Dear saints,

Our church celebrates God’s love for the queer community with Pride! The Human Rights Campaign reports that 525 Anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in 41 states, with more than 75 bills signed into law as of June 5. Many restrict gender-affirming care for youth and this accelerating trend is fueled by organizations tied to churches; it is therefore associated with Christianity in the public eye. 

The resulting social stigma (sometimes from church and family) is the main reason LGBTQ+ youth are more than 4 times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. These laws and the rhetoric surrounding them cause demonstrable harm and these bills are becoming law in Georgia. 

One way Christians can embody Christ’s love for the world right now is to articulate a Biblical and theological framework for this claim: God loves you, just as you are, and so do we. This is a truth All Saints’ has lived for decades, it comes from the Gospel, and it is our time to proclaim it with joy. 

First, God celebrates the splendid diversity of creation. In Genesis 1, we take a seven-day nature hike through creation. God celebrates all that God has made at the end of each day (including the diversity of humankind), and God “calls it good.” God loves you, just as you are, and so do we.  

Second, Bishop Curry says it well, “If it’s not about love, it’s not about God.” In "What the Bible Says—and Doesn’t Say—About Homosexuality" Bible scholar Mel White explores the seven texts that discuss same-gender relations in the Bible. He provides detailed context and concludes, based on the text, that these passages do not address mutual, consensual, loving queer relationships as we know them today. The texts are critiquing unjust power dynamics, among other things. The most important thing to know about the Bible is that we follow Jesus and his way of love, that God’s preferred and promised future for the world is defined by just compassion for all, and that the Holy Spirit has a role for you and for me in this transformative work. 

Third, a theology of liberation follows God’s passionate concern for the poor, marginalized, and oppressed. Consider the people Jesus spends most of his time talking to and about: women, foreigners, Samaritans, sick folk. Consider the prophets and their constant call to protect widows, orphans, and strangers. These were groups that had been cast aside and forgotten. They were suffering, and God called people to love them. Our baptismal covenant calls us to do the same, ”To seek and serve Christ in all people, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.”

Finally, our prophetic tradition invites us to speak about justice, which is the public embodiment of love. Partisan politics aside, when forces of oppression are on the march—our queer siblings are under legislative assault right now—we have a role to play, work to do and a Gospel to proclaim. May we be a proud and joyful voice in the public square, proclaiming God’s unconditional love for all creation. God loves you, just as you are, and so do we!

Sincerely,

Young Adults Coordinator: Thank you Rodell, Welcome Tasia!

We are delighted to announce that Tasia Blair is our new young adults coordinator. Tasia has been active with the group for the past several years and follows in the footsteps of this year’s coordinator, Rodell Jefferson. We thank God for Rodell’s ministry among us, and look forward to Tasia’s leadership. For more information and a message from Rodell and Tasia, scroll down to the Parish Life section of this newsletter!

Financial Gift for Kirk

The congregation is invited to make a financial contribution to celebrate Kirk Rich and the music ministry he has led at All Saints’. We thank God for Kirk, and we pray abundant blessings on him and Laura as they move to Louisville, Kentucky.

For more information, click here.

THIS SUNDAY

The Second Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, June 11, Church

• 8:00 a.m. (Rite I in the Chapel) 
• 10:00 a.m. (Holy Eucharist Rite II)
• 5:00 p.m. (The Welcome Table in the Chapel) 

Stump the Organist 

Sundays from May to August, 9:50 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Church 

Back by popular demand, we will reprise "Stump the Organist" this summer beginning June 4. Plan to arrive ten minutes before the start of the 10:00 a.m. service and call out anything in the hymnal you would like to sing. 

Brunch & Beyond: A Young Adult Gathering

Sunday, June 11, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Ross Room

Join us for our regular Sunday brunch! Come enjoy a delicious meal and lively conversation in community! This week, we wish our Young Adults Coordinator, Rodell Jefferson, well as he departs that role and welcome Tasia Blair as she begins her tenure!

