Dear saints,

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, an effort by a wide array of organizations and committed people to help us grow as a society into a place where fewer of us are lost to that most awful of pains - the pain that convinces us that we are alone. 

I read a heartbreaking story this week in the newspaper about a family whose son, Adam Raine, may well have felt that very same pain, and who lost him to suicide this past April. I have sat with a number of families who have known the darkness of losing a child that way. As a parent, it is one of those deep fears that truly does keep you up at night, because so often the refrain we hear is how little loving and devoted parents realize what their beloved child had been going through on the inside. There is a desperate mystery to it all. Please do reach out to us at church if you'd like to talk should any of this stir up your own memories of loss. 

It is estimated that about 7,000 teenagers die by suicide each year in the United States. The reason why the story of Adam Raine's suicide made it into the newspaper is the chilling intersection his loss has with Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to the news article, after Adam's death, his parents went searching for answers through text messages and social media feeds, but rather than find answers there they discovered that Adam had had a months-long series of conversations with ChatGPT about taking his life, including various methods he could use, how one attempt failed, how his mother had not noticed marks on his neck, and so on. While ChatGPT encouraged Adam to seek help, it also offered advice on how to wear concealing clothing and on whether the set-up Adam planned to end his life by might successfully take his weight. It did.

To read the article was utterly chilling. My first instinct was to shut off wireless in our house, take back our kids' iPhones, and return their laptops to Costco. Of course, there is no wall we can build high enough to protect the ones we love from the world. We have to learn, together, how to walk into it. 

In his excellent book on parenting and childhood, The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt likens the apparent free-roaming that many children and youth have online as akin to landing our parental/adult spaceship on Mars and then sending the kids out to play in an atmosphere they are not equipped to breathe in. Childhood and parenting are but one aspect of our lives that AI has entered into. Your workplace might be full of the influence of AI, whether you know it or not. I only discovered this week, reading an article in The Christian Century, that the Episcopal Church now has its own AI chatbot: EpiscoBOT. The author of the article, Zac Koons, an Episcopal rector from Texas, describes sitting in on a webinar where 'Fr. Larry' takes the BOT through its paces. 'Lead us in prayer', and a prayer appears in an instant, which Larry, rather too dutifully reads out loud seemingly without any ecclesiastical double-checking. 'Write us a sermon based on Luke 9:51-62' - the story of Samaritan opposition to Jesus' ministry - and voilà, a sermon appears. 'Write us another with a different interpretation' and in seconds there it is. 

Some of you may be thinking that things could look a lot better at All Saints' if we got ourselves ones of those BOT's and installed it somewhere beside the organ. No more muddled syntax or seemingly endless metaphors. If we got the premium package that surely would come with headsets for each of you in the pews, then the preacher could look and sound and crucially speak as quickly as you would like them to. 'Preach a sermon that won't annoy me', could be one of the searches. Or, 'preach a sermon that will annoy that person behind me'. There could be no end of ways by which you would be able to reform the church. 

Zac Coons does make the reasonable point that there could be many tasks that AI could help the church with, especially in the increasingly data-laden non-profit world churches operate within. After all, we do now print the Sunday bulletin by way of very clever and fast machinery. The days of the typewriter and cyclostyle machine are behind us and we don't seem to be any the worse for it. Yet, as Rev. Coons names, prayer, and preaching, and so many aspects of ministry are irreplaceably human because humans are inescapably imbued with the divine. 

True of the church, true of everyone. When Adam Raine's dad printed out the conversations Adam had had with ChatGPT the month that he died, the pile of paper was inches thick. Something about that fills me with lament. I cannot imagine how it is for his mom and dad. One of the core theological implications of professing faith in a triune God is that as the created beings of that God-in-relationship we also are made for others. We are made for community. We are made for companionship. We are made to give and to receive love. We are made to hold with tenderness and profound care the pain of others.

The church is in the end a very simple value proposition: that people might find one another as they seek to find themselves within the love of God. Church should be a place - and it might end up being the only place - to go and be where nothing more is expected of us than our presence. We should bring our woundedness. We should bear our joy. We should simply be the church with one another, always setting the door open for the next person who needs a place like that in their lives. 

I give thanks for you, for being that kind of place in my life, in my family's life, in each of our lives. May all those who bear the burdens of pain too great to handle know, even at the end, that they are and always will be wonderfully and marvelously made. Come Holy Spirit, comfort your people. 

