Dear saints,



Today I returned from a visit to the Diocese of Western Tanganyika in the northwest corner of Tanzania, east Africa. Three weeks earlier, ten of us from All Saints’ had set out to visit our partners there and especially the diocesan bishop, Emmanuel Bwatta.

One way of telling the story of our time there is by the numbers. In the span of 12 days we visited 23 churches, witnessed 300 plus youth be confirmed, listened to over 50 choirs perform, met thousands of churchgoers, worshiped alongside them at services that ranged in length between three and in one case six hours, and for my own part I preached four sermons and extended greetings on your behalf 23 times over. In one day we visited ten churches, mostly just to say hello, although hello in Tanzania can last up to an hour. On another day we ate six meals - in Tanzania when the bishop arrives with guests there is practically always a meal to follow. We visited a farm, a clinic, a vocational school, and a seminary. And we clocked a whole lot of miles on asphalt and dirt roads in a convoy of three jeeps. As much as we did the same sort of things many days in a row, there was a kind of magnetism to it that is hard to describe in words. 

Pictures get closer. Thanks to the intrepid talent of Winston Weinmann we have a whole lot of them. We had our cameraman in Kasulu in all the right places at all the right times. If you haven’t had a chance to see them yet, take a look at the pictures we’ve posted on social media - almost all Winston’s - that try to capture in frame what we saw in such abundance all around us. The people of God, eyes closed, singing with utter adoration and singular focus. Youth choirs dancing in step, swinging their bodies with a kind of choreographed abandon to the moment. People’s eyes fixed on a preacher proclaiming the Word or sparkling as one of us would share that they have been married to the person beside them for 52 years. Children looked in from windows or doorways. Mothers prayed with their babies strapped to their backs. A sea of faces and a kind of fervor that spoke to me, yes, of devotion and joy, but also of a certain kind of power, an agency, an indication that we had stepped onto another kind of holy ground. 

Perhaps we would have experienced such things had we visited another part of the Anglican Church in Tanzania. However, here there was another depth and dimension that orbited around the man most of us in the group knew both as priest and friend. For me, about halfway through our time accompanying Emmanuel around his diocese I realized that we were receiving a master class in the art of ministry. Whether in front of hundreds of worshippers or with fish sellers in the market, whether with a group of Americans chatting after dinner in his pajamas or in his bishop’s robes in the grandeur of the cathedral, and whether with his arm around his family in his home or with his arm around a man with learning difficulties in a far off village, Emmanuel is the same. It sounds simple, I know, but in my experience it is truly rare. Emmanuel leads from a place of utter comfort in his own being. He brought all of himself everywhere he went. When his clergy had something to tell him I saw him lean in toward them, and not it seemed because he needed to please them or to gain their favor, but because he wanted to listen to what they had to say. He was unapologetic when a church or three was added to our day’s itinerary and unconcerned that his churches might have lacked amenities we take for granted, not because he didn’t care about us but because this was his home and it so clearly brought him deep delight to share it with us as it is, not as he wished it would be. By the end of it all, I was simply in awe of the guy. It felt like being in the presence of someone utterly whole. 

Of course, Emmanuel Bwatta remains only a man. Jesus hasn’t come again in human form without telling the rest of us. And the church in western Tanzania is no second Eden. Yet still, the lessons remain present, should I wish to let them sink in. I left feeling grateful for another chance to see myself. I needed it. 

We tend to see ourselves anew when we get out of the bubble we live in. Perhaps your summer has given you a chance to see who you are afresh in some way or other. Truth be told, we’re all a work in progress, even if it would seem some of us are progressing slower than others! If that’s also you, come seek me out on a Sunday and we can compare notes. 

In the meantime, asante sana Bishop Emmanuel, thank you, and thanks to the people with whom you are the Body of Christ in that wondrous place. We are immeasurably blessed to call you our friends. 

Peace,

See more pictures of the trip to Tanzania here and be sure to like our Facebook page while you're there!

