Dear saints,

I have been reflecting these past few days on the death of Renee Good, the woman shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis last week. The split-second decisions made that day will haunt all those who were there, especially the ICE agent who fired his weapon. Renee Good’s death was a tragedy on many levels, in all the ways that her particular loss will now leave a hole in the lives of so many others who knew and loved her, and in what it reveals about who we are becoming as a people. A nation that allows its enforcement agents to practice the authority of the state behind masks, by pulling people from their cars and their homes, by the use of tear gas and other stunning tactics upon its own citizens and residents, is surely a nation that is fast on its way to fracturing the foundation of the social contract it shares with its people. The punitive, cruel and dehumanizing state-sanctioned behaviors we see on the news now on a daily basis are an affront to the God-given worth we are called to see and uphold in every human life. As followers of the Prince of Peace, the church condemns such acts of force and harm, and laments when this culture of coercive strength leads to the loss of life as it did last week.

It can be hard to know how to respond faithfully to events unfolding in a world that moves at such a rapid pace. We can easily feel frozen in place. We can become mired in outrage or far too easily entrench ourselves in a posture of judgement about those on ‘the other side’ of any given issue. Yet, as people who just last week recommitted ourselves to a baptismal covenant that mandates us to seek and serve Christ in all persons, we know that we cannot remain inert. 

One response you might consider, especially on this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, is to ask how you might want to marry your faith with justice. All Saints’ has a long history of doing that very thing and today we enjoy a rich array of opportunities for us to pursue faith and justice alongside others: from the Faithful Advocates who engage our legislative life here in the State of Georgia and the Freedom Writers’ pen-pal ministry with incarcerated women, to the Sacred Ground dialogue series exploring race in America and the Faith and Justice Collective luncheon gatherings which traverse a wide range of topics and causes. Save the date now for March's Faith and Justice luncheon featuring Out of Hand Theater's play, Prisontown. Following our 9:00a.m. service this Sunday, there will be an opportunity for you to speak to representatives of a number of our faith and justice ministries to find out how you might get involved. I warmly encourage you to do so.

Beyond our parish ministries, there is of course a great deal we can do to embody faith and justice in the world. If your state or congressional representatives don’t know who you are, perhaps this is a season for you to change that. Additionally, consider an email or phone call to representatives from beyond your own district on both sides of the aisle. Or perhaps you will join others in a protest march, or will ask for change by writing in the press.

Whatever you might choose to do, my prayer is that it will be generative - that it will be effective in allowing us to grow our way out of this dark valley our nation currently find itself in. I felt that hope keenly this week with a group of Episcopal clergy who met online to hear about how we might better support our Latino and Latina colleagues. Many told stories of parishioners being stopped in their cars or others who were detained and are facing court proceedings. Clergy shared how various events they had previously relied on to support the parochial and financial life of their churches have had to be canceled this year out of concerns for the safety of their church members. The overwhelmingly common denominators these priests and deacons named were fear and isolation. They and their church members feel invisible; cut-off from the rest of the world. When asked what would help the most, they answered, ‘see us’.

One way that All Saints’ will be helping those clergy be seen and the churches they lead is by offering an opportunity for them to join with other clergy to create a learning cohort that will partner with Out of Hand Theater helping them build their capacity for leadership in challenging times. We will also offer support in their daily life as priests and, where we can, help provide legal support to them and their parishioners. If you are interested in joining that effort please let me know. 

It is easy to feel that the world is too vast a place and its problems too overwhelming for our efforts to mean anything, yet there is a power that gets released when we ask how each of our single lives might be generators of hope. We have seen how powerful hope can be in this church in the lives of people who arrived here as refugees and in our own lives as we have walked in solidarity with them. Let us remain resolute in our commitment to hope as we join with others to build God’s kingdom of justice and love upon the earth.

Keep the faith.

Peace,

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr | January 17-18, 2026

MLK Jr. Weekend Concert

Saturday, January 17, 5:00 p.m., Church & via Livestream

Join us for our annual celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy. Members of Theodicy Jazz Collective– Saxophonist Will Cleary and Vocalist Imani Grace Cooper– will play with our hometown rhythm section: Pianist Andy Barnett, Grammy-Winning Bassist Kevin Smith, and Grammy-Winning Drummer Robert Boone. The group will offer a concert on Saturday night, hosted by the Rev. Natosha Reid Rice. 

MLK Jr. Sunday with Guest preacher-teacher Laura James

Sunday, January 18, 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m., Church & via Livestream

Join our MLK guest preacher-teacher, Laura James, members of Theodicy Jazz Collective, and the All Saints’ Choir as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday.

Sunday Forum with Iconographer Laura James

Sunday, January 18, 10:30 a.m., Ellis Hall & via Livestream 

Hear from our MLK preacher-teacher Laura James, the Brooklyn-born, Bronx-based painter and iconographer of Antiguan heritage whose work reimagines sacred and everyday narratives through a distinctly Black lens. Her work is on display weekly during our Welcome Table worship and has been on exhibit in Ellis Hall this Fall.

