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Dear saints,
We find ourselves, as we move into a new year, between the worst and the best of who we can be. As we awoke on New Year’s Day we learned of a night of heartbreaking loss in New Orleans. It is hard to imagine the terror that the victims of that night suffered. It is also hard to imagine what could lead a person to resolve to do such a thing. Faced with such questions it can be all too easy to become despairing of human nature and of the state of the world when life is cast away so callously.
Yet, in a few days' time, the nation will give thanks for a man who taught us all of our better selves. President Jimmy Carter spent an entire life pursuing the dignity of others' lives. His steadfast service of his fellow human beings became a moral authority all of its own. Some of you knew him personally. Several others were fortunate enough to meet him. Yet all of us were privileged to see what a life can look like when it dedicates its whole passage to loving your neighbor. When I look at President Carter's life, I am filled with hope for the kind of world we could build, for the best of who we could be.
Being an active member of this faith community will not stop terrible things happening in the world, nor will it lead to the resolution of entrenched conflict and deep-set injustice. Yet, being an alive member of the Body of Christ will incline your life to be a light in the world. Engaging in the life we share together will offer to you the opportunity to orient your life toward the good of others. It will form you for service. It will make you other-wise.
2025 promises to be an exciting year for us at All Saints' as a community. This year we will arrive together on our shared vision for the future of our city block, with a campus master plan that will pave the way for the long-term future of the church in this place. We'll enjoy new jazz concerts, a spectacular celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. later this month, and some great music with our adult, youth and children's choirs. Our core ministries and adult formation offerings will remain integral to our life as Christians in our place and time, and we will continue to be the village that raises the children and youth of this church. All of this and so much more is predicated on your choice. The church's question as it finds you betwixt life and death invites you to choose others, in small yet incrementally significant ways.
This Sunday January 5th we will hold an Epiphany Ministry Fair in Ellis Hall following the 9:00 a.m. service with an array of groups ready to tell you more about their work in the church and how you can 'be a light' in this Epiphany season. I hope you'll come by and see how your small, faithful next step can carry the light onward in this place.
The best of ourselves and the worst. It is always thus. Be a light, dear saints. Your life lived for others has a home here.
Every blessing to you all this new year.
Peace,
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Staff News
I am delighted to announce here that Marcia Mayfield, who has been on our staff since the summer of 2023 as our part-time Threads coordinator, will now assume a new full-time role as Director of Parish Events and Threads Clothing. Marcia's role with continue with Threads and on the parish events side she will focus on our major events of the year such as Kanuga in October and our Back to the Block celebration in August, as well as our hospitality needs for Wednesday night suppers and other smaller parish gatherings. Marcia has a wonderful combination of warmth and care and a clear eye for coordination and collaboration, something the Threads volunteers have enjoyed well these past 18 months.
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Alongside Marcia, our two associate rectors, Andy Barnett and Jenny McBride, will exercise new leadership roles at All Saints' in engaging parishioners in the wide array of parish ministries we enjoy here. Broadly, Andy will oversee engagement in Worship Ministries, Newcomers and Welcome, Young Adult Ministries, and Pastoral Care Ministries, while Jenny will oversee engagement in Adult Formation, MAC and Covenant Community, Faith and Justice Collective ministries, and Parish Life groups. If you lead a group in one of these areas or would like to know more, please do reach out to Andy or Jenny.
Together, these fantastic staff bring an array of talent and experience to these new leadership roles and I am confident we will be a stronger parish because of their work here.
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Second Sunday After Christmas
Sunday, January 5, 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 In The New Year
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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THIS SUNDAY: Epiphany Ministry Fair
Sunday, January 5, 10:20 a.m. – 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall
With New Year’s resolutions in mind, you are invited to be a light in this place by volunteering to join a ministry of action. Join us in Ellis Hall to learn how you can be involved with worship, pastoral care, Faith and Justice Collective, and Children and Youth Formation. Contact: The Rev. Dr. Andrew K. Barnett: abarnett@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.
| | One of the best parts of ending a year is seeing all the year-end roundups. Here's a small snapshot of our clergy in action in 2024. Thank you for making All Saints' a vibrant and welcoming faith community! | | |
It's a new year! This Sunday's Epiphany Ministry Fair following the 9:00 a.m. service is a great way to learn more about ways to be involved and serve with All Saints'. We look forward to you joining us for upcoming services and events throughout the year. For more information on upcoming events, read this weekly newsletter every Friday or visit allsaintsatlanta.org/calendar.
If you can't join us in-person, you are still a part of our All Saints' community!
Did you know you can watch our services online? Please visit us at allsaintsatlanta.org/live during service times. We stream to our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel, so you can join us in whichever way is most convenient for you. 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 Julie Lockhart, Director of Development, jlockhart@allsaintsatlanta.org.
