Dear Saints,

A United Nations report this week presented evidence it says demonstrates that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The people of Ukraine are now into their 43rd month of war with Russia. Estimates place the number of people in Congo in need of humanitarian assistance at 27 million in what is the deadliest conflict since the Second World War. And at home, Iryna Zarutska, who fled war-torn Ukraine was stabbed in the neck riding on a train in North Carolina last month, while this month Charlie Kirk was shot during a speaking event on a college campus in Utah. It is easy to despair. 

How we hold such awful news from near and far is difficult to know. Some come to the conclusion that there just isn't a way to hold onto that much sorrow about the world we live in, and so they elect to let go of it all, sheltering themselves from the events of the day as a form of protection against what appears to be a dangerous and fear-filled world. I can appreciate why people get there. Others want to argue the point, or just argue. 

It seems that in recent times we have increasingly struggled to find common ways of coming to terms with loss and grief. It is as if we have forgotten the value of taking time for loss to settle in. It makes me think of a strange, recent practice I've experienced at funerals, where the people gathered in the congregation start to leave the church before the procession has made it all the way down the aisle. It is almost as if there has been a collective decision not to wait for one another any more, like the people who speed up while the stop light turns yellow, then red, then redder. 

The life of the Church reminds us of the deep value of waiting, of dwelling with our griefs and losses. I have always loved the practice we have on Maundy Thursday when, after all the movement of clearing out the accoutrements from the sanctuary has finished, we cease, sit down, and contemplate what it might mean for God to die. I sometimes watch public figures react to the tragic events of our day and wish someone would just invite them all to sit down in a dimly lit room together and wait, keep watch, and listen to the groanings of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps then they would learn to see one another in a new light, or just see one another at all. 

Faith communities need to offer words of prophetic clarity for the world we live in, especially during times when it can seem that the value of human life has slumped in our moral imagination. With that in mind, I commend Andy Barnett's and Jenny McBride's excellent sermons in recent weeks that have offered that very thing. To those offerings, I would also add the deep well that we have in our faith from centuries of life together as the Church. I'm thinking of Origen, Tertullian, and Cyprian of Carthage who argued against war out of a conviction that killing was not compatible with imitating Christ's sacrificial life. Or St. Francis's 13th century renunciation of violence and worldly power. Or the more recent witness of Quakers, and Anabaptists, or the Catholic Worker movement, or the non-violence of Dr. King and other civil rights leaders, all the way to the late Pope Francis who in his encyclical Fratelli Tuti said that all war should now be obsolete and considered a crime against humanity.

Of course, all of this requires the capacity for us to reason together, and to have the grace and humility to receive argumentation we don't agree with, care for, or enjoy. I believe that it is essential that places like college campuses remain domains in our national life where people are free to offend others. I want young adults to experience what it is like to find another person's view of the world so objectionable that they are moved to come up with a better argument to counter it. I want museums to be places that confront us with difficult truths, including contested and even contradictory versions of the same events. History should trouble us if we are ever to have a chance of not repeating it. And I want faith communities to be incubators of hope, not because we avoid the life of the world in some sort of retreat from circumstances, but because we summon the strength to name what we find most injurious to our souls about the world in the very place where we proclaim that no matter how dark the valley of death might seem, it is life, not death, that has the final victory. 

Maybe we should be less dignified in church than we have been conditioned to be. Perhaps there should be cries of lament and loss during the prayers of the people as we remember the pain of this world. It might do us some good to shake our fist at the universe and curse the heavens as we sing a hymn or two on a Sunday morning. For we don't gather with one another around a respectable story; we gather around the story of a state-sanctioned murder of an innocent man, stripped and tortured, and hung up in front of his mother outside the city wall. The gold coated cross can confuse our sight lines, because in the hanging Savior we see God's solidarity with the least of the earth. And it is then, when we have dared to linger there, that we have the chance to begin to see what it is to believe in a resurrection. 

