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Dear saints,
During my experience attending theological college, if there was an available argument that people could imagine having about theology, we always had the debate. I suppose that is what happens when you put a bunch of religiously inclined people together for three years with too much time on their hands.
One of the debates that we had was about whether children should receive communion or not. For me, there wasn't much to debate because my view had long been that when it comes to God, the invitation is to experience the mystery first and seek to understand it later. Experience precedes understanding. And in the case of theological students, dwelling in the mystery is always preferable to sitting through someone else describe the angels dancing on their particular pinhead.
It seems to me that the place we have got to with regard to our national discourse on race could do with more appreciation of the mystery that is humanity, rather than the seemingly inevitable shallowness of political debate these days. At its most fundamental level, the question of racial equity, of inclusion, of the desire to live in the fullness of all our diversity, all of our difference, is grounded in the problem that arises when people's full mystery is not received by others. The history of racial segregation, exclusion and violence is, among other things, about the failure to receive the mystery of the full humanity of people on the basis of skin color.
Each year when we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, as we will this weekend, while we are rightly called to engage the questions around race in America, we are reminded not to stay stuck in conversation. Instead, we are called to act, invited to step forward into the mystery of human connection and relationship. In doing so, we are encouraged to trust that relational experience can indeed precede intellectual understanding.
There are opportunities for us to learn about racial equity and healing in this parish through Sacred Ground dialogue circles and opportunities to engage in advocacy work. As well as this, there is also the chance for us to step forward and place our bodies alongside other’s bodies and engage in relationship through the Peoplestown Partnership. In doing so, we respond to the invitation as the prayer book articulates it, to 'draw near with faith', and receive the body of Christ.
I invite you to see this MLK weekend as an opening for you to draw near to the body of Christ through a ministry in Peoplestown or elsewhere that will enable you to step closer to the mystery made flesh in other human beings. There, in that space of encounter, we all have the chance to truly learn, to see through other's eyes, and to change as Saint Paul encourages us to do, ‘from glory unto glory’.
Keep the faith.
Peace,
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Future of Our Block Parish Engagement Launch
Sunday January 21, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall
Join our Rector, Simon Mainwaring, as we launch our Future of Our Block parish engagement process. Simon will lay out the process for the next several weeks, the core questions we want to raise up as a parish and how you can lend your voice as we discern how God calls us to fashion our block for the future of All Saints'.
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Second Sunday after the Epiphany and Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday
Sunday, January 14, Church
Weekly Service Times*
- 8:00 a.m. (Traditional Language, No Music)
- 9:00 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music)
- 11:15 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music)
- 5:00 p.m. The Welcome Table (Contemporary Language, Contemplative Music)
PARKING: Overflow parking is available at Bank of America. Please request validation tickets from an usher upon arrival or exit in the Narthex.
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Sounds of Freedom: Honoring the Legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sunday, January 14, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Church
We honor the legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a jazz/gospel ensemble at our 9:00 a.m. worship service led by The Rev. Dr. Andrew Barnett and guest preacher Dr. Joel B. Kemp at 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. The 11:15 a.m. service will feature music led by the choir and organ.
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The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday Forum
Sunday, January 14, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall
Join our guest preacher-speaker, Dr. Joel B Kemp, and Rev. Natosha Reid Rice for a conversation on race, religion, and the law. An attorney and minister, Dr. Kemp is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at Candler School of Theology.
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Sounds of Freedom: Honoring the Legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert
Sunday, January 14, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Church
Join us for a joyful jazz / gospel concert hosted by Natosha Reid Rice called “Sounds of Freedom - Honoring the Legacy of Martin Luther King.”
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Club 45 Peace Walk
Sunday, January 14, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., the Carter Center
Club 45 families join us to walk/talk for peace. We will meet at the Carter Center parking lot and walk on the Beltline to the King Center, stopping to sing, read, and talk about bringing God's love and justice to this world. RSVP to KRoberts@allsaintsatlanta.org if you plan to attend!
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Everyday Connections
Sundays, 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”.
