer! Following the pageant, everyone is invited to Egleston Library at 10:20 a.m. for a cookie reception. 

Foundations of our Faith: O Holy Night 

Sunday, December 18, 10:20 – 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall 



Join All Saints’ very own Bob Edge and journey through some of the most glorious music this holy season has to offer as we remember the gift of the sacred in our everyday. 

All Saints’ Learning Online: A Conversation with Natosha Reid Rice 

Sunday, December 18, 10:20 – 11:05 a.m., Zoom 

Join Rev. Natosha Reid Rice as she invites us to make room in the inn of our hearts in an exploration of the presencing of Advent in our daily lives. Register via Realm and the Zoom link will be sent to you one day prior to the class. 

Register here >>

Thank you to our Poinsettia Delivery Volunteers  

Sunday, December 18 

Thank you to those who volunteered to deliver poinsettias from the altar to fellow parishioners. Following either the 9:00 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. services, you may pick up a plant and a note to deliver any time during the week. 

Concert Series: Christmas with Coro Vocati 

Sunday, December 18, 3:00 p.m., in the church 

Coro Vocati is an ensemble of professional singers based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a mission to create music at the highest level of choral artistry. Under the leadership of renowned choral conductor and educator Dr. John Dickson, the choir has established itself as one of the premier professional choral ensembles in the southeast. Their annual Christmas concert has become a favorite on our series. Come enjoy carols both old and new. Tickets are $30, $15 for students and children, and can be purchased on our website or at the door. 

Buy tickets >>

Foundations of our Faith: Advent Book Study 

Sunday, December 18, 5:00-6:00 p.m., on Zoom



Please join us for an Advent book discussion on Walter Brueggemann's Celebrating Abundance. For more information, or to receive the Zoom link, please contact Jenny McBride at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org 

Young Adults: Movies & Merriment  

Sunday, December 18, 7:00-10:00 p.m., Ross Room 



Join the Young Adults for a cozy Christmas evening! Celebrate with us over dinner, Christmas cookies, a feel-good Christmas movie, and other surprises. Bring blankets, pajamas, and anything else that makes you feel warm and in the holiday spirit. 

Refugee Ministries: The Giving Tree - Return your gifts on Sunday!

We can't thank the parish enough for providing 750 gifts this year (a record number!) to five different organizations. If you purchased a gift for Emmaus House, please return your gift to Ellis Hall by 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Refugee Ministries sponsors on average three emergency food assistance trips per week. Your $100 donation can help us keep families fed throughout the year. Donate here or email Louisa to volunteer to take a family shopping. 

Responding to Unexpected Events at All Saints'

As part of our work in maintaining a safe environment for everyone at All Saints', our staff and security team have developed plans to help our parish be prepared for emergencies that might occur. The plans are available for ready use on clipboards around the church campus and they can be found on our website here where a brief video also lays out the protocols we will follow. Please contact the rector, Simon Mainwaring for more information: smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org 

Threads Donations 

Threads is in need of some specific clothing items in preparation for the colder weather! Please return your new or gently used donations to the Threads donation boxes found in the first floor stairwell between Ellis Hall and Egleston Hall (outside the music suite) or on the first floor of the Pritchett Center.

• Toddler boys long pants: sizes 2T, 3T, and 4T 
• Toddler girls long-sleeve shirts and pants: sizes 2T, 3T, and 4T 
• Boys youth/men's shoes: sizes 6 through 9 
• Baby boy and girl, all warm clothing, size 24 months 

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

Sunday Morning Breakfast is Back! 

Sundays, 8:00-9:00 a.m., Ellis Hall 



Come have a Southern-style breakfast with us before going to worship, complete with bacon, eggs, biscuits, and gravy! Breakfast will be served from 8:00-9:00 a.m. in Ellis Hall and the cost is $5 per person. No registration needed. For more information contact Jill Gossett at jgossett@allsaintsatlanta.org After this Sunday, breakfast will be on pause until the new year and returns on January 8.

Canvass 2023: Rooted Here and Growing Outward



No Scrooges allowed!

