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Dear saints,
This week saw the passing of one of the great theologians and church leaders of our time, Gustavo Gutiérrez. Gutiérrez was a Catholic priest from Peru and considered by many as the founding thinker of Liberation Theology, a theological framework for reading the Bible and the world through the lens of what Gutiérrez called "God's preferential option for the poor."
I can remember when I first discovered Gutiérrez's work when I was in theological college in Cambridge. It was electrifying. His work inspired me to write a dissertation at Cambridge on the theme of "Liberation in Second Isaiah" (Isaiah 40-55) and then go on to discover Postcolonial Theory which became the foundation of my doctoral work on reading the Bible with people who suffered poor mental health. I know of numerous scholars and pastors who were equally inspired by Gutiérrez's life and work.
On one hand, those years seem like a lifetime away for me, not because I am so ancient (although people do seem to take delight in commenting on how many gray hairs I now have), but because if I were to find time to write for academic publication again it would have to be during the night! On the other hand, the theology of Gustavo Gutiérrez and of others that helped form me as a priest and theologian still very much influences how I think about this wonderful church community we all are so richly blessed to call home.
In one of his less well-known books, "We Drink From Our Own Wells," Gutiérrez talks about the concept of "spendthrift hospitality," as a characteristic of "the new way that is coming into existence among us." Gutiérrez held out hope for what was being birthed and for him, this was not merely a new way of being the church, but a new way of being the world; a new way of being human.
Our "spendthrift hospitality" is expressed in many ways, and at this time of year we focus that expression on our giving. What would it mean for you to be spendthrift with your generosity? How deep does the well of your life as a giver go? Indeed, what depth of giving would have the capacity to change you?
There is no doubt in my mind that your financial support of All Saints' has a power to impact the world for good. Just this week, Bishop Emmanuel Bwatta let me know the joyous news that women will now be ordained in his diocese for the first time, and invited us to consider expanding the number of women we support in their theological education, now to be prepared for ordained ministry. It takes $800 to support a woman called to an ordained life in that part of the world. Can you imagine how that money could change a life, a family's life, a whole community's life? I wonder if we might try to find out.
God does not call the church to an ordinary kind of relationship with the world but to a transformative one. Gustavo Gutiérrez spent his life championing people who lived on the margins of things and never stopped believing in the possibility and promise of the Kingdom of God. I invite you into such a hope and if you have not yet done so, I welcome you to make a pledge that speaks to that hope.
As Gutiérrez writes the following in his magnum opus, "A Theology of Liberation": "To announce the Gospel is to proclaim that the love of God is present in the historical becoming of humankind." That love is present in us and in what we are becoming. Let's all be in that number when the saints go marching in!
Peace,
| | The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring, Rector | |
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Be In That Number!
There is ONE More Week Until Commitment Sunday
It is time for YOU to join that number!
Current Numbers: 425 pledges and $2.45million pledged.
We are two-thirds of the way to our goals!
Fill out your pledge in the courtyard or a short pledge card in the paper bulletin.
Go online and pledge at
allsaintsatlanta.org/give
OR
Call me and just tell me what you want to pledge!
Ellen Hayes, Director of Development 404-267-4275
Thank you!
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Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, October 27, 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)
| | ANNOUNCEMENT: The church office is 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. | | |
Sunday Morning Breakfast
Sundays, from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., Ellis Hall
Join us for a delicious breakfast and fellowship with the saints before Sunday services in Ellis Hall. The cost is $10 for adults and $8 for kids.
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Future of Our Block Forum: Master Plan Models
Sunday October 27, 10:20 a.m - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall and Online
Join us in the final session in our fall updates on the Future of Our Block discernment process as Hank Houser, of architects Houser Walker, presents various models for a master plan for the block. For more information please contact Simon Mainwaring, smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Trunk or Treat/Harry Potter Eucharist
Sunday, October 27, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Kennedy Courtyard and Ellis Hall
Save the date for our Trunk or Treat and Eucharist on October 27. Join in on the fun with costumes, candy, singing a Eucharist service and a movie screening.
- 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Trunk or Treat
- 4:40 p.m. - 4:50 p.m. - Children's Choir Sing
- 5:00 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. - Eucharist Service
- 5:20 p.m. - 7: 00 p.m. - Dinner and a Movie
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Threads Annual Coat Drive
Runs from Sunday, October 13 to Sunday, November 24
Bring new and gently used winter coats to donate to the many children that Threads serves each week. Please drop off coats between October 13 - November 24, in one of the Threads bins located on the All Saints' campus.
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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 with a jazz trio, 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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This past Sunday at All Saints’ Atlanta, we had a day packed with activities and celebrations. We kicked off the morning with a delicious Sunday Morning Breakfast in Ellis Hall, where parishioners enjoyed good food and great fellowship before the 9:00 a.m. service.
Our Rector, The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring talked about his own experience serving in a homeless shelter in England, where volunteers were as one with those staying there. He prompted us to ponder how we can we grow by walking in another’s footsteps and “eating at a different table than we normally eat at.” God is with us as we seek to draw near to the lives of others. To serve this way is to be willing to be changed.
