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Dear saints,
Last Saturday evening, many of us witnessed an act of violence in the middle of a political rally. Since then, a great many things have been said and written about who, and how, and why on behalf of the shooter, his victims, people charged to serve and protect and all that the sickening event says about our life as a nation. The insertion of violence within acts of political expression is nothing new both here in the United States and in many places around the world. It is for historians and social scientists to wonder why it is that the attempted or successful assassination of political leaders is so prevalent in this country when compared to other industrialized nations. And it is for political analysts and politicians themselves to reflect on what last Saturday's events say to us about the kind of politics we have in America today and the kind we may want to have in the future.
As a theologian—as someone who seeks to find a word about God present in the life of the world—I feel that while others interrogate what went wrong last weekend, there is also an imperative for us to ask about the future. Specifically, what sort of social contract might we want to have with one another in light of last weekend that is better than the attempt to fatally silence another human being? That is a political or at least a political philosophy question, but it is clearly also a deeply biblical question. To think in those terms, we might ask how our faith covenants us to one another and to God?
In the biblical tradition, covenants often appear on the horizon when things have gone wrong. The covenant God makes with Noah follows the flood. The covenant God makes with the Hebrews via Moses on Mount Sinai follows 400 years of slavery. Even at a very personal level, the terrible story of Abraham's seeming willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac is the precursor to the covenant of progeny, the divine promise to make Abraham’s descendants as "numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore." Whatever the purpose was of these stories within the life of antiquity for the ancient people of Israel, we might at least note that it has been the case in the history of the faith we share that tribulations sharpen the mind. The struggle, the setback, loss and suffering can all be openings to a new dispensation, to a new chapter for how a people might elect to live together.
These next few months, we will quite literally be presented with the case for why we should elect one way or another of life together. How might our faith inform how we see those cases for the future of this country, and indeed our life within the global community? What is our theological imagination for that future? Current political discourse is not distinguished by intellectual rigor, let alone theological nuance. Surely we can offer something to enrich that conversation? We can ask what the common good should mean to Americans in 2024 and beyond. We can ask what our economic priorities should look like if we truly do want a society that is invested in the dignity of all human beings? We can ask how God’s kingdom of justice and peace sets the standard for whatever we might aspire to be and do in this particular corner of that kingdom.
I pray that the remainder of this election cycle can be completed without any person standing for public office—high or otherwise—needing to fear for their safety. And I also hope that we might see an opening for us to forge a more generous and engaging social contract in this time and place. Let us remember all those who fall victim to the violence of others, and let us resolve to be a people who will point toward the abundant life God calls each person to.
Peace,
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Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, July 21, Church
Weekly Service Times
- 8:00 a.m. (Traditional Language, No Music)
- 10:00 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music)
- 5:00 p.m. The Welcome Table (Contemporary Language, Contemplative Music)
| | ANNOUNCEMENT: Beginning Friday, August 2, the church office will be closed on Fridays. The administrative staff will work remotely, however, on that day of the week. | | PARKING: Overflow parking is available at the Bank of America—please enter on North Ave. Please request an additional validation ticket from an usher in the church narthex upon arrival or exit. Use both validation tickets upon exiting the Bank of America parking deck to park free of charge. | | |
Stump the Organist
Now through Sunday, August 11, 9:50 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Church
Our summer prelude begins at 9:50 a.m. in the summer. Come request your favorite hymns, as played by our new Director of Music, Scott Lamlein and our Associate Director of Music, Justin Maxey!
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Music Moments in the Courtyard
Today, 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Kennedy Courtyard
Kids and kids at heart are invited to meet Emily Halbert, our Director of Children and Youth Music in the courtyard for a musical craft or musical moment after the 10:00 a.m. service throughout the summer. Get ready to get creative and make some musical moments together. This is the last session of the season, so join us!
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Flat Jesus Summer Activity
As you travel near and far, be sure to participate in our Flat Jesus Summer Activity! Pick up your Flat Jesus bookmark in Ellis Hall along with instructions to submit your photos of Flat Jesus from around the world! You can also visit allsaintsatlanta.org/flatjesus for the same in digital form.
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Jesus on the Front Page
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m., Parish Hall 307
Our summer schedule offers a great opportunity to try Jesus on the Front Page! In this all-ages class, we explore what it means to live as faithful people in today's world drawing on scripture, our tradition, our experiences and the news of the day. E-mail Clark Lemons (clemons@emory.edu) if you have questions!
