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Dear saints,
I wonder if you have managed to catch the gorgeous images shared this week of the restored interior of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. They are exquisite. It is truly one of the most treasured sites in the world of church architecture.
I was particularly taken by what President Macron said about what the restored Notre Dame could be for the world right now: "a shock of hope." New Testament scholar and bishop, N. T. Wright, talks of being surprised by hope, which I appreciate, yet hope can certainly be shocking, can't it, especially when hope comes when it had not been expected.
As I write this, I look out of my office window across West Peachtree to the North Avenue MARTA station where through the years I have seen so much humanity that seems to be longing for some hope. Earlier in the week, a man ran out of the station, screaming and beating himself, as two officers calmly followed at a distance. I can't imagine the demons he has had to bear and the loneliness a person feels when bearing such things. What would it mean for that man to know a shock of hope?
It seems to me that this is a particularly pressing question for the mission of the church. Church has never existed in order "to get people here," but to reach people there. What does it mean for us to say that the light of God is coming into the world within the context of that man's life, or any life so seemingly low on hope?
I believe that our endeavor to answer that sort of question begins with ourselves. How do we know the hope of Christ's light in our own lives? What is shadowing that light in us right now? And what could we do to change that?
I find myself shadowing the light of Christ all too easily when I move to judgement. I have been on the earth half a century now, yet I have not yet fully realized that not everyone sees the world quite as I do. I'm not sure if this is hubris or stupidity. Either way, it doesn't help me make space in my life for the light of Christ to dwell so that I might see and receive that light in others.
Perhaps you have your own ways of shadowing the ethereal presence of God. The challenge is that the brilliance of God comes to us rather paradoxically with slight and gentle shimmers of illumination. God never glares at us. We are not ever caught in the headlights of the divine. It is a light truer than any we might ever hope to see, yet possible to miss entirely.
One gift, among many, of the church is that it offers to us the good company of others such that together we might learn to be seers. Light catchers of all ages await you on that little church on West Peachtree and North Avenue. The world needs "the eyes of your heart enlightened." Come by and help that world be shocked again by hope.
Blessings,
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We are delighted to announce that Kathy Powell will be joining the staff as our new Director of Communications. Kathy comes to us with 15+ years of communication experience, having worked for a Catholic Church, an interfaith organization, and a Reform Jewish Synagogue. Her focus on faith-based & nonprofit communications is grounded in her deep respect for the value of every person and her belief in the power of community. Kathy lives in Roswell with her husband Kent and three kids, Eli (12), Amelia (10), and Anna (8). In her free time, she enjoys cooking without recipes, reminding her kids to use their inside voices, and subscribing to e-newsletters. Kathy is thrilled to bring her gifts to All Saints' starting December 9.
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Second Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 8, 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)
| | 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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Tuesday, December 24: Christmas Eve
- 1:00 p.m.: A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols with Adult Choir (No Communion)
- 3:00 p.m.: Christmas Eve Worship with Communion and Children's Choirs
- 5:00 p.m.: Christmas Eve Worship with Communion and Youth Choirs
- 7:00 p.m.: Christmas Eve Worship with Communion and Adult Choir and string ensemble
- 10:00 p.m.: Christmas Eve Worship with Communion and Adult Choir and string ensemble
*Nursery is open 2:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
*The 3:00 p.m., 5:00p.m., and 7:00 p.m. services will be live streamed.
Wednesday, December 25: Christmas Day
• 10:00 a.m.: Christmas Day: Holy Communion with music
*There is no nursery care offered on Wednesday, December 25.
Sunday, December 29
- 8:00 a.m.: First Sunday of Christmas: Communion, traditional language, no music
- 10:00 a.m.: First Sunday of Christmas: Communion, contemporary language, Adult choir *There is no Welcome Table on Sunday, December 29.
*There is no nursery care offered on Sunday, December 29.
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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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One Parish One Book
Sundays, December 8 and 15, 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 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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Young Adults Brunch
Sunday, December 8 at 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Ross Room for adults, ages 20s and 30s
Join us for a festive brunch to celebrate Advent and Christmas. Please RSVP by emailing Tasia Blair: youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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, December 1, we were blessed to begin the Advent season together in a truly special way. From the peaceful quiet of early morning worship to the lively gatherings that followed, the day was filled with moments of connection, creativity, and celebration.