This Sunday

The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

Sunday, August 3

**SUMMER SCHEDULE**

Updated Weekly Service Times

• 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (Traditional language, no music)
• 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Contemporary language, choral music, livestream, nursery available)
• 5:00 p.m. The Welcome Table (Contemporary language, music) 

WORSHIP ONLINE: Please worship with us online! Our 10:00 a.m. service will be available live at allsaintsatlanta.org/live and on youtube.com/@AllSaintsATL. Recordings will no longer be available on Facebook, but will still be immediately available on our YouTube channel.

PARKING: Overflow parking is available at the Bank of America—please enter on North Ave. Get a validation ticket upon entry. 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. The lot at The Varsity is under new management and is no longer available for parking. Ticketing and towing are being enforced. On Sundays, street parking is free. 

NURSERY: Our nursery remains open for children, ages birth through Pre-K, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

ATTENTION: Beware of Email Scammers! 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. 

Backpack Buddies

Return Filled Bags By This Sunday, 11:00 a.m.

Thank you for the overwhelming response to our Backpack Buddies drive for former refugee children. All tags have now been claimed. All filled backpacks must be returned by THIS SUNDAY, August 3 by 11:00 a.m. They can be dropped off in the collection bins in the Ellis Hall Foyer. 

Register NOW! Annual Parish Retreat at Kanuga Conference Center

Friday, October 3 - Sunday, October 5, 2025, Hendersonville, N.C.

You are invited to join the All Saints’ Parish for a weekend of fun and fellowship. Now is the time to register! Register here. Contact Marcia Mayfield, mmayfield@allsaintsatlanta.org, for more information. Learn more here.

Join the Summer Choir!  

Sundays through August 17, 8:45 a.m., Church  

Have you always wanted to sing in the All Saints’ Choir but time or experience has kept you away? Now is the time to give it a try! The Summer Choir meets at 8:45 a.m. each Sunday to learn an accessible anthem which is then sung at the 10:00 a.m. service. No previous experience as a singer is necessary. Feel free to commit to singing one or many weeks; all we ask is that you let Director of Music Scott Lamlein know you’re coming: slamlein@allsaintsatlanta.org Let’s praise God together in our song! 

Stump the Organist

Sundays through August 17, 9:50 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Church

Our summer prelude begins at 9:50 a.m. in the summer. Come request your favorite hymns, as played by our Director of Music, Scott Lamlein and our Associate Director of Music, Justin Maxey.

Jesus on the Front Page 

Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 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 contemplative music, singing, communion and prayer (together and in ways that speak to us individually). A community dinner for all participants follows the service. 

On our journey together in this vibrant parish, please remember to pause and place a gift in the offering plate during today's service. A grateful community, thanks you! 

Join us and make your offering to All Saints' at allsaintsatlanta.org/give or leave a check or cash in the plate. Thank you so much!

All Saints' offers easy ways to pay your pledge or to make a gift:

Give online: allsaintsatlanta.org/give

Mail a check: to All Saints’ Church, 634 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308

Text to Give: text AllSaintsAtlanta to 73256

Put a check or cash into the offering plate during the services, gift stocks or securities

Have You Moved Recently? Let the church know your new address and contact information! To update these details, contact our Membership Coordinator, Betsey Gibbs, at bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Discover more ways to give at: allsaintsatlanta.org/give. 



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

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

WORSHIP & MUSIC

All Saints’ Chorale Information Session

Sunday, August 17, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Church

Interested in learning more about the All Saints’ Chorale, our brand-new community choir where all are welcome? Come to an informal Information Session on Sunday, August 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. where we’ll gather in the church by the organ for a brief overview, a chance to see the rehearsal space, and to meet the director, Justin Maxey. This session is completely optional—no RSVP or commitment required—just come if you have questions or want to explore what it’ll be like to be part of our new Chorale! Help us spread the word! This is open to everyone in the community, so please pass it along to friends who might be interested! Click the link: bit.ly/AllSaintsChorale

Plan Now for Season 2 of Jazz at All Saints’

First concert on September 12

Get out your calendar! The second season of the joyous, crowd-pleasing Jazz at All Saints’ Concert Series featuring an exceptional line-up of award-winning artists awaits your presence! The dynamic young drummer and Grammy Award-winner Robert Boone, Jr., and his quartet will start the season on September 12. Vocalist Nnenna Freelon, a multiple Grammy nominee, headlines the November 14th concert, and South African trumpeter Darren English steps into the spotlight on February 13. Concluding the 2025-26 season on March 13 is the Brandee Younger trio, led by jazz harpist Brandee Younger, one of five recent winners of the 2025 Doris Duke Foundation Award honoring young artists who “enrich life and enliven society.” Each of these Friday evening concerts will take place in the church beginning at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Q&A session with the artist and a reception in Elllis Hall. Don’t miss a beat. Get your tickets now ($25/adult, $15/student, $85/season) at allsaintsatlanta.org/jazz. 

