Dear saints,

This Sunday, my family and I will be attending a different sort of church as we descend the south rim of the Grand Canyon and hike seven and a half miles down, along the South Kaibab trail onto the canyon floor and to Phantom Ranch, the only place to stay in that neck of the woods unless you fancy bunking up with the coyotes, ringtails, and collared lizards. I don't think they have a pipe organ down there, nor a lot of hymn books, but the church walls are 5 million years old, carved by the Colorado River. I think it will be a Sunday to remember. 

To descend the canyon is to drop down into time. Apparently, the oldest 'basement' rocks at the bottom of the canyon date back 2 billion years. That feels like another category of time altogether. I could imagine how as hikers descend, the cares and concerns of this or last week give way to the passing of geologic time - the timespan of our planet. It’s humbling to be sure but also reassuring. This place has been here a while; things do last, after all. 

Anticipating our Sunday adventure, I can't help but think of one of my favorite lines from the prophet Isaiah, "remember the rock from which you were hewn" (Isaiah 51:1). I've loved that verse as long as I have known it, mostly because it says to me that as fleeting as my singular life may be, I also have a place in the ancient scheme of things. Our lives are transient, but our belonging is eternal. 

I suppose it has been my attraction to that sense of permanence that has drawn me throughout my life to those soaring human attempts at creating spaces that help us remember the distance between our own smallness and the vastness of the divine. This summer we briefly stopped off in the German city of Ulm which boasts Ulm Minster, the tallest church building in the world whose spire stretches 530 feet into the air. It is stupendously tall when you stand in front of it, literally painful to look at if you strain your neck too long to gaze at its upper reaches. Its scale is utterly out of proportion to any other structure in sight. I loved it. I can remember having a similar feeling walking into The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, each in their own time the largest church interiors in the world. Those are staggering spaces, meant, I think to stop you in your tracks and cause you to take in a short, sharp dose of oxygen. We are small. It's OK to admit it. In fact, admitting it does us good. 

Truth be told, though, we need help making that admission, convinced as the world so often wants us to be of our own stature. 

I love, then, that the Natural History Museum in New York is helping to plant some seeds of perspective while the humans of that city are still young. Last month, the museum restarted its tradition of welcoming 6 to 12 year olds to come spend the night. The photograph I saw showed dozens of children with their sleeping bags lined up neatly under a Blue Whale and a T. Rex. I could imagine them in the wee hours of the night gazing up at these gargantuan creatures and counting all those teeth and trying to come to terms with the T. Rex’s giant skull and the 94-foot Blue Whale’s enormous flukes.

We need to remember that we also were children once. We need to draw to mind, often if we can, that we also are small. We need to take our own journey of descent down into the depths of the divine life in us. 

A way we can learn to do that more is by allowing ourselves to be lost in wonder. To wonder after the things of God in the world is a holy endeavor. It is a form of prayer; a way of giving thanks for the immeasurably precious gift of life. So, why not try it out this coming week? Perhaps you’ll lose yourself for a moment in the wonder of a matriarch or patriarch in your family and delight in the gift of their longevity with you now. Maybe you will stop one day in the park, or as I did this evening at dusk in my car at a stop light, and marvel at the glowing orange of Georgia leaves in fall. You might come across a work of art, or a poem, or a measure of music that is arresting and revealing and for you, divine. 

There are no rules, no right ways to find the holy in the world, there are just days we neglect to try. Why wait? You have today. Grasp it, with thanksgiving for the glory of God, as Mary Oliver puts it, ablaze in every common bush. 

See you soon.

Peace,

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

Thanks to the generosity of so many in our parish family, we are now just 10% away from reaching our pledge goal for the year. Every pledge, large or small, helps us continue the ministries that make All Saints’ a beacon of hope, connection, and compassion in our community. 



If you haven’t yet made your pledge, now is a wonderful time to join in. Your commitment ensures that all the ways we shine, through worship, outreach, formation, fellowship, and care remain strong and vibrant. 

Help us keep shining — make your 2026 pledge today.

Thank you for helping our light shine bright in the city! 

This Sunday

Last Sunday After Pentecost: Christ the King

Sunday, November 23

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 Great Music of Advent with Bob Edge, 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 CHANGE: The Bank of America garage is NOT available this Sunday, November 23. For this Sunday only, overflow parking is available in the surface parking lot at One Georgia Center. Enter on North Ave. across the street (North Ave) from the church. 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 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.

Threads Annual Coat Drive

Last Sunday for collection in the 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: There is still time!

We’re so grateful to everyone who has already made a 2026 pledge. As of November 17th, we are 10% away from our goal with 542 pledging households.

Every gift matters and makes a difference! Pledge online 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

Welcome the Joy of Christmas with Coro Vocati

Sunday, December 14, 2:30 p.m., Church

Experience the spirit of Christmas with Coro Vocati—an evening filled with warmth, joy, and community through music. A treasured tradition at All Saints’, this concert leads you on a musical journey across the centuries, blending cherished carols with inspired new works. Part of the Music at All Saints' concert series. Tickets and details here.

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 this Sunday and the following two Sundays.

Composer of the Week

Dr. Eric Nelson, arranger of Sunday’s communion anthem, has served as artistic director of the Atlanta Master Chorale since 1999. He constantly finds effective ways to help celebrate the gift of singing – as he says – “shoulder to shoulder, voice to voice, one voice lost in another, each agreeing upon something beyond themselves.” Dr. Nelson is currently Director of Choral Studies at Emory University, where he is a recent recipient of the distinguished Arts and Humanities Crystal Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.

ADULT FORMATION

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. 

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.

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. 

Free to Be Saints Christmas Sing-A-Long

Thursday, December 4, 11:30 a.m., Ellis Hall

Join us for our annual Christmas sing-a-long, where Scott Lamlein and Andy Barnett will be back to lead us in all our favorite holiday songs, and our talented Chef Sam will be cooking up a festive lunch. Come for the music, stay for the merriment, and kick off the season with laughter, friendship, and joy. Reservation fee: $16. Register here: https://bit.ly/FTBSsing. For more information, contact Julie Lockhart at jlockhart@allsaintsatlanta.org.

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)

Off campus this week, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

Children’s Choir (Wednesdays)

No children's choir on Wednesday, November 26 (Thanksgiving break).  

Youth Choir (Grade 7-12) (Sundays)

No youth choir on Sunday, November 23 (Thanksgiving break). 

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! 

Faith & Justice Collective

Read articles on Covenant Community,

Jesus on the Front Page, Isaac Villegas, Centering Prayer, Abraham Initiatives, and more in this month's Faith & Justice 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.