As we bring the year to a close, make your pledge with a glad heart today.

Where are we on our way to our goals? 600 pledges and $2.9 million - not quite there yet!

Make your pledge today here.

Many thanks, 

Anne and Charlie Henn, 2023 Annual Canvass Chairs 

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 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.

Year-End Giving 

The year is swiftly coming to a close, but there’s still time to make a 2022 gift, pledge payment, or stock transfer. To be counted as a 2022 gift for tax purposes, we must have all year-end gifts by noon on Friday, December 30, or postmarked by December 31, 2022 if you are mailing your gift. Transferring stock? Contact Betsey Gibbs to let her know about the transfer as stocks come to the church without a name attached. Stock transfers must be received into the All Saints’ Schwab account by close of business (noon) of Friday, December 30.

The information you need to make a stock transfer is below:  

• Charles Schwab account name: All Saints’ Episcopal Church  
• Account number: 1084—6679  
• DTC number: 0164, Code: 40 

For more information, contact Betsey Gibbs at bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org or Ellen Hayes at ehayes@allsaintsatlanta.org 

Holiday Office Hours 



The church office will be closed on Monday, December 27 and Tuesday, December 28. The business office will be open and accepting year-end donations on Wednesday, December 28 and Thursday, December 29 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Friday, December 30 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. (noon). The office will be closed on Monday, January 2 in observance of the New Year's holiday.

Pledge Payment Envelopes 



Pre-printed/dated pledge and giving payment envelopes for 2023 are available now on the round table in the Egleston Library foyer at no cost to you. These are handy if you pay by check and you come to church on a regular basis. These are also good for mailing in a payment. For more information contact Ellen Hayes at ehayes@allsaintsatlanta.org 

• Novel Theology >>

The next meeting is Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. Click the link above to learn more and register.

• Popcorn Theology >>

The next meeting is Friday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ross Room. Click the link above to learn more.

• The Journey Bible Study >>

Meets every Monday at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Register here. The Journey takes a break on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.

• 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.

Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate: Jenny McBride, Carmie McDonald, and Katie Presley

Saturday, December 17, 2:00 p.m., Cathedral of St. Philip

By the grace of God, The Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright, Bishop of Atlanta, will ordain Jenny, Carmie, and Katie, along with 9 other candidates from the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, to the Sacred Order of Deacons on Saturday, December 17 at 2:00 p.m. The All Saints' Parish Choir will be singing for this exciting occasion! All are invited to attend as we lift up Jenny, Carmie, and Katie as they begin their ordained ministry. You may also offer your prayers and support by joining the livestream here.

View the invitation and list of ordinands >>

Christmas & New Year’s Service Times 

Saturday, December 24: 

• 1:00 p.m. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 
• 3:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II with the Children’s Choirs 
• 5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II with the Youth Choir 
• 7:00 & 10:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II with All Saints’ Parish Choir and Chamber Orchestra 

*We will livestream the 3:00, 5:00, and 7:00. Nursery care is available at the 3:00, 5:00, and 7:00. 

Sunday, December 25: 

• 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II (only) 

*There is no nursery care on Christmas Day. 

Sunday, January 1: 

• 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I 
• 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II 
• 5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II 

*There is no nursery care on Sunday, January 1 

For more information about our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services please visit allsaintsatlanta.org/christmas-eve-2022

Spring 2023 Youth Confirmation Registration

Register before January 1, 2023

We are preparing to begin our next youth confirmation class beginning in January! Youth confirmation classes are open to all 8th graders and older who are members at All Saints'. We will begin with a Confirmation Overnight Retreat on Friday, January 20th in The Attic, which will be a chance for the youth to build community, get to know each other, and prepare their hearts and minds for confirmation. Our classes will then begin on January 22nd.

Before registering for youth confirmation, please read through our Confirmation Handbook to make sure the schedule and commitments work for your family!