ADULT FORMATION

Sacred Ground DIalogue Circles Forming Now, Begin in October

Zoom Information Session, August 13, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Wondering what you can do in these turbulent times? Join Sacred Ground, a film- and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. This nonpartisan, 11-session curriculum, developed by the national Episcopal Church offers an opportunity to explore our history while bonding with a confidential small group. Homework consists of videos and reading. Circles meet for two hours (on Zoom or in person, to be determined) every two weeks for six months. New participants, as well as alums wishing to take a deeper dive with a new group, will benefit from this opportunity. Contact Ann Stuart Pearce at sacredground@allsaintsatlanta.org with questions or to receive the Zoom link for the August Info Session.

Education for Ministry (EfM) Groups Forming Now

Where are you in your “Faith Journey”? If your answer is “I’m not sure,” then EfM is waiting for you! The Education for Ministry (EfM) program is a four-year program sponsored by the theology school at the University of the South (Sewanee). Not only do we cover the Bible and other church documents, but then we discuss how to use that knowledge to better your daily life. All Saints’ has more than 400 EfM graduates, including another new grad, Kevin Lyman. If you are interested in learning more about the program and possibly joining a group, please contact Steve Hines: jobguru@aol.com.

Novel Theology Begins Again This Fall!

Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Ross Room & Zoom

Novel Theology returns this fall with a wide-ranging slate of books: a modern Russian classic, historical fiction set at a notorious 19th century trial, and an inventive fantasy novel. We meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Ross Room or on Zoom. Please join us! Our first novel is The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. Contact Laura Trott lmtrott@gmail.com for more information. 

Foyer Groups Forming Now!

Broaden your circle of friends by getting to know those familiar faces of All Saints’! Foyer Groups include 10-12 people selected randomly who fellowship monthly on a Saturday or Sunday over dinner in a parishioner’s home. The host for the month provides the main course, with the rest of the group providing the fixings. Sign up in the courtyard or by emailing Barbara Blender at bblender@bellsouth.net. 

PARISH LIFE

Update Your Banner for Celebration of Ministries on August 24

Sundays, August 3,10 & 17, After 10am Service, Egleston Building Horseshoe Room

One of our favorite August traditions is the Celebration of Ministries, where we parade banners through the church and pray God’s blessing on the 100+ groups that are active in this community. After church on August 3, 10, and 17, you can fix up your banner in the Horseshoe Room. Come up to the 2nd floor of the Egleston Building (follow the covered walkway outside of church), and we’ll have the supplies ready for you. Contact Marcia Mayfield, mmayfield@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Blessing of the Backpacks

Sunday, August 10, 10:00 a.m., Church

Shopping for supplies, books and fall clothes are all part of our summer ritual. At All Saints, we also have a ritual of celebrating and blessing the beginning of another year in school, work, and our ministries. Newborns to 100 years old can bring your backpacks, briefcases, diaper bags, or computer bags to church with you to be blessed and mark this new year of learning and loving and following in Jesus’ footsteps. Make sure to grab a Blessing Bag Tag for your bag as you leave church. 

Popsicles on the Playground

Sunday, August 10, 11:00 a.m., Playground

Join us to cool off with a popsicle, ice water, and lemonade. Visit with old friends and meet new friends. All are invited – bring your inner child and let’s have some fun! 

Wednesday Night Supper

Starting back on August 20

Wednesday Night Supper will return from summer break on Wednesday, August 20th with dinner available in Ellis Hall from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. It's a great way to get to know new people and we're excited to see everyone!

