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Dear saints,
When I first moved to the States on a permanent basis nearly twenty years ago, I noticed how quickly I forgot the place I had previously called home. While I had no problem remembering the words of the British national anthem or where London was on a map of Europe, I noticed that the granularity of things soon began to slip away. The smells were different. Fall and winter had different nuances. Nobody understood my English soccer references in sermons. It was quite miserable. When you move homeland, there are a million little things that silently shift and a kind of amnesia sets in.
If you spend any time in the Hebrew Bible (also called the Old Testament) you discover just how much the people of God are in need of remembering the place they had once called home. From their odd wilderness longings for Egypt, to the tear-stained songs of Zion by the waters of Babylon, God’s people felt a profound need to remember, as if in failing to do so they would lose part of who they were. It is no wonder, therefore, that there is so much attention given in the Bible to memory with the word "remember" appearing more than 350 times.
Within the context of faith, the call to remember is not an act of nostalgia but an invitation to action. A biblical faith is one that remembers in order to be and to belong. We remember to put back together that which by "the chances and changes of this life" has been rent asunder. To our north, the people of Western North Carolina, among others, literally had parts of their lives rent asunder by a mighty and terrible wind in Hurricane Helene. As we approach this year's celebration of Thanksgiving—cognizant of all of the rich blessings we know in our own lives—I would like to invite us to remember them.
The churches of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina and the people they serve are still facing the most trying of circumstances. The Cathedral of All Souls was so thoroughly inundated that they have been forced to worship elsewhere. Many other churches also face significant damage, yet still they are being Christ's hands and feet for the communities in need around them. I wonder if we might remember them this Thanksgiving?
Some of the folks who registered for this year's Kanuga weekend that was cancelled due to Hurricane Helene have chosen to redirect that money to do just that. If you would like to join that effort please follow this link in Realm and choose "Hurricane Relief" in the drop-down menu. Every gift will make a difference.
Remember that no matter what may seem to divide us, we remain, in the eyes of our faith, one Body. May we each learn to live into the words of that hope articulated in the beautiful prayer for the human family found in the "Book of Common Prayer":
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Though we are many, we are one body.
Peace,
| | The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring, Rector | | |
Twenty-Sixth Sunday After Pentecost
Sunday, November 17, 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, Jazz Music)
| | ANNOUNCEMENT:The church office is closed on Fridays. The administrative staff will work remotely, however, on that day of the week. In honor of Veteran’s Day, the church office will be closed on Monday, November 11. | | 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. | | |
ATTENTION: Beware Email Scammers this Holiday Season
Please remain vigilant against email scammers pretending to be Simon or another member of the clergy or staff, including those who might appear to use a legitimate All Saints' email address. We will never ask you to buy gift cards, send us money individually, or fulfill any task for us on a personal basis. If you have any suspicion about an email you receive from someone who looks like they could be from All Saints', please call or text the staff member in question to double check.
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Gratitude for Andi Dixon our Outgoing Communications Director
Andi Dixon, who has served as our Director of Communications at All Saints' for the past couple of years will be leaving the staff in mid-December. You may well have seen Andi behind a camera at church events or seen her activity on our social media pages but much of Andi's great work for All Saints' has been unseen. Andi has been instrumental in improving the organizational strength of our communications work, in collaboration with a parishioner team she has shepherded a wonderful new edition of our annual magazine Seasons coming out this Advent, and she has invested a huge number hours in the successful migration of our website to a new platform. Please join me in praying for Andi's future career with thanksgiving for all she has offered on our staff.
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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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Children’s Service
Sunday, 9:00 a.m. in the Church
This Sunday, the children will serve and lead us as they continue to claim this faith community as their own. They will share their wisdom, awe, prayer and wonder with us. Make sure to thank them for their servant leadership.
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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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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 20 - 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, communion and prayer (together and in ways that speak to us individually). A community dinner for all participants follows the service.
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This past Sunday was a full day of worship, fellowship and meaningful connections. From early morning into evening, we came together in so many ways.
We held our four weekly service times at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and our 5:00 p.m. Welcome Table service, complete with jazz, communion and a beautiful dinner in community.
The day kicked off with Sunday Breakfast beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Ellis Hall, which was the perfect way to break bread before worship.
The Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu delivered the sermon, which reflected on the example of widows in our gospel reading, reminding us to invest care for those made vulnerable in our midst, despite forces that counter our efforts. We also said a fond “goodbye for now” to Naomi—with a standing ovation and prayers—as she headed home to South Africa this past week for a break.
