Dear saints,

My life has been shaped by two vocations: one to the church as a priest, and the other to my marriage as a husband. Each of those vocations has had a wonderful spirit of adventure about them. My call to ordained ministry in the church has seen me serve on three continents, eat different foods bought in different currencies in sometimes very different climates as a consequence. The greatest adventure, however, has been the people, not only the sheer diversity of people I’ve come to know over the years, but the depth at which this vocation has privileged me to know them. The priesthood is a precious gift. There is an extraordinary amount of trust extended, and it has never been lost on me when I have sat at a hospital bedside or listened to another person’s journey through loss and hope, that all of it is something of the highest value. I cannot imagine living another kind of life to the one I have and I am deeply grateful for the years I have spent living out that vocation here at All Saints’. 

My marriage has also been a wonderful voyage of trust, as we have raised our three children together and lived in and journeyed to all sorts of places to do all sorts for things for the church, for pleasure, or just for the heck of it. We were each quite different 22 years ago when we met, and I could not have anticipated then how fully we have come to live into the marriage vow, ‘all that I am I share with you.’ This life that Monica and I have shared is for us also a calling, a lived experience for each of us of ‘deep calling to deep’, as the psalmist says. 

This summer, these two vocations - to the priesthood and to our marriage - have come together in a new way. Through a series of occasions of spiritual awakening with regards to her ordained ministry, Monica felt a call to the ministry of being a bishop. For a period of time, she simply held onto that on the inside, then she shared that with me, and then we held that together as we carried on with our lives. Until, that was, earlier this year when the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles made it known that it was searching for its next diocesan bishop. As many of you will know, Monica is from Los Angeles - born and bred. It is in her DNA. When the position posting appeared, something in Monica felt a strong sense of call to submit her name. She had not submitted her name for any bishop positions previously and has not since then. This has been a singular call that has resounded within her clearly and loudly. 

In all candor, as she shared that she wished to submit her name, I felt two contrary things at once. On one hand, I felt delighted for her that she had had such a deep sense of being drawn forward by the Holy Spirit. In our line of work, indeed in our life together, that is a beautiful and rare thing. On the other hand, I felt utterly disappointed for myself. I am not ready to say goodbye to All Saints’. There is so much exciting ministry happening, a wonderful energy about the place, a spirit of loving welcome, an amazing staff, and exciting plans for the block about to enter the next chapter. What I wanted to say was, ‘tell the Holy Spirit to mind her own business, I’m happy here’. What I actually said was, ‘I wonder…of course you should go forward’. And so she did. We did.

Most of you won’t know much about church search processes. The short version is that they are glacially slow. Over the past few months, Monica has advanced from stage to stage - from written answers to questions, to a video interview, to an in-person multi-day retreat - until she reached the stage we are now at, which is that today, LA Diocese has named Monica as one of its finalists for bishop, something the Episcopal Church calls ‘the slate’. There have been strict confidentiality rules up to this point, but because of the nature of diocesan bishop searches the final stage becomes very public. Monica’s picture and bio and vision statement and all the things will now be shared with the wider church as will be the case for the other final candidates. In October she will visit Los Angeles and for a week will attend a series of gatherings as the people of that diocese seek to discern whom God calls to be their next bishop. Following that, at their annual convention on November 7th and 8th, one of the final candidates will be elected as bishop. The person elected bishop will be invited to begin their ministry there in May of 2026.

I can imagine that some of you may be reading this thinking that this is not what you had wanted for you or for All Saints’. It is not what I had wanted. You may be thinking that this is not good timing for all of the work we have set up for the next stages of our church’s life. I am thinking the same thing. Nothing in me wants to leave All Saints’. Yet, while I watch and pray these next two months, not knowing whether it will be Monica who is elected bishop or another finalist, I do know that while I do not want to leave this wonderful parish, should Monica receive the call, I will remain faithful to our vocation as husband and wife and follow her there. 

As you might imagine, as soon as it became clear a few days ago that I would need to write this message to you all, I have been dreading it. I deeply love this parish. You have been so thoroughly supportive of our two-clergy family. If leaving here in the near future is what transpires I will go with a sense of profound thankfulness.

If you would, I ask you to watch and pray with us. The spotlight will shine brightly upon Monica these coming days and I would ask that you especially remember her in your prayers. 

With immense gratitude for all that has been, and turning to the mystery of what is before us, we wait, trusting that the One who calls is faithful.

Peace,

Jazz Concert Tonight!

Robert Boone, Jr., Quartet

Friday, September 12, 7:00 p.m., Church & Ellis Hall 
Jazz at All Saints’ returns with its first concert of the season TONIGHT, with a performance by the exciting young drummer Robert Boone, Jr., and his quartet. They 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. Followed by a Q&A session and a reception in Ellis Hall. Tickets are $25/adult, $15/student, $85 season. Get your tickets online now or at the door tonight! 

