Dear saints,

Greetings from a somewhat snowy New York. I have spent the week here with a learning cohort which is looking at something called adaptive leadership. It's a model of leadership that tries to recognize that the challenges most significant for communities, churches, nations, businesses, and our own individual lives are often the ones without a clear or easily discernible solution. As the name suggests, adaptive leadership is what we offer when we are learning and growing and changing as we go. It is as much about the heart as it is about the head. 

One of the keys to adaptive leadership, or indeed to an adaptive life, is to be able to sit lightly with outcomes. This Sunday, our gospel text will tell the story of Jesus calling the first disciples. Of all the things God in flesh could have chosen to do, one of the more haphazard was surely to call people to walk the way with him. It sounds like it could be orderly. One leads, the others follow. Yet, as we see in the story as it unfolds in the New Testament, Jesus leads and those who hear the call to follow end up going in all sorts of different directions, expressing all sorts of different views, and practicing a range of different behaviors. None of them know at the start that they are heading to the cross and the empty tomb, to the ascension and then to Pentecost. They set their feet upon a path not knowing where that path will ultimately lead them, yet they go anyway, and it is the journey together that is revealing in the end.

This Sunday, we take on as a parish our own great, big, wonderful adaptive challenge as we begin our journey of discernment about the future of our block. Perhaps the way of the disciples has something for us as we do—to sit lightly with the outcome, to expect there to be lots of different views and visions and responses to the same questions, and to imagine that what we will learn on the way together will be so much more valuable than what any of us could think of by ourselves. 

At the heart of the disciples' journey is the one they are following. May we also learn to trust in the one who calls us to leave our nets at the shoreline and follow God into a future for this church, as yet unknown. 'He who calls is faithful'. In the end, that is all we have ever needed. 

Peace,



Simon

THIS SUNDAY

Third Sunday after the Epiphany 

Sunday, January 21, 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. 

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'.

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. 

Everyday Connections 

Sundays, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Parish Hall 305 

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 “AdultFormation2024”. 

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. 

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. 

The Welcome Table: Sunday Evening Worship Service and Dinner  

Sundays 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. 

This past Sunday at All Saints’, our congregation celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday during our 9:00 a.m. service with a lot of help from some special guests! We honor King’s legacy with a jazz/gospel ensemble led by our very own The Rev. Dr. Andrew Barnett.

The sermon, titled “I Feel Like Going On” was delivered by guest preacher Dr. Joel B. Kemp, an Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. To listen to the sermon and the whole service from this special day in our parish life, we invite you to visit us online at https://allsaintsatlanta.org/media/video-audio-library

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/calendar

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 

To make an Offering today or pay your pledge,

click the Give Now button above. And visit us online at allsaintsatlanta.org/give 

• 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

WORSHIP & MUSIC

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. 

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. 

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

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. 

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.  

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

PARISH LIFE

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. 

Faithful Advocates’ Legislative Update 

Tuesday, January 30, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., on Zoom 

Hear subject matter experts regarding proposed legislation of particular interest to All Saints'. The panelists are Jeff Graham, Darlene Lynch and Stan White. Moderated by Carroll Sterne. Contact Suzanne Wakefield (faithfullocals@gmail.com) for more information. For Zoom meeting information visit allsaintsatlanta.org/links and enter password “AdultFormation2024”. 

Novel Theology: “The Penelopiad” by Margaret Atwood 

Wednesday, February 21, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Ross Room and on Zoom 

This month we will be discussing The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood. The discussion will be led by Jerry Byrd. 

"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” 

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. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH

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) 

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. 

Children’s Musical: “I AM the Way” 

Sunday, February 4, 10:20 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Ellis Hall 

Travel with the Junior and Primary Choirs as we present, I AM the Way, our musical about journeys and change. The Bible is full of stories with action that happens 'on the road'. The Good Samaritan, the Conversion of Saul, young Jesus staying behind at the temple… all are compelling stories with messages for today. Our young singers are great storytellers! We want to see YOU in the audience to take this trip with us! 

YOUNG ADULTS

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.

Young Adults' Brunch 

Sunday, February 25, 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.

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! 

Threads Clothing Needs

Threads continues to see lots of children each week. We need gently used clothes as well as new clothing. Here is a list of our most current needs: 

- Boys pants sizes 6-8-10-12 

- Boys shirts sizes 12and 14 

- Boys Pajamas sizes 2T-14 

- Girls pants sizes 8-10-12-14-16 

- Girls tops sizes 8-10-12-14-16-18 

To help us replenish, shop at bit.ly/ASECThreadsJan2024. Thank you in advance!

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 

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.

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. 

Want to request an announcement or plan an event at All Saints?

Learn more and submit a request >>