Dear saints,

I imagine that you have felt, as have I, a measure of helplessness and despair watching the news emerge from Israel this past week. We are bearing witness to a tragedy of broken human relations. Thousands of innocent people have lost their lives. Hundreds of thousands live under the shadow of death. People have done truly terrible things to their fellow human beings, and I fear more terror is to come.

And in the midst of all of this, a hospital—an Anglican ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem—has been hit with reportedly hundreds killed and injured. It is heart-wrenching. To say the least, we are far from the broad land of solidarity that God intends for humankind to live in. 

To live a life of faith is to live trusting that certain things hold true; trusting that God's vision for humanity is one we can live by at the best and worst of times. That vision tells us that all life is sacred. One of the great scandals of Christian theology is the insistence that we should love our neighbor, seeing Christ in them, no matter who they are or what they have done. We are called to love perpetrator and victim alike. We are called to pursue all that leads to peace no matter the pain of loss. We are called to love our enemies. 

Christian ethics are not apolitical because they are deeply invested in the political world, in the world of today's strife and hope. As followers of Jesus, our call is to offer to our beloved siblings in the lands of the Holy One our best political selves as we lend our voice, our prayer and our material support to their plight. 

Each of us must decide how we will respond to the horror unfolding before us, yet all of us can draw strength from a faith that asks us to trust in the goodness and power of God's grace and love. For though we are many upon this Earth, let us remain committed to being one body in the name of the God who made us all.

Peace,

Dear saints, 

As we finally get a taste of the change of seasons, I am reminded that so much of our lives are times of transition. We go to college or graduate school. We graduate. We get a new job or leave a job. We change careers or retire. We marry or divorce. We buy a house or sell a precious family home. We become parents or struggle to become parents. We accompany children or our parents through transitions that become our own; we get a diagnosis or become a caretaker. We grieve a loss or are surprised by the joy of new relationship. No matter the change in our lives, be it the ones that fill us with joy or the challenges we wish we never had to face, the good news is this: No matter the shifting ground under our feet, God is our rock, our strong fortress, our home. God abides in us, and we abide in God. 

One way we love each other is by marking the changes in our lives with a ritual, as we will do this Sunday evening at our confirmation service. At 6:00 pm, twenty youth confirmands and fifteen adult confirmands will make a public affirmation of their faith in a ritual that marks a transition in their faith journey. Those who were baptized at an early age had parents and godparents who took vows on their behalf and made promises in their own names to “be responsible for seeing that the child ... is brought up in the Christian faith and life” and to help the child “grow into the full stature of Christ.”

As the youth confirmands now take a step in claiming the faith as their own, we as the body of Christ continue to embrace them and promise to continue the journey with them into high school and beyond. As they make a public proclamation of faith, we reaffirm our vows to them. “We will!” we’ve said, and we will say it again on Sunday. We will “do all in [our] power to support these persons in their life in Christ.” 

Through rituals, we tell one another that we support each other in our times of transition, that we are not alone in our joy or our sorrow. As a faith community we are called to surround each other in these times of change. 

It is in that spirit, and as Simon makes his way back from England, that I share the news that Hope Westervelt, Director of Youth Ministries, has let us know that she has accepted a position as youth director at her home church in Macon, Georgia, where Hope, Brian and Davis will be close to parents and grandparents. Hope’s last day will be Sunday, November 12^th. Join me in thanking Hope for her service among us and in praying for her family during this time of transition. Please see a note from Hope below. 

In her two years with us, Hope has engaged our youth during Sunday morning formation, Sunday Night Live (SNL) and Attic Invasion, on pilgrimages, mission trips and beach retreats. All of these programs mark the ongoing commitment we have to our youth. They remain strong because we, as an All Saints’ community, have responded with one loud voice, “We will!”

From committed Sunday school teachers, to our interns Luke and Elizabeth, who are excited to continue in their roles and remain in relationship with the youth during this time of transition, to the parents and mentors who bring food, help lead trips and hang out with youth at parish gatherings, we as a community will continue to lift up our youth and wrap our arms around them. For, in doing so, we live out our own baptismal covenant and respond to God’s great love. 



