Dear saints,

A couple of weekends ago, I got to be a chaperone on the youth choir weekend trip to Chattanooga, TN. During one of our hang out times, an All Saints' high schooler asked me rather delightfully, "what exactly do you do each day?" I've been asking myself that same question for the past 23 years since the Bishop of Worcester gathered me and a dozen or so others newly ordained in front of the cathedral congregation and said something like, "the best we could get."

I don't think any two days of this ordained life have been quite the same. On one hand, it is a maddeningly wide array of duties and responsibilities. On the other hand, "what I do" has never been boring! Sometimes, though, I try to pay attention to the patterns in that "doing", trusting that when Worcester Cathedral’s congregation sang "Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire", they were on to something. We do not travel this road alone. 

This past week of patterns looks to me a lot like bundles of light. Yesterday, I sat in a room with other members of Skyland Trail's advisory board, of which I am a brand-new member, soaking up the many ways by which that place is light in the lives of teenagers, adults and their loved ones. The night before I gathered with a good forty saints in Egleston library as we talked through how we could raise funds and throw a wonderful celebration party in support of refugee families. It almost felt like the portraits of rectors past had a twinkle in their eyes as we dared to dream together. The day before that, I sat in a light-soaked hospital room, praying with a saint who has known the grace of God through the life of this parish since the late 1970's. And on Sunday, as children gathered around the baptismal font, in the glow of the morning sun, we all celebrated the youngest among us being marked as Christ's own forever. Witness upon witness upon witness to a church that says over and over, let us be a light today. Whatever it is that I do as a priest, I know, unreservedly, that it has everything to do with keeping hope in that light alive.

One of the treasured qualities of church architecture of the sort we enjoy at All Saints' is that the building so often speaks for itself. Recently, a small crew of us were interviewed as part of an Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters series called 'Sacred Sounds and Spaces'. You can watch it here: Sacred Sounds and Spaces | All Saints (YouTube). Watching it, I heard myself describe All Saints' as "a beacon of hope". As a person who so often uses 100 words when 10 would have done just fine, "a beacon of hope" seems to capture us in a nutshell. That is what I do: I serve the people of God as we are a beacon of hope for the world. 

So, now that I've figured it out, I'm turning the question back to you: what do you do here? Whatever your answer is, I'm deeply glad that it is here that you do it.

Keep the faith.

Peace,

Raising Hope for Refugees

For every $12,500 raised, we can support one refugee family for six months.

Let's work together to see how many families we can help!

You can give to the appeal by clicking on this link and selecting 'Refugee Ministry Donation Fund' from the drop-down menu.  We invite you to join us by inviting friends, colleagues and neighbors to do the same. And of course, we will invite them to join us for the party at All Saints' at the end of it all. Read Simon's full letter here.

Save the Date: "HALLELUJAH ANYHOW" Evening of Celebration

Saturday, March 29, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

You can also support our efforts by buying tickets to our upcoming "Hallelujah Anyhow" Evening of Celebration in Ellis Hall on Saturday, March 29. More details and the opportunity to purchase tickets will be forthcoming. For now, please save the date! For more information, please contact Louisa Merchant, louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org.

THIS SUNDAY

The Seventh Sunday After Epiphany

Sunday, February 23, 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 live stream of our Sunday worship services is now available at allsaintsatlanta.org/live, facebook.com/AllSaintsATL and on youtube.com/@AllSaintsATL. Feel free to join us via your preferred platform and be sure to give us a follow! 

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. 

Carmen Bradford Up Next in Jazz at All Saints' Concert Series

TOMORROW, Saturday, February 22, 7:00 p.m., Church

The reigning queen of jazz lovers’ hearts—vocalist Carmen Bradford—will star in our third Jazz at All Saints’ concert on Saturday, February 22, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The winner of a 2024 Grammy, Carmen is considered jazz royalty. You can be sure if it ain’t got that swing, it ain’t got Carmen or her accompanist, pianist Reginald Thomas! Come hear these storied artists for yourself and stay for the insightful Q&A hosted by our own Virginia Schenck and the reception in Ellis Hall. Tickets are available at the door: $25/adult, $15/student. Get tickets here. Make it easy to invite friends & neighbors by sharing the Facebook event!

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.

Sunday Forum: An Overachiever's Guide to Being Enough

Sunday, February 23, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall & Livestreamed

Join our rector, Simon, for part two of his two-part forum as he tells his story of being an overachiever in a never-satisfied culture and reflect with him on ways we might learn to be enough. Watch last week's recording of Part 1 here.

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! 

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. 