This Sunday

The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Sunday, September 14

** WE'RE BACK TO FOUR SERVICES EACH SUNDAY! **

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 from 10:00 -10:25 a.m. to be in community together - 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, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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

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

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.

Parenting with God
Sunday, September 14, 10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m., Ross Room

Join other parents and grandparents as we lean into our role as Faith Formation storytellers for our children. The church walks beside you in this role, but what does it mean for you? We will talk about how to intentionally share our own stories of

faith with our children and how to listen and wonder with them about how the Holy Spirit is working within them.

Jesus on the Front Page 

Sundays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:10 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. 

Shining in the City: Why your pledge matters

All Saints’ is a place where God’s love is made known—in worship, in community, and in service to others. Your pledge helps keep that light shining. It supports our ministries, cares for our sacred space, and helps us share Christ’s love with our neighbors. Together, we make a difference. 

Pledge now at allsaintsatlanta.org/pledge. Thank you for helping us shine more brightly by making your pledge today!

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.  

Composer of the Week

Moses Hogan was an American composer and arranger of choral music. He was a pianist, conductor, and arranger of international renown. His works are celebrated and performed by high school, college, church, community, and professional choirs today. The popularity of Moses Hogan’s music is likely connected to the ways in which his musical background informed the creativity found in his arrangements. Both music of the African-American Baptist church and jazz, historically attributed to African-Americans, embody what has been described as specific conceptual approaches to music-making that are common in West African and African-American musics: the organization of rhythm based on dramatic contrast, singing or playing an instrument in a percussive manner, and the use of call-and-response. On November 20, 1999, a holiday in Hogan's honor was established as African-American Spiritual/Moses Hogan Chorale Day.

ADULT FORMATION

Walking the Mourner’s Path - Take the step to sign up now!

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. 

The Journey Bible Study Resumes

Mondays,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. 

School of the Spirit: Encountering Scripture - Paul

Wednesdays, September 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.

Women’s Spirituality and Health Luncheon Series

Sunday, September 21, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

How do we love God with our whole selves? How do we live into this love with earthly bodies that are ever changing across our lifespan? Women of all ages and stages of life are invited to a two-part luncheon series this fall. Led by parishioner, physician, and seminary student, Wendy Little, the first session will be an overview of the intersection of spiritual, physical, and mental health. To register for an $18 box lunch, go to bit.ly/WomensSeptemberLuncheon. For more information contact Wendy Little at

littlewendoo@gmail.com.

Novel Theology Begins Again This Fall!

Wednesdays, Monthly Starting September 17, 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. 

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. 

Rector’s Forum: Partners Across the World

Sunday September 21, 10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m., Ellis Hall

Join Simon and members of the team who visited our partners in Tanzania this summer as they share what they experienced and saw and hear how you can be part of the future of this and new partnerships around the world. For more information contact Simon Mainwaring, smainwaring@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.

Wednesday Night Suppers Are Back; Breakfast is Back Soon!

Wednesday Night Supper, 5:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Ellis Hall / Sunday Breakfast starts Sunday, September 21, 7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m., Ellis Hall

Come join us! Meet new families, reconnect with friends, and enjoy a delicious meal together. Cost: $16 for adults & $7 for children. Breakfast will begin on Sunday, September 21.

The Name Tag Nook: New Name Tag Station in Parish House

Name tags are now stored in a beautiful, custom-built vestibule in the Parish House. You are part of our community, and we want everyone to know your name! Click here to request a nametag.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Children’s Formation

Sundays, 10:30 a.m. – 11:10 a.m., 2nd and 3rd floor Pritchett Center

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

• 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

Join us for youth ministries on Sunday. 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!

Children’s Choirs

Regular Rehearsal Schedule, Wednesdays

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)

Regular Rehearsal Schedule, Sundays

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

Brunch & Bible Study

Sunday, September 21, 12:30 p.m., Ross Room

Come enjoy a delicious meal, lively conversation, and Bible study with the All Saints’ Young Adults’ group following the 11:15 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.

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! 

MAC On-Going Food Pantry Needs

Given cuts in federal funding, Midtown Assistance Center no longer receives overage from the Food Bank. MAC invites parishioners to help provide basic supplies on an ongoing basis: toilet paper, paper towels, cooking oil, shampoo & conditioner, dish and laundry soap, and canned tuna or chicken. To drop off these supplies in the All Saints’ MAC box, please enter through Egleston reception area, go through the library, and down the stairs in the connector. For more information contact Laura Gruber at lauragruberrd@gmail.com.

Threads Needs Thursday Volunteers

Threads desperately need volunteers for Thursdays from 9:45 a.m. -1:00 p.m. We currently do not have enough volunteers to help our families shop on these days. Please consider joining us. Sign up here.

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.