With gratitude, 

Rev. Dr. Jennifer M. McBride

Associate Rector of Formation 

From Hope: 

It is bittersweet to announce my departure from All Saints’ after a wonderful two years serving as the Director of Youth Ministries. It has been a joy to be with the people of All Saints, in particular the youth and their parents. We have shared laughs and fun, deep conversations, travels and adventures and everything in between. You all walked alongside me as I brought my first child into the world and supported my family and said “we will” as he was baptized.

Please pray for me, Brian, and Davis as I accept a call as the Director of Youth Ministries at Christ Episcopal Church in Macon where we will have the opportunity to be close to family. Again, thank you all for the wonderful memories and I look forward to spending this last month saying “see you later” to everyone! 

Annual Canvass 2024: Generous Hearts, Open Doors

“We found that All Saints’ is an unusually active community; alive with love, care and service! Join us in making a pledge to sustain everything that goes on here. 

- Jacob and Chelsea Anderson (and newborn Kate!) - 

Campaign Update: There have been 377 pledges and $1.84 million in pledges thus far. Are you planning to pledge? Do it today! 

Everyone pledging by Friday Oct. 27 will have their names listed in the All Saints’ Day bulletin (We list alphabetically – never by the pledge amount)! 

Thanks for your participation and if you have questions, please e-mail them to brileybrisendine@gmail.com 

Click the button below to make your financial commitment / pledge today. 

Elena and Briley Brisendine, Susan and Frank Virgin

2024 Annual Canvass Chairs

Click the image above for a video of parishioners sharing the joy we find at All Saints’!

And visit us online at allsaintsatlanta.org/give to read our 2024 Annual Canvass Booklet and make your pledge.

THIS SUNDAY

The Twenty-first Sunday After Pentecost

Sunday, October 22, Church

• 8:00 a.m. Holy Communion (Traditional Language, No Music) 
• 9:00 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music)
• 11:15 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music)

NOTE: The Welcome Table will be taking a break on Sunday, October 22nd to join the special confirmation service at 6PM in the church. Please join us for Holy Eucharist with Bishop Robert Wright.

School of the Spirit: Forgiveness: Everyday Practice and Social Implications 

Sunday, October 22, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall, Live Streamed and via Zoom 

Join us for this five-week course taught by The Rev. Dr. Jenny McBride and The Rev. Naomi Tutu. Central to the Christian proclamation is that we are a people of forgiveness, namely, those who receive God’s forgiveness and offer forgiveness to others. Yet, the real-life situations that invite us into the practice of forgiveness are often complex and hard to navigate. This course will offer frameworks for helping us think about the moral worth and role of forgiveness in our personal relationships and as a society. To participate in this class via Zoom, please visit allsaintsatlanta.org/links and enter password “AdultFormation2023”. 

Everyday Connections 

Sunday, October 22, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ross Room

Join us for this NEW class! The proclamation of the Gospel during worship is the beginning of an ongoing dialogue between the text and those who hear it. The homily is a first response that begins, but does not end, this divine conversation. The “Everyday Connections” class provides a continual opportunity for participants to add their voice to the conversation by exploring the significance of the week’s Gospel reading for our everyday lives. To participate in this class via Zoom, please visit allsaintsatlanta.org/links and enter password “AdultFormation2023”.

Parenting with God 

Sunday, October 22, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Parish Hall 305 

Join us for this NEW class! The proclamation of the Gospel during worship is the beginning of an ongoing dialogue between the text and those who hear it. The homily is a first response that begins, but does not end, this divine conversation. The “Everyday Connections” class provides a continual opportunity for participants to add their voice to the conversation by exploring the significance of the week’s Gospel reading for our everyday lives. To participate in this class via Zoom, please visit allsaintsatlanta.org/links and enter password “AdultFormation2023”.

Jesus on the Front Page 

Sundays, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Parish Hall 307

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. 

