Dear saints,

Well, it's here. The great, American machinery of democracy has been fired up and the folks on Fox and CNN are looking more animated than usual. Some of you might have been hoping to 'go away' for 2024, at least until November 5—either by leaving the country, living in your garden shed, or never reading the news. The rest of us face a choice, not only at the ballot box, but in how we will make our way there. 

As a naturalized citizen and an immigrant to these shores, I have always found presidential elections to be quintessentially American. They are the Buc-ee's of the democratic world. While in the U.K., elections last about five weeks, the presidential campaign here will be showing on a TV near you for most of the calendar year. Go big, or go home, as they say. Having grown up in a country whose head of state changes hands within seconds, I for one have always admired the American way of doing things. 

Of course, it is possible that the prospect of this year's election is not warming the cockles of your heart in the quite the same way. Much of the world might look to the United States as a standard bearer of democratic elections, but it is fair to say that in recent years we have gotten worse, not better at it. How quaint it now seems to recall that there was a time when candidates for high office referred to one another as 'Mr'. Nowadays not all the references are fit to print.

So, what do we do? There's much that's said about the role of Christianity and of Christians in U.S. politics, a great deal of it not positive. Perhaps, though, there is a particular gift that we as Anglicans—in the global sense not the separatist sense—can offer. A bit like the spirit of the Iowa caucuses, our tradition within Christianity is steeped in reasoned debate and the capacity to listen in order to learn. We value the via media, the wide path between polarities—theological and political—where people of different views and walks of life can find one another and respect the person they find when they do.

It may be that the debates we'll witness in the national spotlight this year will fall short of that standard, but we don't have to. I'll be praying that you can find some good debating partners of your own who you'll be able to trust to meet you there. Perhaps you'll find them at church. In the meantime, pray for the nation, for those who put themselves forward for political office and for the hope we might have for all the people who call this land their home.

Peace,



Simon

THIS SUNDAY

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany 

Sunday, January 28, 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. 

ANNOUNCEMENT: On Sunday, February 4, The Hot Chocolate Run will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. will take place starting in Centennial Olympic Park. Please be aware that this event may impact traffic, travel times and/or impose detours en route to church. 

Share Your Thoughts: Future Of Our Block Town Hall

Sunday January 28, 2024, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall

Join fellow parishioners in Ellis Hall for a town hall style conversation about the future of our block. The conversation will be facilitated by Hank Houser and Rick Bizot from Houser Walker, who are working alongside us in this discernment work. Please come and share what's most important to you about our church, your ideas and visions for the block, and what you feel we should pay most attention to through this process. We encourage you to attend at least one of three upcoming town halls. The two town halls following this Sunday will be on Sundays February 11 and 18. For more information about the block discernment process please visit: allsaintsatlanta.org/futureofourblock

Join the Habitat Build 

On eight Saturdays (January 20 - March 16), 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. 

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 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 Saturday was a brisk, but very bright morning to begin our parish’s Habitat for Humanity build in honor of the memory of our beloved parishioner, Mike Carscaddon, former CFO of Habitat for Humanity International. Our build will benefit first-time home buyer, William Ross, who built alongside our team and the Habitat volunteers throughout Day 1.

By the end of our shift, together we built all of the exterior and interior frames for the walls of the house! We welcome parishioner participation in the build: to join us, sign up for a shift at bit.ly/2024HabitatBuild and to learn more about services, events and opportunities to volunteer at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, visit us online at allsaintsatlanta.org/calendar! And for additional information, please feel free to reach out to our build co-chairs at askew.nortons@gmail.com! 

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

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. 

Ushering for All Saints 

All Saints' Usher Ministry invites volunteers to serve our church. We offer hospitality and assistance to all worshippers. Ushers distribute bulletins, collect offerings, provide counts and assist with communion. 9:00 a.m. usher teams serve three months per year. 11:15 a.m. usher teams serve four months per year. In you would like to serve, contact Charlie Rigby at polyadd333@gmail.com. 

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 Jones. 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”. 

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. 

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. 

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! 

SAVE THE DATE: Vacation Bible School (VBS) has been scheduled for June 3 - 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon, with after-care available.  Watch this space for additional information about VBS! 

NOTE: On Sunday, January 28, All Saints' Youth Choir is away visiting and singing at Northside United Methodist Church, Atlanta with their Youth Choir at their 11:15 a.m. worship service! 

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.

Volunteering with Bridge of Light 

Saturday, February 17, 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. 

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