Also during our Sunday services, we joined with many families in welcoming the newly baptized to the church. Let us join together in remembering our own baptisms!
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Then at 10:20 a.m., we hosted the Future of Our Block Forum, also led by Simon, alongside Nancy Dodson (Director of Finance and Operations) and Danny Johnson (Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee). Together, we explored the future of our grounds and long term finances. This was the second of a three-part series, so be sure to stay tuned for the last one this coming Sunday!
We celebrated this week with the Threads ministry, as they celebrate 20 years of service to the community. Stay tuned for more pictures of this great occasion!
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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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All Saints' Sunday Celebration
Sunday November 3, 9:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., Church and Ellis Hall
Join us for our annual celebration of All Saints' Sunday. We will enjoy beautiful music at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services and remember in prayer all those who have died from this church over the past year. Following the 9:00 a.m. service, you are invited to Ellis Hall for a Taste of All Saints’ where there will be great food from local restaurants and an opportunity for fellowship. For more information, please contact Annette Sullivan, Director of Parish Life at asullivan@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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New Commissioned Service Music: Mass for All Saints’
Sunday, November 3, at 11:15 a.m., in the Church
Starting at the 11:15 a.m. service this week, the choir will begin introducing the newly composed Mass of All Saints', a new service music setting that was commissioned for us by All Saints' member, Frank Thomas. The composer is Daniel Knaggs, a rising star of serious, young American composers. We will gradually learn the parts of this great work during October, leading up to the premiere on All Saints Sunday, November 3. Join us in our gratitude to Frank and his gift of new music!
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Jazz at All Saints’ Presents The Joe Alterman Trio
Friday, November 22, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in the Church
Acclaimed for the infectious joy of his playing, pianist Joe Alterman leads the second in the parish’s new jazz series on Friday evening, November 22. The program, featuring Joe and his trio, begins at 7:00 p.m. in the church and will be followed by a reception in Ellis Hall at 8:30. A regular performer at New York’s Birdland, this Atlanta native is regarded as one of the very best in a new generation of talented jazz performers. He has been praised by such jazz legends as Les McCann, Ahmad Jamal, and Ramsey Lewis. You will know why when you take your seat for another exciting evening of jazz at All Saints’. More information and tickets ($25/adult, $15/student) are available at allsaintsatlanta.org/jazz.
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Composer of the Week
Léon Boëllmann (1862 – 1897) was a French composer of Alsatian origin, known for a small number of compositions for organ. Boëllmann’s work resembles that of Franck and Saint-Saens, yet exhibits a post-Romantic aesthetic. His best-known composition is “Suite gothique,” which is a staple of the organ repertoire, especially its concluding toccata.
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Ushering for All Saints
We need you to serve as a friendly face and provide a warm welcome to all who enter our church doors. Our Usher Ministry is one of hospitality and assistance to all worshipers, giving extra attention and help to visitors and those with special needs. As a team, usher distribute bulletins, collect offerings, provide attendance counts and guide worshipers to communion. Please contact Charlie Rigby at 770-330-9370 or polyadd333@gmail.com. Thanks for volunteering.
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Jesus on the Front Page
Sundays, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Parish Hall 307
In this weekly Sunday morning discussion of a current news story, participants reflect on how we are called to live as faithful people. In a nonpartisan reflection, we explore how we might be called to pray differently, think differently or act differently in our private and public lives. We ask where God might be found in this story and learn to name our lament as well as our hope. E-mail Clark Lemons (clemons@emory.edu) if you have questions!
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The Journey Bible Study
Weekly on Mondays, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., on Zoom
The Journey (Bible Study) continues, led by The Rev. Karen Evans, Parish Priest Associate. Starting in September, we will resume our journey through the Book of Revelation. The only requirements are a Bible and a willingness to learn. Email kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org for additional class information.
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School of the Spirit: “And It Was Good” with the Candler Foundry
Each Wednesday in October, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., on Zoom
Join the Candler Foundry for a five-session course exploring our responsibility for "this fragile earth, our island home." Taught by leading scholars and theologians, the course explores ecological care through the intersecting lens of theology, spirituality, and ethics, and leads participants to respond to shifting realities in hopeful and generative ways. All Saints' parishioners may register for free using the promotional code “AllSaints24” at check-out with this link: bit.ly/asec-cf-anditwasgood
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School of the Spirit: Theology for All Seasons
Wednesdays, November 6, 13 and 20, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., P305/306 and on Zoom
Theology is worship. It is “faith seeking understanding” as the early church fathers said. It is a way to more fully know the God we praise. Come and develop the devotional practice of reflecting theologically in the twelve-week course, “Theology for All Seasons.” Register at bit.ly/asec-theology-class and contact The Rev. Dr. Jennifer McBride for more information (jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org).
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Adult Formation Sunday Forum with Bob Edge
Sunday, November 10, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall
In anticipation of the Advent season, come hear Bob Edge lead us through some of the great music of Advent, as well as guide us toward the great musical opportunities happening in and around Atlanta during the season.