Brunch & Beyond with the Young Adults 

Sunday, October 22, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., The Ross Room 

Join us for our monthly Sunday brunch! Come enjoy a delicious meal and lively conversation. All are invited – whether you're looking to connect for the first time, reconnect after a long while, or keep connections going! For more information, contact our Young Adult Coordinator, Tasia Blair, at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

Confirmation and Holy Eucharist with Bishop Robert Wright 

Sunday, October 22, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Church 

We invite our whole community to this joyful, all-ages worship service! Bishop Robert Wright will lead us in word and sacrament, while Theodicy Jazz Collective will lead us in music. Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes helps us imagine God’s kingdom on earth, one defined by justice, mercy, peacemaking, and unconditional love. Each candidate has been prepared to make a public confession of their faith in Christ, whether as a candidate for confirmation, for reception into the Episcopal Church or for reaffirmation of Baptismal vows. There will be no Welcome Table service or meal on this Sunday—we invite attendees of that service to join for this service! 

This past weekend, members of the Diocese of Atlanta headed to Piedmont Park to table at the annual Atlanta Pride Festival. Our own Bruce Garner (pictured) staffed the booth which included a range of ways for attendees to pray, contemplate and otherwise connect with the Episcopal Church. Examples included the use of prayer beads, drawing and (flameless) candles.

Then on Sunday, members of our parish joined the Diocese in marching in the annual Pride Parade along with hundreds of Atlantans, representing businesses, organizations and groups from the area showing support for the LGBTQIAA+ community

To watch a video of the service, please visit bit.ly/Pride2023atStLukes and for more on our events in our parish and services throughout the year, please visit us online at allsaintsatlanta.org/calendar!

• 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.

• 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 P307 in the Parish House.



• Sports and Spirituality >> Meets the third Thursday of each month on Zoom. Register here

Trunk or Treat and Holy BOO!-charist 

Sunday, October 29, 4:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Ellis Hall and the Church

All ages are invited to come in costume to enjoy Trunk or Treat in the Courtyard at 4:45 p.m. (bring a bag for goodies). Then join us in Ellis Hall at 5:15 p.m. for songs by our Children's Choirs followed by a brief All Hallows' service Eucharist.  At 6:00 p.m., we will enjoy a pizza dinner with salad and dessert. It will be a Spirited evening for all! 

The Journey Bible Study  

Mondays in fall at 11:00 a.m.

This Bible study is led by The Rev. Karen Evans, our Priest Associate for Pastoral Care. During meetings, participants study one book of the Bible in detail, looking at its context, meaning and application to our lives. We are currently studying the Gospel according to Luke. The only requirements are a Bible and a willingness to learn. Register at https://bit.ly/thejourney-ASEC. The Zoom link will be sent to you following registration. 

School of the Spirit: Making Sense of the Old Testament

Wednesday, October 25, 6:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., Parish Hall 305/306 and on Zoom

Join Ryan Bonfiglio for a twelve-week course that not only examines the contents of the Old Testament, but also its significance today. The course is 12 weeks and those weeks are broken into three blocks: Oct 25, Nov 1, 8, 15 | Jan 17, 24, 31, Feb 7 | Apr 10, 17, 24, May 1.

Register online at bit.ly/allsaints-ot

Faith & Justice Collective Announcement 

The new Faith & Justice Collaborative has launched as part of the mission of Adult Formation and has produced its first newsletter. Comprised of All Saints’ ministries committed to serving others as part of our Baptismal Covenant, the Collective will provide information about initiatives, people, and educational opportunities in the parish and in our city. To access the Faith & Justice Newsletter, visit: bit.ly/asecfaithjustice 

All Saints' CONNECTS: Advent Spiritual Conversations

Sunday, November 5 – Monday, December 25

All Saints’ Connects is our small group ministry for spiritual conversation. The Advent groups will run from the week of November 5 through the last week of Advent. Our small groups meet weekly for one hour. Most groups meet by Zoom, although we will plan for one group to meet in-person on Sunday afternoons, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. To sign up for a group, contact Jilli Robertson at jilli.ff.robertson@gmail.com.

Wednesday Night Supper  

Wednesday, October 25, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Ellis Hall 

Enjoy an evening meal in community followed by a casual worship service and communion. The cost is $11 for adults and $5 for children and youth, and college students. You may register here (bit.ly/ASEC-WNS1) and pay online or pay at the door. 

