Dear saints,
In the life of a church of the size of All Saints' the staff creates a village within the village. They are to me a remarkably dedicated and talented group of human beings. Some of us navigated a pandemic together, and all of us share a life of daily service to the church that enriches our individual lives immeasurably. Along with all of that, we like each other. The staff of this parish are a fun group. We care for one another and about each other.
I share all of that by ways of context to the fact that this time of year is seeing a fair amount of comings and goings.
As we have known for a while, Ellen Hayes retires at the end of the year, and this week we welcomed to the staff her successor in the role of Director of Stewardship and Development, Julie Lockhart. Please do save the date for Ellen's farewell in Ellis Hall, 10:20 a.m. on Sunday December 22. Of course, this is not goodbye to Ellen as a parishioner, and we expect to see Ellen's smiling face around the block and in the pews—just don't ask her about your pledge!
This week, we are also saying goodbye on our staff to Annette Sullivan, and as a parishioner too, we are glad that we will still have Annette and her girls in the life of this church. I am very grateful for all that Annette has offered to All Saints' in her role as Parish Life Director. From the wonderful Back to the Block party in August to our most recent Taste of All Saints’, Annette has cared for us all in so many ways.
As we shared last week, Andi Dixon is leaving the staff in mid-December as Director of Communications, and if you have loved our social media posts, monitor graphics, website updates, e-news messages or any number of other communication projects that Andi has had her hand in, please do thank her next time you see her on the block.
Finally, our Assistant Facilities Manager, Zach Thomas, is also leaving the staff mid-next month to take up a job in the oil industry. Zach has done a tremendous job alongside our Facilities Manager, Jeff Couch, in keeping up with all sorts of improvements and fixes across the campus. Facilities can so often be a thankless task, so on behalf of a grateful parish, thank you Zach!
To state the clear and obvious—there's a lot of transition around us right now.
The other side of the departures coin is arrivals. As I head off this weekend on vacation for a Thanksgiving break and reflect on what I am thankful for, I bring to mind the outstanding staff who have come into our midst this year: Scott Lamlein, Emily Halbert and most recently Julie Lockhart. After Thanksgiving, I expect to be able to share news about a superb new Communications Director too. I am so thoroughly grateful for each of them and for all that they will bring to this church on the road ahead.
"There is a time for everything," says Ecclesiastes. I pray that with all that may be changing in your own life—at work or at home—you may know ever deeper the One who is changeless.
With thanksgiving for each of you.
Peace,
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The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring, Rector | |
Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King
Sunday, November 24, 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)
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ANNOUNCEMENT: There will be no Thanksgiving Day Service this year. The church office will be closed on Thursday and Friday in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. | |
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. | |
ATTENTION: Beware Email Scammers this Holiday Season
Please remain vigilant against email scammers pretending to be Simon or another member of the clergy or staff, including those who might appear to use a legitimate All Saints' email address. We will never ask you to buy gift cards, send us money individually, or fulfill any task for us on a personal basis. If you have any suspicion about an email you receive from someone who looks like they could be from All Saints', please call or text the staff member in question to double check.
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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.
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One Parish One Book
Sundays, November 24 and December 1, 8, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., In-Person (Various Locations) and on Zoom
- During the season of Advent, the entire parish will read one book together and gather over four Sundays for small group discussion during the morning formation period. Jesus on the Front Page will continue to meet together for this discussion, while other parishioners will be divided by age groups with a clergy member leading the discussion group. A Zoom group will also be offered. Before and during Advent, we will read Amy Jill Levine’s, The Light of the World. Purchase a copy wherever books are sold and join us! For more information and the Zoom link, please contact The Rev. Dr. Jennifer McBride
(jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org).
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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.
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Threads Annual Coat Drive
Runs from Sunday, October 20 to Sunday, November 24
Bring new and gently used winter coats to donate to the many children that Threads serves each week. Please drop off coats between October 20 - November 24, in one of the Threads bins located on the All Saints' campus.