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The Faith & Justice Collective Luncheon
Sunday, November 10, from 12:30 P.M. to 2:15 p.m., Ellis Hall
The Faith & Justice Collective luncheon series is an opportunity for justice-minded parishioners to get to know one another and hear about the work we do as a church community and in our own lives. Join us in November for a conversation with author Pete Candler about his extraordinary book, “A Deeper South: The Beauty, Mystery, and Sorrow of the Southern Road.” Candler, who belongs to one of Georgia's most recognizable families, confronts the hard truths of his ancestors' roles in the South's legacy of white supremacy with wit and a humility that recognizes that his journey of self-reflection is only just beginning. Please register in advance at bit.ly/asec-fandj-24luncheon1.
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One Parish One Book
Sundays, November 17, 24 and December 1, 8, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., In-Person (Various Locations) and on Zoom
During the season of Advent, the entire parish will read one book together and gather over four Sundays for small group discussion during the morning formation period. Jesus on the Front Page and Parenting with God classes will continue to meet together for this discussion, while other parishioners will be divided by age groups with a clergy member leading the discussion group. A zoom group will also be offered. Before and during Advent we will read Amy Jill Levine’s The Light of the World. Purchase a copy wherever books are sold and join us! For more information, please contact The Rev. Dr. Jennifer McBride (jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org).
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Wednesdays @ All Saints'
Wednesdays throughout the year, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Ellis Hall
Join us for Wednesdays @ All Saints' (aka Wednesday Night Supper). Grab a friend to come enjoy a meal while connecting with the community. Please note, we have new pricing:
- Adults - $14
- Kids (5-18) - $7
- Kids under 5 – Free
- Students – $8
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St. Helena’s Hellfire Pepper Jelly Sale
Sundays in November, 10:20 a.m. - 11:15 a.m., in the foyer of Ellis Hall
Saint Helena's famous Hellfire Pepper Jelly is going on sale between services in the glass foyer beginning November 3. Get your stocking stuffers and hostess gifts before it sells out. This annual fundraiser supports women and children in need.
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Men's Fellowship Dinner
Sunday, November 10, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Courtyard / Ellis Hall
Join us for seafood in the courtyard! On November 10, we will enjoy a low-country boil hosted by the legendary Christopher Huber and Hank Harris. Please join us for fellowship and dinner, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Contact Trav Carter at trav@travcarter.com for more details.
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Novel Theology November Meeting
Wednesday, November 16, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Ross Room
On Wednesday, November 20, Novel Theology will discuss “Fidelity: Five Stories” by Wendell Berry. Please join us in the Ross Room or on Zoom! Contact Laura Trott at lmtrott@gmail.com to join the mailing list and for Zoom information!
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Weekly Children & Youth Formation
Nursery/Little Saints: Birth-Pre-K, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.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's 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)
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NOTE: There will be no Sunday Night Live (SNL) on Sunday, October 27. Youth are invited to join for the Trunk or Treat / Harry Potter Night.
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Young Adults’ Bowling Social Event
Sunday, November 8, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Register for Location Information
Join the Young Adults for a fun night of bowling! Meet new friends, enjoy some friendly competition, and fellowship. Registration is required for this event. For more information, please contact Tasia Blair, our Young Adults Coordinator, at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Young Adults’ Brunch & Bible Study
Sunday, November 17, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., The Ross Room
Come enjoy a delicious catered meal, lively conversation and Bible study 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. For more information, please contact Tasia Blair, our Young Adults Coordinator, at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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 | | |
Covenant Community, Inc.’s 29th Annual Men of Hope Thanksgiving Dinner
Tuesday, November 26, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Ellis Hall
This Thanksgiving help us serve hope to our neighbors in need! Covenant Community’s Men of Hope Thanksgiving Dinner provides a warm, plated holiday meal for nearly 400 guests, many of whom are unhoused or living in shelters in Midtown Atlanta. For $15, you can sponsor a meal and give someone the chance to enjoy the season. Alongside the dinner, our resource fair offers vital support, including hygiene kits, HIV testing, clothing, and access to critical services like TANF. Your contribution does more than provide a meal—it helps guests feel valued, supported, and hopeful for the future.
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We Need You! Volunteer Receptionists
Become a volunteer receptionist at All Saints’! Our volunteers work on a bi-weekly schedule covering a four-hour shift. If interested, please contact Marie Louise Muhumuza at mlmuhumuza@allsaintsatlanta.org or Tracey Sage at tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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.
Current Needs:
- baby boys’ clothing: sizes 3 months - 24 months
You may purchase items please via the Threads Amazon Wishlist:
bit.ly/ASECThreadsOctober2024
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Read The Faith and Justice Collective's
October Newsletter
The October issue includes the following highlights:
- Loving and Serving Our Neighbors through Children’s Ministries
- Redlining: Systemic Racism in Action
- Last Call to Register to Vote
- All Parishioners Invited to All Sorts’ PRIDE Events
- Georgians for Alternatives to Death Penalty Plan Action Day
- New Scared Ground Circles Forming
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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