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Dear saints,
25 years ago this weekend a pilot episode of a new TV show aired on NBC: 'The West Wing'. Through the years, much has been made of the degree to which that particular show was art imitating life, and maybe there have been a few occasions over the past quarter century when it has worked the other way. As I have shared before, our family is making its way through watching the show together when we can. We often combine it with an episode of another workplace drama, 'The Office', albeit one more awkward and if it is aspirational it is only in all the wrong directions.
One of the elements I have enjoyed about watching 'The West Wing' together has been the opportunity it has afforded us as a family to talk about what we hope for in real politics. While I think there are few of us who would realistically hope to ever see a Nobel Laureate in the White House, it is not unreasonable for us to wish to hold those in public office, and those who serve them, to a higher standard. Kindness and decency are not outlandish expectations of other human beings.
Yet, for me, the real value of art you can enter into for a while is how it helps shape our own living. The bishop who ordained me once described good liturgy as theater, not because our acts of worship are intended to be performance, but because they can be spaces wherein people can lose themselves for a while in order to rediscover who they are at a deeper level. That beautiful sanctuary we all enjoy at All Saints' should be a robust enough container for us to get lost. Some people criticize Episcopal worship for lacking spontaneity or creativity, but I feel the great gift of a drama that has been decided in advance is that we all can enter in without any one of us being in charge. You are free from the fear that one fine Sunday I will decide that I've had enough of the Lord's Prayer and will insert an improvement of my own in its place. That won't ever happen. Likewise, I am free from anyone else's ideas of what might be 'what Jesus really meant to say' during the last supper. As a seasoned priest friend of mine once said, the liturgy is not yet another exercise in great American democracy - and how wonderful that is!
So, here's my question: how is the divine theater at All Saints' on a Sunday shaping you? And I suppose to get to an answer to that, it is first necessary for each of us to ask how open we are to being shaped by our corporate life of worship. One of my rules of thumb for being at worship with you all is simply to let stuff happen. If the candles are not lit, then Jesus is still Lord. If the bread and wine somehow don't make it up the aisle for communion, well we know where that stuff is stored. Jesus is perfect so we don't have to try to be. All that is required of us is the decision to dwell in the presence of the Holy One, and let some new drama take life in us.
Of course, as our dear All Saints' friend, Barbara Brown Taylor, reminds us, the whole world is God's altar. You don't need special linens and candlesticks to set the stage for the worship of the Mystery that imbues all things. Just stop. Give thanks. And be.
See you at the intermission.
Peace,
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The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring, Rector | |
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All kinds of programs thrive at All Saints'. Virginia Schenck
and her Jazz Concert Series committee developed
a wonderful program this Fall.
Virginia encourages everyone to:
"Find your passion and develop a group or
a program or a ministry at All Saints'.
Pledge now at allsaintsatlanta.org/give
All Saints' is a community like no other.
Make your 2025 Pledge to support this amazing church."
Thanks for being in That Number and making your pledge today!
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Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, September 22
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, Contemplative Music)
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ANNOUNCEMENT: We have returned to our usual service times: 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Children’s Church, Formation for Children and Youth have also resumed in the Pritchett Center. | |
ANNOUNCEMENT: The church office is closed on Fridays. The administrative staff will work remotely, however, on that day of the week. | |
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. | |
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Sunday Morning Formation: Hope Is Here with Dr. Luther Smith
Sunday, September 22, from 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall
Join us for this three-week Sunday morning School of the Spirit course on Luther Smith’s latest book: “Spiritual Practices for Pursuing Justice and Beloved Community.” As we begin a new program year in the middle of a contentious election season, Dr. Smith will demonstrate how hope might become the interpretive lens through which we see reality and act faithfully in our corner of the world. Read the intro to his latest book on the topic at bit.ly/asec-hopeishere. Contact The Rev. Dr. Jennifer McBride for more information (jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org).
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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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The Faith and Justice Collective Luncheon Series
Sunday, September 22, from 12:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., Ellis Hall
Faith & Justice Collective luncheon series offers parishioners an opportunity for fellowship, learning, and engagement with justice work within and beyond our church community. This is the first of five luncheons; it will feature a panel discussion (moderated by Emily Schunior of Faithful Advocates) about Georgia policies that deeply impact the people we love and serve in our core ministries and our larger parish community. Please register in advance at bit.ly/asec-fandj-24luncheon1 to help us plan accordingly.
