WE ARE ALL SAINTS

Meet Molly and Cate Skena

1. Where are you in school?

• Molly: I am a rising junior at DC International School in Washington, DC.
• Cate: I'm going into eighth grade at DC International School.

2. What do you like about being a part of All Saints?

• Molly: I have been coming to All Saints for the past five years with my family. I love the community, specifically the youth group led by Jeremy and Jourdan. It is such a supportive environment that has helped me grow in my faith.
• Cate: I love All Saints because of the welcoming community and fun events that are hosted here! It's a great place to be with others while learning about God.

3. Do you have any pets you’d like to introduce?

• Molly and Cate: We are obsessed with our dog, Winston. He is an adorable seven year old chocolate labradoodle who loves being cozy with his family.

4. What do you like at school and what activities do you enjoy outside of school?

• Molly: At school, I lead clubs such as Model UN and Student Government. Outside of school, I enjoy dancing, reading, and hanging out with friends. 
• Cate: My favorite class at school is math, and I also play on the girls' lacrosse team. Outside of school, I'm a Scout in Troop 1 and a brown belt in Taekwondo. I enjoy reading, camping, and hanging out with my friends.

5. Is there a Bible verse that is special to you?

• Molly: My favorite Bible verse is Exodus 14:14, which says “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” I came across this verse at summer camp this past year, and it has been my favorite ever since. I love how it talks about the Lord’s dedication to each and every one of us!
• Cate: One of my favorite verses is: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). It is a great reminder to forgive whenever I'm angry or upset.

6. Is there a hymn or song that you love (and why)?

• Molly: My favorite worship song is Firm Foundation by Cody Carnes. It talks about Christ being the “rock” in our lives, a firm foundation that will never break. 
• Cate: One of my favorite praise songs is "Build My Life." The spirit and energy really brings it to life and shows the joy of being a Christian.

The All Saints confirmands at Washington National Cathedral in May.

FROM SUNDAY TO EVERYDAY

God sightings at VBS

More than 150 young people spent the week exploring "Rainforest Falls" at Vacation Bible School at All Saints June 22-26, discovering the amazing truth of who God is. Through Bible stories, music, games, crafts, science experiments, and hands-on activities, they learned that God is our Creator, God knows everything, God is our safe place, God is love, and God is forever. These simple, profound truths remind us that we are deeply known, deeply loved, and never alone. Throughout the week, whenever they heard one of these truths, the children would shout, "Wow, God!"

At VBS, the children practiced looking for "God Sightings," everyday moments that reveal God's presence and care. They shared and wrote down some of these sightings. Among the "God Sightings" the children shared: friends, VBS leaders, rainbows, family, times of prayer, and scripture. They offered reflections such as, "God was with me when we were reading the Psalms," and "When I felt the wind from the fan, it felt like God's wild wind!"

As a congregation, we can also be on the lookout for God sightings. We can pause to notice the ways God is at work around us. Let us give thanks for the beauty of creation, the people God has fearfully and wonderfully made, and the blessings around us. All of us can grow in wonder as we learn to look around with awe and say, "Wow, God!"

BELONG, SERVE, GROW!

Sing with joy with Randy Ribaudo

Randy Ribaudo is a longtime member of the All Saints choir, as well a former member of the buildings and grounds committee and the Vestry. We are thankful for all the ways Randy and his family contribute to our community at All Saints!

In this interview (lightly edited for length), Randy shares some stories of what makes the choir such a special community, plus a behind-the scenes moment from that time when a hymnal almost caught on fire! If you would like to sing praises in musical community, try out the summer choir one Sunday this summer! More information below!

1. How did you join the choir?

All Saints Choir and organ were the reason I joined All Saints. Cathy and I were looking for a church where we could both be comfortable (she was raised Catholic), and literally, when I walked in right before the processional in 1996, the Holy Spirit told me I had found my home. 

I had a long musical history (studied piano from 6 years old, played in various bands, sang in high school choir), and so that music, which was so beautiful, literally gave me goosebumps, which I know was the Holy Spirit talking to me. Music has always been my medium for my spirituality.

I was determined to join the choir, and after a few months got up the nerve to go up to Peter (Peter Crisafulli, Minister of Music at All Saints) after a service and he welcomed me. And I’ve been singing ever since.

2. What's your favorite part of choir, something people on Sunday morning don't get to see?

Choir family is really remarkable. Everyone cares about everyone else. When sad events like someone’s partner passes, we’ve had a majority of the choir volunteer to sing at the funeral service. It’s really an incredibly close family. Politics never enters our group. And Peter is an unbelievable educator liturgically. He often goes on a lesson about the orgins of a composer or some music. It’s terrific.

