Dear saints,

Have you ever been invited into something that matters to you?

Part of my role at All Saints’ is to invite newcomers to a meal, get to know them, and help them feel connected with our parish. You’d be surprised how many people are looking for what we offer: an inclusive Christian community, committed to living the Good News of Jesus in our lives, actively loving and serving our neighbors. Usually about halfway through lunch, I have a pretty good sense of what makes a person “come alive” in Howard Thurman’s beautiful phrase.

My favorite part of the conversation goes something like this: “I can tell you’re committed to hospitality for immigrants. I’d love to connect you with Louisa Merchant, who can get you started with Refugee Ministries. Would that be ok with you?” Nine times out of ten, the answer is an easy yes.

Charlie Henn will tell you that he got involved in the Ushers ministry because Hank Harris met him at a newcomers’ gathering in the early 2000s and said, something like “Great to meet you. I’d like you to be on my usher team, and we’re on for the 9:00 service this Sunday. I’ll see you then.” Charlie has invited 12 new ushers to join the team in the past month.

Rainey Woodward has a knack for inviting her friends to the Altar Guild ministry. She’s up to 20 recruits, and she says the altar guild helps you feel connected with the Sunday liturgy, and it’s a great way to meet new people in the church.

When we think about shaping culture, it’s wise to pay attention to what’s working, and then to amplify those success stories. Just this past Wednesday, I was hosting a newcomer at Wednesday Night Supper, and three different people invited her to something. Clark Lemons said, “I’m part of a really good book club (Novel Theology), and if you’d like to join us, we’re meeting upstairs in about 20 minutes.” Gretchen Chateau talked about contemplative prayer, saying, “This practice has made a real difference for me, and I feel called to help others be still in God’s presence.” I talked about all of the Wednesday night classes that make up our School of the Spirit, and she seemed intrigued. As we walked out that night, she said, “You guys have an amazing place here. I found you online, and I’m excited to bring my family on Sunday.”

It struck me that invitation is part of our culture at All Saints’. Would you consider inviting a friend to get their pet blessed this Saturday at New Realm Brewery (11-1), or to dress up like Harry Potter and his buddies next Sunday night? If it sounds like we’re trying to take the Gospel to the world and build easy on-ramps for people to join us, WE ARE! 

We don’t have to be afraid of the E-Word (Evangelism). It simply means telling the good news of God in our life, in an authentic way. Inviting the people who trust us to join a Christian community that is trustworthy can be an incredible gift.

Here we meet the living God, defined by love, passionate about abundant life for everyone. Here we find deep relationships that can sustain us for decades, through all that life brings our way. Here we follow the loving, liberating, and life-giving way of Jesus, which can and will transform the world.

Here’s how those newcomer lunches end.

“Would you like to join us on Sunday? I love this place, and I think you will too.”

Sincerely,

Shining in the City - Your Pledge Makes This Light Possible

This year’s Canvass theme — Shining in the City — celebrates who we are at All Saints’: a church rooted in Midtown Atlanta, called to share God’s light within our walls and far beyond them.

God's light shines through you — in worship that lifts spirits, ministries that serve our neighbors, friendships that sustain us, and the deep questions that shape our faith. Watch All Saints' shine.

Your pledge makes this light possible. Pledging is how we sustain the ministries that welcome, heal, challenge, and inspire — through outreach, formation, music, justice, and care. It’s how we say “yes” to God’s transformative work happening here every day.

Make sure your pledge is in by Wednesday, October 22nd to be included in our Commitment Sunday Appreciation bulletin!

This Sunday

The Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Sunday, October 19

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.

Pet Blessing on the Beltline

TOMORROW, October 18, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., New Realm Brewery

We are joining our partners at VCA Pets are People Too (a local vet), Lifeline Animal Project (pet adoption), and New Realm Brewery to celebrate God’s creation with our neighbors on the beltline. Bring your family, friends, and pets, and enjoy a great lunch on the patio. Share the event with others!

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. 

Join Us for Sunday Breakfast

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: $12 for adults & $7 for children.

Parenting with God

Sunday, October 19, 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. 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. We will walk through Josh Scott’s Parables - Putting Jesus’ Stories in Their Place.

Men’s Steak Dinner

Sunday, October 19, 6:30 p.m., Ellis Hall

Come grill your own rib-eye steak, and join our men’s ministry for an evening of fellowship. Cost: $30 Contact: Andy Barnett abarnett@allsaintsatlanta.org. 
Register here.

Threads Annual Coat Drive

Sundays, starting October 19 – November 23, Ellis Foyer

Join us in spreading love and comfort by providing a new or gently used coat for a child in need. Each coat is more than fabric — it’s a hug, a smile, and a reminder that someone cares. Bring coats (sizes newborn to 18) to Threads at All Saints’ Episcopal Church or make a donation and we’ll shop for you. Barrels will be available in the Ellis Hall Foyer for drop off. For more information contact threads@allsaintsatlanta.org.

What incredible joy there was on Sunday as we celebrated Pride Sunday. With the children's Pop-up Love Shop, the All Sorts brunch and a great group marching in the parade - including our Y'all Saints youth group! - it was truly all ages, all sorts, and gloriously All Saints'! Check out our Facebook page to see more pictures.

Shining in the City: Why your pledge matters

Because generations before us pledged faithfully, and now it’s our turn to ensure All Saints’ continues to shine for those yet to come. Remember to get your pledge in by Wednesday, October 22nd to ensure your name is included on our Commitment Sunday Appreciation list in the bulletin.