Parish Anniversary Celebration to Benefit Habitat for Humanity 

Saturday, November 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., 1200 Peachtree Promenade Central 

In true All Saints’ style, on Saturday, November 4, the parish will mark its 120th anniversary of ministry with a party, and this one will lay the groundwork for our 2024 Parish Habitat for Humanity Build. The festivities will be held at 1200 Peachtree Promenade Central, near Colony Square and the Woodruff Arts Center, and will feature fun, food, entertainment, and live and silent auctions. You are invited to make your reservation for the party online. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/ASEC-Habitat-Soiree. Look for the Habitat Soiree table in the courtyard after the Sunday services and watch this space for more details about our celebration and its real purpose—continuing All Saints’ commitment to our city.

Novel Theology Monthly Meeting - “Wish You Were Here” by Jodi Picoult

Wednesday, November 15, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., P305 

This month we are reading and discussing the novel Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult. The discussion will be facilitated by our parish rector, The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring.   

Support the Flower Guild 

Look at those beautiful flowers! All Saints is known for the fabulous flowers that adorn the altars each week. Did you know that flowers are not a line item in the church budget? We need your support year-round. The suggested amount is $200 per gift. To give, visit bit.ly/ASECFlowerDonate and for more information, contact Betsey Gibbs, Membership Coordinator, at bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

Collect Your Birdhouses 

If you picked up a birdhouse at Kanuga or in the courtyard to decorate for the Habitat Soiree, please know you may drop them off in the courtyard on Sundays, or at the front office of the church during the week. We need all birdhouses no later than November 1. Please remember to put your names on the bottom of the house. Thank you all for making this project so much fun! If you have questions, please e-mail them to Janet Todd at janet-todd@att.net 

Buildings & Grounds Committee Looking for HVAC Experienced Parishioners  

The Buildings & Grounds Committee is seeking parishioners who have experience in the design, integration, and installation of commercial HVAC systems to contribute their expertise to the committee. The All Saints’ campus incorporates numerous individual HVAC systems operating on a unified control network. Maintaining these systems represents a significant annual expense for the parish, and we aim to expand the knowledge within the Buildings & Grounds Committee as we take on new initiatives. If you have an interest in this area, please don't hesitate to contact Danny Johnson at louisa.dan@gmail.com or Jeff Couch, our Facilities Manager, at jcouch@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

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: K-5th grade, 8:40 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., 2nd floor of the Pritchett 

Children Formation: K-5th grade, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., 2nd floor of the Pritchett Center

Youth Formation: 6th-12th grade,10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., The Attic (3rd floor of the Pritchett Center)

NOTE: There will be no Sunday Night Live (SNL) today due to the Confirmation service.  

Young Adults

Volunteering with Bridge of Light 

Saturday, October 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Off-Site 

Young Adults Volunteering! Join us in providing services and dignity to individuals experiencing homelessness in Atlanta with our community partner, Bridge of Light. Bridge of Light is a non-profit organization that utilizes mobile resource centers to offer showers, laundry, and clothing to individuals experiencing homelessness. 

Brunch & Beyond with the Young Adults 

Sunday, November 12, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., The Ross Room 

Join us for our monthly Sunday brunch! Come enjoy a delicious meal and lively conversation. All are invited – whether you're looking to connect for the first time, reconnect after a long while, or keep connections going! For more information, contact our Young Adult Coordinator, Tasia Blair, at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

Holy Boo!-charist with Refugee Ministries

Sunday, October 29, 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Church

Help bring a refugee family to All Saints' at 4:00 p.m. to get Halloween costumes and participate in the trunk-or-treat (trick or treating in the courtyard) and the worship service. Volunteers are needed to help with transportation, donating candy and costumes and/or facilitating the trunk or treating.

Threads Annual Coat Drive 

Sunday, October 15 – Sunday, November 12 

Threads is having our Annual Coat Drive!! We invite you to drop off new coats for children in sizes 2T to size 16 beginning October 15 until November 12. Thanks in advance for joining in us in our endeavor to bring warmth to families! The collection barrels will be available in the foyer of Parish Hall through the week and in the courtyard on Sunday.

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

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. 

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