Dear saints,

I was reminded the other day of a practice that President Obama carried out each day in office of reading letters written to him from the general public. Within the White House, this daily reading exercise became known as the ’10 LAD’s’, the ten letters a day that the president would read, writing back several handwritten replies each night. One letter, written by Natoma Canfield, a cancer survivor from Ohio who wrote about her struggles coping with the financial burden of spiraling health insurance premiums, was later framed and hung in a corridor between his private study and the Oval Office. There were a lot of letters about healthcare, and about school shootings, or matters of the day like the conflict in Syria or the shooting of the teenager Trayvon Martin. There were also many letters about more private matters. A girl who doesn’t want her mom to be deported; a man who finally admits to his wife that he’s gay; a mother who sends the president her daughter’s school report card; a child who sends a drawing of her cat. The scale of the letter reading and writing doesn’t match up - one man, sent around 10,000 letters and messages a day. Yet, something about the president’s decision to sit and read a handful of them and offer a reply day after day speaks to a certain kind of faithfulness, a trait that for me lies at the heart of how we might choose to see one another.

Very few of us know what it might actually be like to be a world leader. We see whatever fragment the public glare shines a light on. The rest is conjecture. Yet, all of us can have a sense of what it might look like to practice faithfulness. Faithfulness is the nature of the life we lead when no one else is watching. Its effect on our lives becomes tangible when we choose to do what we know is honorable and kind and self-giving not just once, but over and over again, such that over a very long time we are formed anew. Danish theologian, Søren Kierkegaard, famously complained that the New Testament had surely inflated its numbers when it claimed that Peter had converted thousands of people in one sitting. For Kierkegaard, conversion was surely far more of a struggle, akin to being suspended over 70,000 fathoms of water. In Kierkegaard’s eyes, we need the conversion that comes from the daily decision to live faithfully. In an instant gratification world, faithfulness is about as counter-cultural as you can get.

They say, if you want to know a man, look at his spreadsheets. Actually, they don’t say that at all, but this past week I had exactly that opportunity as Andy Barnett carried out one of his last stated duties as a member of our staff by talking me through what we like to call ‘the playbook’ - the guide each outgoing staff member is asked to write so that the next person who takes on the role has at least a fighting chance of knowing which way is up. To say that Andy likes a good spreadsheet is like saying an otter likes water. For sure, Andy also likes setting things on fire during acts of public worship and trying every dish at a parish potluck, but I don’t think either gets close to the twisted pleasure the Rev. Dr. Barnett gets by putting data into cells and keeping the world around him infinitesimally organized. Some might call it obsessive, and I don’t know that our good Lord ever assigned apostolic duties using Excel, but as I sat with Andy and clicked on spreadsheet after spreadsheet of ecclesiastical law and order I couldn’t help but think of that same word, faithfulness.

The work of a parish priest is peculiar to circumstances. No two days are really ever the same, and so much of the time we spend is responsive to the unfolding human drama that is happening around us. We are not only called to preach with the newspaper in one hand and the Bible in the other, we are called to practice ministry day by day within the tension inherent between an ancient faith and the modernity of today as we encounter it through the lives of others. Often, it is not particularly challenging work. As I like to remind my colleagues every now and then, we don’t perform any heart surgery here. There are professions that require much more intellectual graft on an hourly basis, and there are certainly ways to earn a living that endure much higher levels of stress. Yet, there is something that happens to a priest when that person chooses to attend to the person, or the task, or the moment right in front of them recognizing that in that instance something about life for the person opposite you has slowed down sufficiently to have arrived at a moment of realization, or longing, or pain, or simply just a desire to belong, or contribute, or care for others. To practice faithfulness day after day within the vocation of the priesthood is simply to choose to stop, each time, and attend to the presence of God right in front of you.

Andy’s spreadsheets were not his ministry here, they simply serve as through lines, tracing the myriad of times and ways that he chose to stop and attend to the presence of the Holy One right in front of him. During a staff farewell this week, we honored another tradition we have for outgoing colleagues by offering a word of blessing to them by naming how it is that we saw their life touch ours. So many people talked about Andy’s joy, his gentleness, the wonder that fire and water and music and food stir up in him. Together we painted a picture of the person he had been among us, an image incomplete without the many, many more expressions of faithfulness Andy’s ministry here has been to each of you. Let’s not fool ourselves; Andy is not a saint. And Morgan will tell you that now that he will live 50 steps from his front door to the church office he will have no excuse for being late in the morning. Yet, he has been one of us, and as such with him we have enjoyed seven years of life together wherein God has helped us to see one another in a greater light. So, come along on Sunday to bid Andy and Morgan farewell, and offer your thanks to God for the gift of faithfulness, a gift we are all invited to give and receive.

Peace,

Future of Our Block

We would love to hear from you about our work on the block. If you missed any of the previous emails, you can catch up on our website, and access resources, 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

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Sunday, May 3

• 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. Farewell Celebration for the Rev. Dr. Andy Barnett (Ellis)
• 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.



East & Central African Community Dinner

TOMORROW, Saturday, May 2, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

Join Refugee Ministries for our final Community dinner this year. Come meet our East and Central African families, enjoy Congolese food and hear the singing of a local African choir. Free. Children are welcome. RSVP to louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org.