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The Welcome Table: Sunday Evening Worship Service and Dinner
Sunday, January 7 at 5:00 p.m., In the Chapel and Ellis Hall
Before your busy week begins, the Welcome Table is a place to join with others and find rest and refreshment. Come to the Welcome Table: a service of music (song and solo instrument), prayer (together and in ways that speak to us individually), and communion. A community dinner for all participants follows the service.
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This past Sunday at All Saints’ Atlanta, we celebrated the first Sunday after the Epiphany of our Lord! We were back to our usual roster of Sunday worship services, which included two infant baptisms at our 9:00 a.m. service. In addition, children were invited to approach the altar to participate more closely in preparing for communion.
Our Rector, The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring spoke of making a mark in our lives that is meaningful and rooted in service during his sermon. And our Adult Choir sang a stunning Communion Anthem, “Of the Father’s heart begotten,” in a beautiful start to our 2024 worship!
We would love to get to know you! Our community looks forward to you joining us for upcoming services and events throughout the year!: For more information visit allsaintsatlanta.org/this-sunday
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Consider making a planned gift today to All Saints'. Include the church in your will or as a beneficiary of an IRA or insurance policy after you die. Don't have a will? It is time to write one.
For more information contact the Planned Giving Committee, Chair: David Begley david@wdbegley.com.
The Cornerstone Society recognizes parishioners who have made a planned gift to All Saints'. Join the more than 200 members who have made this important commitment.
Ellen Hayes, Dir. of Development, ehayes@allsaintsatlanta.org
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Elena and Briley Brisendine, Susan and Frank Virgin
2024 Annual Canvass Chairs
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To make an Offering today or pay your pledge,
click the Give Now button above. And visit us online at allsaintsatlanta.org/give
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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.
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Vigil of Hope: From Violence to Healing
Sunday, January 28, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Church
Join us for an evening of prayer, remembrance, and storytelling in partnership with Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and Journey of Hope—a death penalty abolition organization led by family members of murder victims, who share their own stories of loss and healing while advocating for constructive responses to violent crime. The Vigil will include the Welcome Table service.
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The Baptism Banner Committee
The Baptism Banner Committee is looking for new volunteers! If you enjoy crafting and giving gifts to others, your enthusiasm for our mission is what we seek most! The time commitment is flexible. Please contact Kate Mabry at Kate.L.Mabry@gmail.com or 404-274-5313 to get involved.
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Adult Inquirers Class – Winter 2023
Wednesdays in winter, beginning January 17
Adult Inquirer’s Class is a four-part introduction to the life of faith at All Saints’. Meetings are on Wednesday nights, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The first three meetings are on Zoom with the final session in person over dinner at the church. Participants are asked to commit to all four sessions. Additional Adult Inquirers classes will be held later in the winter and spring. For more details contact our Rector, the Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring (smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org) or Tracey Sage (tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org).
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All Saints' CONNECTS: Lent Spiritual Conversations
All Saints’ Connects is our small group ministry for spiritual conversation. The Lent groups will run from the week of Ash Wednesday (the week of February 11) through Holy Week (the week of March 17). There are multiple days and times to choose from. Our small groups meet weekly for one hour by Zoom. To sign up for a group, contact Jilli Robertson at jilli.ff.robertson@gmail.com
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The Journey Bible Study
Mondays in winter 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 bit.ly/thejourney-ASEC. The Zoom link will be sent to you following registration.
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Walking the Mourners Path – Session Begins in January 2024
Walking the Mourners Path, an eight-week program for those who have had someone dear to them die, begins in the new year. It is designed to teach participants about grief and to help them move into more joyful and purposeful living following loss. The groups are small and confidential; we welcome your participation. If you have any questions, please direct them to Priest Associate Karen Evans at kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Contemplative Prayer
Wednesdays in winter and spring, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Parish Hall 202
Join fellow parishioners for contemplative prayer after Wednesday Night Supper. As Richard Rohr says, “In contemplation—the practice of being fully present in mind, body, and spirit—we join in deep solidarity with other spiritual traditions in working toward the healing and restoration of ourselves and our world.” Participants read aloud from and discuss contemplative writers in the first half hour, then practice silent centering prayer in the second half hour.
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School of the Spirit: Making Sense of the Old Testament
Wednesdays in winter and spring, 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: Remaining sessions will be held on January 17, 24, 31 and February 7 | April 10, 17, 24 and May 1. Registration is still available! Visit us online at bit.ly/allsaints-ot
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Wednesday Night Supper
Wednesdays in winter, 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.