Contact Andrew Barnett abarnett@allsaintsatlanta.org for additional information.

This Sunday

Second Sunday After the Epiphany

Sunday, January 18

• 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 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 MLK Sunday Forum with Laura James, 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 open for children, ages birth through Pre-K, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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.

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.

Brunch & Bible Study

Sunday, January 18, 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. Contact: Piper Shifflett at youngadults@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  

We invite you to come to The Welcome Table, a service with singing, communion and prayer accompanied by The Welcome Table Jazz trio. 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.

Shining in the City: There is still time!

As we step into this new year, we offer deep gratitude for the generosity that sustained our ministries throughout 2025. If you haven’t made your pledge for 2026, we invite you to do so. Your commitment allows us to begin the year with clarity, confidence, and hope.

Every gift matters and makes a difference! Pledge online today. 

Completing Your 2025 Pledge: If you have a remaining balance on your 2025 pledge, there is time to fulfill it. Every gift helps us.

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

During Services: put a check, cash, or the tear-out card in the offering plate

QR code: one-time gifts

Direct Electronic Transfer: gift stocks and securities

Our Charles Schwab account is: ”All Saints’ Episcopal Church”

Account#: 1084-6679

DTC#: 0164 Code: 40 

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.

WORSHIP & MUSIC

Darren English Headlines Next Jazz at All Saints

Friday, February 13, 7:00 p.m., Church

Grab your seat for the next Jazz at All Saints’ concert which will spotlight Darren English, the young South African trumpet virtuoso whose latest album, “He Says/She Says,” will premiere its U.S. release that evening at All Saints’! The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. in the church and will be followed by a robust Q&A and a reception in Ellis Hall. Put the date in your calendar and get your ticket at allsaintsatlanta.org/jazz/. 

Composer of the Week

Lead Me, Guide Me is a classic African American gospel hymn written and composed by Doris Akers in 1953. It is widely recognized as an earnest prayer for divine guidance through life's challenges. The hymn has been covered by many artists, most famously by Elvis Presley on his 1972 album He Touched Me. Doris Akers (1923-1995) was a pioneering American gospel music composer, arranger, singer, and choir director. Affectionately known as "Miss Gospel Music," she is credited with bridging the cultural gap between Black and white gospel music through her diverse compositions and integrated choir leadership.

ADULT FORMATION

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. 

Novel Theology: The Wit and Wisdom of Jane Austen

Wednesday, January 21, 7:00 p.m., Ross Room or Zoom

In January, Novel Theology celebrates Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with a discussion of her final novel, Persuasion, a story of vanity, pretension, and, above all, second chances. Please join us on January 21 at 7 pm in the Ross Room or on Zoom. Email Laura Trott at Lmtrott@gmail.com for more information. 

Walking the Mourner's Path Grief Support Group

Wednesdays, starting January 28, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Shaffer Room (3rd floor Parish House)

There are still a few places left. Contact The Rev. Karen Evans, kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org, if you are interested.

St. Hildegard's New 20s and 30s Women’s Chapter Forming 

First meeting Sunday, February 15, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Ross Room

Women in their 20s and 30s are invited to join a new women's chapter forming at All Saints’. We will gather for our first event with wine, cheese, and a flower bouquet workshop led by parishioner and verger Alvin Moore. The evening will also include an introduction to St. Hildegard of Bingen and spiritual discussion inspired by her legacy. Future meetings will include monthly formation potlucks for spiritual conversation, as well as opportunities for social gatherings and service. To register for the workshop, register at https://bit.ly/sthchapter and for more information contact Elizabeth Beck at ebeck.uga@gmail.com or Ani Hildebrandt at anihildebrandt93@gmail.com. 

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, 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.

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 20, 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.

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. followed by a MLK weekend lock-in with youth from The Cathedral of St. Philip. Youth are also invited to serve together with Trees Atlanta, Monday, January 19. Please contact Luke Nolfa for more information: lnolfa@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

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! 

St. Hildegard's New 20s and 30s Women’s Chapter Forming 

First meeting Sunday, February 15, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Ross Room

Women in their 20s and 30s are invited to join a new women's chapter forming at All Saints’. We will gather for our first event with wine, cheese, and a flower bouquet workshop led by parishioner and verger Alvin Moore. The evening will also include an introduction to St. Hildegard of Bingen and spiritual discussion inspired by her legacy. Future meetings will include monthly formation potlucks for spiritual conversation, as well as opportunities for social gatherings and service. To register for the workshop, register at https://bit.ly/sthchapter and for more information contact Elizabeth Beck at ebeck.uga@gmail.com or Ani Hildebrandt at anihildebrandt93@gmail.com. 

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 20, 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:

• Men’s Spirituality Group Host a Simple Meal with a Powerful Impact
• F&J Luncheon Focuses on Innovative Healthcare in the Rural South
• Parishioners Support Immigrants at ICE Headquarters
• Concert and Guest Preacher Headline MLK, Jr. Weekend
• Start the New Year in a Sacred Ground Dialogue Circle
• MAC Celebrates 40 Years of Family Support
• Learn How to Exert Influence at the State Legislature

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.