Here’s a glimpse of how we kicked off this season of anticipation:
Our Advent journey began with four beautiful worship services:
- 8:00 a.m.: A serene traditional service with timeless language and no music.
- 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.: Contemporary services, each with uplifting choral music to inspire and uplift.
- 5:00 p.m.: The Welcome Table – a relaxed and soulful service in the Chapel,
complete with jazz music and a warm community dinner to follow.
The Rev. Dr. Jenny McBride shared a sermon that invoked the liturgical season, inviting us to "look up," knowing that Jesus has come into our world to make all things new. This awareness should enable us to face crises and tumult in our world with assurance, confidence and grace, knowing that God has placed a calling on our lives: to love God and our neighbors through the storm.
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In Ellis Hall, families and friends gathered for our Advent Adventure. Together, we crafted Advent wreaths, created handmade cards for the homebound, and shared in the beauty of our Nativity Museum, which featured a stunning collection of nativities from our own parishioners. It was a day full of creativity and fellowship—an ideal way to begin the season.
In the spirit of giving, we also had the pleasure of welcoming the St. Clare’s Needlepoint Guild, who brought their gorgeous new 2025 Christmas ornaments for sale. We also concluded our Flower Guild Collection for Christmas, inviting generous donations to create a stunning floral display for our Christmas Eve services.
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The evening brought us to The Welcome Table, our 5:00 p.m. worship service, which was followed by a community dinner. It was a peaceful time of rest, renewal, and connection as we prepared for the week ahead.
And finally, we kicked off our Giving Tree—a wonderful tradition where parishioners can select a leaf and donate gifts for those in need. The tree is in the foyer of Ellis Hall, and we invite you to stop by and spread some holiday cheer!
Then, on Wednesday, December 4, we held our annual St. Nicholas Celebration and Feast! We gathered in Ellis Hall for a festive holiday meal with two dinner seatings, enjoying delicious catered meals and the warmth of community. The theme of the evening, "Star of Wonder, Star of Night, Guide us with Your Perfect Light," set the tone as we celebrated the coming of God’s light into the world.
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Between the dinner seatings, we were treated to a beautiful storytelling of St. Nicholas of Myra in the Church, followed by our talented Children’s Choirs and bell ringers leading us in carols that filled the air with joy and wonder. And as part of our tradition, Children’s Ministries collected new socks for Threads, a nod to the stockings hung by the chimney. A heartfelt way to give back this season, and so lovely to see families coming together in service.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this beloved All Saints’ tradition. We can’t wait to carry the spirit of St. Nicholas with us throughout this Advent season! We look forward to more festive moments and community gatherings as we continue to celebrate the light of Christ this season.
As we step further into Advent, let us hold on to the spirit of hope, joy, and community. And please journey with us through this Advent season via this Advent Devotional and accompanying booklet!
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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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All Saints' offers easy ways to pay your pledge or to make a gift:
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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Year End Giving:
There is still time to make a gift, pledge payment or stock transfer. To be counted as a 2024 gift for tax purposes, we must have your gift by noon on Friday Dec. 27, 2024 or postmarked by Dec. 31, 2024. Thanks for your support All Saints’!
Our Charles Schwab account is:
“All Saints’ Episcopal Church”
Account #: 1084-6679 • DTC #: 0164 Code: 40
Stock gifts do NOT come with the donor’s name included so remember to contact Betsey Gibbs at bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org, and let her know the stock gift is coming.
Remember to Pledge!
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Atlanta Boy Choir Concert
Friday, December 13, 7:00 p.m., Church
Enjoy the blessing of childrens' voices in the beauty of our sanctuary. Tickets and details at atlantaboychoir.org
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Coro Vocati Concert
Saturday, December 14, 7:00 p.m., Church
An annual favorite: celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Coro Vocati! Tickets and details at corovocati.org/events
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Caroling at the MARTA station
Wednesday, December 18, 5:00 p.m., Kennedy Courtyard
Join us as we bring Christmas cheer to our neighbors at the North Avenue MARTA station. We'll meet in the church courtyard at 5:00 p.m., cross the street to sing Christmas carols for the passers-by, then celebrate with hot chocolate and cookies back in Ellis Hall. Festive attire is welcome. For more information, please contact Andy Barnett at abarnett@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Women’s Advent Retreat: What is Your Courageous “Yes!”?
