Dear saints,

I had the privilege on Ash Wednesday, just passed, to hear three different priests of this church preach four different sermons (because Andy Barnett is an even worse over-achiever than me, he preached two different sermons!). It was a gift to hear their different voices and their varied ways into the solemnity and earthiness of a day where on this block we had a lot of church. I heard about the dangers of exceeding the frame of our creatureliness, and how even in the heart of darkness, God's kairos time is at hand. Children and their parents were encouraged to let go of the burdens they have carried, and over across the street at the MARTA station we offered ashes and prayers for strangers and parishioners alike. In full disclosure, I nearly missed the final of our four services that day as I sat in Ellis Hall thoroughly enjoying chatting to church members over dinner. Actually, the whole day felt a bit like that. We'd have church, and then I'd head over to a meeting about weddings, then back for some more church, and on to a meeting about security, and so it went. An ecclesiastical version of Bill Murray's Groundhog Day. It was as if God was trying to tell me something: "I'm still here".

And then it struck me; that is exactly what I have needed to hear, again. I've needed to hear that I am dust, earth, ash. I've needed to hear that in spite of worldly appearances, God is still sovereign, and so in the end, life wins. In the end, love wins. In the end, the kingdom comes, and no power nor height nor darkest depth can separate us from that light and hope and promise. That is what the church does - it helps us to remember who we are. It helps us to put back together the pieces of the story that the world too easily loses track of.

As I chatted about such things with a parishioner at the church steps after our final service on Wednesday, I told her that I was glad she had come to church that night because we need to make the choice to be together. And what's more, we need to be together in spaces that will be good for us and will help us to be good for the world. I find All Saints' to be that kind of place in my life in so many deep and abundant ways. I hope you find it to be that sort of place for you too.

So, there's my Lenten invitation: walk this wilderness way together. Join a Connects small group. Attend this Sunday's Out of Hand Theater performance (Register if you want lunch!) Volunteer at the Midtown Assistance Center. Come out and hear the Braves organist perform jazz in your church. Attend the refugee ministries picnic. Walk the stations of the cross. Explore the new rule of life initiative with others. Enjoy lunch with young adults, or dinner on a Wednesday night, or a jazz trio at the Welcome Table. Do anything, really, just don't walk alone. Find a companion. Reach for the gift of togetherness here and you will not reach in vain.

It was Margaret Mead who said, 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.' It is Christ who says, 'behold, I am making all things new’. That’s a pretty powerful combination. Our world has enough solo performers, and they're not doing us much good. I believe in the body, in the whole company of the faithful, in the promissory note that is the church. 

May you have a holy and restorative Lent, together. 

Peace,

Raising Hope for Refugees

For over 30 years, All Saints’ has welcomed and supported refugee families as they build new lives. Today, they face an urgent crisis—federal support has been cut, leaving families at risk of homelessness. We know that $12,500 can support one refugee family for six months. Together, we aim to support as many families as we can. All donations are welcome.

Choose Refugee Ministry Donation Fund from the dropdown.

In celebration of our fundraising efforts and of All Saints' Refugee Ministry, join us for

Hallelujah Anyhow: A Night of Celebration

Saturday, March 29, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

The event will feature an exciting array of global cuisines from cutting-edge pop-up chefs, live music, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Tickets are $100. We’re pleased to offer free childcare and dinner for children. If you'd like information about sponsoring the event, click here.

THIS SUNDAY

The First Sunday of Lent

Sunday, March 7, 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. 

SPECIAL NOTE: Sunday Morning Breakfast takes a break for Lent.

Rule of Life Launch: Live Intentionally & Listen Intently

Sunday March 9, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall

With so much happening in our public life, have you wondered, “How can we live a better way?” — where we aren’t reacting but discerning; where we aren’t autonomous individuals being pulled in multiple directions, but a people rooted in intentional friendships and a community of support; where our outward life of action and our inward life of prayer mutually influence each another? How can we live more intentionally, guided by God’s Spirit? Join us for the launch of a new opportunity to enter into a Rule of Life with other All Saints’ parishioners, who are also seeking to live more intentionally and listen more intently to God’s Spirit. Hear from a panel of parishioners already involved in pilot groups. For more information, contact Jenny McBride, jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.

MAC Annual Lenten Food Drive

Shopping Bags Handed Out Sunday, March 9

The MAC Lenten Food Drive starts Sunday March 9th and ends Palm Sunday, April 13th. Shopping bags with the food drive list will be handed out at worship on March 9th. Bags with donated food items can be dropped off in Ellis Hall any Sunday during Lent. Last year, the Food Drive brought in 2,522 pounds of food. These contributions enable MAC to support neighbors facing housing and food insecurity. For a detailed list of necessary food items, please visit midtownassistancecenter.org/donate/. For questions, please contact Jenny McBride or MAC’s volunteer manager, Savanna Keo, at savanna@midtownassistancecenter.org.