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Novel Theology: “The Sentence” by Louise Erdrich
Wednesday, January 17, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Ross Room and on Zoom
Please join us in discussing The Sentence by Louise Erdrich. This discussion will be facilitated by Stephen Dobranski.
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Join the Habitat Build
On eight Saturdays (January 20th - March 16th), All Saints’ will build a home partnering with Habitat for Humanity. We invite you to be part of that effort by signing up at bit.ly/2024HabitatBuild for one or more of the build days. Volunteers are still needed for most Saturdays (no building experience is required)! However, on-site volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Look out for information soon on other off-site volunteer opportunities for all ages including lunch preparation! Please find out more from build co-chairs, Jack and Clifton Askew-Norton in the courtyard between services or contact them at askew.nortons@gmail.com.
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"A Case for Love" documentary with Bishop Curry
Tuesday, January 23 and Thursday, January 25, in theatres and on Zoom
On Tuesday, January 23, you can see "A Case for Love," a Bishop Curry-inspired documentary in theatres across the country. To see trailer and purchase tickets, visit https://acaseforlovemovie.com. Join All Saints' for a Zoom conversation on Thursday, January 25th at 7:00 p.m. For the link go to allsaintsatlanta.org/links and enter password “AdultFormation2024”
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Philadelphia 11 Documentary
Sunday, February 11, 12:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m., Ellis Hall
Come after the 11:15 a.m. worship service for a light lunch and screening of a documentary about the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church. Revs. Jennifer McBride, Nontombi Naomi Tutu and Karen Evans will lead the discussion. This film, which is not available to the general public, invites us to question historical hierarchies and the meaning of radical inclusivity, as well as to consider the importance of female priests for our church community. To register for this event, visit bit.ly/asecphilly11.
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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 Center
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)
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Sunday Night Live (SNL)
Sunday, January 14, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., The Attic
All youth in grades 6th-12th are invited to join us for dinner, fellowship, and fun as we gather for Sunday Night Live, our traditional youth program! We gather at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and end at 7:30pm.
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Young Adults' Brunch
Sunday, January 21, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., The Ross Room
Come enjoy a delicious meal and lively conversation with the All Saints' Young Adults'. All are invited – whether you're looking to connect for the first time, reconnect after a long while, or keep connections going! Childcare is available upon request. Please contact Tasia at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Volunteering with Bridge of Light
Saturday, January 27, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Off-Site
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. Please contact Tasia at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org
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Young Adult Fellowship Online!
Are you in your 20s or 30s and interested in fellowship, discipleship, and service? Reach out to Tasia Blair at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org to receive our monthly newsletter, get added to the WhatsApp group chat and find out what events we have coming up!
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Threads Clothing Needs
Threads has created an Amazon Wish List to make your shopping easier. Threads has been averaging 60 children per week. To help us replenish click on this link below to start shopping. Thank you in advance!
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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 Marcia Mayfield at threads@allsaintsatlanta.org
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Respite Care Atlanta
Respite Care Atlanta is a daycare for people with dementia. The program is from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday at 2nd Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Buckhead. This is a very flexible fun-filled volunteer opportunity! The next information session will be Monday, March 11. Contact Susan Virgin at sdv20@bellsouth.net.
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Read The Faith and Justice Collective's January Newsletter
The Faith & Justice Collective is part of the mission of Adult Formation. Comprised of All Saints’ ministries committed to serving others as part of our Baptismal Covenant, the Collective provides information about initiatives, people, and educational opportunities in the parish and in our city. The January issue includes:
- Askew-Nortons Lead Habitat Build
- MLK Sunday Celebrated with Guest Preacher and Special Music
- Provocative Exhibits at Emory and High Museum
- Faithful Advocates Plan Zoom on Legislative Issues
- Vigil of Hope Focuses on Violence and Healing
Click here to sign up and receive the newsletter delivered to your inbox
| | | 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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Connect with us on Realm!
Learn more >> Don't forget to join Realm, our new platform for online giving, directory, and event registration.
Questions? Please contact Betsey Gibbs at bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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