Dear saints,

Merry Christmas one and all! Or as the English like to say, happy Boxing Day. You may already know this, but the origins of Boxing Day date back to the Victorian era when boxes of food and other items would be prepared for the poor. Many churches also had 'poor boxes' - there is actually one at All Saints' in the narthex - out of which the money which had been collected would be distributed on this day. Now, of course, the English have mostly given up these generosities in favor of their version of Black Friday sales. I emigrated just in time.

To be fair to the English they are not the only people to have lost their bearings on their way home from the manger. In our summer trip to southern Germany this past year, we discovered what has happened to the otherwise delightful tradition of the Christkindlesmarkt, the Christ child market, in that country. For reasons known to God alone, in the height of a glorious German summer day, my mother-in-law was all of a sudden in need of purchasing a drummer boy Christmas ornament. Much to my dismay, within a few minutes we were inside a store where Jingle Bells plays 52 weeks of the year and every corner you turn is merry and bright. Knowing that spending more than ten minutes inside would quickly rob me of my will to live, I went about finding someone to help us. Having spoken to at least half a dozen teenage store assistants who allegedly were working that day, I came to the conclusion that the Rothenberg de Tauber Christmas store doubled as some sort of juvenile detention facility where unruly adolescents were sent to be punished by being dressed in elf-like uniforms and subjected to the greatest hits of Christmas, eight-hour shifts at a time. If the sunlight outside the shop doorway was beginning to grow dim with every passing minute for me, it had clearly long been extinguished for these poor Bavarian teens. As we left, predictably with no drummer boy ornaments in hand, I offered a furtive look back at the teenage inmates, and weakly mouthed ‘Frohe Weihnachten’ - 'Merry Christmas' - as we left. I’m fairly sure I saw at least one them break down and cry as we skipped back into the afternoon sunshine.

If there is a moral hiding in there somewhere it is that it cannot always be Christmas any more than we can always be merry. There are times and seasons, and the liturgical year helps us to find our own rhythm within them lest we also only be marked by the never-ending desire to buy and sell that surrounds us every day of the year. 

During these twelve days there is an opening for you to linger a while with the scene we have just gathered around at the manger. What do you see there? And where else do you see Christ in the world today?

Christ the Savior is born. Don’t leave the nativity too soon.

Peace,

This Sunday

First Sunday After Christmas

Sunday, December 28

***ADJUSTED SCHEDULE THIS SUNDAY*** Only two services!

• 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (Traditional language, no music)
• 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Contemporary language, musical soloist, livestream)
• Please Note: There is NO 5pm Welcome Table Service this Sunday.

We will return to our normal Sunday service schedule on January 4.

WORSHIP ONLINE: Please worship with us online! Our 10:00 a.m. service 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.

NURSERY: Our nursery is NOT open this Sunday, but will return January 4. 

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.

Year-End Giving

To be counted as a 2025 gift for tax purposes, we MUST have your gift by noon on Wednesday Dec. 31, 2025 or postmarked by Dec. 31, 2025. The All Saints' office will be open Monday, December 29, 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., and Tuesday, December 30, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm and Wednesday, December 31, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. If you have questions, please e-mail them to: jlockhart@allsaintsatlanta.org.



Shining in the City: There is still time!

As we approach the end of our calendar year, we are deeply grateful for the many ways you share your time, gifts, and faith with our All Saints’ community. Your pledges and participation make our ministries possible and help us continue shining God’s light within and beyond these walls. If you haven’t yet made your 2025 pledge, there’s still time and every commitment makes a difference. Thank you for helping us finish the year with hope, gratitude, and joy!

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

All Ages Epiphany Worship Service

Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Chapel

Join us as we celebrate the Epiphany on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The service begins at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel, featuring a procession of the Bethlehem star and the three magi bearing gifts for the Christ child. You are invited to bring a canned food donation for Midtown Assistance Center. Following the service, gather in Ellis Hall for Wednesday Night Supper featuring a festive Three Kings Cake! For more information, please contact Emily Halbert at ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org.

ADULT FORMATION

The Vocation of Faith Series: Accepting God’s Call to ...

To Dream with Parishioner Virginia Apperson

Sundays, January 4 & January 11, 10:30 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall & via Livestream

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. 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.

Faith and Justice Collective Luncheon

Plan A: Ensuring Access to Healthcare in the Rural South

Sunday, January 11, 2026, 12:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., Ellis Hall 

Join us in January for a presentation from Caroline Weinberg, the founding executive director of Plan A, who will speak about her work creating mobile clinics in Georgia 

and Mississippi that bring free healthcare directly to underserved communities in the rural South, with an emphasis on improving sexual and reproductive health. 

Please register in advance for a $16 meal from Chef Sam at https://bit.ly/FaithandJustice_Jan. For more about the Faith & Justice Collective, read their newsletter. Contact Jenny McBride with questions at jmcbride@allsaintstalanta.org.