Saturday, December 7, 4-6 pm, Begins in Chapel, Ends in Ellis Hall (Labyrinth open in courtyard at 3:30 pm)
Join us for contemplation, fellowship, and food as we accompany Mary in her courageous “Yes!” to God. Register at bit.ly/asec-2024-advent-women and indicate your need for childcare. For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Jenny McBride: (jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org).
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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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Walking the Mourner’s Path
Wednesdays, January 22 - March 19, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall 307
The grief of today can become new purpose for tomorrow. Walking the Mourner’s Path is an 8- week program designed to help those who have lost a loved one learn about grief and what can help. The small group will meet Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Contact The Rev. Karen Evans at kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org for more information or to join the group.
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Wednesday Night Supper Holiday Dates
- Wednesdays throughout the year, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Ellis Hall
- December 11: Regular Wednesday Night Supper
Wednesday Night Supper then takes a break until Wednesday January 8, 2025.
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All Sorts Holiday Party
Saturday, December 7, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., Offsite
Please join us for our All Sorts holiday party on December 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the home of Dan Pennywell. RSVP to allsorts@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Poinsettia Delivery
Sunday, December 22, Church
Help Sunday Callers deliver poinsettias to homebound parishioners on December 22. You can pick them up after the 9:00 a.m. service, or after the 11:15 a.m. service on Sunday, December 22. To volunteer, contact Pat Robinson, 404-395-5793, probinson999@gmail.com.
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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., 2nd 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 Adults Gift Exchange
Saturday, December 7, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
We’ll meet for a house party to exchange gifts and enjoy dinner on Saturday, December 7 at 6:00 p.m. If you’d like to join, please RSVP by emailing Tasia Blair: youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org
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Young Adults Brunch
Sunday, December 8 at 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Ross Room
Join us for a festive brunch to celebrate Advent and Christmas for adults, 20s and 30s. Please RSVP by emailing Tasia Blair: 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!
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2025 Tanzania Visit Informational Lunch
Sunday, December 15, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., P305/306
Next July, Simon will lead a small group of parishioners on a visit to Tanzania to continue to build relationships with Lake Tanganyika Theological College where All Saints' supports several women in receiving theological education for ordained ministry. If you have expertise in IT, water management, and environmental stewardship, those skills in particular would be beneficial for our partners to further the life of their diocese. If you’re interested in attending, please contact Tracey Sage by Wednesday, December 11 at tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Help Bag Gifts for Burmese Karen Community
Sunday, December 15, 10:20 a.m. – 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall
Join us between services in Ellis Hall on 12/15 for cookies and spreading cheer through gift bagging for our Karen Burmese community. If you would like to donate gifts for this event, you can use this link: amzn.to/4etz0lG: and choose Betsy Robinson Gift Registry Address for shipping. For a tax letter, forward your amazon receipt to louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Holiday Parties for Refugee Ministries and FOCUS
Saturday, December 21, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., The Attic and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Ellis Hall
You have two opportunities to help with holiday welcome. Sign up to help with decorations, transportation or food for our Refugee Ministries party in the attic from 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. on December 21 at bit.ly/AllSaintsGivingTree or sign up to provide welcome to FOCUS medically fragile families from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in Ellis Hall on December 21 at bit.ly/FOCUSxmas.
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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.
You may purchase items please via the Threads Amazon Wishlist:
bit.ly/ASECThreadDecember2024
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Read The Faith and Justice Collective's
December Newsletter
The December issue includes the following highlights:
- Voice Lifters: A Matter of Better Understanding
- All Saints’ Supports Female Seminarians in Tanganyika
- History Center Examines Forsyth County Race Expulsion
- Now’s the Time to Support the Giving Tree
- Gun Safety Events Scheduled This 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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