Dear saints,

I was saddened to read in the newspaper this week of the passing of Nolan Williams, who had developed at Stanford University's School of Medicine a treatment for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Williams' treatment is known as SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) and is a form of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) that is used to offer a noninvasive treatment option to people who might have suffered treatment-resistant depression for years. A non-profit that works with veterans that collaborated with Dr. Williams noted following his death that his work had demonstrated what veterans had been telling them for years, 'that healing is possible, that their suffering mattered, and that science could meet them in their darkest hour’ (vetsolutions.org). Dr. Williams died by suicide. He was 43 years old.

There are so many layers to the tragedy of Nolan Williams. His young age. His own struggle with depression that ultimately enveloped him. The fact that his brilliance as a scientist was saving for so many others, yet it could not save himself. And with all of this, is the deep pain that another human being can carry, which try as we might, can prove beyond the reach of the caring and compassionate souls around them. We cannot know another person's pain. We can only approximate to it. 

The place of mental health and illness in our society thankfully has changed over recent years such that we are less inclined than we had been to hide away the struggles most of us have through the course of our lives. I can remember times in my earlier years when I struggled with depression and how it felt as if I had entered into a parallel plain to the other people around me. I could see them, and I could respond to being among them, yet it felt as if my speech and hearing had changed, even the movement of my body. It was akin to walking around in a fog, in a kind of daze. When I think back on those times, I can remember people’s kindness, even if I wasn't able to be fully present to them. Somehow, their persistence in reaching across what felt like a kind of void let me see in the intensity of those moments a glimmer of the solidarity of others.

I am sure that each person's experience of poor mental health is unique to them. For me, it was like being invisible on the inside of who I was. In the years since then, as I have come to know people in the different settings I've experienced in ministry, I've learned how utterly central being visible is. In a drop-in I ran in San Diego for folks on the street, many of whom struggled with depression among other challenges, I can recall a regular holding me by the arm as he told me how important it was for him to be seen, to be seeable. A church I served while still in theological college on placement in inner-city Manchester, turned itself into a drop-in center every day for anyone with a mental illness - diagnosed or not - to be there. It was a remarkable place and made of itself a kind of collective form of visibility in the life of that church and of the wider diocese to which it belonged.  

I also learned in those years the deep value of being with. Indeed, if there is one charism that I miss from those years of ministry in the Church of England, it is that in so many settings the C of E is an expression of Christianity that chooses to be with. Its pews might be sparsely occupied on a Sunday morning, but in a great many cases, its church halls and corner cafes and play spaces are visited day after day during the week as the Church bears witness to what it means to practice an incarnational faith. We are people who entrust ourselves to the God made flesh, to the Holy One who crosses the veil to dwell with us, as one of us. We find God in the life of others. And we learn to know the grief of God's heart when we attend to other’s pain. It is why monastic orders have such deep roots in the practices of pastoral care and hospitality - that is how they come to know the God they pray to.

This Sunday, we will be joined at the forum following the 9:00a.m. service by Dr. Ben Hunter, Chief Medical Officer at Skyland Trail, a multi-faceted residential program for people suffering poor mental health here in Atlanta. Dr. Hunter's time with us is a preamble to the launch of a new mental health initiative at All Saints’. As details of that are shared in due course, I hope that you will consider lending your incarnate self to that effort, or if not here, that you will find an opening for your life to become a resting place for troubled and weary souls. 

In the final analysis, the Church's value proposition is that we need other people in our lives - to bear us up when we are fragile and hurting, and to teach us what God looks like up close. Don't be afraid of proximity. It has so much to show us. And for all of us who have and do struggle, please know that there is a loving community here in this place. 

Though we are many, we are one body.

Peace,

If you haven’t made your 2026 pledge yet - there’s still time!  

A pledge isn’t just about keeping the lights on, it’s about shining God’s light through ministries that change lives. 

Take a moment to watch this short video featuring Refugee ministries, Threads, and Covenant Community. See how All Saints’ reaches beyond our walls to welcome families, clothe children, and build community across Atlanta. 

Thank you to all who have already pledged. Your pledge allows this community to love boldly, serve generously, and keep growing into the church God is calling us to be.

Help us keep shining — make your 2026 pledge today.

Thank you for being part of the All Saints’ story and 
helping our light shine bright in the city! 

This Sunday

The Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost

Sunday, November 16

Happening this Sunday:

• 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (Traditional language, no music)
• 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Service today led by children, Contemporary language, choral music, livestream, nursery available)
• See you at 10 (Gather for coffee, doughnuts, and fellowship in the courtyard)
• 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, along with today's forum, Growing as a Community of Care: Mental Health 101, 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.