The Welcome Table: Sunday Evening Worship Service and Dinner 

Sundays with Courtyard hospitality at 5:00 p.m. and Worship at 5:15 p.m. in the Chapel 

We invite you to a re-imagined evening worship service in the chapel, where we experience God’s hospitality and love for the world. The service includes beautiful music from a variety of traditions, accompanied by piano and a solo instrumentalist. We’ll share communion together, light candles as a symbol of our prayers, and enjoy a meal together afterwards. The sermon is brief and preached from the floor. The prayers invite your participation. The space is set up like a dinner gathering, in the round. 

Jesus on the Front Page

Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m., P305/306 

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. 

Photo of the Week

All Saints' Atlanta wishes you and yours a celebratory and meaningful Pride Month! Join us for services and visit us online / via social media throughout the month of June and the whole year for highlights of queer community at our church!

LGBTQ+ Ministries Newsletter Sign Up 

The Diocese of Atlanta has a commission dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ belonging and leadership in Episcopal parishes throughout the diocese. Sign up here today to get news from around the diocese, alerts about get-togethers and outreach / pride events, and opportunities to volunteer. 

Giving  

Give to All Saints' today and join with others to bring forth and sustain the programs and people who advance God's work in this city. Join this church on a  wonderful journey. Visit allsaintsatlanta.org/give/ 

Give A Gift That Doesn’t Come in a Gift Bag:  

Remember a Graduate you love with a gift to the Memorials and Gifts Fund. We will send a notice to your graduate of the gift you gave All Saints’ in their honor. 

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 >>)

To get a Realm account, contact Betsey Gibbs, Membership Coordinator, bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org and receive an invitation to join Realm. It’s as easy as that! 

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

• 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.

• Popcorn Theology >>

Meets one Friday a month in the Ross Room from 7:00-9:30 p.m. Click the link above to learn more.

• 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 P306 in the Parish House.



• Sports and Spirituality >>

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

Atlanta Summer Organ Festival Concert with Ray and Beth Chenault 

Wednesday, June 14, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Church 

The year 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the Kenan Memorial Organ, dedicated on All Saints Sunday in 2003. Internationally renowned recitalists Ray and Beth Chenault return to the bench for the first time since their retirement in 2018, performing an exciting and eclectic program featuring four hands and four feet. This concert is part of the annual Atlanta Summer Organ Festival. A $15 donation is requested at the door; no ticket is required. A festive reception featuring AV Gourmet catering will follow in Ellis Hall. 

Refugee Ministries Sunday 

Sunday, June 18, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Church and Ellis Hall 

We welcome guest preacher Rev. Dr. Richard Hill who has led many churches in Refugee Ministries. At 11:30 join us in Ellis Hall for lunch and an interview with Dr. Heval Kelli, an Emory cardiologist who was resettled by All Saints' in 2001 with his family from Syria. 

Just Action: A Conversation with Richard and Leah Rothstein  

Tuesday, June 13, 6:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., Ellis Hall 

Join us for an evening with Richard Rothstein and his daughter, Leah Rothstein, co-authors of Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law. The authors will be interviewed by Rev. Natosha Reid Rice. This event includes a reception, a Q&A session and a book signing. Link

Young Adults Coordinator: Thank you Rodell, Welcome Tasia!!!

Rodell Jefferson waves goodbye...

For two years, All Saints has been an incubator and an anchor for me as I discover the shape of my ministry. I came here as a stranger, but now I can thank you for welcoming my presence—thank you for inviting my voice—thank you for becoming my friends and collaborators. I don't know where God will next guide my steps, but I go forth in confidence knowing that your prayers will encourage me forward, and that All Saints is a home to which I can always come back. From now on, you all are tangled up in my heart.

Much love, 

Rodell

Tasia Blair says hello!

