Dear saints,

One thing our current president will be remembered for is a knack for making headlines. Whatever your own views may be of his politics, Mr. Trump has offered the early 21st century a lesson on what is sometimes called the "attention economy". 

He certainly got my attention this week when an image was posted, apparently by the president himself, depicting him as a Jesus-like figure, dispensing healing to an ailing man. Something about that image and its implications - that any human being could claim to take the place of Christ - was to me deeply offensive. I sat with that feeling for a good while this week. I am not much of a fan of social media, and spend almost no time on it beyond posting here and there on behalf of All Saints’. I’m also not a fan of cable news. Consequently, as I let the image dwell with me a while, I did so mostly unaware of how it was being talked about and reacted to beyond what I noticed happening in my own heart, which was a growing sense that something about that image was deeply upsetting. It was later described as a joke and as intended to depict someone other than Jesus, and I suppose people are entitled to their own interpretation of things. For my own part, I found myself stuck, feeling a sense of sadness at how a Savior that I love had been appropriated in such a way. 

For the first time, I think, that experience of sadness and offense at the depiction of the figure who lies at the heart of my life of faith, gave me an insight into what it must be like to be a Muslim and feel offense and sadness at depictions of the Prophet Muhammad. My mind also went to this week’s marking of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and what it might have been like for Jews to see depictions of themselves through the grotesque and distorted lens of Nazi propaganda. I am not equating the president’s AI image depicting himself as Jesus with either of these; I am simply pointing out the fact that sometimes empathy is a slow burner. It took me about 22 years of life to experience for myself what it felt like to be ridiculed for the color of my skin, an experience that happened to me as the only white face in a gathering I was at in India, where I lived at the time. It was nowhere near the daily wounds that people of various skin colors suffer, but it served to create a small chink in my armor, and I felt something important that I had not felt before. 

As I continued to ponder all this on Wednesday night this week, while sitting in my office just about to head home a little after 9pm following a lovely newcomers’ class, I noticed a young man trying all he could to get my attention outside. I went out to see what was going on, and what transpired was a two-hour effort between us to try to find shelter for a mostly deaf woman in her late 70’s whom he had encountered struggling on the road outside Emory Hospital in Midtown. As we tried all we could to gain an understanding of her circumstances, scribbling on pieces of paper and typing into my cell phone, the invitation to pay attention to one another deepened and deepened. Having called the Gateway Center that facilitates services for people on the street, and failed at several other attempts, and seeing how vulnerable this elderly lady was if she were to spend the night in front of the Marta station, we walked over to the nearest hotel. As if on cue straight from the Gospel of Luke, as I asked the young woman behind the desk if I could book a room for my friend standing next to me, she quickly noted that they had no rooms left, and that anyway, the elevator wasn’t working. I gave her a long, hard stare - letting her know that she had my attention - and then we thanked her and moved on to the next option. The long and short of it is that about twenty minutes later, the young man and I were able to bid goodnight to the lady in need at a hotel that did have room in the inn. As we did, she drew us both in to offer a hug. It was for me a holy moment, a brief glimmer that allowed me to pay attention to the presence of a loving and gracious God amidst the unrelenting struggle that impoverished people face on a daily basis in our city. 

And there it was. Something of the image of Jesus restored in that moment of encounter. The young man who chose not to walk by but go look for help, the elderly woman holding on for someone to see her, and the kind innkeeper who not only had room for someone in need but had a special room for the hearing impaired for her to sleep in, all found me, late Wednesday night, and in their lives I remembered the real image of God our Lord calls me to pay attention to. 

We don’t get to control what people with great power choose to do with that responsibility, but we do get to choose what we do with our own. I remain in such awe of the fact that I get to live out this calling at a church that places me so very close to the street. It’s where the church belongs because it is the place where we have all the openings we’ll ever need to see the holiness of God, and pay attention to the deep and abiding lessons that holy Presence has to teach us.

Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Peace,

Congratulations to the new Vestry Executive Officers

Please join us in praying for the new executive officers following a vote at the last vestry meeting this month:

• Briley Brisendine: Senior Warden
• Amelia Baker: Junior Warden
• Meg Fogel: Clerk
• Sheldon Taylor: Treasurer (who continues in the role)

Along with Simon, the rector, they form the Executive Committee of the vestry, empowered to act on the vestry's behalf when needed and forming a council of advice for the rector on an ongoing basis.

Future of Our Block

We would love to hear from you about our work on the block. Read the most recent email here. If you missed any of the previous emails, you can catch up on our website here. 

If you'd like to be in touch please reach out to Simon or to any of the following parish leaders:

• Meg Fogel, Egleston Task Force: meg.fogel@icloud.com

• Sheldon Taylor, Block Development Committee: gsheldontaylor@gmail.com

• Briley Brisendine, Senior Warden: brileybrisendine@gmail.com

This Sunday

Third Sunday of Easter & Senior Sunday

Sunday, April 19

• 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (Traditional language, no music)
• 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Church & Livestream)
• See you at 10 (Gather for coffee, doughnuts, and fellowship in the courtyard)
• 10:20 a.m. Future of the Block: Parish Listening Forum (Ellis & Livestream)
• 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Church & Livestream)
• 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.



Senior Sunday

Sunday, April 19, 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Church

Celebrate our high school seniors this Sunday as we honor their place in our life as a parish. Our high school seniors will lead us in worship, including as preachers from the pulpit. For more information contact Andy Barnett: abarnett@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Future of Our Block: Parish Listening Forum

Sunday, April 19, 10:20 a.m. – 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall

Join the Egleston Task Force as the Conditions Assessment for Egleston Hall is shared and discussed together. There will be ample opportunity for parishioners to ask questions and offer comments. All are warmly encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Meg Fogel meg.fogel@icloud.com.

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. – 11:15 a.m., P307

In this weekly Sunday morning discussion of a current news story, participants reflect on how the world of that story calls us 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, as we notice signs of grace, engage the scriptures, and learn to name our lament as well as our hope. Contact Clark Lemons at clemons@emory.edu. 

Parenting with God

Sundays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m., Ross Room

Parents will gather each Sunday to discuss articles, topics of interest, and just check in with each other. Once a month, we meet to discuss the book Parables: Putting Jesus’ Stories in their Place by Josh Scott.

The Welcome Table: Sunday Evening Worship Service and Dinner  

Sundays at 5:00 p.m., In the Chapel and P305-306

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.

Make a Pledge to All Saints’

As we celebrate the joy of Easter, we give thanks for the many ways God’s light shines through our life together. Your gifts sustain worship, outreach, and community here at All Saints’. Thank you for your faithful generosity.

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

Bishop’s Visitation and Confirmation

Sunday, May 10, 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Church

Join Bishop Wright for his episcopal visitation as we celebrate as a parish with youth and adult candidates as they are confirmed, reaffirmed and received into the Episcopal Church. For more information contact Simon Mainwaring: smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Composer of the Week
British composer Debbie Wiseman, OBE, is one of the UK’s most successful contemporary composers, widely recognized for her work in film, television, and for the British Royal Family. She has been Classic FM’s Composer in Residence since 2016 and was voted the most popular living composer in the station's 2022 Hall of Fame. For the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023, Wiseman was commissioned to write two distinct settings of the Alleluia. Alleluia (O Clap Your Hands), composed for the Choir of Westminster Abbey and organ, is a jubilant setting of Psalm 47:1-2.

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. Having read the prophet Amos, we will now begin the prophet Hosea, who reflects on the same period. All are welcome. To join the group, contact Karen Evans at kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

Christianity 101: Faith Foundations

Wednesdays, April 15 - May 27, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Room P305/306 or Zoom

Are there things you think you should know about Christian faith but don’t? Things you wish you could articulate but don’t quite have the words for? Whether you are a new or

long-term parishioner, this class is for you! Taught by Jenny McBride, this course may serve as a bridge between the Adult Inquirer’s Class and the School of the Spirit offerings. It’s open to anyone who wants to learn — or relearn — the basic building blocks of the Christian tradition and their relevance for our life of faith. For more info, contact jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Faith & Justice Collective Luncheon: Parish & Personal Responses to Current Social Crises

Sunday, April 26, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

The final luncheon of the program year will be an opportunity not only for fellowship but also for parishioners to share and collaborate about how we have been responding to the call of discipleship in our times. We will have guided questions for table discussions about what we think God is calling us to do as a church-community and as individuals. Please register in advance for a $16 meal from Chef Sam at https://bit.ly/FaithandJusticeApril. Contact Jenny McBride with questions at jmcbride@allsaintstalanta.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.

