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Dear saints,
Some years ago, John Leland, who writes for the New York Times, wrote a book called Happiness is a Choice You Make. He wrote the book built around six New Yorkers whose lives he immersed himself within for a year, all 85 years old or older. One was a filmmaker, another a Holocaust survivor and microbiologist, and with them a maintenance worker, a teacher and a businessman. The lessons for leading a happy life that Leland raises up in the book are somewhat to be expected: be grateful, adjust to challenges, accept that loss is inevitable, keep on learning, keep on contributing, keep on changing, pay attention.
While it’s true that these lessons are not earth shattering revelations, they do speak to me of a certain disposition that I have found to repeat itself in people I’ve met through the years. These individuals have been no richer, or more successful, or renowned than others, neither did they tend to have elevated positions or higher status. Instead, the common denominator was that they were people who had come to terms with who they were, and as such were able to pay attention to others because they had let go of the need to pay quite so much attention to themselves.
I deeply value church work because it has offered me the privilege of being in the presence of people like that often. One of them is Karen Evans. Karen has been serving for the past several years as a member of our staff as Parish Priest Associate, a role that has led to Karen spending sacred time with many of you at the hospital bedside, or leading a Bible study, facilitating bereavement ministries, preaching, and leading worship on a Sunday morning. She has been the sort of presence that brings to mind that gorgeous Maya Angelou poem where she writes ‘We have loved each other in and out of time’ - God to Karen, Karen to us, us to the world. It’s how the priesthood is supposed to work, and Karen has embodied that vocation with elegance and with a profound care and love.
Karen is retiring from her role as Parish Priest Associate this Sunday, and she will celebrate the Eucharist and pronounce a blessing from the altar that invites us to ‘honor everyone’. Nothing could be more appropriate, because that is exactly what Karen has done. For my own part, to have had an experienced rector just steps away when our offices were down the hallway from each other in Egleston, was an immense gift. As I would come for a visit, I would close the door and share with her whatever trial or tribulation I was facing, knowing that Karen had seen it many times before. Thankfully, Karen is not leaving All Saints’, just slipping into the pews to join that august and rather lovely cohort of retired clergy who call All Saints’ their church home. We are so much richer a place because of them.
As for the lessons to be learned from those whose decades on this earth surpass our own, I hope that by the time I reach my own retirement I might finally have time to learn them! It is the conundrum, is it not, of the busy lives we lead: while we know we should see the bigger picture, events can speed by us so relentlessly that we just can’t seem to make it up to the mountain top to look down and see the view we are racing through. In that light, John Leland’s life lessons become more like practices, spiritual disciplines even: be grateful, adjust, accept, learn, contribute, change, pay attention. If I can do one of those in a week, I’m well ahead of normal. There is no grand spiritual master sitting in the rector’s chair, I can assure you. But I can try. Turns out, happiness is a choice I can make. The trick is to keep on choosing it, over and over again. To the end.
Thankfully, our choosing is never a solitary thing, for the One who looks upon on us always from the mountain top of full sight beholds the precious human life buzzing around below them and delights in it.
‘The sun has come
The mists have gone
We see in the distance our long way home
I was always yours to have
You were always mine
We loved each other in and out,
in and out, in and out of time’.
Peace,
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Announcing a New Director of Operations and Facilities Manager
We are delighted to share that our current facilities manager, Jeff Couch, is assuming a new role as Director of Operations. Jeff has been taking care of things on the block with our buildings and grounds for the past three and a half years, working alongside our fantastic Buildings and Grounds Committee members. In his new role as Director of Operations, Jeff will oversee our facilities, repairs and capital improvements, as well as our security, sextons, and technology. All areas we are keen to keep on improving. To assist Jeff in this work, we are very happy to be able to welcome back to All Saints', Zach Thomas as our facilities manager. Zach had worked for us previously. During his time away from us, Zach worked in the renewable energy industry, completing extensive training in electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation, all expertise and experience that will support All Saints' well over the coming years. Zach's first day will be August 10 and I invite you to join me in congratulating him and Jeff on their new roles whenever you next see them on the block.
