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Dear saints,
As is our custom at weekly staff meetings at All Saints', this past Tuesday morning we went around the table as various members of staff brought one another up to speed on what they've been up to and what they have in the works. Having been away for the past three weeks with our team in Tanzania, I found it especially gratifying to get caught up.
Threads had completed the summer uniform drive, helping 500 children in a single week, with another 75 coming the week after that. This year, Threads achieved this remarkable goal with even more support than before from various corporate partners from around town. The uniform drive had come on the heels of our inaugural Threads music camp, a collaboration between Threads and our music department.
Speaking of music, we heard an update on our new All Saints' Chorale community choir, an endeavor that seeks to open our doors and share our penchant for music-making with the wider community.
There was a wonderful update from our children and youth ministry team who shared that, after years of naming our vision to 'be the village' that raises our parish children, we are now seeing a fantastic influx of new Sunday school volunteers - from young adults to retirees, folks new to All Saints' and parishioners who have been established in their life here for decades.
Refugee ministries checked in with news of the traditional summer time swim parties and picnics, this year to be held in the homes of parishioners of other diocesan churches who partner with us in this work.
My own week had much the same theme. I began to get to know the new artistic director of the Atlanta Boy Choir, who have been partners of ours for the past several years as we support their music ministry in Atlanta and beyond. Additionally, I continued conversations with prospective partners we have been talking to for our youth ministries, and explored a new culinary partnership to help to bring to reality a hope we have that we might enjoy good food at All Saints' whilst doing good at the same time - more to come on that in due course.
Take a walk around the All Saints’ city block and you’ll see a residential recovery community, a daycare, a clothing store, two artists in residence, two choirs in residence, an assistance center, numerous recovery support programs, and a church consultancy non-profit, all operating alongside all that makes this place a very busy nearly 3000-person strong parish church. Our city block is home to all sorts of creativity and enterprise, a place where people strive to add value to the world around them in a myriad of ways. We are, in miniature, a living image of the kind of life together I believe God intends for all people to share. This is a place teeming with partners.
Partnership is how the church of the future will thrive, especially the urban church. The more we can build outward looking networks of relationship and action, the more we will remain relevant and connected to the world beyond the exclusively religious sphere. Moreover, the more churches can remain such outward looking, multi-lateral entities, the more they will model and preserve a way of life where divergent visions of the world are welcomed to dwell together such that one might enrich and enlarge the other. Partnership breaks us out of the contemporary tendency to live a self-enclosed life. It draws our gaze upward to the sightlines of others, lest we become overly fascinated with only our own, singular view of the world. Partnership is how the gene pool of human community remains optimally diverse.
As we approach a new year of ministry together in this place, I invite you to ponder how you might bring your partnership here in a hitherto unseen way in your life. We need your partnership here. All Saints' would not be the same without it. So, come on over, tell us how you'd like to be Christ’s hands and feet this year, and we'll see together what God can do!
Peace,
| | Ways to Bring Your Partnership to Our Block This Week | | |
Share your voice. Join our new All Saints' Chorale community choir or sing on Sundays with our Summer choir or the adult choir.
Join the discussion. Consider a Sacred Ground Dialogue Circle, Novel Theology or Jesus on the Front Page.
Raise your prayers. Bless backpacks, students, & teachers at the 10:00 a.m. service this Sunday. Attend our Welcome Table service on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. with contemplative prayer, worship in the round, and a community dinner to follow.
Build community. Gather for Popsicles on the Playground after the 10:00 a.m. service. Plan to attend Back to the Block on August 24 and maybe even join our Annual Dessert Contest!
Reach beyond. Serve with Threads, Covenant Communities, Refugee Ministries & MAC. Read the August Faith & Justice Newsletter.
Find more information about these current opportunities and much more in the newsletter below. Keep scrolling!
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The Ninth Sunday After Pentecost
Sunday, August 10
**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. | | |
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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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 contemplative music, 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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“When the silver offertory plate is passed to our pew on Sundays, most of us shake our head ‘no’. Meaning: ‘I have already given online,’ or ‘I don’t have any cash and will give later’ or maybe even just ‘no.’ Think for a minute about the message that sends to children, youth and those around us: ‘I’m not giving.’ Starting today, take the plate, pause, think of something or someone you will give abiding love to this week, and give a simple yes nod. Put a dollar or two in if you have it. Say ‘Yes’ to love.”
— Kathy Roberts
Please give generously to our All Saints’ offering plate, in-person and online.
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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. | | |
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
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Join the All Saints’ Choir!
The All Saints’ Choir is a welcoming group of adults that love to sing. Yes, it is a very talented group, but don’t be afraid! This is a fabulous community in which to learn while making music alongside seasoned professionals. Rehearsals are Wednesdays 6:30-8:45 p.m., and the choir sings for the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services on Sundays, as well as Christmas, Holy Week and other special events. Contact Scott Lamlein to schedule a meeting slamlein@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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.
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Walking the Mourner’s Path
Begins in September Wednesdays, starting September 17, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., P301
“A grief shared is a grief halved,” is the saying. All Saints’ offers an opportunity to share your grief with others who are also grieving. This is a small group experience beginning on September 17th for 8 weeks. If you would like more information or want to join the group, please contact The Rev. Karen Evans at kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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 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!
| | SERVICE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE | | Don't Miss This Month's Faith & Justice Newsletter | | |
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.
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Volunteer at Covenant Community’s Celebration of Memories & Hope
Thursday, September 25th, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Ellis Hall
Consider volunteering at this special evening celebrating the resilience of the men in our recovery program and to honor the journey from brokenness to healing. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up and break-down, food service, table hosting and hospitality. Follow this link to sign up to volunteer: http://bit.ly/4fjLDC4. For more information, contact Covenant staff member Keishala Jackson kjackson@covenantatlanta.org.
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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.
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Volunteer at Covenant Community’s Celebration of Memories & Hope
Thursday, September 25th, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Ellis Hall
Consider volunteering at this special evening celebrating the resilience of the men in our recovery program and to honor the journey from brokenness to healing. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up and break-down, food service, table hosting and hospitality. Follow this link to sign up to volunteer: http://bit.ly/4fjLDC4. For more information, contact Covenant staff member Keishala Jackson kjackson@covenantatlanta.org.
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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. 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
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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.
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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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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.
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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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