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! 

Out of Hand Play at Faith & Justice Collective Luncheon

Sunday, March 9, register to eat lunch at 12:30 p.m., play starts at 1:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

Join us in March as we host the 2025 Out of Hand play, How To Make a Home by Amina McIntyre. The show is a collaboration with Partners for Home and Mayor Dickens and is designed to shed light on the realities of people experiencing homelessness in Atlanta, from full-time students and workers to families living in their cars. Registration in advance is required for a box lunch and a donation of $12 is suggested to cover the lunch. Please register at https://bit.ly/faith_and_justice_march_2024. The play itself is free for parishioners and the public, so please spread the word about this opportunity. Contact Jenny McBride with any questions, jmcbride@allsaintstalanta.org.

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. 

This week saw the start of the Lenten season. Along with pancakes, king cake, and the children's choir, Shrove Tuesday's all ages service prepared us for a full day of services and ashes on Ash Wednesday.

Snapshots of some of the ways All Saints' prepared for and started the Lenten season:

• Children burying the Alleluia banner with Simon, reminding us that we won't hear Alleluia again until Easter
• Writing down a barrier to our relationship with God on popsicle sticks and burning them in the fire with last year's palms to make ashes
• Picking up a stone representing something to let go of this Lent and dropping it into a bowl of water at the altar
• Receiving ashes as a reminder that we are dust and marking this season of walking in the wilderness together

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/ .

If you haven’t yet made your pledge for 2025, there is still time!

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

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

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

Donate at allsaintsatlanta.org/give 

WORSHIP & MUSIC

Music Notes This Week:

Florence Price, writer of this Sunday’s communion anthem, was an American classical composer, pianist, organist and music teacher. Price was educated at the New England Conservatory of Music and was active in Chicago from 1927 until her death in 1953. Price is noted as the first African-American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer, and the first to have a composition played by a major orchestra. Price composed over 300 works. She sets her own text in Resignation. The sheer heartfelt sentiment throughout this poem and Price’s setting of her text express the daily pain and fatigue caused by hardship and injustice, but balanced by the relief of knowing you will one day arrive “home,” where you will be greeted by those who have gone before.

Matt Kaminski Steps Up to the Plate for the March 14th Jazz at All Saints’ Concert

Friday, March 14, 7:00 p.m., Church

Matt Kaminski, the highly regarded stadium organist of the Atlanta Braves, will headline Jazz at All Saints’ on Friday evening, March 14. While especially beloved by Braves fans and sportscasters, Matt is also a musical legend in the city. Jazz is his first love, but he also performs in a western swing band, a polka band, a Latin salsa orchestra, and a rock band. For our concert, he and his jazz quartet will bring fan favorite songs to the mix, starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. The concert will be followed by the usual lively Q&A and then a reception in Ellis Hall. Be sure to tell your teammates and get your tickets for this family-friendly concert ($25/adult, $15/student) at allsaintsatlanta.org/jazz or at the door.

A Meditation on Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness

By Parishioner Rob Thompson

Often, as I have grown older, I am made aware of the fact that life requires sacrifices of us. Perhaps we can no longer eat the foods we love because of our changing metabolisms. Maybe our free time shrinks as we need to use more of it to perform tasks like purchasing insurance, registering our children for school, or updating household budgeting. It is a comfort to me to know that the spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for a trial. To know that even the son of God was called to place where he needed to keep a long-term goal in mind while doing the hard things that insure he realized that goal. It is a gift to be mindful of the future in the face of tasks and events that seem less fun in the present. Read more parishioner meditations.

Throughout Lent, read mediations from All Saints' parishioners in preparation for the Sunday Gospel. Visit this link to read on the website and download printable .pdfs. Next week, read reflections from Malinda Snow, Alan Gibby, Steve Richardson, Ethel Ware Carter, and David Cross on the following Sunday's Gospel. Be sure to bookmark the above link as the meditations get updated every Friday!

Lenten Connects: Small Group Spiritual Conversation

Not too late to join a group!

Groups meet by zoom once a week for an hour for six weeks until Palm Sunday. There is a Wednesday noon group formed and the option for Tuesday or Thursday evening groups, starting at 7:00 p.m. If interested click here or, to see an example of a participant guide, email Jilli Robertson, jilli.ff.robertson@gmail.com.

Lenten "One Parish, One Book": What Makes You Come Alive

Sundays, March 16 - April 6, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., 3rd Floor Parish House OR

Tuesdays, March 18 – April 8, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Zoom

Join us as we come together as a parish to read one book and gather over four weeks for small group discussion in person during the Sunday morning formation period or on Zoom the following Tuesday. We will read Lerita Coleman Brown’s What Makes You Come Alive: A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman. Purchase a copy wherever books are sold.

