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Dear saints,
Once in a while, history has a way of colliding with itself. As we no doubt have all seen on the news, this has been an historical week in the life of our nation. A sitting president, with a term still ahead of him, elects to withdraw from the upcoming election in November, seemingly paving the way for this nation’s first Black woman to be the nominee of a political party in a presidential election. At the same time, in our little corner of history, the Episcopal Church this weekend also marks an historical first in the anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood, in Philadelphia, on this Sunday, fifty years ago.
The ongoing leadership of female clergy in this church—of Jenny, Karen, Naomi, Natosha and Denni—stretching back to the first female priest who served here and in this diocese, Barbara Brown Taylor, is on one hand testament to how much has changed over the past fifty years. Since then the Episcopal Church has elected a female Presiding Bishop, and consecrated multiple female bishops and ordained hundreds of priests. And while there are still parishes that do not welcome the ordained ministry of women, they are today a very small minority in the life of our church.
That said, I suspect we will see in the next several months of the presidential election that the progress we think we may have made as a church and as a society should be tempered by the realities women still face on a daily basis, realities that only women can fully bear testament to. While we might rightly celebrate half a century of equality in the priesthood in this church, we should note that the desire that can exist in the church for clergy of all genders to be without failing or foible has a particular potency when it comes to women in leadership. To anyone who suggests that women have been called or elected into positions of leadership in the church—or elsewhere for that matter—simply because they are women, I would say in reply that they have simply not been paying attention. More often than not, women in church leadership are expected not only to figuratively walk on water as they go about their ministry, they are excepted to glide, and at times practically float above the surface, while male counterparts are allowed to thrash around like Peter sinking in the waves.
I have heard from female rectors of churches much like All Saints’ who have been asked questions, been presented with expectations, and subjected to scrutiny that I have never faced and suspect will never face, on the basis of sex. I have listened to women in the ordination process in the Episcopal Church talk about discernment committees or commissions on ministry ask them if their real vocation should be to support their husband’s work, or offered advice to be less pushy, or more "feminine," if they want their ordination process to end in success—commentary that is offered not from people who theologically reject the ordination of women but from people who while supportive of it are seemingly unaware of the double standard we have perpetuated as a church between women and men in the priesthood.
As the ninth rector of this church since 1903, I and every one of my predecessors has been a man. At some point in the future I hope that All Saints' will call its first female rector. How might this parish prepare for her arrival and leadership? What attitudes and assumptions about gender need examining? What conversations might be had about the past that will allow us all to see the future more faithfully?
There is much to celebrate about this weekend's historical landmark in the life of the Episcopal Church. What better way for us to make our celebration than to prepare for the fifty years of women’s leadership ahead of us. Progress is possible. On behalf of the young girls who will look out at altars and pulpits across the church this weekend imagining themselves standing there, let us be the generation in the church that wholeheartedly prepares the way for them to thrive.
Peace,
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Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, July 28, 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. Be aware, also, that on Sundays in Midtown Atlanta, street parking is free. | | |
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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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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Refugee Ministries’ Backpack Buddies
Refugee Ministries thanks the All Saints' parishioners for donating more than 80 backpacks and sets of school supplies to former refugee students this year! We also thank the volunteers that signed up to deliver backpacks after church on August 4! We met our needs earlier than expected and would like to remind everyone that claimed a tag to return the backpack and school supplies by Sunday, July 28 and no later than Sunday, August 4!
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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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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 Associate Director of Music, Justin Maxey. 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 Priest Associate, The Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, gave a homily that illuminated our Old Testament and Gospel readings for the day. In her sermon, Tutu outlined the spiritual obligation for people in power to attend to the needs of the vulnerable in our midst and also to take time for rest. Tutu acknowledged, however, that many people in positions of power, may it difficult to communicate with God, offering, as a prescription, a simple, quiet practice that makes space for God in daily life (“I need you God. Help me, God. Thank you, God.”).
| | After that, Marcia Mayfield, the coordinator for our children’s clothing closet, Threads, addressed the congregation to share the success of last week’s Third Annual Threads Giveaway. During the event, with the support of All Saints’ via volunteering and donations, we were able to provide uniforms for 510 children from low-income families! | | 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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Blessing of the Backpacks
Sunday, August 11, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Church
Newborns to 100 years old can bring a backpack, briefcase, diaper bag or computer bag to church to be blessed and mark a new year of learning, loving, and following in Jesus’ footsteps. Make sure to grab a Blessing Bag Tag for your bag as you leave church.
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Celebration of Ministries and Back to the Block
Sunday, August 18, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Church
We welcome you to worship and a block party to celebrate the beginning of the program year. We process banners at the beginning of the service to honor each of God's ministries at All Saints', and then we enjoy a celebration with live music in the courtyard and Ellis Hall.
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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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Women’s Intergenerational Group (WIG) Presents: “The Art of Generosity: Faithful Living and Giving”
Saturday, August 17, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Ellis Hall
This will be a collaborative and engaging workshop to explore ways to bring values and integrity to our financial lives. All Saints’ dynamic duo, The Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu and parishioner Emilie Dayan Hill, CFA, combine forces to lead the conversation. A deluxe continental breakfast will be served, and donations are welcome. Register today at: bit.ly/asec-wig-generosity
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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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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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Annual Parish Retreat at Kanuga Conference Center
Friday, September 27 - Sunday, September 29, 2024, Kanuga Conference Center
Our 2024 hosts, Elizabeth & Michael Hill, invite you to attend the parish-wide getaway to Kanuga Conference Center in the North Carolina mountains from Friday, Sept. 27 to Sunday, Sept 29 to relish in "The Transformative Power of Music." Register on Realm or at bit.ly/asec-kanuga2024 today!
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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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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!
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Thank You!: Threads Uniform Giveaway
Thank you, saints’, for all of your support with the 3rd Annual Threads Uniform Giveaway! With your help, whether via donations, volunteering or financial support! Thanks to you, we were able to provide uniforms for 510 children! You can continue to support Threads year-round via the following links!
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You can donate items via the Threads Amazon Wishlist: bit.ly/ASECThreadsJune2024
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Register to volunteer at allsaintsatlanta.org/threads, by clicking the orange “Serve Now” button!
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Donate to Threads at bit.ly/asec-give-now, selecting “Threads Donations” under the “Fund” drop-down menu.
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Click this link to view recent news coverage from WSB-TV
on this year's Threads Uniform Giveaway!
| | 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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