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Dear saints,
I hope that you have had an opportunity as some point this week to enjoy coverage of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. When it comes to the Olympics, I have a somewhat old fashioned outlook—I'd rather the games still be reserved for amateurs. As you may well be aware, from the inception of the modern games in 1896, Olympians had to sign an affidavit swearing that they had never been paid for playing sports. Of course, the Olympics were far from a classless society, as only those with the means could travel to compete let alone meet other costs. Over the first decades of the games, several athletes were either stripped of their medals or barred from future games when it was discovered they had been paid for other sporting endeavors beyond the games, including Native American Jim Thorpe, whose golds were denied him, won in the pentathlon and the decathlon at the Stockholm Olympics in 1912 when it was later discovered that he had been paid $2 to play baseball in college. To put that in perspective, the current US Olympic men's basketball team earns about $700 million a year in salary and endorsements. In hindsight, perhaps Jim could have been given a pass.
Don't get me wrong, there is a strange kind of pleasure in watching LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry crush all and every opposition on their inevitable march to gold in Paris, yet it is not for me where the real glory of the games resides. For me, that is in the story of athletes like Adriana Ruano, who at age 16 suffered a back injury that prematurely ended her career as a gymnast, but then switched sports to shooting and this week secured Guatemala's first ever gold. Or in the story of Team GB (Great Britain) rower Georgina Brayshaw, who also won gold this week, the culmination of a journey that began as a seven year old who fell off a horse and for eight days was in a coma even after which doctors were unsure if she would ever walk again. Or it is in the multiply-layered stories of the Refugee Olympic Team members who describe how sport gave to their lives purpose they once believed had been forever lost. I love that the Olympic Games is about all comers, from all over the world, people with all manner of paths that have led them there. I love that the Games has the power to remind us that the human spirit and the human body is capable of truly remarkable things—something that I find becomes even more abundantly evident in the Paralympics that will soon follow.
As we look to the days and weeks before us—from kids going back for a new school year, to the spiraling conflict in the Middle East—it is important to remember that all of us—not just elite athletes—are brimming with promise and possibility. I have to believe that peace is possible in war-ravaged parts of the world just as I have to believe that decency and respect is possible in our domestic politics. That is because I wholeheartedly believe that this is, above all else, God's world. God is in the relentless drive that the "one-day" Olympic athlete feels to get up and push themselves to their limits over and over again. God is in the immovable hope that certain stalwart Palestinians and Israelis still have for peace in their lands. We hope because we have faith and places like All Saints' exist in part to perpetuate a conspiracy of hope upon the earth—not a hope held in vain but a hope grounded in the grace and mercy of God.
So, three cheers for all those who are yearning to be faster, higher and/or stronger over these coming days. And thanks be to God for the ways their endeavors remind us all that we are each made to reach for the promise of what could be.
Peace,
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Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, August 4 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. | | |
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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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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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).
Prior to the start of the service, at 9:00 a.m., we were joined for food and fellowship by the men of Covenant Community, Inc (CCI),. These Men of Hope are in recovery from substance use disorder, transforming their lives through the resources of CCI, our longtime partner in ministry. The Men of Hope prepared a lovely breakfast and chatted with parishioners throughout the morning. You can learn more about CCI, including ways to support their work through donations and volunteering, here.
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Then, at 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 Parish Priest Associate, The Rev. Karen Evans, gave a sermon that underlined the fact that July 28 was the 50th anniversary of the ordination of the first women priests in The Episcopal Church! In her homily, Evans reflected on her decades in ministry, her own ordination in 1988 and experiences of both discrimination and inclusion as the first woman rector called to several parishes over her career. You can watch a video of the sermon here.
| | Following the sermon, our parishioners mingled in the courtyard while enjoying coffee, tea and doughnuts. Meanwhile, some grabbed backpacks full of school supplies from their cars to deposit in the barrels nearby, a part of our Backpack Buddies drive. Remember: you must return those by Sunday, August 2! | | 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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Walking the Mourner’s Path
Weekly on Wednesdays, September 4 – October 16, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., P307
Walking the Mourner's Path is a small group program designed to help those who have lost a loved one. Understanding grief and how mourning affects us can help us find new purpose for our lives and joyful living. Contact The Rev. Karen Evans, Priest Associate, at kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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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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 Adults’ Hike Inn Cabin Trip
Saturday, September 14 at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday, September 15 at 4:00 p.m., Amicalola Falls
Join us for a reset retreat, where we will immerse ourselves in the tranquil beauty of Amicalola Falls, unwind from our daily lives, savor homemade meals and connect with each other and nature. The cost is $35 and space is limited. Register online at bit.ly/asec-ya-retreat an contact our Young Adult Coordinator, Tasia Blair, at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org for more information.
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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
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Read The Faith and Justice Collective's
August Newsletter
The June issue includes the following highlights:
- Theodicy Jazz Collective Debuts Suite of Freedom Songs
- Tribute to a Renowned Freedom Singer
- High Museum Studies Black Quilts and Abstract Art
- Faith & Justice Luncheons Begin Next Month
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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