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This past Sunday began with a warm and welcoming Sunday Morning Breakfast in Ellis Hall, where parishioners gathered for a delicious meal and good conversation before the services began. Adults enjoyed breakfast for $10, while kids dined for just $8, all in the spirit of fellowship.
At the 9:00 a.m., service, we were blessed by the children of our parish, who led us in our readings, prayers, served as ushers, performed several verger tasks and were invited to crowd around the altar to participate in communion up close. During this Children’s Service, organized by our Director of Children’s Ministries, Kathy Roberts, our young ones served beautifully, inspiring the whole congregation. Their servant leadership reminded us all of the power of community and the next generation’s role in our faith.
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The Rev. Natosha Reid Rice delivered the sermon at the 9:00 a.m. and the 11:15 a.m. service, exhorting the congregation to continue pursuing God “in the meantime”—especially in times of profound disappointment, delay, grief or tragedy. | |
This past Sunday, we also celebrated Covenant Community Inc., a residential treatment program for men experiencing homelessness and recovering from substance use disorder. CCI has been our partner in ministry since its founding in 1980. Chris Redondo, CCI’s Program Director, and a graduate of the program, spoke to our morning congregants about the power of their approach with changing men and their families’ lives. Some of the men currently enrolled in the program also tabled in the courtyard to share information on the program.
Later in the morning, One Parish, One Book kicked off, with parishioners diving into Amy Jill Levine’s “The Light of the World.” Small group discussions were held in-person and on Zoom, fostering deep connections and thoughtful reflections as we prepare for the coming Advent season together.
The afternoon brought our Young Adults' Brunch & Bible Study, where our vibrant young adult community came together in the Ross Room for a catered meal, lively conversation, and meaningful Bible study.
Whether reconnecting or making new friendships, it was a time of growth and fellowship, with childcare available for families.
As the evening approached, many gathered for The Welcome Table service at 5:00 p.m., where a jazz trio set the tone for a peaceful and reflective worship experience. Communion, prayer, and song filled the Chapel, followed by a nourishing community dinner in Ellis Hall.
And throughout the day, the spirit of generosity was alive and well with the Threads Annual Coat Drive—thank you to everyone who brought new and gently used winter coats to help children in need. We’re collecting through November 24, so there's still time to contribute!
It was a day full of connection, service, and reflection. We’re so grateful for our All Saints’ family and all the ways we come together to support one another and grow in faith.
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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.
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Be In That Number!
Thank you so much to those who have pledged.
These dollars coming in celebrate the deep generosity
you feel towards All Saints'.
This campaign is not the same without you.
Please share your gifts with a commitment / pledge here now:
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Easiest way: go online allsaintsatlanta.org/give
or email Ellen Hayes, Director of Development ehayes@allsaintsatlanta.org
Thank you so much!
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The Joe Alterman Trio Up Next in Jazz at All Saints’ Series
Friday, November 22, from 7:00 p.m., in the Church
Yearning for the joy of an evening of jazz? Then take your seat in the church on Friday, November 22, to hear the young piano sensation Joe Alterman in our second Jazz at All Saints’ concert. The soul-stirring begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a lively Q&A and refreshments in Ellis Hall. Get your ticket ($25/adult, $15/student) at allsaintsatlanta.org/jazz or at the door. Joe will bring the joy.
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Flower Guild Collection for Christmas
On Christmas Eve, the Flower Guild creates a beautiful floral offering, a tradition made possible by the generous donations of this parish. Donations can be made in memory of or in thanksgiving for a loved one. Please make a donation by December 1 to be listed in the bulletin on Christmas Eve. To donate, please visit this link.