Jazz Vocalist Nnenna Freelon Graces the Next Jazz at All Saints’ Concert

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

Recently named by Downbeat Magazine the standout performer at this year’s Monterey Jazz Festival, vocalist Nnenna Freelon brings her artistry and elegance to our next concert. Her latest album, Beneath the Skin, a master class in quiet wisdom and emotional connection, continues to rank high on jazz charts. Tickets to her concert ($25/adult, $15 student) are selling fast, so get yours now at allsaintsatlanta.org/jazz.

Growing as a Community of Care: Mental Health 101

Sunday, November 16, 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m., Ellis Hall & via Livestream

Join Skyland Trails Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ben Hunter, for a presentation on how genetic predisposition and environmental stressors contribute to mental health conditions. By increasing awareness and understanding, this session aims to reduce stigma and provide practical tools for supporting mental well-being as a church community. For more information, contact Jenny McBride at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Women’s Health and Spirituality Luncheon 
Sunday, November 16, 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

We welcome women of all ages and stages of life to join us for the second of this two-part series as we explore the relationship between health and spirituality in our lives. Parishioners and women’s health providers Jenny Lyman MD and Amy Gaynor WHNP will help us explore the mysteries and changes of our bodies throughout our lives. To register for a $16 lunch, please go to https://bit.ly/womens_health_luncheon. For more information, contact Wendy Little at littlewendoo@gmail.com. 

Parenting with God -Telling the Stories of our Faith

Sunday, November 16, 10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m., Ross Room

This week’s discussion is Chapter Two: The Parable of the Mustard Seed from Josh Scott’s book Parables: Putting Jesus’ Stories in Their Place. No need to read the book to join in our discussion which will only use this as a guide, and you can join us anytime. All people who love children are invited whether the children are your own or not! After all, we don’t walk on this journey alone. 

Emergency Food Drive for MAC

Ending this Sunday, Drop off in Ellis Hall Lobby

On November 1, nearly 1.4 million Georgians will lose access to their SNAP benefits. Midtown Assistance Center (MAC) operates a food pantry in the heart of Atlanta, serving hardworking families and vulnerable community members in over ten zip codes. Help MAC respond to the loss of access by donating items listed in this link, https://bit.ly/MACEmergencyFoodDrive. For more information, contact, Wendy Silliman at wendelin.silliman@troutman.com.

Threads Annual Coat Drive

Sundays through 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.

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

Sunday, 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.

Shining in the City: Why your pledge matters

We continue to see incredible ministry happening every single week at All Saints’, from Threads welcoming families with dignity, to Covenant Community supporting recovery and transformation, to refugee support, small groups, worship, pastoral care, and the countless ways this community quietly shows up for each other and our city.

If you haven’t had a chance to make your 2026 pledge yet, there is still time! Every pledge matters and strengthens this work. Pledge now at allsaintsatlanta.org/pledge. Thank you for being part of a church that lives its love so fully and generously!

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

Flower Guild Collection for Christmas

On Christmas Eve, the Flower Guild creates a beautiful floral offering, a tradition made possible by the generous donations of this parish. Donations can be made in memory of or in thanksgiving for a loved one. Please make a donation by December 7 to be listed in the bulletin on Christmas Eve. To donate, click here. There will also be a table in the courtyard between services on Sundays, November 23, 30, and December 7. 

Composer of the Week

Florence Price, writer of this Sunday’s closing organ voluntary, was an American classical composer, pianist, organist and music teacher. Price was educated at the New England Conservatory of Music and was active in Chicago from 1927 until her death in 1953. Price is noted as the first African-American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer, and the first to have a composition played by a major orchestra. Price composed over 300 works. This Toccato, with her own interesting spelling of the word that means “touch,” has elements of movie theater improvisation from the 1920s, and a relentless positivity in its mood. 

ADULT FORMATION

School of the Spirit: The Meaning of Worship
Wednesdays. November 12 & 19, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., CHURCH

Have you ever wondered why we turn toward the street during the closing hymn, make the sign of the cross during the Gospel, or sing different hymns throughout the liturgical year? Explore the signs, symbols, and sounds of Anglican worship in All Saints’ historic church as we learn about the stained glass, altar, instruments, vestments, and sacraments. Contact: Andy Barnett abarnett@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. 