Men's Dinner

Sunday, February 23, 6:30 p.m., Ellis Hall

Please join us for an evening of fellowship with wine, cheese, and charcuterie, followed by a delicious Indian meal from Naan Stop. This dinner is hosted by Clay Jackson, Bob Woodward, and Neal Idnani, and you can register on Realm. The cost is $25 per person, and financial support is available upon request. Contact: Andy Barnett: abarnett@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Saturday's Sing-A-Long with Robert Ray was a jolt of joy with over 75 people gathered around to sing and enjoy the potluck. Picture below singing "Puff the Magic Dragon."

Due to strong storms Saturday night, most of the campus experienced a power outage on Sunday - but not all of it. Jeanie Hill captured this great picture of the one, mysterious, holy lantern that shone brightly over the pews. Worship and Baptisms joyously carried on, despite dim light. Unfortunately, there was no livestream on Sunday due to the lack of power, but you can watch a recording of Simon's forum, An Overachiever's Guide to Being Enough: Part 1, thankfully without a consistent beeping in the background.

Like Simon mentioned in his letter, the new episode of AIB's Sacred Sounds & Spaces featuring All Saints' is worth your time to watch. They did a gorgeous job highlighting our building and music. Special thanks to Alvin Moore, Margaret Langford, Scott Lamlein, and Simon for their willingness to be interviewed and for their love of and service to our All Saints' community.

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/ .

Consider becoming a member of All Saints’ Cornerstone by making a planned gift today to All Saints’. You can include the church in your will or as a beneficiary of an IRA or insurance policy. If you don’t have a will, it may be time to write one.

For more information, contact our Planned Giving Committee, Chair: David Begley (david@wdbegley.com). The Cornerstone Society recognizes parishioners who have made a planned gift to All Saints’. Join the more than 200 members who have made this important commitment.

If you have questions, please e-mail them to:

Julie Lockhart, Director of Development, jlockhart@allsaintsatlanta.org.

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

Pledge now at allsaintsatlanta.org/give 

WORSHIP & MUSIC

Composer of the Week: Rev. Dr. Lena McLin

Lena McLin, composer of this week’s Communion Anthem, has been at the forefront of contemporary choral music for over thirty years. A graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, Rev. McLin has composed over 400 works, including symphonies, operas, art songs and many arrangements of African American spirituals. As an educator, she taught for many years as chair of the award-winning music program at Kenwood High School. Rev. McLin has been instrumental in launching the careers of several members of the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York City including former students, baritone Mark Rucker and soprano Nicole Heaston. The niece of Thomas A Dorsey, the “Father of Gospel,” Lena McLin’s musical inspiration and scholarship are rooted in both Gospel and classic music.

Matt Kaminski Steps Up to the Plate for the March 14th Jazz at All Saints’ Concert

Friday, March 14, 7:00 p.m., Church

Matt Kaminski, the highly regarded stadium organist of the Atlanta Braves, will headline Jazz at All Saints’ on Friday evening, March 14. While especially beloved by Braves fans and sportscasters, Matt is also a musical legend in the city. Jazz is his first love, but he also performs in a western swing band, a polka band, a Latin salsa orchestra, and a rock band. For our concert, he and his jazz quartet will bring fan favorite songs to the mix, starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. The concert will be followed by the usual lively Q&A and then a reception in Ellis Hall. Be sure to tell your teammates and get your tickets for this family-friendly concert ($25/adult, $15/student) at allsaintsatlanta.org/jazz or at the door.

The Journey Bible Study  

Weekly on Mondays, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., on Zoom 

First the history and then the prophetic response will be our format for Bible study through May. The history of the two kingdoms, Israel and Judah, will be read including the stories of the prophets Elijah, Elisha and Amos. For more information or to sign up for the class, please contact The Rev. Karen Evans kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org.

School of the Spirit: Theology for All Seasons

Wednesday. February 26, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., P305/306 and on Zoom

Join us this week to look ahead to Lent and Good Friday as we discuss the meaning of Jesus's crucifixion and critically reflect on how different Christians have understood the meaning of the cross. This hybrid course connects the foundational building blocks of Christian faith with the corresponding liturgical season. All are welcome; participants can enter the course at any time. Register at https://bit.ly/asec-theology-class-feb and contact Jenny McBride for more information (jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org).