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Advent Adventure
Sunday, December 1, 10:20 a.m. – 11:05 a.m., in Ellis Hall
Start the Advent season by making Advent wreaths and crafts for your home, writing cards to send to the homebound and those who may be alone for the holidays, and visiting our Nativity Museum showcasing nativities shared by our parishioners. Bring a friend to church and the Adventure! For more information, contact Kathy Roberts at kroberts@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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St. Nicholas Celebration and Feast
Wednesday, December 4, 5:00 and 6:45 p.m. dinner seatings in Ellis Hall; Celebration 6:05 - 6:35 p.m. in the Church
Join us as we start off the season with this favorite All Saints’ Christmas tradition. Two dinner seatings will be offered for our catered holiday feast. We will celebrate the coming of God’s light into the world with the theme, Star of Wonder, Star of Night, Guide us with your Perfect Light. Register for dinner at here. Between seatings, join us to hear a magical telling of the story of St. Nicholas of Myra in the Church, followed by the Children’s Choirs and bell ringers leading us in carols. Children’s Ministries will also be collecting new socks for Threads, as a nod to the stockings hung by the chimney. For more information, contact Kathy Roberts at kroberts@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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!
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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.
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Women’s Advent Retreat: What is Your Courageous “Yes!”?
Saturday, December 7, 4-6 pm, Begins in Chapel, Ends in Ellis Hall (Labyrinth open in courtyard at 3:30 pm)
Join us for contemplation, fellowship, and food as we accompany Mary in her courageous “Yes!” to God. Register at https://bit.ly/asec-2024-advent-women and indicate your need for childcare. For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Jenny McBride: (jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org).
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Wednesday Night Supper Holiday Dates
Wednesdays throughout the year, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Ellis Hall
- November 27: No dinner (Thanksgiving break)
- December 4: St. Nicholas Supper
- December 11: Regular Wednesday Night Supper
Wednesday Night Supper then takes a break until Wednesday January 8, 2025.
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St. Helena’s Hellfire Pepper Jelly Sale
Sunday, November 24, 10:20 a.m. - 11:15 a.m., in the foyer of Ellis Hall
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TODAY is the LAST DAY this season for pepper jelly sales! We are almost sold out! If you want to buy pepper jelly but cannot attend Sunday, email Michele Rusin at mjrusin@bellsouth.net. We’ll hold some for you if we have some. Sales benefit women and children’s projects.
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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’s 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.
No formation this week. If you would like to volunteer to help make blessing bags with Mrs. Kathy Roberts, they will be on the second floor of the Pritchett Center, Kenan Commons. Enjoy the break!
SNL (6th-8th grade) and Y’all Saints’ (9th-12th grade):
No evening youth gathering this week. We will resume next week. Enjoy the break!
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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 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!
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SERVICE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE | |
Covenant Community, Inc.’s 29th Annual Men of Hope Thanksgiving Dinner
Tuesday, November 26, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Ellis Hall
This Thanksgiving help us serve hope to our neighbors in need! Covenant Community’s Men of Hope Thanksgiving Dinner provides a warm, plated holiday meal for nearly 400 guests, many of whom are unhoused or living in shelters in Midtown Atlanta. For $15, you can sponsor a meal and give someone the chance to enjoy the season. Alongside the dinner, our resource fair offers vital support, including hygiene kits, HIV testing, clothing, and access to critical services like TANF. Your contribution does more than provide a meal—it helps guests feel valued, supported, and hopeful for the future.
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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.
Current Needs:
Thank you to everyone that has donated coats so far. We are still in need of coats sizes 18- month, 24 months, 2T and 3T. We also invite you to pick a name from the clothesline to provide coats in other sizes. We appreciate you.
You may purchase items please via the Threads Amazon Wishlist:
bit.ly/ASECThreadsNovember2024
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Read The Faith and Justice Collective's
November Newsletter
The November issue includes the following highlights:
- Vote!!!
- Covenant Community’s Thanksgiving Dinner
- Look for Giving Tree Opportunities
- November 10th F&J Luncheon Features Pete Candler
- Recap of Climate and Democracy Conference
Click here to sign up and receive the newsletter delivered to your inbox
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Click the image above to view our "thank yous" to parishioners from various staff members. We appreciate the ways you serve our parish community! | |
Photo Sharing at All Saints’
The Communications Team invites you to submit photographs of All Saints’ events via e-mail for inclusion in forthcoming publications, newsletters, monitor feeds and on social media accounts. If you have content to share, please send photographs via e-mail to communications@allsaintsatlanta.org in .JPG or .PNG formats.
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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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