Novel Theology: Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

Wednesday, November 19, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Ross Room and Zoom

In November, Novel Theology dives into the wild world of Good Omens, where the world is prophesied to end on Saturday. This Saturday. Just before dinner. Everything appears to be going according to divine plan, except for the interference of a fussy angel and a fast-living demon—both of whom have lived amongst Earth’s mortals since The Beginning and have grown rather fond of the lifestyle. Contact Laura Trott for more information at lmtrott@gmail.com.

The Great Music of Advent, with Bob Edge

Sunday, November 23, 10:30 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall

In anticipation of the Advent season, come hear parishioner Bob Edge lead us through some of the great music of Advent, as well as guide us toward the great musical opportunities happening in and around Atlanta during the season. Contact Jenny McBride for more info at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.

One Parish, One Book

Sunday mornings, November 30, December 7, 14, & 21, 10:30 a.m. – 11:05 a.m., Ross Room,  or Tuesday evenings, December 2, 9, 16, & 23, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Zoom

During the seasons of Advent, the entire parish will read one book together and gather over four weeks for small group discussion, in person during the Sunday morning formation period or over Zoom on Tuesday evenings. Books chosen for the Advent season help us anticipate, and start to live into, the coming kingdom of God, by turning our attention outward toward Christian social ethics and the church’s public witness. Before and during Advent we will read Isaac Samuel Villegas’s Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice. Purchase a copy wherever books are sold. Contact Jenny McBride at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Advent Women’s Retreat, sponsored by the Women’s Intergenerational Group Saturday, December 6, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Chapel & Ellis Hall

Join fellow parishioners for a meditative, partial day, Advent retreat, led by Rev. Dr. Jenny McBride, as we reflect on “All the Marys:” Mary the Mother of Jesus, Mary of Bethany, and Mary Magdalene — each of whom defy expectations of patriarchy and offer compelling examples of courageous faith. We will gather in the chapel and prepare ourselves for the season through song, biblical reflection, icons, film clips, and a labyrinth walk. 

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.

St. Helena’s Hellfire Pepper Jelly Sale

Sundays in November, 10:00 a.m. -11:10 a.m., Ellis Hall Foyer

Saint Helena’s famous Hellfire Pepper Jelly is going on sale between services beginning November 2. Get your stocking stuffers and hostess gifts before it sells out. This annual fundraiser supports women and children in need.

Advent Adventure

Sunday, November 30, 10:30 a.m., Ellis Hall

Advent is the season of anticipation of the coming of Christ. We will have activities for all ages that will help families understand and celebrate Advent at home. The annual Flower Guild Advent wreath-making with kits and greenery will be available to purchase.  There are several ways to help out with this year’s event: Bring evergreen branches to decorate your wreath and some branches to share with others from your yard. Volunteer that day. Email Kathy at kroberts@allsaintsatlanta.org if you would be willing to help with the wreath-making, at a craft table, or set-up and/or clean up. 

St. Nicholas Feast and Celebration

Wednesday, December 3, 5:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. dinner seatings, Ellis Hall; Celebration at 6:05 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Church

Join us as we kick off this holiday season by celebrating St. Nicholas with singing, ringing, storytelling, and dinner. Two dinner seatings will be offered for our catered holiday feast. RSVP online at https://bit.ly/ASEC_StNicholas2025. Between seatings, join us to hear a magical telling of the story of St. Nicholas of Myra in the Church, followed by the Primary and Junior Choirs and bell ringers leading us in carols. Rumor has it that the old Saint might even pay us a visit! Children’s Ministries will be conducting a sock drive, for new socks of all sizes for Threads as part of this evening. You can drop off your donations in Ellis Hall during dinner or in the Narthex before the celebration. For more information, contact Kathy Roberts at kroberts@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, November 23, 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 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! 

Refugee Ministries Information Sessions

Are you interested in learning about upcoming volunteer opportunities in Refugee Ministries? We will be offering a 30-minute zoom information session on Thursday, November 20 at 1:00 p.m. Please email Louisa Merchant, louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org, for link.

Threads Welcomes Families for Shopping 

At Threads, every Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., our doors open wide to welcome families for in-store shopping — not just for clothing, but for a sense of comfort, dignity, and a renewed sense of hope and joy. If you’ve ever wanted to make a meaningful difference, this is your invitation. Whether you can lend a few hours or come regularly, your presence matters. You’ll be part of a beautiful mission that wraps families in love.


There are many ways that you can help Threads Kids:

• Drop off gently warn clean children’s clothes & coats 

• Shop our Amazon wish list.

• Make a financial contribution online - Be sure to click 

 Threads Donation in the drop box here.

Faith & Justice Collective

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.