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Our rector, The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring, also took time to recognize the veterans in our midst, in advance of Veteran’s Day, offering prayers and thanks for their service.
Music filled the air at both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services, all of which featured young people. At the 9:00 a.m service, our Children’s choirs sang beautifully, led by our Director of Children’s and Youth Choirs, Emily Rebecca Halbert. Then, at the 11:15 a.m. service, we were joined by the Georgia Boy Choir and their Artistic Director and Conductor, David R. White. Thanks to all of you for the gift of your music!
Afterward, parishioner Bob Edge continued the musical theme, treating our parish to a delightful (and packed!) sneak peek at the Great Music of Advent, sharing the festive sounds of this upcoming liturgical season.
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Between services, St. Helena’s continued to sell their famous pepper jelly! Get yours next week at 10:20 a.m. outside of Ellis Hall before it sells out!
The Faith & Justice Collective held a luncheon that afternoon that was a powerful conversation about author Pete Candler’s book, “A Deeper South.” The conversation served as an inflection point to continue the work of envisioning and realizing justice in our community and beyond.
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After, 77 men in our parish joined together for another Men’s Fellowship Dinner—nothing says "community" like a low-country boil in the Courtyard! Huge thanks to Hank Harris and Trav Carter for an unforgettable evening of food and fellowship.
And don’t forget to drop off your winter coats for the Threads Annual Coat Drive—let’s keep our neighbors in need warm this coming winter season.
A big thank you to everyone who made this day special! We are grateful to be a part of such a vibrant parish community!
We love meeting newcomers! Our community looks forward to you joining us for upcoming services and events throughout the year! For more information visit allsaintsatlanta.org/calendar and to watch our services online and please visit us at allsaintsatlanta.org/live during service times!
You can also view recordings of services and community events at allsaintsatlanta.org/media/video-audio-library/
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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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Be In That Number!
Thank you so much to those who have pledged.
These dollars coming in celebrate the deep generosity
you feel towards All Saints'.
This campaign is not the same without you.
Please share your gifts with a commitment / pledge here now:
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Easiest way: go online allsaintsatlanta.org/give
or email Ellen Hayes, Director of Development ehayes@allsaintsatlanta.org
Thank you so much!
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The Joe Alterman Trio Up Next in Jazz at All Saints’ Series
Friday, November 22, from 7:00 p.m., in the Church
Yearning for the joy of an evening of jazz? Then take your seat in the church on Friday, November 22, to hear the young piano sensation Joe Alterman in our second Jazz at All Saints’ concert. The soul-stirring begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a lively Q&A and refreshments in Ellis Hall. Get your ticket ($25/adult, $15/student) at allsaintsatlanta.org/jazz or at the door. Joe will bring the joy.
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Flower Guild Collection for Christmas
On Christmas Eve, the Flower Guild creates a beautiful floral offering, a tradition made possible by the generous donations of this parish. Donations can be made in memory of or in thanksgiving for a loved one. Please make a donation by December 1 to be listed in the bulletin on Christmas Eve. To donate, please visit this link.
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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. Email 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. We will resume our journey through the Book of Revelation. The only requirements are a Bible and a willingness to learn. Email The Rev. Karen Evans at kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org for additional class information.
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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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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 and the Zoom link, 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 on sale between services in the glass foyer. Get your stocking stuffers and hostess gifts before it sells out. This annual fundraiser supports women and children in need.
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Novel Theology November Meeting
Wednesday, November 20, 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: No children’s church. Please join the children’s service in the Church.
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)
SNL (6th-8th grade) and Y’all Saints’: (9th-12th grade):
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., The Attic (3rd floor of the Pritchett Center)
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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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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 if you are interested in volunteering; Threads needs you:
threads@allsaintsatlanta.org.
Current Needs:
Thank you to everyone that has donated coats so far. We are still in need of coats sizes 18- month, 24 months, 2T and 3T. We also invite you to pick a name from the clothesline to provide coats in other sizes. We appreciate you.
You may purchase items please via the Threads Amazon Wishlist:
bit.ly/ASECThreadsNovember2024
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Read The Faith and Justice Collective's
November Newsletter
The November issue includes the following highlights:
- Vote!!!
- Covenant Community’s Thanksgiving Dinner
- Look for Giving Tree Opportunities
- November 10th F&J Luncheon Features Pete Candler
- Recap of Climate and Democracy Conference
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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