Adult Inquirers Class-Winter Session

Wednesdays, January 14 - February 11, 2026, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Zoom & In-Person Dinner

The 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 later in the spring and fall. Upon completion of classes, confirmation and membership will be available. For more details, contact Tracey Sage tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

The School of the Spirit | Encountering Scripture: The Psalms

Wednesdays, January 14 - February 4, 2026, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Hybrid P305/306 or via Zoom

Join us for the next School of the Spirit four-week course on the Psalms, taught by Candler Foundry’s Ryan Bonfiglio, one of All Saints’ favorite instructors. We will examine ancient Israel’s prayerbook and how it probes the depths of faith with stunning honesty and vulnerability. Emphasis will be placed on how the Psalms can inspire us to dig deeper wells of spirituality in our own lives today. Email Jenny 

McBride for the Zoom link at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Women’s Overnight Winter Retreat

Friday, January 30 - Sunday February 1, 2026, Offsite

This fall we have reflected on the relationship between health and spirituality at two Sunday luncheons focused on loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, body, and strength (Matt 22:37-38). We continue the theme of how to nourish our whole selves at an overnight retreat, led by parishioner and nutritionist Karen Riggs and Rev. Jenny McBride, who will explore food at the intersection of spiritual, physical, and mental health. Register and pay here by January 15 for the two-night retreat at Timberroot Rustic Retreat in Oconee, TN. Contact Jenny McBride at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org with questions. 

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.

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. 

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.

Exciting Mural Announcement

In the spring of next year, All Saints’ will collaborate with our artist-in-residence, Aysha Pennerman, to create a mural on the concrete base of the Pritchett Center parking deck along Spring Street and Ponce. The project is being made possible via a significant investment from Midtown Alliance, a grant awarded to Aysha, and generous donations from All Saints’ parishioners. The mural focuses on the theme of hope and will feature 3-D doves that will be attached to the railings of the upper parking deck, and images and color that will draw people to the vibrancy of our city block and the hope and healing that happens down the street at Covenant Community and the Midtown Assistance Center.

For the thousands of people who pass us by on Spring Street each week, the mural will offer inspiration and a clear expression of our values as a church. You are invited to view banners illustrating the mural design on Spring and Ponce. There are also postcards around the campus asking you to name what you hope for. We want to hear your feedback and ideas for the message the mural could send the city. Please contact our rector Simon for more information and to share your thoughts: smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Youth Pilgrimage to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands 

Tuesday, June 16 – Saturday, June 27, 2026

High schoolers in 10th-12th grade are invited to a pilgrimage adventure in June of 2026 to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. The youth pilgrims will work in the local Episcopal Church and with our partners there, Education Equals Hope and build relationships with the local community. Register here by January 7, 2026 to book your place. For more information, see the flyer or contact Luke Nolfa at lnolfa@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

Children’s Church (Sundays)

2nd fl Pritchett, gathering 8:15 a.m. - 8:45 a.m., service in the church at 9:00 a.m.

We will take a break on Dec. 28 to enjoy Christmas with our families. See you back on January 4 for Epiphany and Chalking the Door!

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.

We will take a break on Dec. 28 to enjoy Christmas with our families. See you back on January 4th!


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.

We will take a break on Dec. 28 to enjoy Christmas with our families. See you back on January 4!

SNL & Y’all Saints (Sundays)

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

We will take a break on Dec. 28 to enjoy Christmas with our families. See you back on January 5. Please join us at the Epiphany Bonfire on January 4. 

Epiphany Bonfire

Sunday, January 4, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Offsite

Light up the new year with us at the Epiphany Bonfire! Join us off campus for the annual Bonfire, parents are welcome to stay. Please contact Luke Nolfa, lnolfa@allsaintsatlanta.org for more info.

Children’s Choirs (Wednesdays)

No Children's Choir Rehearsals on December 31. 

Children's Choirs return Wednesday, January 7

Youth Choir (Grade 7-12) (Sundays)

• Youth Choir Christmas Eve Dress Rehearsal at 10:20 a.m., December 21, Church

No Youth Choir Rehearsals on December 28 or January 4. Youth Choir returns on Sunday, January 11.

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! 

Matthew 25 Mission Trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos

Tuesday, June 16 – Saturday, June 27, 2026

Parishioners aged 18 and up are invited to a mission trip in June of 2026 to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. The mission trip will travel with All Saints’ youth pilgrims and share some time together on location, but will mostly work separately in the local Episcopal Church and with our partners there, Education Equals Hope and build relationships with the local community. Register here by January 7, 2026 to book your place. For more information contact Luke Nolfa at lnolfa@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

A great way to stay updated! This month's Faith & Justice Newsletter includes:

• Restorative Justice: a path for healing
• Reflections from a visit on the inside of Arrendale State Prison
• When governments fail, MAC is there
• Holiday volunteer opportunities
• Next F&J luncheon on January 11
• A children’s book on bravery by Bishop Mariann Budde

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.