Register here >>

Join the New Audio-Visual Guild  



Now that we are livestreaming services and forums each Sunday, we would like to establish a new audio-visual (AV) guild at All Saints'. We are looking for a group who will rotate through a monthly schedule ensuring that we have two operators in the AV studio each Sunday. From high schoolers to retirees, please contact Andy Barnett for more information if you are interested in joining: abarnett@allsaintsatlanta.org 

Adult Inquirer’s Class 

Wednesdays, January 25, February 1, 8, and 15, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. 

The Adult Inquirer’s Class is a four-part introduction to the life of faith at All Saints’, led by our rector, Simon Mainwaring. Meetings are held on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The first three meetings take place on Zoom, and the final session is an in-person dinner at the church. Register online through Realm or contact Tracey Sage, to register or for more information. 

Register here >>

Popcorn Theology: "Joyeux Noel" 

Friday, December 16, 7:00-9:15 p.m., Ross Room 



Based on real events from December 1914, "'Joyeux Noel' offers a brief glimpse into a kingdom economy where swords are beaten into plowshares, spears into pruning hooks, and soldiers will not need to train for war anymore" (Joel Mayward). Join us to watch and discuss this movie. Popcorn and water provided. Feel free to bring your own food and beverages. 

MARTA Caroling & Cookies and Hot Chocolate Bar 

Wednesday, December 21, 4:45 p.m., meet at the church 



Join us as we walk across the street to the North Ave MARTA Station to share carols with our neighbors.  Wear your Santa hat or Ugly Christmas sweater and enjoy a fun hot chocolate bar and cookies and fellowship afterwards in Ellis Hall. 

No Wednesday Night Supper on December 21 



Join us for MARTA Caroling followed by cookies and a hot chocolate bar. Wednesday Night Supper will return in the new year on January 11. 

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 

No children's church. Join us for the Christmas Pageant at 9:00 a.m. in the church.



Children Formation 

No formation. Join us in Egleston Library for a cookie reception following the pageant.

Youth Formation 

No formation. Join us in Egleston Library for a cookie reception following the pageant.

Middle School Attic Invasion

Friday, December 16, 7:00-9:00 p.m., The Attic

It might be chilly outside, but it's going to be warm in The Attic for Summer in December! Join us for a luau themed Attic Invasion where we will play all of the summer games like volleyball, cornhole, limbo, and more! Pizza dinner provided.

SNL Christmas Extravaganza

Sunday, December 18, 6:00-7:30 p.m., The Attic

Grab your most festive Christmas attire and join us in The Attic for our Christmas Extravaganza! We will have a fun and festive night that will include a taco bar from Moes, a white elephant gift exchange, and other Christmas surprises!

Bring a gift under $10 for our White Elephant game!

Soles4Souls Shoe Collection 

Wednesday, December 7 through Wednesday, December 28 

Drop Off Donations in Ellis Hall Foyer 



Join Children’s Ministries in collecting shoes for Soles4Souls, an organization that provides shoes for people in need. Bring in a pair of new or gently used shoes (all sizes) as a way of sharing in the spirit of St. Nicholas. For more information, contact Kathy Roberts at kroberts@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

Refugee Ministries Christmas Party 

Saturday, December 17, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., The Attic 

Join us for our annual holiday party.  We need volunteers to provide transportation, supervise games, and help with shopping for our Christmas store.  To sign up to volunteer, email louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org

FOCUS Christmas Party 

Saturday, December 17, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Ellis Hall 



FOCUS, an amazing organization for medically fragile children, will have a cookies with Santa party to receive their Giving Tree gifts. Please join us to celebrate in the joy of the holiday season. 

Refugee Ministries: Welcome Five New Families 



Refugee Ministries will be welcoming 5 new families! We are looking for volunteers to sign up to provide 3 acts of hospitality in a period of six months. Hospitality acts include an initial meeting with the family with an interpreter or other volunteer present, a trip to the grocery store, going to the park so the kids can play, help with a medical appointment and more. The activities will be determined and scheduled by you and the family. To learn more, please contact Louisa Merchant at louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org

Threads has Reopened! 



Threads has begun welcoming families for in-store shopping Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Interested in volunteering? Contact Lori Guarisco at threads@allsaintsatlanta.org