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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 piano and singing, 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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Save the Date: Threads Uniform Giveaway
Wednesday, July 17 – Friday, July 19, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. each day, Ellis Hall
Today concludes the Third Annual Threads Uniform Giveaway! This year, we were overwhelmed by the incredible response from the community. We were able to accommodate the 500 children we planned to assist this year, and look forward to supporting more children during next year's Uniform Giveaway and via the Threads shop throughout the year!
You can support Threads' important work clothing children from low-income families with dignity by donating to the following links and by volunteering your time!:
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Offer a financial gift to support this ministry: by clicking this link, selecting "Threads Donations" under the Fund drop-down menu.
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Purchase socks and underwear!: we need socks for boys and girls in sizes small, medium and large AND underwear for boys and girls in sizes 4T – 16. You can purchase items please via the Threads Amazon Wishlist: bit.ly/ASECThreadsJune2024
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Volunteer your time at allsaintsatlanta.org/threads, by clicking the orange “Serve Now” button!
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Click this link to view news coverage from WSB-TV
on last year's Threads Uniform Giveaway!
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Greetings, saints! This past Sunday at All Saints’, we held three worship services at our Midtown Atlanta campus: one at 8:00 a.m., a second at 10:00 a.m. and a third at 5:00 p.m. (our evening The Welcome Table service).
At our 9:50 a.m., we kicked off our 10:00 a.m. service with our beloved musical prelude, Stump the Organist, this week played by our Director of Music, Scott Lamlein. Be sure to make your requests throughout the summer via our Facebook page comments (facebook.com/AllSaintsATL) and on our brand new YouTube live stream (youtube.com/@AllSaintsATL) on Sunday mornings!
At that same service, our Associate Rector for Formation, The Rev. Dr. Jennifer McBride, gave a sermon that developed a powerful argument for “Christian hospitality” in a world beset by political conflict, avarice and violence. Taking inspiration from the day’s gospel reading, the sermon explained that a Christian response to these conditions involves adopting the role of either “host” or “guest”, where and when needed—a generosity enabled by the understanding that God is always at the other end of (and in the midst of) our giving and receiving. You can watch a video of the sermon here.
Following the sermon, our parishioners mingled in the courtyard while enjoying coffee, tea and doughnuts and the Young Adults of our parish enjoyed a tasty summer brunch in the Ross Room. Meanwhile, our Sunday Callers ministry prepared flowers for delivery to parishioners experiencing illness or otherwise shut-in.
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Meanwhile, during that same weekend (Saturday, July 13), the young adults of our parish joined local nonprofit Bridge of Light at their warehouse to prepare materials and resources for future days on-site in the metro-area!
The young adults of our parish community have been doing phenomenal work with Bridge of Light for nearly two years now! On Juneteenth (Wednesday, June 19), several went for another service day to provide access to care kits, mobile showers and clean clothing to individuals experiencing homelessness in Atlanta.
If you want to connect with our young adults and learn more about opportunities to volunteer, contact our Young Adult Coordinator, Tasia Blair, at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org!
| | 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 | | |
Here, you are welcome.
Here, you are accepted.
Here, you are valued.
Here, you have a place to be and a part to play.
Join us in giving towards this warm welcome and make your offering today.
Thank you!
All Saints' offers easy ways to pay your pledge or to make a gift:
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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 the services
- Text to Give: text AllSaintsAtlanta to 73256
- Gift stocks or securities
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Have You Moved Recently?
Let the church know your new address and contact information! To update these details, contact our Membership Coordinator, Betsey Gibbs, at bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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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Registration for 2024-2025 Children's and Youth Choirs is NOW Available!
Children's Choirs (PreK-6th Grade) begin Wednesday, August 21, and the Youth Choir (Grades 7th-12th) kick-off is Sunday, August 25. E-mail Emily Halbert, our Director of Children and Youth Choirs at ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org if you have any questions! Register via the following link: bit.ly/2024-2025-ASEC-CandYMusic
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Choir 101
Wednesdays, August 7 and 14, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., The Music Suite on the lower level of Egleston
Our Associate Director of Music Justin Maxey is offering a two-week course in sight-singing and basic vocal production for those who are interested in singing in the choir but have limited experience. Join us for this opportunity to give choral singing a try! For more information, e-mail Justin at jmaxey@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Join the All Saints’ Choir!