Thank you so much!
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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
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.
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Epiphany Service for All Ages
Wednesday, January 8, 5:00 p.m., Chapel
The evening begins at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel with a procession of the Bethlehem star and the
three magi bearing gifts for the Christ child in the manger. We will bring our own gifts of baby clothes for the children that come to shop at Threads as we learn to keep following and reflecting that light of Christ today.
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Concert to Honor Dr. King
Saturday, January 18, 7:00 p.m., Church
Join us for our annual celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy. Members of Theodicy Jazz Collective– Saxophonist Will Cleary and Vocalist Imani Grace Cooper– will play with our hometown rhythm section: Pianist Andy Barnett, Bassist Kevin Smith, and Grammy-Winning Drummer Robert Boone. The group will offer a concert on Saturday night, hosted by the Rev. Natosha Reid Rice. Contact: The Rev. Dr. Andrew K. Barnett: abarnett@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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MLK Sunday at All Saints' with Rev. Dr. Andrea White
Sunday, January 19, Church
Worship and learn with us!
Worship with Special Music and Guest Preacher
9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Services
Guest musicians will collaborate with the All Saints’ Choir for the 9:00 and 11:15 services on Sunday Morning. Our Preacher and Teacher will be the Rev. Dr. Andrea White, Associate Professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Contact: The Rev. Dr. Andrew K. Barnett: abarnett@allsaintsatlanta.org.
MLK Adult Forum
10:20-11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall
On this MLK Sunday, join us for a conversation with prominent Union Theological Seminary professor and Womanist theologian, Rev. Dr. Andrea White, as she reflects on how listening to the experiences of others is essential to living the gospel good news. Since Womanist theology asks questions that on center race, Dr. White will reflect on how listening to Black women’s experience is vital for Christian faith and public witness. Contact Rev. Jenny McBride with any questions, jmcbride@allsaintstalanta.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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Sunday Forum: “Politics and Faith in an Era of Polarization” with Joe Crespino
Sunday, January 12, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall
The Sunday after the presidential inauguration, join us as we think together about “Politics and Faith in an Era of Polarization,” led by All Saints’ parishioner and Emory political historian, Joe Crespino.
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The Faith & Justice Collective Luncheon: Advocacy Opportunities for Refugees, Immigrants, and Asylum Seekers
Sunday, January 12, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. – 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 January for a conversation with Louisa Merchant, the Director of Refugee Ministries at All Saints', about the kind of advocacy that may be needed for refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers. Louisa will lay out where things seem to stand with the newly inaugurated administration and will walk us through concrete actions we might take personally and as a church-community. The session will focus on navigating trauma and will primarily be conducted in pairs and small groups. Please register in advance at
https://bit.ly/FaithJusticeCollectiveLuncheon3 and contact Rev. Jenny McBride with any
questions, jmcbride@allsaintstalanta.org.
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Adult Inquirers Class - Winter Session
Wednesdays, January 15 - February 12, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., via Zoom
Adult Inquirers Class is a five-part introduction to the life of faith at All Saints’. The first four meetings are on Zoom with the final session in person over dinner at the church. Participants are asked to commit to all five sessions. Additional adult inquirers classes will be held later in the spring and fall. Upon completion of classes, confirmation and membership will be available. For more details contact Simon Mainwaring at (smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org) or Tracey Sage (tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org).
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Wednesday Night Supper Returns!
Wednesday January 8, 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Ellis Hall
Join us as we resume Wednesday Night Supper and celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany on Wednesday, January 8, 2025! There will be a festive Three Kings Cake and star cookies.
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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: Children's Church will Resume on January 5.
Children Formation: Children's Church will Resume on January 5.
Youth Formation: Youth Formation will Resume on January 5.
SNL (6th-8th grade) and Y’all Saints’ (9th-12th grade):
SNL takes a break be back for Christmas and will resume on January 5 for the Epiphany Bonfire. For more details and location, please email Luke Nolfa lnolfa@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Children's Choirs Commence Wednesday, January 8
Wednesday, January 8, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Cherub Choir (PK-K)
- 4:35 p.m. - 5:10 p.m. Primary Choir (Grades 1-2)
- 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Junior Choir (preparing for the Children’s Musical) (Grades 3-6)
- Handbells are taking a break until after the Children’s Musical
Youth Choir Resumes Sunday, January 12
Sunday, January 12, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday Rehearsals (preparing for our Youth Choir Trip, January 31- February 2).
Come sing, grow, and make a joyful noise with us this year! For more information, contact Emily Rebecca Halbert, Director of Children’s and Youth Music, at ehalbert@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 | | |
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
| | Click the image above to view our "thank yous" to parishioners from various staff members. We appreciate the ways you serve our parish community! | | |
Share Your Photos!
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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