Hi all, my name is Tasia Blair, pronounced like the continent, but with a T. I’m originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but moved to Atlanta two years ago to pursue my doctorate degree in clinical psychology at Mercer University. Prior to that I earned my undergraduate degree from Duquesne University, held multiple counseling positions, and served seven years in the Army Reserves as a behavioral health technician, including an overseas tour in 2020. I have been attending All Saints since relocating to Atlanta. The All Saints community has always been so inviting and I hope that as the new Young Adults Coordinator, I can cultivate that same

feeling for other young adults looking for a fulfilling

church community. 

Tasia

The Ordination of Priests at the Cathedral of St. Philip 

Saturday, June 24, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 

On this day, The Right Rev. Robert Christopher Wright, The Bishop of Atlanta, will ordain eleven candidates to the priesthood. All Saints’ is proud that three of the candidates for ordination are part of our All Saints’ family: The Rev. Dr. Jennifer McBride, The Rev. Carmie McDonald and The Rev. Kaitlyn (Katie) Presley. All are welcome to attend this service in-person and a livestream will be available for remote viewing. For more information, click here

Note: Our parish will also have opportunity to celebrate the following day, Sunday, June 25, following the 10:00 a.m. service with cake in the courtyard! 

Save the Date - Generation Celebration Kanuga 2023

Friday, September 29 at 5:30 p.m. - Sunday, October 1, 2:00 p.m., Kanuga Conference Center, Hendersonville, N.C.

Early registration for our annual parish retreat at Kanuga Conference Center is now live (click here). The deadline for early registration is August 1. Payment plans are available. Special thanks to our Chairs Mary Brennan and Kate Richeson for organizing the retreat. For more information, please contact our Director of Parish Life, Jill Gossett at jgossett@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Weekly Children & Youth Formation 

Nursery/Little Saints: Birth-Pre-K, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., 1st floor of the Pritchett Center 

Children: Please join the adults in church for the 10:00 a.m. service 

Youth: Please join the adults in church for the 10:00 a.m. service 

LGBTQ+ Ministries Newsletter Sign Up 

The Diocese of Atlanta has a commission dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ belonging and leadership in Episcopal parishes throughout the diocese. Sign up here today to get news from around the diocese, alerts about get-togethers and outreach / pride events, and opportunities to volunteer. 

Refugee Ministries: 2023 Swimming Buddies Program 

Saturday, June 10, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Off-Site 

Kids look forward to Refugee Ministries Swimming Buddies program all year. We especially need help with transportation and water supervision. For more information and to sign-up, contact Louisa Merchant, Director of Refugee Ministries, at louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org 

Respite Care Atlanta 

Mondays in June and July, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, 2715 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 

Respite Care Atlanta is a program designed to provide daycare to people with dementia and “respite” for the caregivers. This is a very flexible volunteer opportunity! Our next volunteer information sessions are June 12 and July 10. Contact Susan Virgin: sdv20@bellsouth.net. for more information. 

Threads Donation Needs 

Please bring your new donations to one of the Threads drop boxes located on the first floor of the Pritchett Center and in the first-floor stairwell between Egleston Hall and Ellis Hall (under the stairs outside of the choir suite). 

• boys’ and girls’ new sneakers: sizes 13, 1, 2 and 3 
• adult size men’s shoes, appropriate for children: size 7 ½  

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 Lori Guarisco at threads@allsaintsatlanta.org 

New History in All Saints' Library Display Cases 

All Saints' has a long history of members and clergy who have authored books on theology, philosophy, the civil rights movement, environmental stewardship, literary criticism and more. Many of these books are on display in the All Saints' library archive cases until the end of the year. Check them out in the Egelston Library. Want to join the Library team? Contact Gail Rogers at gailrogers851@att.net. Thanks! 

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. 

Click the image above to view our "thank yous" to parishioners from various staff members. We appreciate the ways you serve our parish and community!

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