The All Saints’ Choir is a welcoming group of adults that love to sing. Yes, it is a very talented group, but don't be afraid! This is a fabulous community in which to learn while making music alongside seasoned professionals! For more information, contact Scott Lamlein, our Director of Music (slamlein@allsaintsatlanta.org) for details.
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Men's Spirituality Group
Tuesdays in spring, 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., online via Zoom
A new Men's Spirituality Group has formed! This small group invites anyone wanting to growth in faith and male friendship to join them by Zoom the first three Tuesdays of the month and in person at All Saints on the fourth Tuesday of the month. To RSVP please e-mail Stan Hitron at shitron@gmail.com. To participate via Zoom, please visit allsaintsatlanta.org/links and enter password “AdultFormation2024”.
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Covenant Men of Hope Breakfast
Sunday, July 28, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Ellis Hall
The Covenant Men of Hope are preparing a breakfast for the All Saints' community to enjoy at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 28. Donations are welcome—all proceeds will go to the Men of Hope.
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Back to the Block Celebration: “Gather with the Saints”
Sunday, August 18, 11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Church, Courtyard and Ellis Hall
We invite you back to our block for our annual welcome event! This year our theme is all about fellowship with one another and the great outdoors! Join us in the courtyard after the 10:00 a.m. worship service for live music, lawn games, a tasty cookout and our annual dessert contest! Be sure to bring your family and friends for an afternoon of fun!
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All Saints' Adult Foyer Groups Registration
Broaden your circle of friends by getting to know your fellow All Saints' parishioners! Join an Adult Foyer Group for fellowship this fall through gatherings such as happy hours, home dinner parties, dinner outings and themed parties! Register at the Parish Life table in the courtyard or online via Realm (bit.ly/2024-asec-foyer-groups). Contact Betsey Gibbs (bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org), our Membership Coordinator, for access!
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All Saints' Archives: The Past, Present and Future of our Parish
Over the last 50 years we have preserved highlights of parish activity in the Archives. If you find joy in filing, digitizing, preserving and finding friends who enjoy this too, join the Archives Committee! For more information contact Ross Herman, Chair of the Archives Committee (rherman@me.com).
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Save the Date: Annual Parish Retreat at Kanuga Conference Center
Friday, September 27 - Sunday, September 29, 2024, Kanuga Conference Center
Save the Date to join the All Saints' Parish for a weekend of fun and fellowship at Kanuga in Hendersonville, N.C. Registration and more information will be available in May.
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Weekly Children & Youth Formation
Nursery/Little Saints: Birth-Pre-K, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m., 1st floor of the Pritchett Center
Children’s Church: Children's Church takes a break during summer. Please join the parish in the church for worship services.
Children Formation: Children's Formation takes a break during summer. Please join the parish in the church for worship services.
Youth Formation: Youth Formation takes a break during summer. Please join the parish in the church for worship services.
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Registration for the 2024-2025 Children and Youth Choirs is available!
Children's Choirs (PreK-6th Grade) begin Wednesday, August 21st, and Youth Choir (Grades 7th-12th) Kick-Off is Sunday, August 25th. Email Ms. Emily at ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org if you have any questions!
Please click on the link to register: Children & Youth Choir Registration
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Peeps in the Pew
Children and youth are invited to join Ms. Emily, Ms. Kathy, and Luke and sit together during the 10:00 a.m. service throughout the summer. Find us each Sunday towards the right side of the church!
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Youth Ministries’ Trip to Sky Zone
Saturday, July 27, 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sky Zone in Smyrna, Georgia
The youth group is back! Jump around with us at Sky Zone on July 27th. For more information contact our Youth Minister, Luke Nolfa, at lnolfa@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Acolyte Training
Sunday, August 4, 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Church
Interested in being part of the Sunday worship service? Consider becoming an acolyte or youth lector! The training date is Sunday, August 4 at 11:15 a.m. Contact our Youth Minister, Luke Nolfa, to get involved (lnolfa@allsaintsatlanta.org). We would love to welcome you into our ministry!
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Young Adults Go to a Braves Game!
Friday, August 23, 7:20 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Truist Park
Join us as we cheer on the Braves and enjoy the Friday night fireworks show! We will meet at the church to carpool. Please reach out to Tasia Blair, our Young Adult Coordinator, at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org to reserve your ticket!
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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!
| | SERVICE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE | | |
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.
| | 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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