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Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, August 9, 2026
**SUMMER SCHEDULE**
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8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (Traditional language, no music, Chapel)
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10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Church & Livestream)
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5:00 p.m. The Welcome Table (Contemporary language, jazz trio, Chapel)
| | WORSHIP ONLINE: Please worship with us online! Since we start our summer schedule, our only livestreamed service will be available live at 10:00 a.m. 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, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
NEW OVERFLOW PARKING: We now have newly available FREE overflow parking on Spring Street at the Varsity lot.
- Varsity: Look for All Saints’ sandwich board signs that say parking. Go straight into lot from Ponce.
- 670 Spring St Lot: Go past Ponce on West Peachtree, take a left on 3rd Ave, then take another left on Spring. Look for All Saints’ sandwich board signs that say parking.
- The Bank of America lot is still an option. Enter from 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.
- On Sundays, street parking is free (leave new bike lane open).
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Jesus on the Front Page
Sundays through August 16, 9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m., P305
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.
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Celebrating the Ministry of the Rev. Karen Evans
Sunday, August 9, 11:00 a.m., Kennedy Courtyard
Join your fellow parishioners for a reception in the courtyard and say a heartfelt thank you to Karen Evans as she retires from her position as Parish Priest Associate at All Saints'. Karen will remain an active part of our parish's life from the pews. For more information, please contact Marcia Mayfield at mmayfield@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Acolyte Kick Off
Sunday, August 9, 11:15 a.m., Church and Tate Courtyard
Calling all new and returning acolytes as we kick off the fall worship season together! Join us after the 10:00 a.m. service on August 9 for a delicious meal, an opportunity to meet our newest acolytes, connect with your acolyte team captains, and learn more about the important role you play in worship. If you are interested in becoming an acolyte, please reach out to Luke Nolfa at lnolfa@allsaintsatlanta.org or 470-590-3471.
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Education for Ministry Information Session
Sunday, August 9, 11:30 a.m., Ross Room
"What in the world is EfM?" was a question several people asked after a graduate from the program was recently recognized at a summer worship service. We've had hundreds of All Saints' parishioners participate in EfM, and there are two groups going on right now. Perhaps it's time for you to sign up and risk being changed? Come to the Ross Room on August 9 after the ten o'clock service and find out more. There will be graduates and current participants there to answer your questions. For more information, contact Ethel Ware Carter at ecarter@rccatl.org.
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Club 45 Pool Party
Sunday, August 9, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., offsite
Calling all 4th and 5th graders to get together for some fun and food to start the year off! Grab some lunch after church and then head over for our pool party. Drinks and snacks will be provided but bring a full water bottle with you. RSVP to Kathy Roberts at kroberts@allsaintsatlanta.org to receive pool party location.
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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.
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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.
Read the latest update. 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
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Global Partnerships
There are many ways for you to participate in God's work in the world. At All Saints', we have over 100 active ministries, and you are invited to connect your passion with the needs of this parish, neighborhood, and global community. This week, we highlight our Global Partners in Tanzania, Ecuador, South Africa, and throughout the Anglican Communion through the work of the Compass Rose Society. For more information on how you can get involved, please talk to or contact Simon Mainwaring, smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org
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SHINING IN THE CITY
As summer begins and routines evolve, our shared ministry continues. Every gift helps sustain our community.
Thank you for helping All Saints’ shine throughout the season.
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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.
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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.
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Join the All Saints’ Choir!
The All Saints’ Choir is a welcoming group of adults that love to sing. Yes, it is a very talented group, but don't be afraid! This is a fabulous community in which to learn while making music alongside seasoned professionals. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. and resume on August 12. The choir sings for the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services on Sundays, as well as Christmas, Holy Week and other special events. Contact Scott Lamlein slamlein@allsaintsatlanta.org to schedule a meeting.
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One more week of the Summer Choir! Last chance...
Sunday, August 9, Church
The Summer Choir meets at 8:45 a.m. each Sunday to learn an accessible anthem which is then sung at the 10:00 a.m. service. No previous experience as a singer is necessary. There is one more week before the regular Parish Choir begins its new season; all we ask is that you let Director of Music, Scott Lamlein, know you're coming: slamlein@allsaintsatlanta.org. Let's praise God together in our song!