3. Has being in the choir helped you feel more connected to the church community?

It was my first opportunity to give back. We’re inspired to contribute time, talent and treasure. This is my talent. 

4. Can you share a favorite memory from choir?

There are many. How the choir all came together for Nicki Brown’s memorial service [...] joint performances with Grace Episcopal [...]and we recorded CDs about 10 years ago that are staggeringly good.Three of our kids all sang in the treble choir, which gave them presence and meaning, and developed life-long friendships.

One funny memory was one Christmas Eve service at least 10-15 years ago, when we were singing "Silent Night" with no lights on, just holding candles. One of our funnier choristers at the time, Chris Wilson, fell asleep, and lit his hymnal on fire. It was quickly put out, but that was pretty funny. 

For meaningful services, two come to mind: a celebration of Father Ed’s anniversary of ordination and the surprise concert we gave for Peter on his 30th anniversary at All Saints. Guests came, and the whole choir participated, with secret rehearsals. Peter and Linda got to sit in the pews as we did the whole service as a thank you for all he’s done.

5. If someone came to sing with the choir for just one Sunday this summer, what could they expect?

They would be warmly welcomed by Peter and the other choristers, and the section leader or someone else in their section would help them all along the way. 

6.In one sentence, why should someone give the choir a try this summer?

If music moves them, it will transform their life!!!

Be a choir member for a day this summer!

Try the summer choir!

Sundays, 9:30-10:30 am, Choir Room

Interested? Try choir this summer!

Drop in one Sunday for the All Saints Summer Choir. Join rehearsal at 9:30 am on one or more Sundays this summer, with no long-term commitment. Summer choir music is generally less demanding than during the program year, and there are no auditions or weekday rehearsals. Families are welcome, too!



We'd love to have you sing with us. Talk to Minister of Music Peter Crisafulli or meet in the Choir Room at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays.

MISSION AND OUTREACH

Partner Spotlight: Little Lights

For many years, All Saints has partnered with Little Lights, a Christ-centered ministry serving children, youth, and families in public housing and other vulnerable neighborhoods in Southeast Washington, D.C. Through year-round educational programs, mentoring, meals, and practical support, Little Lights walks alongside young people from early childhood through college and career. They provide caring relationships, quality programs, and safe learning spaces, as well as practical resources such as free meals for students throughout the year, backpacks, diapers, Thanksgiving baskets, and Christmas gifts.

In a recent conversation, Executive Director Steve Park reflected on why this ministry is so important:

"Little Lights seeks to be an anchor ministry for the neighborhoods and families it serves. Ministries like Little Lights are needed because many neighborhood community centers have closed their doors, leaving underserved youth with few options when they are out of school. Right now, one out of every two Black children in D.C. is living below the poverty line."

He also shared how All Saints has helped expand the ministry's reach:

"Church partnerships are crucial for our ministry's well-being. All Saints has been a long-term engaged partner, providing resources and volunteers that help Little Lights maintain its Christ-centered focus and increase its community impact. All Saints provided much-needed support to help us open the Jubilee Center, our newest and largest program site in Ward 7. "

The Jubilee Center officially opened earlier this year after extensive renovations and already serves nearly 50 students through a partnership with a local elementary school. "We are very excited about how God will work in this new space," Steve said.

Thank you for helping make this ministry possible through your generosity, prayers, and service!

Volunteer at Summer Lights!

through July 31st

Little Lights is hosting week-long day camps this summer for underserved youth in Southeast DC to have a safe environment to play, work on academics, and grow emotionally and spiritually.

Little Lights is seeking volunteers aged 16 and older and asks that volunteers commit to serving with them from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Volunteers can choose their preferred site and either sign up for a full week of summer fun or select one or more days each week to join them for the duration of the summer. Questions about Little Lights? Please contact our Director of Mission and Outreach, Shireen David. 

SHARING CHRIST'S LOVE

Vacation Bible School

Wow God! What an amazing week we had at Vacation Bible School! Thank you to the many volunteers who came alongside our staff to make this week possible. Thank you to everyone who made lunches, helped check in students, led games or Bible adventures, donated supplies, helped set up and clean up, or who prayed for VBS.



And special thanks to our many youth volunteers who shared the love and joy of Christ as they led groups and activities throughout the week!

So many good things are happening at All Saints! Check your Friday email, All Things All Saints, for upcoming services and events. Or check our parish calendar HERE.

Previous issues of the Connect! newsletter are available on the church website HERE



Please join us in continuing to celebrate the good news of God working in our midst - ideas for the Connect! newsletter are always welcome! You may submit possible topics, photos, or short articles to Communications Director Allison Winter