St. Hildegard 20’s & 30’s Women’s Chapter: Formation Potluck

Sunday, April 29, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Offsite

Women in their 20s and 30s will gather for our monthly formation potluck on April 29th. We will spend time connecting over a shared meal, followed by spiritual reflection. Please bring a dish or beverage to share. For address of potluck location and to be added to our email list, email Elizabeth Beck at ebeck.uga@gmail.com or Ani Hildebrandt at anihildebrandt93@gmail.com.

Farewell Celebration for the Rev. Dr. Andy Barnett

Sunday, May 3, 10:20 a.m. – 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall

Come celebrate the life we have shared with Andy as he and Morgan begin a new chapter in their life together as they head west to California. They are moving for Andy to take up the rectorship at All Saints’ in Beverly Hills. All ages are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Simon Mainwaring: smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Volunteer Receptionists Needed

All Saints’ is seeking friendly, reliable volunteers to serve as receptionists. Duties include greeting visitors, answering and directing calls, and providing basic assistance. Half-day shifts available— ideal for college students on break or retirees looking for connection. Interested? Contact Marie-Louise Muhumuza mmhuhumuza@allsaintsatlanta.org.

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

Please Note: The last Wednesday Night Supper, before we break for the summer, will be on May 13.

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. 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 Ellis Hall.

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 Ellis Hall.

SNL & Y’all Saints (Sundays)

Sunday, April 19, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Multi-Church Hangout at Grant Park (Location change!)

Join youth from All Saints' Episcopal Church, Cathedral of St. Philip, St. Anne's Episcopal Church, Church of Our Saviour, and St. Luke's Episcopal Church for a fun community hangout this Sunday, April 19th, from 6–8 p.m. at Grant Park! We’ll meet at 6 p.m. in the Zoo Atlanta Parking Lot and walk into the park together as one group. Pick-up will also be at the Zoo Atlanta Parking Lot at 8 p.m. While in the park, we’ll enjoy: Pizza and snacks, Large group games, Frisbee, Spikeball, and more. Closing out the night with a group round of compline. Come play in the park and enjoy an evening of fellowship, fun, and prayer!

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)

• 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Upcoming Choir Schedule

• Sunday, April 19: Youth Choir singing at 11:15 a.m. service for Senior Service
• Sunday, April 26: Primary and Junior Choir singing at 9:00 a.m. Service
• Sunday, May 3: Last Youth Choir Rehearsal of the Year & Unbirthday Celebration
• Wednesday, May 6: Last Children’s Choir Rehearsals of the Year & Unbirthday Celebration

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! 

12th Annual Midtown Race for MAC 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, May 9, race begins promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Time to sign up for the annual MAC 5K held in Piedmont Park to raise money and awareness for Midtown Assistance Center. Let's be the congregation with the most 

participation! Be sure to designate our congregation when you register through the active link here. The cost is $30 through March 1; $35 thereafter and $45 on race 

day.

Latin American Dining and Dancing

Saturday, April 25, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

Join us for a great night of Latin American food and dancing to the salsa, rumba, and danzon rhythms of Cubanasong, an Atlanta based group featuring musicians from Matanzas, Cuba. Come practice your Spanish and offer welcome to Refugee Ministries families. Free. Contact: 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

A great way to stay updated! April's Faith & Justice Newsletter.

Read more about these highlighted topics:

•  Countering ICE: What you can do?
• Continuing to build Beloved Community
• Reflections on the South African pilgrimage
• Confirm your voter registration
• New Refugee Ministries gatherings
• Explore civic engagement at F&J luncheon: What do we want to do?

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.