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Dear saints,
Of the many things that I love about the Episcopal Church, I especially feel gratitude for how often the church reminds us, its people, of our baptismal covenant, which has at its core our call to respect the dignity of every human being.
Seemingly, having never come across that portion of Christian ethics, then British politician, George Young, once infamously said "The homeless are what you step over when you come out of the opera." He was housing minister at the time. That was 32 years ago, in the kinder, seemingly more innocent 1990's and I can recall as a freshman in college how shocking it was to everyone who heard it. Perhaps some people of limited moral capacity thought that way, but none dared to air such views.
As a barometer of how much public discourse has changed over those three decades, I was disgusted, but sadly not altogether surprised to come across a news story reporting comments made by Aharon Haliva, former head of Israeli military intelligence, that he later confirmed were his, where he said that for every Israeli life taken on October 7, fifty Palestinian lives should be taken as a ”necessary message to future generations”. The shock I felt on reading this was not only that he had said it, but that it caused so little fuss.
Leviticus 19:33-34 says, "When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God". Leviticus 19:18 says, "you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord". I'm not sure how much clearer Judaic-Christian biblical values can be.
Of course, Aharon Haliva's religious credentials are not the point, ours are. Collectively, there has been a moral drift that somehow has meant that a calculus regarding the worth of human life so morally bankrupt as this does not lead to an international furor. I think that is of grave concern.
What though are we to do when it feels like the world around us offers a collective shrug when we hear abhorrent language from people in authority, or when lives are taken all over the globe with such seeming impunity?
It is easy to sink into despair, yet, as anyone who has suffered loss in their lives knows, despair is not a place we can afford to stay for long. It is equally easy to escape it all by denial. It's not that we think the things that are happening in the world should happen, it is just that we have so much to cope with in our own lives that we feel incapable of offering anything in response, and so we don't.
Neither despair nor denial are where we want to be. The same goes for anger, fear, and all those other responses that to some degree those who wield an unhealthy amount of power over others are counting on us keeping hold of. For me, what we need is a place where we learn to take the world seriously and learn how to generate hope given that recognition.
I believe that there are numerous places in our lives where such a pivot from engagement of the world to hope is possible.
There is the life of our families. We have been conditioned to expect too little from our kin. I for one am a little weary of the tired tale of Thanksgiving dinners blown up over too much conversation about politicians. My advice is stop talking about them and dig into a deeper place. Ask the people you love to share their stories of who taught them their deepest held and most cherished values, and then talk about their hopes for how those values might be lived out in the world. It will be an entirely different sort of conversation.
I have no doubt that there are numerous workplaces where real and transformative engagement with the realities of our world happens. In spite of all of the anxious energy being focused upon higher education these days, colleges remain a vital oxygen supply for free thinking and open debate. There are countless, brave and faithful community leaders and organizations who are helping people see the world with eyes wide open and then insist that the very next conversation be about solutions for that world.
For me, as a person who has built his life on the foundation stone of faith, the church is at the heart of my engagement of the world and the persistence of my hope for it. All Saints' is a church that has long insisted that we not shy away from the troubles of the world or sanitize what we have to say about it so as not to upset anyone. It is place in my life, and I hope in yours, that indeed chooses to take the world seriously, and at the same time retains faith in our capacity to live with purpose and hope given what we see. That is not because somehow All Saints' has reached an elevated status as a community of faith, it is simply because of a truth that is available to the church in all places: that the church is God's enterprise. I want to be a Christian who engages the reality of the world in front of me because this is God's world. And I hold onto hope as a member of the Body of Christ because this is God's church. I want to be formed and reformed by the church, by Christ fashioning a new creation in me. I want that same reformation for you and for the world we live in.
So, if you're wondering what to do with yourself this Sunday morning, consider coming home to All Saints'. There will be great music, a parish picnic, and lots of festivity, and there'll also be a well of grace and truth for your life to drink deeply from. I know what my life needs, and I am so very grateful to share that life with you here.
Peace,
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Back to the Block Celebration
THIS 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.
| | New Staff Roles at All Saints': Lay Ministers | | |
As we begin a new program year, we are welcoming people into new roles on our staff as 'Lay Ministers'. The first of those ministers is Wendy Little, a long-time parishioner who works as a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children's Hospital in Atlanta and is currently also pursuing a Master’s Degree at Emory’s Candler School of Theology. Wendy's new and very part-time role on our staff will involve her in worship and adult formation, especially in how we can integrate physical, mental and spiritual health into our lives.
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The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost
Sunday, August 24
**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. | | |
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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Wednesday Night Suppers Are Back!
Starting THIS WEDNESDAY, August 20, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Ellis Hall
Come join us on Wednesday nights! Meet new families, reconnect with friends, and enjoy a delicious meal together. Let’s “chat and chew” as we share life and laughter. Cost: $16 for adults & $7 for children.