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St. Hildegard 20’s & 30’s Women’s Chapter: Formation Brunch Potluck
Saturday, August 22, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., offsite
Women in their 20s and 30s will gather for our monthly formation potluck on Saturday, August 22nd, this time for a brunch together. We will spend time connecting over a shared meal, followed by spiritual reflection. Please bring a dish or beverage to share. For more information and to be added to our email list, email Elizabeth Beck at ebeck.uga@gmail.com or Ani Hildebrandt at anihildebrandt93@gmail.com.
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Ecuador Pilgrimage Forum
Sunday, August 23, Ellis Hall, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.
Come hear stories and reflections from the intergenerational pilgrimage team that traveled to the Ecuador, Galápagos Islands, and partnered with local Episcopal Churches as we engaged in relational ministry experiences this past summer. Youth and adult pilgrims will share brief reflections on their journey, the ways they encountered God, and what they discovered as they sought a deeper connection with both God and our global neighbors. For more information, please contact Luke Nolfa lnolfa@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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.
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Register for Kanuga
It’s that time again! Time for the 2026 Annual Parish Retreat at Kanuga. Join us Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4 at Kanuga Conference Center, Hendersonville, North Carolina. For more information, please contact Marcia Mayfield at mmayfield@allsaintsatlanta.org. To register, please click on the link https://bit.ly/Kanuga2026.
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Sunday Callers Needs Vases
Sunday Callers needs small/medium sized vases (4” to 7” in height.) Please leave any vases you can donate in the Flower Sacristy (the room left of the main altar) or at reception in the Ellis lobby. Any questions, please contact Pat Robinson probinson999@gmail.com. Thank you!
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Celebration of Ministries Sunday & Back to the Block Picnic
Sunday, August 16, 11:30 a.m., Kennedy Courtyard & Ellis Hall
Join the Saints’ for our Annual Back to the Block celebration and enjoy fabulous food, wonderful company and lots of activities for children and youth. All are welcome to join the dessert competition. To take part, simply drop off your dessert before the 10:00 a.m. service in Ellis Hall. For more information, contact Marcia Mayfield mmayfield@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Wednesday Night Supper is Back!
Wednesday, August 19, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Ellis Hall
Wednesday Night supper is a wonderful opportunity to get to know fellow parishioners of all ages and enjoy a beautiful catered dinner (Adults: $16.00, College Students: $10.00, Child: $7.00, Child Under 5 - Free). All are welcome! For more information, please contact Marcia Mayfield, mmayfield@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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An Evening to Celebrate and Support our Global Partners
Saturday, August 22, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Ellis Hall
Show your support for our global partners in Tanzania, South Africa and Ecuador at an evening of celebration, food and music. We will gather with fellow pilgrims and parishioners, learn a little about the priorities of our global partners, and raise some funds to help them further their work. Tickets are $50. Childcare for children not of high school age will be provided. High schoolers and adults are welcome to attend. To register visit https://bit.ly/GlobalPartnersDinner. For more information, please contact Simon: smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Youth Tubing Trip
Saturday, August 8
Even though summer is coming to an end doesn’t mean that the fun must! Join us as we tube the Cartecay River with the Diocese of Atlanta. The price of the event is $30, which will cover transportation, tubing, food, and a snack! You will need to bring:
· Clothes that can get wet
· Waterproof shoes with ankle straps
· Towel
· Dry change of clothes (optional)
· Spending money (optional - meals are included in registration fee)
If you want to tube with us, please contact Luke Nolfa to RSVP by August 3 at lnolfa@allsaintsatlanta.org or texting me at 470-590-3471.
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Summer Break
Our children’s and youth programs will return on August 30th. Email Kathy Roberts for more information at KRoberts@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Children’s and Youth Choirs—Summer Break and Fall Start Dates
Our Children’s and Youth Choirs are on summer break and will return in August!
Fall Start Dates:
· Youth Choir Kick-Off: Sunday, August 23, 2026, 4:30-6:00; regular rehearsals start Sunday, August 30, 2026
· Children’s Choirs Kick-Off: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 (see times below)
Children’s Choir Schedule (Wednesdays starting August 19):
· Cherub Choir (Grades PreK-K, must be 4 by Sept. 1st): 4:00–4:30 p.m.