Back to the Block Celebration: "Gather with the Saints"

Sunday, August 24, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., All Saints' Campus

We welcome families of all ages and friends to celebrate our return to church after the summer break for our Celebration of Ministries, parish picnic, and the All Saints’ dessert contest! Bring a friend! Register at bit.ly/Backtotheblock2025.

• Celebration of Ministries, 10:00 a.m., Church We welcome you to worship to celebrate the beginning of the program year! We will process colorful banners at the beginning of the service to honor each of God’s ministries at All Saints’. Join us for this festive All Saints’ tradition! Ministry leads, please meet in the courtyard at 9:15 a.m. to pick up your banner.
• Parish Celebration 11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Church, Courtyard & Ellis Hall Gather with the saints for music, a water slide, lawn games, a tasty cookout, and our Annual Dessert contest!
• The All Saints’ Annual Dessert Contest 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Ellis Hall Come “Gather with the Saints” and participate in our annual dessert contest. All entries must be homemade and delivered to Ellis Hall by 9:45 a.m. on August 24 to be considered. Entries will be judged on creativity, best presentation and the crowd favorite (i.e., the tastiest treat!). If you want to participate, please be sure to register at the Back to Block link above.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Summer Break!



Nursery/Little Saints: Birth-Pre-K, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 1st floor of the Pritchett Center - Remains open for the Summer

Our children’s and youth programs take a break for summer, as do our children’s and youth choirs. All other children’s and youth programs will return in August.

Children's and Youth Choirs Fall Start Dates



Youth Choir (Grades 7-12) Kick-Off: Sunday, August 10, 2025

More details coming soon!

Regular Rehearsal Schedule (Sundays starting September 7):

4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Youth Handbells

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Youth Choir Rehearsals

Children’s Choirs Begin: Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Regular Rehearsal Schedule (Wednesdays starting August 20)

4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cherub Choir (PK-K, must be 4 by Sept. 1st)

4:35 p.m. – 5:10 p.m. Primary Choir (Grades 1-2)

5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Junior Choir (Grades 3-6)

6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Junior Handbells (Grades 4-6)

Junior Choir (Grades 3-6) Retreat: Service & Sing Day

Saturday August 23, 2025, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2nd Floor of Pritchett

Join us for a morning of donuts, singing, and service as we kick off the 2025–2026 program year!

Be sure to register for our Children's and Youth Choirs 2025-2026 Program Year

using the link, https://bit.ly/ChildrensYouth.

For more information, contact Emily Rebecca Halbert at ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org. We can’t wait to make music with you again soon!

YOUNG ADULTS

Young Adult Fellowship Online! 

Are you in your 20s or 30s and interested in fellowship, discipleship and service? Reach out to Piper Shifflett 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! 

Bring and Share a Meal with Covenant Community Residents

Mondays, 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m., Tate Hall

What better way to get to know the residents at Covenant Community than breaking bread together? Sign up for a Monday Insight Dinner, where parishioners bring and share a meal with approximately 15 men. Most residents arrive after detoxification to live in Covenant Community for six to nine months, building a new life without addiction, while learning new life skills to enable their success. Sign up here or contact Arjun Srinivasan at arj6950@gmail.com. 

Summer Volunteer Opportunities at MAC

Spend your summer with MAC! We are looking for volunteers to help throughout the summer months. MAC is a great place for high school students who would like to help serve the community or need any volunteer/service hours. Please reach out to savanna@midtownassistancecenter.org to sign up. 

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. Threads needs you!



Threads is having a great summer but we still need your help! Threads is in need of the following:

Boys shorts - size 10, 12, 14, and 16

Boys summer pants - size 12, 14 and 16

You may purchase items via the Threads Amazon Wishlist here: bit.ly/ASECThreadsWishlist 

Faith & Justice Collective

It is worth your time to read the August edition of the Faith & Justice Collective Newsletter.

Don't miss a message from the Presiding Bishop,

details of how Threads and MAC helped 500 children,

an article about the Youth Mission Trip to Charleston, a highlight on Refugee Ministries Volunteer Opportunities, a story from a Freedom Writer, information about the forming of Sacred Ground Groups, and upcoming events like the September Faith & Justice Luncheon and lectures at Emory on Christian nationalism.

• 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.