Out of Hand Play at Faith & Justice Collective Luncheon

Sunday, March 9, register to eat lunch at 12:30 p.m., play starts at 1:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

Join us in March as we host the 2025 Out of Hand play, How To Make a Home by Amina McIntyre. The show is a collaboration with Partners for Home and Mayor Dickens and is designed to shed light on the realities of people experiencing homelessness in Atlanta, from full-time students and workers to families living in their cars. Registration in advance is required for a box lunch and a donation of $12 is suggested to cover the lunch. Please register at https://bit.ly/faith_and_justice_march_2024. The play itself is free for parishioners and the public, so please spread the word about this opportunity. Contact Jenny McBride with any questions, jmcbride@allsaintstalanta.org.

Interview with Lerita Coleman Brown, author of our Lenten All-Parish Book Read Sunday, March 2, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall & Livestream

Join us for a Sunday morning forum with Lerita Coleman Brown, author of What Makes You Come Alive: A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman. Two weeks before we begin our Lenten “One Parish, One Book” discussions, take this opportunity to hear from the author — a sought-after retreat leader, spiritual director, and Professor Emerita of Psychology at Agnes Scott College. For more information, contact Jenny McBride (jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org).

Lenten Connects: Small Group Spiritual Conversation

March 3, 2025 through Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025

Groups meet by zoom once a week for an hour for the six weeks. There is a Wednesday noon group formed and the option for Tuesday or Thursday evening groups, starting at 7:00 p.m. If interested click here or, to see an example of a participant guide, email Jilli Robertson, jilli.ff.robertson@gmail.com.

Adult Inquirers Class - Spring Session

Wednesdays, March 12, 2025 - April 9, 2025 at 6:30pm via Zoom and In-Person Dinner

Adult Inquirers Class is a five-part introduction to the life of faith at All Saints’. Meetings are on Wednesday nights, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 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 fall. Upon completion of classes, confirmation and membership will be available. For more details contact Tracey Sage, tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

PARISH LIFE

Wednesday Night Supper

Wednesdays, 5:30 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. contact Marcia Mayfield, mmayfield@allsaintsatlanta.org, for more information.

Shrove Tuesday

Tuesday, March 4, 5:00 Pancake Dinner (Ellis Hall), 6:00 All Ages Worship (Courtyard)

Join us for a Mardi Gras pancake dinner in Ellis Hall, followed by an all ages worship service in the courtyard as we burn last year’s palms and prepare for Ash Wednesday. Children and youth often enjoy the bonfire in the courtyard. As they say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” The cost is $14 per adult, $7 per child. No registration needed.

2027-2028 Vestry Nominations

We welcome nominations for 2027-2028 Vestry leadership from all eligible parish members who are confirmed and over eighteen, who regularly attend worship and who have made a financial pledge to the church. Between Friday, February 14 and Sunday, March 23, Vestry nominations may be submitted either by email or written notice to the Rector’s Executive Assistant, Tracey Sage: tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org. Please include all your church involvement in your submission. Vestry members will be elected during the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, April 27.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Weekly Children & Youth Formation (Sundays)



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 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)

Weekly Children's Choirs Rehearsals (Wednesdays)

Cherub Choir: PK-K, 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Primary Choir: 1st-2nd grade, 4:35 p.m. - 5:10 p.m.

Junior Choir: 3rd-6th grade, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.



Junior Handbells: 4th - 6th grade, 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Weekly Youth Choirs Rehearsals (Sundays)

Youth Handbells: 7th-12th grade, 4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Youth Choir: 7th-12th grade, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Come sing, grow, and make a joyful noise with us this year! For more information, contact Emily Rebecca Halbert, Director of Youth & Children’s Choirs, at ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org.

YOUNG ADULTS

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! 

Become a Volunteer Receptionist at All Saints'

Our volunteers work on a biweekly schedule from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday through Thursday. If interested, please contact Marie-Louise Muhumuza at mlmuhumuza@llsaintsatlanta.org or Tracey Sage at tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org.

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 



February Faith & Justice Newsletter

• Volunteers Needed for Refugee Settlement
• Spotlight on the Church of the Common Ground
• Faithful Advocates Go To The Capitol
• All Sorts Sponsor Sing-a-long
• Preview of 2025 Hunger Walk/Run
• F & J Luncheon Features New Out of Hand Play

• 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.

• The Journey Bible Study >> Meets every Monday at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Register here

• Jesus on the Front Page >> Meets every Sunday morning at 10:20 a.m. in P307 in the Parish House.



• Sports and Spirituality >> Meets the third Thursday of each month on Zoom. Register here

Share Your Photos! Share Your Expertise!

Did you know that you can submit photographs of All Saints’ events to share with the Communications Team? If you want to make a habit of it, join the Photography Guild! Contact Kathy Powell at communications@allsaintsatlanta.org.