We must not give up on that hope, for it is the singular thing that we have to offer: that this is God's world, and no power of darkness, no human thirst for domination, not even the gates of hell itself can contain the love that is stronger than all of our despair. I pray that in this holy place, and in all the thin spaces around us, we might learn what it is to preach good news as we walk out into the grief and longing of the world. 'I am with you, always' says the Lord, 'to the end'.

Peace,

Breakfast is Back. Join us!

THIS WEEK! Sunday Morning Breakfast Returns

Sundays, 7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m., Ellis Hall

Meet new families, reconnect with friends, and enjoy a delicious meal together.

Cost: $16 for adults & $7 for children.

This Sunday

The Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Sunday, September 21

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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.

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

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, September 28, 9:00 a.m., Ellis Hall

Join us for our annual Blessing of the Animals! Bring your beloved furry, feathered, or scaly pets for a special blessing and celebration of the creatures who share our lives.

Worship will be led by the Junior and Primary Children’s Choirs and the Junior Handbell Choir. All God’s creatures are welcome!

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

Hailed as "the greatest child prodigy the history of Western music has ever known” (Charles Rosen), Mendelssohn wrote for the organ from the age of 11. Today’s prelude music was the last of four movements written in his first inspirational flurry of July 1844, commissioned by his English publisher, Charles Coventry. Covering nearly two hundred measures, it is Mendelssohn’s longest work for organ. It was ultimately rejected by the publisher due to its length and was lost for over a century, before being re-discovered in the 1980s. It received its “premiere” at an American Guild of Organists convention in 1987.

ADULT FORMATION

Prayer in Motion with Erik Thurmond

Wednesdays, 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. 

The Journey Bible Study

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. 

The Vocation of Faith Series: Accepting God’s Call to... 
To See Beauty, with Parishioner Andrew Westover

Sundays, September 28 and October 5,10:30 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., 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 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 more information contact Jenny McBride at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.

School of the Spirit: Encountering Scripture - Paul

Wednesday, 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.

Join the New Sacred Ground Dialogue Circle

Every other Monday, starting October 13, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Zoom

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 over six months. The Circle kicks off with an in-person lunch on Sunday, October 12th. For more information and to sign up, please contact Ann Stuart Pearce at sacredground@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Join a Multi-Parish Book Study

Tuesdays, Through 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. 

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.

Family-Style Wednesday Night Suppers Are Back

Wednesday Night Supper, 5:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.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.

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.

Celebrating Harry Pritchett

Saturday, October 11, 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Egleston Library

Join Simon and members of the Pritchett family for a celebration of our beloved former rector, Harry Pritchett, on the occasion of what would have been his 90th birthday. A special exhibition of Harry’s time at All Saints’ will be on display. Please RSVP, and send on any photos you have of Harry, or a special memory you want to jot down and share,

by contacting Mary Brennan brennanmf421@gmail.com.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Children’s Church (Sundays)

2nd fl Pritchett, gathering 8:45 a.m., service 9:00 a.m.

We will join you in church at the Peace.

Children’s Formation (Sundays)

2nd fl Pritchett, 10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.

Doors open at 10:25 a.m., after See You at Ten in

the courtyard ends.

Youth Formation (Sundays)

3rd fl Pritchett (The Attic), 10:30 a.m. -11:10 a.m.

Doors open at 10:25 a.m., after See You at Ten in courtyard ends.

SNL & Y’all Saints (Sundays)

3rd fl Pritchett (The Attic), 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Children’s Choirs Schedule (Wednesdays)

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

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

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

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

Youth Choir (Grade 7-12) (Sundays)

• Handbells, 4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Choir, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

YOUNG ADULTS

Young Adult Fellowship Online! 

Are you in your 20s or 30s and interested in fellowship, discipleship and service? Reach out to Piper Shifflett at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org to receive our monthly newsletter, get added to the WhatsApp group chat and find out what events we have coming up! 

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.