· Primary Choir (Grades 1-2): 4:35–5:10 p.m.
· Junior Choir (Grades 3-6): 5:15–6:00 p.m.
· Junior Handbells (Grades 4-6): 6:00–6:30 p.m.
Youth Choir (Grade 7-12) Regular Rehearsal Schedule (Sundays starting August 23):
· Handbells: 4:15 p.m.
· Choir: 5:00 p.m.
Register at https://bit.ly/childrenandyouth26and27.
For more information, contact Emily Halbert at ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org.
We can’t wait to make music with you again soon!
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SNL & Formation Kick Off
Sundays, August 23 & August 30, The Attic
The beginning of the program year is here with SNL and Formation starting in the fall. Come enjoy the year with us as we grow together in the mystery of faith through community gatherings, meals, games and scripture discussion. All are invited!
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SNL Kick Off: Sunday, August 23, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., The Attic
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Formation Kick Off: Sunday, August 30, 10:20 a.m. – 11:05 a.m., The Attic
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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!
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Refugee Ministries Zoom Tutoring Restarts the Week of August 23
Are you interested in offering 12 tutoring sessions to a 2nd – 12th grade student in Refugee Ministries in Reading and Math? (beginning English also available). Volunteers in the 6th grade and up are welcome, and we are happy to provide service hours. Please email louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org to receive more information and to schedule a 30-minute orientation zoom between August 10th and August 21st.
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Covenant Community & All Saints’ Get to Know You Picnic
Sunday, August 30, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Kennedy Courtyard & Ellis Hall
Join us in the courtyard for a picnic with Covenant Community, one of our core ministries. Get to know residents, staff, and alums, and hear about the exciting events we have planned this program year to help us get to know one another better. Most residents arrive after detoxification to live in Covenant Community for six to nine months, building a new life without addiction, while learning new life skills to enable their success. For more information, contact Arjun Srinivasan at arj6950@gmail.com.
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Covenant Community’s Celebration of Memories and Hope
Thursday, September 17, 6:00 p.m., Ellis Hall
All Saints’ parishioners are invited to the Celebration of Memories and Hope, Covenant Community’s annual signature graduation event, where we celebrate lives transformed through recovery. We will gather for food and fellowship to reflect, rejoice, and recognize the incredible stories of men and families who have completed the program and are now being inducted as Men of Hope. Admission is free but please register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-memories-hope-2026-tickets-1994947011213.
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Freedom Writers Prison Ministry and Threads: Looking for Gently Used Women’s Clothing
Summer is here and MAC needs extra help. With children The All Saints’ Freedom Writers are looking for gently used clothing to donate to women who have been transferred from Georgia prisons to transitional centers in anticipation of their parole and release. They have a particular need for dress pants, work pants (like jeans), and tee shirts. (Please avoid donating high heels, boots, open toe shoes, tank tops, leggings, and jeans with holes in them). Please drop off your donations in the Threads bin at the bottom of the glass stairwell. If you need someone to pick up your donations at your home, please contact Ellen Porter at ellenp066@gmail.com.
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Midtown Assistance Center
MAC is grateful for All Saints' continuous support! We are currently looking for donations of food, clothing, and hygiene items. Please consider volunteering with us as well. If you'd like more information on volunteering or donating, please reach out to mac@midtownassistancecenter.org.
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Volunteer Opportunity with Respite Care Atlanta
Respite Care Atlanta, a daycare for people with dementia, is looking for volunteers. The program is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and offers very flexible participation. It is a joyful, happy place for its "members" and offers respite for their caregivers. Come see what it's all about! Contact Susan Virgin for more information at sdv20@bellsouth.net.
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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.
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Faith & Justice Collective
A great way to stay updated! June's Faith & Justice Newsletter. The newsletter takes a break in July, but will return again in August.
Read more about these highlighted topics:
- Letter from the Gates of ICE
- Parishioner Spotlight: Liz Beck
- Youth Reflect on Pilgrimage to Ecuador
- Threads Art Camp Triples Enrollment
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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 Flynn Allen at communications@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Connect with us on Realm!
Learn more >> Don't forget to join Realm, our new platform for online giving, directory, and event registration.
Questions? Please contact Betsey Gibbs at bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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