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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. | | |
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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Robert Boone, Jr., Quartet Launches Second Jazz at All Saints’ Season
Friday, September 12, 7:00 p.m., Church & Ellis Hall Jazz at All Saints’ returns with its first concert of the season on Friday, September 12, with a performance by the exciting young drummer Robert Boone, Jr., and his quartet. A Grammy Award-winner, Robert is a featured performer with the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra and a member of the jazz faculty at Georgia State University. In addition to touring the world with the Basie Orchestra, he has performed at premier venues such as the Blue Note and Birdland and, closer to home, Spivey Hall and the Cobb Energy Centre. For our concert the quartet will present a “Max Roach Centennial Celebration,” honoring that renowned artist whose music made drumming an art as well as the bones of a jazz ensemble. Robert Boone, Jr., will take that art to the next level on September 12, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church, followed by a Q&A session and a reception in Ellis Hall. Tickets are $25/adult, $15/student, $85 season. Get yours at allsaintsatlanta.org/jazz.
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NEW Community Choir: The All Saints’ Chorale
Join the Mighty, Mighty Chorus! We’re excited to launch The All Saints’ Chorale—a brandnew ensemble led by Justin Maxey. All are welcome, and there’s no Sunday commitment required! Click the link below or scan the QR code to sign up and be part of something joyful and inspiring. bit.ly/AllSaintsChorale
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Faith and Justice Collective Luncheon:
The Gospel at Stake? A South African Theological Story
Sunday, September 7, 12:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., Ellis Hall
Join us in September for a presentation from South African theologian Robert Vosloo, who will reflect on his experience as a white theological student during the 1980s and 90s, when the struggle against the injustices of Apartheid reshaped his faith. Vosloo will speak to how themes of memory, hospitality, and recognition can be guiding concepts as we grapple with what it means to witness to the gospel in disturbing times. Please register in advance at https://bit.ly/FaithandJusticeSeptember to reserve a $18 box lunch and contact Jenny McBride with any questions at jmcbride@allsaintstalanta.org.
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The Journey Bible Study Resumes!
Mondays, starting September 8, 11:00 a.m., Zoom
Chapter by chapter, book by book, we are learning together about what the Scripture really says according to the best scholarship of today. Currently, we are reading Second Kings, with a side glance at the writings of the prophets of the time. All are welcome. To join the group, email The Rev. Karen Evans at kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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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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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Join a Multi-Parish Book Study
Tuesdays, September 9–October 7, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Zoom
Parishioners from All Saints’, St. Bart’s, and St. Catherine’s will meet 5 consecutive Tuesdays on Zoom to discuss Rev. Jennifer Butler’s Who Stole My Bible?: Reclaiming Scripture as a Handbook for Resisting Tyranny. Rev. Butler, a consultant on religion, public policy, and democracy, and founding director of Faith in Public Life, was a guest speaker at the All Saints’ Faith & Justice Collective Luncheon in April. Email Shirley at shirleyelee@icloud.com for the Zoom link. Contact Ann Stuart Pearce for more info: annstuart.pearce@gmail.com.
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Prayer in Motion with Erik Thurmond
Wednesdays, starting September 10, 5:30p.m. - 6:20 p.m., The Attic
Prayer in Motion is a 50-minute spiritual exercise that helps participants become more aware of God’s presence in our bodies, particularly as we move with intention. Accessible to all ages and abilities, this form of prayer integrates guided meditation, visualization, and breathing exercises with stretching, shaking, and strengthening exercises. For more info contact Jenny McBride at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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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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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Join the Hammer and Nails Team
All parishioners aged 16 and above are welcome to join our new ‘Hammers and Nails’ Team. The team will do small painting and minor repair projects around the campus, beginning this fall with Covenant Community. If you are interested in joining, please contact Simon Mainwaring smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Nursery/Little Saints: Birth-Pre-K, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 1st floor of the Pritchett Center
Children’s Formation Sundays: Starting September 7, 10:30 a.m. – 11:10 a.m., 2nd and 3rd floor Pritchett Center Children’s Formation will be starting back up on September 7. This year, we will gather with friends in the courtyard after church for fellowship. At 10:25 a.m., you will hear a bell chime which is our signal to go quickly up to our classes in Pritchett which begin at 10:30 a.m. and end at 11:10 a.m. We can’t wait to see you all - we have lots of great new things and new people for the new year!
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Youth Ministries Kickoff Alert!
Sundays, Starting September 7
Sunday Morning Formation: 10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m., The Attic
SNL& Y’all Saints’: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., The Attic
Summer break is officially over, and we’re kicking off a new year of youth programming starting September 7! This year will be packed with fun weekly activities like Sunday Morning Formation, SNL, and Y’all Saints, plus special events including outings, retreats, and more. Our community is a place where we play games, share great meals, talk about Jesus, and show up just as we are. It’s a space to be seen, be heard, and belong. Come as you are; everyone is welcome. Join us for an exciting year!
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Children's and Youth Choirs Fall Start Dates
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!
Youth Choir (Grades 7-12)
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
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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Brunch & Bible Study
Sunday, August 31, 11:30 a.m. – 1.30 p.m., Ross Room
Come enjoy a delicious catered meal, lively conversation, and bible study with the All Saints’ Young Adults’ following the 10:00 a.m. service. All are invited – whether you’re looking to connect for the first time, reconnect after a long while, or keep connections going! Childcare is available upon request. Contact: Piper Shifflett at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Young Adults Dinner at the Rector’s Home
Friday, September 5, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., RSVP for Location
Please join us for food and fellowship at Simon and Monica’s home on Sunday, September 5 at 6:30 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Piper Shifflett at 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 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 | | |
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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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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