Though we invite you to read the whole book, we will be focusing on select chapters. The reading schedule is as follows:

• Week of March 16 - Discussing Chapters 1&2
• Week of March 23 - Discussing Chapter 5
• Week of March 30 - Discussing Chapter 7
• Week of April 6 - Discussing Chapter 8

For the Tuesday Zoom link, or for more information, please contact Jenny McBride, jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.

School of the Spirit: The Meaning of Worship

Wednesdays, March 12, 19, 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the church

Have you ever wondered why we turn toward the street during the closing hymn, make the sign of the cross during the Gospel, or sing different hymns throughout the liturgical year? Explore the signs, symbols, and sounds of Anglican worship in All Saints’ historic church as we learn about the stained glass, altar, instruments, vestments, and sacraments. Ultimately, we’ll unpack the ways Anglican liturgy gathers, calls, centers, and sends God’s people to do God’s work in the world. For more information, contact Andy Barnett, abarnett@allsaintsatlanta.org.

The Journey Bible Study - Prophets & Kings 

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

First the history and then the prophetic response will be our format for Bible study through May. The history of the two kingdoms, Israel and Judah, will be read including the stories of the prophets Elijah, Elisha and Amos. For more information or to sign up for the class, please contact The Rev. Karen Evans kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Adult Inquirers Class - Spring Session

Wednesdays, March 12, 2025 - April 9, 2025 at 6:30pm via Zoom and In-Person Dinner

Adult Inquirers Class is a five-part introduction to the life of faith at All Saints’. Meetings are on Wednesday nights, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The first four meetings are on Zoom with the final session in person over dinner at the church. Participants are asked to commit to all five sessions. Additional adult inquirers classes will be held later in the fall. Upon completion of classes, confirmation and membership will be available. For more details contact Tracey Sage, tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

Novel Theology: Old Filth by Jane Gardam

Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m., Ross Room

Sir Edward Feathers has had a brilliant career, from his early days as a lawyer in Southeast Asia, where he earned the nickname Old Filth (FILTH being an acronym for Failed In London Try Hong Kong) to his final working days as a respected judge at the English bar. Yet through it all he has carried with him the wounds of a difficult and emotionally hollow childhood. Now an eighty-year-old widower living in comfortable seclusion in Dorset, Feathers is finally free from the regimen of work and the sentimental scaffolding that has sustained him throughout his life. Please join Novel Theology to discuss how literature lends shape to our understanding of ideas like love, compassion, forgiveness, and redemption. Email Laura Trott at Lmtrott@gmail.com to be added to the email list.

Sacred Ground Alumni Lunch

Saturday, March 22, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Ross Room

All Sacred Ground alumni/alumnae are invited to join the latest Sacred Ground circle as they complete their time together with Session 11: “Walk On: The Journey after Sacred Ground.” The current circle will be gathering at 9 a.m., and you are welcome to join them in walking the labyrinth in Ellis Hall and in conversation over coffee. We are especially hopeful that you will be present at least from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch and a special Eucharist in the Ross Room. If you want to share what you have been up to or dreams you have going forward, there will be an opportunity to do that during lunch. Please RSVP to Jilli Robertson at jilli.ff.robertson@gmail.com so that we can have the right amount of food and also let her know if you would like to speak to the group during lunch.

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.

2027-2028 Vestry Nominations

We welcome nominations for 2027-2028 Vestry leadership from all eligible parish members who are confirmed and over eighteen, who regularly attend worship and who have made a financial pledge to the church. Between Friday, February 14 and Sunday, March 23, Vestry nominations may be submitted either by email or written notice to the Rector’s Executive Assistant, Tracey Sage: tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org. Please include all your church involvement in your submission. Vestry members will be elected during the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, April 27.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Please Note: Kathy Roberts, our Director of Children's Ministries, is on sabbatical and will return to work on April 8. In the meantime, all questions about children's ministries should be directed to Emily Halbert, ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org, and Luke Nolfa, lnolfa@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

Weekly Children & Youth Formation (Sundays)



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:  K-5th grade, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., 2nd floor of the Pritchett Center

Youth Formation: 6th-12th grade, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., The Attic (3rd floor of the Pritchett Center)

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: 1st-2nd grade, 4:35 p.m. - 5:10 p.m.

Junior Choir: 3rd-6th grade, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.



Junior Handbells: 4th - 6th grade, 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Weekly Youth Choirs Rehearsals (Sundays)

Youth Handbells: 7th-12th grade, 4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Youth Choir: 7th-12th grade, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

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! 

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.

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 



March Faith & Justice Newsletter

• Lerita Coleman Brown
• Spotlight on the Church of the Common Ground
• Georgia Assembly Update
• Grady's Food as Medicine Program
• F & J Luncheon Features New Out of Hand Play
• and more!

• 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

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.