Dear saints,

Have you ever had the experience of losing your job?

When I was about eighteen, I was fired as a barman at a pub in the town I grew up in. I had been working there to raise money to be able to travel to India for the first time. It turned out that the person who'd hired me hadn't exactly cleared that decision with the boss, so when said boss came back from vacation he saw me behind the bar, decided I took too long to serve his customers, and told me I didn't need to come back the next night. 

Company rules were that bartenders had to make eye contact with a "client", hear their order and deliver it all within thirty seconds. It took me longer than that to understand what on earth they were talking about. "I'll have a bloody Russian", one would ask. "Excuse me?" I would offer back, nervously. "A bloody Russian, you bloody idiot", would be the typical response. This was not the nicest part of town. Matters would always get worse when someone had many drinks to order. We were not permitted to write things down. You may not know this about me, but I have a truly terrible verbal short term memory. Before the years of Apple Maps, if someone gave me driving directions I would listen to the first two maneuvers and then smile weakly at them, wishing the whole ordeal would be over soon. Let's just say that when you are behind the bar at the Marlbrook pub, there are only so many times you can ask someone to repeat their order, and get out of there alive. So, I was fired.

On one hand, I took my dismissal as a distorted source of pride. I think I imagined that my failure to be efficient was also because I liked to spend more time with each person. How do you reduce a human interaction to thirty seconds? On the other hand, on the way home, I accidentally crashed my bike into a traffic sign because I took the corner too fast. My cycling skills are far beyond my ability to remember orders at the bar. Turns out, losing a job hit me harder than I had thought. I felt diminished, unseen, and on many levels, defeated. 

Perhaps you have felt those feelings too at one point or another in your life. Perhaps you have known people close to you who have. Empathy is a remarkably powerful medium for human connection. 

One of our children has gotten into the recent habit of watching the news with us each night. They are a loyal PBS Newshour viewer. I have managed to integrate a little Channel 4 News UK into the mix, especially their global coverage. As we have watched news together from near and far, I have heard myself praising journalists’ skill in capturing the humanity of it all. The news tells us that thousands of federal workers have been notified that they may or may not lose their jobs, impacting thousands more spouses, partners, children and other dependents, and then the story is humanized by a mother, a husband, someone like you or me, telling us how their life has been turned on its head overnight. We hear that two million Gazans, some of whom have lived in that land for generations, could now be relocated to other countries, and then we see the story of a single family, separated for over a year by war, father and brothers killed, now reunited, collapsing to the ground as they embrace one another, as they touch one another's faces once again, as they remember the depth of their grief. And we feel something more than we could have felt by ourselves. We know something that we hadn't known before; something that God alone knows in full. We feel the dignity of other's lives.

The Children's Musical which will be performed in Ellis Hall at 10:20 a.m. this Sunday tells the story of '"The Lost Boy", of Jesus losing his parents and then finding himself in the house of his Father. We might enjoy our children sing and re-tell that story yet also imagine Mary and Joseph, wracked with anxiety for their missing child. The church abounds in stories, ancient and modern. Our stories are how we come to know in fuller measure what it means to be human among other people's lives. Your empathy is a necessary gift for those lives to flourish. I invite you to dig into that gift and trust that the One you will encounter there remains sovereign of heaven and earth. For, contrary to appearances, this remains God's world, no matter how loud or distracting human voices become, and as such we are called to find the God-given dignity that resides in every human life. Remember what you have lost, and learn to feel more deeply for the losses of others. Remember those times when you have been found by others, and recall for yourself and for the good of the world that in the story we share by faith, life wins.

Peace,

THIS SUNDAY

The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

Sunday, February 9, Church

Weekly Service Times

• 8:00 a.m. (Traditional Language, No Music) 
• 9:00 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music) 
• 11:15 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music) 
• 5:00 p.m. The Welcome Table (Contemporary Language, Jazz Music) 

ANNOUNCEMENT: The live stream of our Sunday worship services is now available at allsaintsatlanta.org/live, facebook.com/AllSaintsATL and on youtube.com/@AllSaintsATL. Feel free to join us via your preferred platform and be sure to give us a follow! 

PARKING: Overflow parking is available at the Bank of America—please enter on North Ave. 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. Be aware, also, that on Sundays in Midtown Atlanta, street parking is free. 

Sunday Morning Breakfast 

Sundays, from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., Ellis Hall 

Join us for a delicious breakfast and fellowship with the saints before Sunday services in Ellis Hall. The cost is $10 for adults and $8 for kids.

Commemoration of Absalom Jones with the Singing Sisters of Ebeneezer Baptist Church

Sunday, February 9, 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Services, Church

Absalom Jones was the first African American person to be ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church. He was a prominent abolitionist and church reformer in Philadelphia in the early 19th century. The Singing Sisters of Ebenezer Baptist Church and Director, Laura English-Robinson, will return on this Sunday for their annual visit in commemoration/celebration of the life of Absolom Jones. The Singing Sisters continue to enjoy a wonderful music collaboration, worship and fellowship with the upper voices of the All Saints’ Episcopal Church Choir - a tradition that has continued for around 18 years!