Peace,

This Sunday

The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Sunday, September 5

** RETURN TO USUAL SERVICE SCHEDULE**

Updated Weekly Service Times

• 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (Traditional language, no music)
• 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Contemporary language, choral music, livestream, nursery available)
• See you at 10! (Gather in the courtyard until 10:25. Have a doughnut, get some coffee, learn about that week's ministry spotlight, meet someone new, etc.)
• 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Contemporary language, choral music, livestream, nursery available)
• 5:00 p.m. The Welcome Table (Contemporary language, jazz trio) 

WORSHIP ONLINE: Please worship with us online! Our 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. services 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 is open for children, ages birth through Pre-K, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Next week, when we return to our normal schedule, the nursery times return to 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.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. 

The Vocation of Faith Series: Accepting God’s Call to ...

First Topic: Sunday 9/7 & 9/14, 10:30-11:05 am | Ellis Hall

The Sunday morning Vocation of Faith Series focuses on the various ways God calls us to be more fully human, as we accept God’s call to work, to see beauty, to sing, to plant, and to dream. Especially in times of crisis, it is vital that we connect with the deepest parts of our humanity. In the words of Toni Morrison, “That is how civilizations heal.” In this series, parishioner-presenters will share how the practice helps us grow closer to God or helps us be the people God intends us to be for our own good. For more information contact Rev. Jenny McBride at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Children's & Youth Ministries Kickoff THIS Sunday!

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! 

Youth Ministries

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! 

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. 

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. 

Announcing the beginning of the 2026 Annual Canvass

This year’s theme is Shining in the City! Pledge cards are in the mail, or pledge now at allsaintsatlanta.org/pledge. Thank you for helping us shine more brightly by making your pledge today!

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

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

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.  

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. 

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

Composer of the Week

Alfred V. Fedak is a widely-published and well-known composer of church music. He has over 200 choral and organ works in print, and his hymn tunes appear in hymnals and collections in the US, Canada, England, Scotland, New Zealand, China and Japan. This morning’s Offertory Anthem reflects his great sensitivity to the poignant contemporary text by Lynda Burton, mystically taking us through a sunrise and sunset, and reminding us to calm our restlessness and live in the light.

ADULT FORMATION

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. 

The School of the Spirit is back! "Encountering Scripture: Paul"

Wednesdays, September 10, 17, October 1, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.,

Hybrid P305/306 or Zoom

Join us almost every Wednesday throughout the program year for a School of the Spirit minicourse, often taught by clergy, that engage the Bible, theology, worship & liturgy, Christian practices, and Christian public engagement. No prerequisites required! We begin with a class on Paul taught by our rector Simon Mainwaring. Each course meets in a hybrid format (in person and on Zoom) on Wednesday evenings. Email Jenny McBride for the Zoom link at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

PARISH LIFE

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 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. 

2025 Diocesan Council Nominations

Friday, November 7- Saturday, November 8, 9:00 a.m., The Cathedral of St. Phillip

Each year, representatives from every church in our diocese gather for worship and an important governance meeting called Diocesan Council. On November 7-8th, we will vote on the budget and a range of policy recommendations to guide our work for the coming year. We hear from our Bishop and other elected leaders about their vision, and we enjoy fellowship with Episcopalians from across middle and north Georgia. To nominate yourself or someone else, please send an email to tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Children’s Choirs Rehearsals Have Begun!

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)

Youth Choir (Grades 7-12) Start THIS Sunday

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!

YOUNG ADULTS

Young Adults Dinner at the Rector’s Home

TONIGHT 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. 

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! 

Covenant Community’s Celebration of Memories & Hope

Thursday, September 25th, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

All Saints’ parishioners are invited to the Celebration of Memories and Hope, Covenant Community’s annual signature event, where we gather for food and fellowship to reflect, rejoice, and recognize the incredible stories of men and families who are reclaiming their lives through recovery. Admission is free, but registration is required. Donations are welcome and support Covenant’s life-saving programs for men and families impacted by substance use disorders. Click here for tickets. 

Check Your Voter Registration with Faithful Advocates

Sunday, September 28, 10:20 a.m.-11:10 a.m., Ellis Hall Lobby

Make sure you are ready for the November 4 municipal and statewide Public Service Commission election. Stop by the Faithful Advocates Voter Information/Voter Registration Table on September 28 between the Sunday services. You will be able to register to vote or check to make sure your registration is up to date and accurate, so that you can vote in this very important November 4th election. For more information, email Suzanne Wakefield faithfullocals@gmail.com.

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. 

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. 

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 September edition of the Faith & Justice Collective Newsletter.

Read for more on:

• South African Theologian to Speak at September 7th F&J Luncheon
• Opportunities Abound for Knowing Men of the Covenant Community
• Faithful Advocates to Answer Your Questions on September 28 about Voting  
• Parishioners Reflect on July Trip to Tanganyika
• All Sorts Planning October Pride Activities
• Jazz Concert Spotlights Drummer and Social Activist Max Roach

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.