Dear saints,

As we all stare down the possibility of an almighty winter storm this weekend - and please take a look at our 'Winter Storm Advisory' below this message - I have been remembering an especially chilly Sunday some 23 or so years ago now when Monica and I lived in Boston. As some of you who have lived in the north-east know from experience, that part of the world is no stranger to "wicked cold", and given Monica and I were still only dating at that point, I felt it incumbent upon me to display how even an overly-educated Englishman from Worcestershire could brace single digit temperatures. And so, when we were greeted that Sunday morning with a couple of feet of snow on the ground, I rather sheepishly donned my wellies and set off on the Red Line to JFK/U Mass, Dorchester, so that we could make it to services on time at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, in Uphams Corner, where I served as a deacon. As we got off the train, what was usually I think about a 20-minute walk to church became more like an hour as we trudged through the snow. Ultimately, we made it to the church on time, unpeeled ourselves from numerous layers of coats and scarfs, and entered in.

St. Mary's was a small and wonderfully quirky parish and Uphams Corner was at the time dominated by gang activity. The priest in charge, Fr. Ellis Clifton - a remarkable, courageous and utterly unorthodox clergyman, whom I adored - made friendly with one of the gangs who then tagged the church so no one else would vandal it or break in. Fr. Ellis ran an after school club for local kids trying to offer the church as an alternative place of belonging to young lives who might otherwise be drawn back to the street and to all the destruction that so often followed. He was also known to walk around the neighborhood dressed in his black cassock and chastise local shopkeepers if they were selling t-shirts with cuss words on them or doing something else that disturbed his sensibilities. He introduced me to soul food at Chef Lee's restaurant, which I think we ate for a year of Sundays straight. I played soccer with his adopted son, drove some of the kids to a summer camp in New York, and arranged for Fr. Ellis to talk about St. Mary's life-saving ministry at a symposium at Harvard Divinity School where I was a student. Needless to say, from the moment he pulled up in Harvard's parking lot in the church's beaten-up van, to the pin drop silence that stayed with him as he described the street and sanctuary of Uphams Corner, he stole the show. I wrote my master's dissertation on his work there and literally gave him the clergy shirt off my back on my last Sunday at the church. 

This was the St. Mary’s Monica and I trudged through the snow to be with. The parish had been a gift for each of us, a balm for the sometimes overbearing presence of Harvard in our lives. And so, as we pushed through the doors and worshipped that day with Fr. Ellis, the organist, and about three other parishioners, we felt a deep sense of privilege to be among such an esteemed gathering of the ecclesiastically stubborn who like us felt it important to be the church at prayer for the sake of neighbors so often in need of some shelter from the storm.

Of course, if the storm that is coming our way is all the disaster it promises to be, it simply may not be safe this Sunday for many of us to get in our cars or even walk to All Saints' for worship. Indeed, the message inherent in me remembering to you St. Mary’s Uphams Corner is not 'come to church no matter the weather'. Rather, the message is akin to a book Louisa Merchant recommended to me several months ago, entitled, The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity by Sarah Schulman. To think that there would be a throng of congregants at St. Mary's on a Sunday morning in the best of weather was fantastical, never mind in two feet of snow. Yet, solidarity isn't actually about the numbers, it is about the power of the intention. That snowy Sunday service that all seven of us shared that morning was one of the most bound together experiences of worship I have ever felt. I imagine that the small gatherings of people who also brave frigid temperatures to bear witness both to the unnecessary cruelty of ICE agents in their city, and to the God-given dignity of the people they are dragging from cars and from their homes, similarly feel the power of solidarity. I imagine that the marchers that John Lewis and Hosea Williams led across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma felt insignificant in number and power compared to the scale and might of the troopers and guards of the State of Alabama, yet those giants of the civil rights struggle knew that true power doesn't lie in how much you can amass but in how fully you can draw people to their hope. 

This weekend's icy tempest is not the only storm moving across America. I pray that as you consider those tempestuous winds you will find cause to recall for yourself memories of the power of the solidarity of others in your own life. We need to remember the best of who we are. We need to look for the divine that lives in all of us. And in seeing who we really are to one another, we need to find our place at one another's shoulders. You can do that here through the ministries of this church and you can help this church do that more in the world God has made. 

Stay safe this weekend. We need you round here.

Peace,

Winter Storm Advisory

In light of the potential for a significant weather event this weekend and the Governor's declaration of a State of Emergency, All Saints' is issuing the following advisory for Sunday services:

If the anticipated weather event is better than predicted the following will happen: 

• Sunday services and other activities will carry on as scheduled.
  