"The Lost Boy: Young Jesus in the Temple” Children & Youth Musical

Sunday, February 9, 10:20 a.m. – 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall

Join us for “The Lost Boy: Young Jesus in the Temple,” a musical based on Luke 2:39-52. This moving production tells the story of Mary and Joseph searching for twelve-year old Jesus, only to find him in the temple, full of wisdom and understanding. With its heartfelt message, the musical reminds us that even a perfect child can give his parents anxiety and offers reassurance to anyone who has ever been a parent, a child, or sought to reconnect with their faith. Don’t miss this inspiring performance for the whole parish family! 

Jesus on the Front Page 

Sundays, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 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  

Before your busy week begins, the Welcome Table is a place to join with others and find rest and refreshment. Come to the Welcome Table: a service with a jazz trio, singing, communion and prayer (together and in ways that speak to us individually). A community dinner for all participants follows the service. 

Last Sunday was both the day we celebrated The Presentation of Our Lord AND the holiday of Groundhog's Day. Natosha's sermon linked them together brilliantly, challenging us to keep our eyes up and not run from the shadows. Watch it here.

As always, our music was fantastic. This is a great action shot of our Music Director, Scott Lamlein, inviting the parish to join the choir in song. Scott also invites all of you to follow Music at All Saints on Facebook and Instagram. Get the scoop on everything our music department is up to, like Jazz at All Saints' and next weekend's Sing-A-Long.

All Saints Youth Choir spent the weekend in the mountains of East Tennessee singing, hiking, worshiping, and building community. On Sunday morning, they ended their retreat by joining St. Luke's in Cleveland, TN, singing two songs at their worship service. You can support our children & youth choirs at this Sunday's musical, "The Lost Boy: Young Jesus in the Temple" at 10:20 a.m. in Ellis Hall.

We look forward to you joining us for upcoming services and events throughout the year. For more information on upcoming events, read this weekly newsletter every Friday or visit allsaintsatlanta.org/calendar.

If you can't join us in-person, you are still a part of our All Saints' community!

Did you know you can watch our services online?

Please visit us at allsaintsatlanta.org/live during service times. We stream to our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel, so you can join us in whichever way is most convenient for you. You can also view recordings of services and community events at allsaintsatlanta.org/media/video-audio-library/ .

• Novel Theology >> Meets one Wednesday a month on Zoom from 7:00-8:00 p.m.. Click the link above to learn more and register.

• The Journey Bible Study >> Meets every Monday at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Register here

• Jesus on the Front Page >> Meets every Sunday morning at 10:20 a.m. in P307 in the Parish House.



• Sports and Spirituality >> Meets the third Thursday of each month on Zoom. Register here

Consider becoming a member of All Saints’ Cornerstone by making a planned gift today to All Saints’. You can include the church in your will or as a beneficiary of an IRA or insurance policy after you die. If you don’t have a will, it may be time to write one.

For more information, contact our Planned Giving Committee, Chair: David Begley (david@wdbegley.com). The Cornerstone Society recognizes parishioners who have made a planned gift to All Saints’. Join the more than 200 members who have made this important commitment.

If you have questions, please e-mail them to:

Julie Lockhart, Director of Development, jlockhart@allsaintsatlanta.org.

All Saints' offers easy ways to pay your pledge or to make a gift:

Online at allsaintsatlanta.org/give

Mail a check to All Saints’ Church, 634 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308 Put a check or cash into the offering plate during the services

Text to Give: text AllSaintsAtlanta to 73256

Pledge now at allsaintsatlanta.org/give 

WORSHIP & MUSIC

All Saints' Sing-A-Long with Robert Ray

Saturday, February 15, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Church

Join us for a high energy, all ages, and free piano sing-a-long and potluck. Hosted by Music at All Saints and All Sorts' (our All Saints' LGBTQ+ ministry), the amazing Robert Ray from Campagnolos fame will be here. Belt out a classic with an old friend or a new one! It's a potluck. Sign up for the potluck here. Questions? Email louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org. Make it easy to invite friends & neighbors by sharing the Facebook event!

Carmen Bradford Up Next in Jazz at All Saints' Concert Series

Saturday, February 22, 7:00 p.m., Church

The reigning queen of jazz lovers’ hearts—vocalist Carmen Bradford—will star in our third Jazz at All Saints’ concert on Saturday, February 22, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The winner of a 2024 Grammy, Carmen is considered jazz royalty. You can be sure if it ain’t got that swing, it ain’t got Carmen or her accompanist, pianist Reginald Thomas! Come hear these storied artists for yourself and stay for the insightful Q&A hosted by our own Virginia Schenck and the reception in Ellis Hall. Tickets are $25/adult, $15/student. Get tickets here. Make it easy to invite friends & neighbors by sharing the Facebook event!

The Journey Bible Study  

Weekly on Mondays, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., on Zoom 

The Journey (Bible Study) continues, led by The Rev. Karen Evans, Parish Priest Associate. We will resume our journey through the Book of Revelation. The only requirements are a Bible and a willingness to learn. Email The Rev. Karen Evans at kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org for additional class information. 