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.

Brunch & Bible Study

Sunday, May 3, 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.

Children & Youth Choirs’ End-of-the-Year Celebration

Sunday, May 3, 12:15 p.m., Ellis Hall

All Saints’ Children’s and Youth Choirs will celebrate our End-of-Year Choir Party with each choir sharing a piece as we celebrate the dedication and growth of every singer. 

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. 

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.

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

Harold Friedell was well known as a performer and educator, teaching at Juilliard and Union Seminary, a composer of a large number of choral anthems and solo organ pieces, and as a organist-choirmaster at St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York City. His beautifully rendered anthem, “Draw us in the Spirit’s tether”, has become a classic for communion services or general worship since its original publication over 65 years ago. This setting of The Call  by poet George Herbert uses intimate a capella harmonies building to a more and more emphatic meaning, culminating with “such a heart as joys in love.”

ADULT FORMATION

The Journey Bible Study

Mondays, 11:00 a.m., Zoom

The history of Israel was recorded at the time of its exile in Babylon by historians and prophets. The Journey is studying what led to the fall of Judah in the books of Second Kings and Jeremiah. 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.

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.

Annual Vestry Changeover Meeting Summary

Simon opened the meeting with prayer, and Kate Stradtman delivered the meditation. Ross Nicholas provided the Junior Warden’s report, and Kate Stradtman provided the Senior Warden’s report. Simon thanked the Vestry members who are completing their three-year term: Luke Barton, Jerry Byrd, Melanie Hardin, Missi McMorries, Ross Nicholas and Kate Stradtman. The Vestry elected the new Executive Officers for the 2026-2027 Vestry term: Briley Brisendine (Senior Warden), Amelia Baker (Junior Warden), Sheldon Taylor (Treasurer) and Meg Fogel (Clerk). Following the meeting, the new Vestry was commissioned with a service in the Chapel. The new Vestry members are Juliet Allen, John Boswell, Mary Virginia Coffman, Liz Jacobs, Kevin Lyman and Charlie Ogburn.

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

Vacation Bible School - Registration is Open!

Monday - Friday, June 1-5, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. with Aftercare option 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., 3rd fl Pritchett Center

VBS is the most spectacular week of the year! We get to dive deeper into our faith stories, play and pray together, do art, science, team-building games and drama with a lot of singing and story-telling added in. It is one of the few times where all ages of kids and teens interact together around their faith while parents, grandparents, and other adults help to make it all happen. Invite a neighbor/friend and get a special gift. Sign your child or grandchild up now at https://bit.ly/VBSAllSaints2026. Volunteer to help us out (teach, help guide kids to classes, check in, gather and prepare snacks, prepare crafts, etc.) by emailing Kathy Roberts at kroberts@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 join you in church at the Peace.

Children’s Formation (Sundays)

Join us in Ellis Hall for Andy’s farewell celebration 

(10:00 a.m.-10:25 a.m.)

Youth Formation (Sundays)

Join us in Ellis Hall for Andy’s farewell celebration (10:00 a.m.-10:25 a.m.)

SNL & Y’all Saints (Sundays)

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

Children & Youth Choirs’ End-of-the-Year Celebration

Sunday, May 3, 12:15 p.m., Ellis Hall

All Saints’ Children’s and Youth Choirs will celebrate our End-of-Year Choir Party with each choir sharing a piece as we celebrate the dedication and growth of every singer.

All choirs are singing for Confirmation Sunday, May 10 at the 9:00 a.m. service; call time 8:15 a.m. in the Adult Choir room (more information in your emails). For more information, please contact Emily Rebecca Halbert at ehalbert@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)

• 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Upcoming Choir Schedule

• 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
• Sunday, May 10: Singing at Confirmation Sunday, 9:00 a.m., Call time is 8:15 a.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! 

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.

Respite Care Atlanta-Alzheimer’s Association Lecture Series

Thursdays, May 14, June 11 & July 16, Offsite
Respite Care Atlanta is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association and the Atlanta Neuroscience Foundation for a lecture series. The first has been held but there are three others: May 14, June 11 and July 16. This is a great opportunity to learn more about dementia and caregiving. For details and to register, go to the Atlanta Neuroscience Foundation website or email Kim Franklin at kfranklin@alz.org.

Threads Welcomes Families For Shopping

Threads welcomes families for in store shopping every Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. We offer more than clothing — we offer dignity, comfort, and hope. If you’d like to help, your presence makes a real difference.

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 gift — choose Threads Donation in the drop-down box: https://onrealm.org/AllSaintsEpisco85474/-/form/give/now

Current Needs: Boys cotton boxer brief underwear sizes small, medium, large and extra large; Girls cotton brief panties sizes small medium, large and extra large.


Thank you for caring.

Faith & Justice Collective

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

Read more about these highlighted topics:

• Attorneys Provide Legal Assistance for Immigrants
• Ken Stewart Answers the Call
• Forum on Faith, Law, and Democracy Set for June 2nd
• Don’t Forget to Vote in May Primary Elections
• Threads Seeks Summer Clothing
• Join the Saints’ for MAC 5K Race

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.