Dear saints,

Our family has been a “Turkey Trot” family for many years. Some members of the Barnett run club take it very seriously. For my brother and I, it has become our Super Bowl. We train for months, sometimes comparing mile times, and sometimes keeping our training plans secret in the hopes that one of us will come out with a competitive advantage. This year, my brother found a training program on his Garmin watch that beeps if he’s running too slowly. As for me, I’ve been running and listening to podcasts. Just a lot of podcasts.

That goofy little neighborhood 5K, run by the local Cross Country team, gives us something to work toward, and we do.

Other members of the family view the race with varying levels of enthusiasm.   And by varying, I mean, some folks just don’t like it. This year, for a variety of reasons, we decided not to run the 5K. The kids are getting older, we have a couple of injuries to contend with, and we realized that it wasn’t going to be a positive experience for the bulk of the crew. Also, it was 8 degrees Fahrenheit Thursday in Minneapolis.

Letting go of a nostalgic tradition raised some questions for me. What is it about Thanksgiving that really matters to our family? How do we celebrate abundance with our family and friends in ways that will be the most meaningful for the whole group? Are there practices we’ve engaged in the past that have run their course? How are we being invited to change as time moves on? What traditions should we hold on to?

Rest assured- we still have plenty of traditions that remain. We still brine the turkey and talk about how moist it is at dinner (we’re not monsters). We still go around the table and say what we’re thankful for. We still throw a football in sub-freezing temperatures, and we definitely make enough food for leftovers (the one true meal).

Most importantly, we gather in the same room for a beautiful dinner, and share a couple of days together. Thanks be to God for all of this.

I wonder what makes Thanksgiving special in your circle. How has the spiritual practice of gratitude made a difference for you and those around you? For whom and for what do you give God thanks?

With all the disruption taking place around us, perhaps a few days of thanking God for the blessings of this life will do us some good.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Welcoming Two New Lay Ministers

As we begin a new church year this Advent, All Saints' is delighted to welcome to new Lay Ministers, Stuart Hall and Malachi Robinson. Malachi and Stuart will join Wendy Little who also came on board as a Lay Minister earlier this year. Lay Ministers are folks from the pews who feel drawn to a particular area of our church's life and work with us to support that area's growth.

Stuart's focus will be with children and youth and their families and with college students. He brings decades of experience of working with youth, families and the development of curricula and other programs for youth in the church. Stuart is currently pursuing a master's degree at Emory. Malachi's focus will also be on college students and on the creation of a new All Saints' podcast, Table Talk, which will begin to air in the new year. He is currently finishing his MDiv also at Emory.

As these wonderful Lay Ministers serve God in this place, we invite you to ask how God might be calling you to a ministry in this place? If you'd like to explore that question, please contact the rector: smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org.

This Sunday

First Sunday of Advent

Sunday, November 30

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)
• 10:30 a.m. Advent Adventure (Ellis Hall, Advent activities for all ages)
• 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.

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 for $25.  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. 

All Saints' Giving Tree

Sundays through December 14, Ellis Hall Foyer

Please join us to learn how to give a gift for Midtown Assistance Center (MAC), FOCUS (for medically fragile children), Emmaus House at Threads, and Refugee Ministries, or contact Louisa Merchant at louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org for information.

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.

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. Get your stocking stuffers and hostess gifts before it sells out. This annual fundraiser supports women and children in need.

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  

We invite you to come to The Welcome Table, a service with singing, communion and prayer accompanied by The Welcome Table Jazz combo. A community dinner for all participants

follows the service in Ellis Hall. The cost is $10 for adults and no charge for children under 18 years of age.

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 Sunday.

Composer of the Week

Ralph Vaughan Williams was a prominent English composer who was a leading figure in the 20th-century revival of British classical music. He is best known for his unique "English sound," which was heavily influenced by Tudor music and English folk song, and for his wide range of works, including nine symphonies, choral pieces, and film scores. Vaughan Williams was known for his progressive social views and belief in making music accessible to everyone, often writing works for amateur and student performances. He taught composition at the Royal College of Music for many years and continued composing prolifically well into his 80s.

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 studying the prophet, Amos. All are welcome. To join the group, email The Rev. Karen Evans at kevans@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. 

Walking the Mourner’s Path

Next group starts January 28, 2026

“My heart is broken not my leg.” Nnenna Freelon sang that at Jazz at All Saints about how invisible grief can be. If you have lost a loved one Walking the Mourner’s Path is a place you can be seen by others also experiencing grief. Contact Karen Evans at kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org.

PARISH LIFE

The Name Tag Nook: Name Tag Station in Parish House

Name tags are stored in a 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.

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's Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 21, 9:00 a.m., Church

All children of any age are invited to become part of the story of Jesus’ birth in our non-rehearsed, low-stress Christmas Pageant. We have costumes that kids can choose from or you can create your own. Meet up on the 2nd floor of the Pritchett center to get a costume between 8:15 a.m. - 8:45 a.m., then follow the story in the bulletin for when your child should come up to join the story. A milestone moment of leadership for 4th and 5th graders is to be one of the main characters whose role is to model and shepherd all the younger kids joining in the story. They will meet at 8:15 a.m. on the 2nd floor of Pritchett to dress and run through where and when they will enter. Several parent volunteers are needed to help kids get costumes on before the service. To volunteer, 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 (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

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! 

Christmas Parties for Refugee Ministries and FOCUS

Volunteers are needed for the following holiday parties:

• December 13, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Nepali American Refugee Ministries Christmas party at First Nepali Church in Stone Mountain

• December 20, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Refugee Ministries Christmas party in The Attic at All Saints'

• December 20, 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m., FOCUS Christmas party in Ellis Hall



Families with children/teens are welcome and I am happy to provide service hours. To volunteer, contact Louisa Merchant at louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org.

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 worn, clean children’s clothes

• Shop our Amazon wish list: bit.ly/ASECThreadsWishlist

• Make a financial contribution and be sure to click Threads Donation in the drop box: https://onrealm.org/AllSaintsEpisco85474/-/form/give/now

Thank you for caring.

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.