If the weather event is as bad or worse than predicted the following will happen:

• In the case of unsafe travel by car: a single service will happen on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for staff and parishioners able to access All Saints' by MARTA or on foot. All other church activities will be canceled on and off the block for the full day, including all Sunday evening worship and activities.

• If the church campus is without power and heat and/or is otherwise inaccessible: all activities on the block will cease until such time that power and heat have been restored. 

The church will send out an email to the parish and an all-parish text at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 25 to confirm which of the above plans will be in operation.

We pray for the safety and well-being of all Georgians these coming few days. 

This Sunday

Third Sunday After the Epiphany

Sunday, January 25

*** All activities listed below are listed as scheduled, but please read the advisory above and note that it could change due to the weather. ***

• 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 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.

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

Cornerstone Committee Volunteers Needed

Help ensure the stewardship, sustainability, and long-term impact of All Saints’ continue. The Cornerstone (Planned Giving) Committee is seeking parishioners who can bring a fresh perspective and thoughtful ideas to help shape the future of our church for generations to come. No financial background required, just a heart for mission and interest in faithful financial planning. Contact Julie Lockhart at jlockhart@allsaintsatlanta.org to learn more.

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

Children’s Choirs Musical: Esther, book and music by Erik Whitehill

Sunday, February 8, 10:20 a.m. – 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall and via Livestream

Presented by Primary and Junior Children’s Choirs, join us for our musical, Esther, book and music by Erik Whitehill. All are welcome to come support our young singers and experience this powerful and joyful telling of a beloved, timeless biblical story! The daring, triumphant story of Esther is brought vividly to life as we travel to the citadel of Susa, where she becomes queen and then faces the decision of her life: will she trust in God and find the courage to save her people? Will the wicked Haman prevail, or will the faithful Mordecai inspire Esther to act? Our children’s choirs are sure to inspire you to seek God and discover how you, too, were made “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

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

Hide not thou thy face from thee, O God is a renowned English choral anthem composed by Richard Farrant (c. 1525-1580). Known for its direct, declamatory, and expressive word-setting, the anthem reflects Farrant’s background in theater. He served as a “Gentleman of the Chapel Royal” starting around 1550, participating in the funerals of Edward VI and Mary I and the coronations of Mary I and Elizabeth I. In 1564, he was appointed Master of the Choristers and organist at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, a post he held alongside his Chapel Royal duties until his death. In 1576, he leased a portion of the defunct Blackfriars priory in London and converted it into the first Blackfriars Theatre. This venue was instrumental in the evolution of Renaissance drama as a public art form.

ADULT FORMATION

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 is still room for you to join us. Contact The Rev. Karen Evans, kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org, if you are interested.

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.

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.

Wednesday Night Supper

Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

Join us for a wonderful meal and companionship on Wednesday nights.

• Adults (18+): $16

• Children (5–17): $7

• Children (4 and under): Free

CHILDREN & YOUTH

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. (Through February 22)
• Junior Handbells (Grades 4-6): 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (Returns February 22)

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. 

Refugee Ministries Community Builders Groups

Refugee Ministries is excited to announce the formation of Community Builders groups that will run from February through May. This is an opportunity for returning and new

volunteers to offer welcome and hospitality to some of the 65 refugee families in our program and to get to know each other. We will have Community Builders Groups for East and Central Africa, Islam (Muslim families from Afghanistan and Myanmar), LGBTQ refugees, Latin America, and Ethnically Karen Burmese. Volunteers will be asked to commit to one reflection meeting and one volunteer act. Each group will have a big celebratory dinner with culturally relevant food and arts. To learn more email louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Threads Performing Arts Camp: Volunteers Needed!

We are excited to host our 2nd Annual Threads Performing Arts Camp, June 8–12, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This camp provides a safe, enriching summer experience for the children Threads serves, inviting them to explore the arts in a supportive and joyful environment. Planning is underway, and we are inviting more of the parish to partner in ministry at the camp this year. We are looking for volunteers to help make this week a success. 
Volunteer opportunities include:

• Assisting with meals and snacks

• Classroom assistants to teaching artists

• Supervising students

• Reading to students

• Other supportive duties throughout the day

There are many ways to serve, and your time and presence will make a meaningful difference for our campers.

To volunteer, please sign up here, or email Emily Halbert at ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org or Marcia Mayfield at mmayfield@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.