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

All Souls Choral Evensong

Thursday, October 30, 7:00 p.m., Church

Join us for a time to remember the saints in our lives, past and present, through beautiful sung prayers and anthems presented by The All Saints’ Parish Choir. During the course of the service, you are welcome to light a candle for people in your life who have passed on. Music will include works

by Charles Villiers Stanford, Joanna Forbes L’Estrange, Ernest Bullock, and Charles Hubert Hastings Parry.

The Inaugural Concert of the All Saints’ Chorale

Thursday, November 6, 7:00 p.m., Church

You are cordially invited to an evening of sacred choral

masterworks, featuring music by Parry, Franck, Schubert,

Jane Marshall, Richard Smallwood, and others. This grand

inaugural program promises to stir the soul and lift the spirit within the hallowed walls of historic All Saints’.

Jazz at All Saints’ Concert Coming Soon!

Friday, November 14, 7:00 p.m., Church; Reception to follow in Ellis Hall

The Grammy-nominated vocalist and composer Nnenna Freelon brings her distinctive style to the next Jazz at All Saints’ concert. Evoking deep emotion and quiet wisdom, the original songs in her latest album, Beneath the Skin, have kept it high on jazz charts since its debut last spring. Nnenna is a presence, in person and in her music, a consummate artist not to be missed. Get your ticket ($25/adult, $15/student) at allsaintsatlanta.org/jazz.

Composer of the Week

Robert Houston Bright was an American composer, conductor, and professor, known primarily for his highly regarded choral works. He spent his academic career at West Texas State College (now West Texas A&M University). I Hear a Voice A-Prayin’ is one of Bright’s most famous and enduring compositions. It was written in 1955 and is often classified as an original spiritual.

ADULT FORMATION

Abundance in Community: A Course on Faith and Money

Wednesdays, October 22, and 29, Hybrid P305/306 or Zoom

Join parishioner and Chartered Financial Analyst Emilie Hill, Director of Stewardship Julie Lockhart, priest Jenny McBride (and, for one session, New Testament professor Jennifer Quigley) for a course on faith and money. While acknowledging a common scarcity mindset, we will reflect on the biblical truth that abundance comes with community. We’ll examine our early experiences and personal patterns around money, learn from the practical wisdom of financial planning and behavioral science, and draw insight from scripture and the practices of the early church. All are welcome — no prior knowledge required! To join by Zoom, contact Jenny McBride for the link: jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.

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. 

Adult Inquirers Class-Fall Session

Wednesdays, October 29, 2025 – November 19, 2025; 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Zoom and In-Person Dinner

Adult Inquirer’s Class is a four-part introduction to the life of faith at All Saints’. The first three meetings are on Zoom with the final session in person over dinner at the church. Participants are asked to commit to all four sessions. Additional adult inquirers classes will be held in winter and spring 2026. Upon completion of classes, confirmation and membership will be available. For more details contact Tracey Sage tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Bonhoeffer for Today? Columbia Theological Seminary

Thursday October 23, 2:00 pm – 8:45 pm

During complicated political times, few theologians get weaponized more fiercely or misread more easily than pastor-theologian and Nazi resister, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. But who was Bonhoeffer? What did he say and do? And how might we interpret him thoughtfully, accurately, and usefully for our present political moment?


This symposium draws together an international group of scholars who will address these questions through workshops, a keynote lecture, a screening of the Journey Films documentary Bonhoeffer, and a panel discussion exploring the legacy and current relevance of this compelling figure at the intersection of faith and politics. Rev. Jenny McBride will lead one of the workshops; contact her with questions at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org. Register here.

PARISH LIFE

The Name Tag Nook: Name Tag Station in Parish House

Name tags are 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.

Harry Potter Eucharist

Sunday, October 26, starting at 4:00 p.m., Kennedy Courtyard & Ellis Hall

Step through Platform 9¾ and into an enchanted evening of fun, fellowship, and a touch of magic! Whether you’re a witch, wizard, or muggle, don your Halloween costumes and join us for a night filled with wonder.

• 4:00 p.m. – Trunk or Treat in the Courtyard

• 4:45 p.m. – Cherub & Primary Choirs Sing

• 5:00 p.m. – Service & Harry Potter Eucharist in Ellis Hall

• 5:15 p.m. – Great Hall Feast

• 5:45 p.m. – Harry Potter Movie Screening

Costumes encouraged. Wands optional. Magic guaranteed. Contact Emily Halbert at ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org for information or if you are willing to help with the event.

Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention

Sunday, November 2, 2:00 p.m., the Meadow in Piedmont Park

Join All Saints' in a 2-mile walk to support suicide prevention, organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. All Saints' will join other faith communities under the banner "Step Out & Speak Up: Faith Communities Uniting for Suicide Prevention." Faith communities play a unique role in prevention by creating spaces of belonging, reducing stigma, offering spiritual support, and equipping leaders to recognize and respond to warning signs. Registration deadline to join our All Saints’ group is October 15. If interested, please contact parishioner Liza Johnston at lizajohnston@comcast.net.  

All Saints’ is looking for a Parish Gardener

If you or someone you know has a green thumb and loves to be outdoors through the year, you may be interested to know that All Saints’ is looking to hire a part-time parish gardener in the new year who would tend to our grounds and care for them as a place of beauty and renewal for the parish and the city. For more information please contact our rector, Simon Mainwaring: smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org.

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 after See You at Ten (10:00 a.m. - 10:25 a.m.) in courtyard.


Youth Formation (Sundays)

3rd fl Pritchett (The Attic), 10:30 a.m. -11:10 a.m. Doors open after See You at Ten (10:00 a.m. -10:25 a.m. in courtyard).

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) 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

Brunch & Bible Study

Sunday, October 26, 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, and the cost of lunch is $10. 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! 

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

Hot off the presses! Read the October Edition of the Faith & Justice Collective Newsletter.

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.