Faithful Advocates Annual Visit to the Capitol

Wednesday, February 19, Offsite 

Join your fellow saints this year for the Faithful Advocates annual visit to the Capitol to advocate for legislation that affects All Saints’ communities and core ministries. For details, please email Suzanne Wakefield, faithfullocals@gmail.com.

School of the Spirit: Theology for All Seasons

Wednesdays, February 12,19, 26, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., P305/306 and on Zoom

In this three-week session, we look ahead to Lent and Good Friday as we discuss the meaning of Jesus's crucifixion and critically reflect on how different Christians have understood the meaning of the cross. This hybrid course connects the foundational building blocks of Christian faith with the corresponding liturgical season. All are welcome; participants can enter the course at any time. Register at https://bit.ly/asec-theology-class-feb and contact Jenny McBride for more information (jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org).

Sunday Forum: An Overachiever's Guide to Being Enough

Sundays, February 16 and 23, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall & Livestreamed

Join our rector, Simon, for this two-part forum as he tells his story of being an overachiever in a never-satisfied culture and reflect with him on ways we might learn to be enough. No advanced qualifications required to attend. For more information, contact: smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

PARISH LIFE

Wednesday Night Supper

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

Join us for Wednesdays @ All Saints' (aka Wednesday Night Supper). Grab a friend to come enjoy a meal while connecting with the community. contact Marcia Mayfield, mmayfield@allsaintsatlanta.org, for more information.

Men's Dinner

Sunday, February 23, 6:30 p.m., Ellis Hall

Please join us for an evening of fellowship with wine, cheese, and charcuterie, followed by a delicious Indian meal from Naan Stop. This dinner is hosted by Clay Jackson, Bob Woodward, and Neal Idnani, and you can register on Realm. The cost is $25 per person, and financial support is available upon request. Contact: Andy Barnett: abarnett@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Join Naomi Tutu and Simon on Pilgrimage to South Africa

In February 2026, Simon and Naomi will lead a pilgrimage to South Africa. Visiting Johannesburg and Cape Town among other places, Naomi will share her experiences living through apartheid, the first democratic election, and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Follow this link to express interest, receive the journey FAQ's, and an official invitation with the itinerary and prices. 

All Saints' Partners with Heart of the Arts

We have partnered with the Midtown Alliance to be their newest Heart of the Arts property partner! We will be hosting two artists, Nkolo Masela and Aysha Pennerman, in street-level studios adjacent to the Midtown Assistance Center. Thank you to our committee who was involved in picking the artists. We will keep you posted about future opportunities to meet the artists. Read more about the artists and the program here.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Weekly Children & Youth Formation



Nursery/Little Saints: Birth-Pre-K, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 1st floor of the Pritchett Center

Children’s Church: K-5th Grade, 8:40 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., 2nd floor of the Pritchett Center

Children Formation: No children’s formation this week. Instead head to Ellis Hall to watch the Children's Musical. Formation returns February 16.

Youth Formation: No youth formation this week. Instead head to Ellis Hall to watch the Children's Musical. Formation returns February 16.

SNL (6th-8th grade) and Y’all Saints’ (9th-12th grade): 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., The Attic, 3rd floor of the Pritchett Center

Weekly Children's Choirs Rehearsals (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. 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Junior Choir: Grades 3-6 — 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Preparing for the Children’s Musical

Children's Handbells: Taking a break until after the Children’s Musical

Weekly Youth Choirs Rehearsals (Sundays)

Youth choir rehearsals return on February 23, after the Super Bowl and Winter Break.

Come sing, grow, and make a joyful noise with us this year! For more information, contact Emily Rebecca Halbert, Director of Youth & Children’s Choirs, at ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org.

YOUNG ADULTS

Young Adult Fellowship Online! 

Are you in your 20s or 30s and interested in fellowship, discipleship and service? Reach out to Tasia Blair 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! 

Threads Welcomes Families for Shopping 

Threads welcomes families for in-store shopping Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Interested in volunteering? Contact Marcia Mayfield if you are interested in volunteering; Threads needs you:

threads@allsaintsatlanta.org.

You may purchase items please via the Threads Amazon Wishlist:

bit.ly/ASECThreadDecember2024 

Join a Resettlement Team!

Now is the perfect time to join a team of 6-10 people who commit to one volunteer act and one ninety-minute reflection meeting per month for three months to help support a refugee family as they transition to their new lives in the US. Email Louisa Merchant, louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org, to schedule a 30-minute zoom to learn more.

Become a Volunteer Receptionist at All Saints'

Our volunteers work on a biweekly schedule from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday through Thursday. If interested, please contact Marie-Louise Muhumuza at mlmuhumuza@llsaintsatlanta.org or Tracey Sage at tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org.



February Faith & Justice Newsletter

• Volunteers Needed for Refugee Settlement
• Spotlight on the Church of the Common Ground
• Faithful Advocates Go To The Capitol
• All Sorts Sponsor Sing-a-long
• Preview of 2025 Hunger Walk/Run
• F & J Luncheon Features New Out of Hand Play

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.