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Faithful Advocates’ Voter Education and Registration
Sunday, September 22, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Ellis Hall Foyer
The Faithful Advocates group will host a voter education / registration table outside of Ellis Hall. The table will be available following the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services.
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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 of piano and singing, prayer (together and in ways that speak to us individually), and communion. A community dinner for all participants follows the service.
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Greetings, saints! This past Sunday at All Saints’, we continued our program year schedule! We held four worship services at our Midtown Atlanta campus: at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. with choral music, and at 5:00 p.m. (our evening The Welcome Table service).
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer McBride encouraged the congregation to proclaim Jesus not with triumphalistic fervor but with quiet confidence; in a life lived in accordance with biblical principles. Not shying away from renting billboards if need be, but not needing to either. We proclaim Christ not with American Supremacy, or White Supremacy, or any other kind of Supremacy; not even Christian Supremacy, but by our everyday life example. How can we make his life our life?
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Our Sunday morning formation continued with Hope Is Here. Dr. Luther Smith, in the second of his three-session course entitled “Crossing Identity Boundaries”, discusses ways society influences how we identify ourselves, and what barriers those boundaries may present. We hope to see you this Sunday, September 22, at our third and final class in this series. Special thanks to parishioner and Photography Guild member, Stephen Smith, for his contributions to this item!
We continue to celebrate our 2025 Annual Canvass. Yes, I Want to Be in That Number…When the Saints Go Marching In! We encourage you to pledge now. Visit allsaintsatlanta.org/give
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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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Jazz at All Saints’ Series Begins October 11 with Pianist Gary Motley
Friday, October 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in the Church
Join us for the inaugural Jazz at All Saints’ concert on Friday, October 11, featuring the acclaimed Gary Motley Quartet at 7:00 p.m., followed by a reception in Ellis Hall. Experience the soul-stirring jazz of Gary Motley, celebrated pianist, composer and Emory professor. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students at allsaintsatlanta.org/jazz.
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Annual Diocesan LGBTQ+ Commission Pride Eucharist
Sunday, October 6, 5:00 p.m., St. Luke's Episcopal Church
The Commission on LGBTQ+ Ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta invites you to the annual Pride Eucharist, a celebration of love, acceptance, inclusivity and unity. This service is open to everyone, regardless of who you are or where you come from. We extend a warm welcome to all Questions may be directed to Matt Babcock babcock@stlukesatlanta.org
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Ushering for All Saints
All Saints' Usher Ministry invites volunteers to serve our church. We offer hospitality and assistance to all worshippers. Ushers distribute bulletins, collect offerings, provide counts and assist with communion. If you would like to serve, contact Charlie Rigby at 770-330-9370 or at polyadd333@gmail.com.
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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. E-mail 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. Starting in September, we will resume our journey through the Book of Revelation. The only requirements are a Bible and a willingness to learn. E-mail kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org for additional class information.
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School of the Spirit: Theology for All Seasons
Weekly on Wednesdays, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., P 305/306 and on Zoom
Join us for this three-week School of the Spirit course on spiritual practices for pursuing justice and beloved community with one of Atlanta's wise sages. As we begin a new program year in a contentious election season, Dr. Smith will reflect on how hope might become an interpretive lens through which we see reality and act faithfully in our corner of the world. Read the intro to his latest book on the topic here. Register at bit.ly/asec-theology-class and contact The Rev. Dr. Jenny McBride for more information.
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Adult Inquirer's Class - Fall 2024
Wednesdays in fall, beginning October 9
Adult Inquirer’s 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 Inquirer’s classes will be held in winter and spring. Upon completion of classes, confirmation and membership will be available. For more details contact Simon Mainwaring at (smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org) or Tracey Sage (tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org).
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Wednesdays @ All Saints'
Wednesdays throughout the year, 5:00 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. Please note, we have new pricing:
- Adults - $14
- Kids (5-18) - $7
- Kids under 5 – Free
- Students – $8
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Men's Fellowship Relaunch
Sunday, October 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Courtyard / Ellis Hall
Join us for a rare opportunity for a "meat and greet." Hosted by the legendary Trav Carter and Hank Harris, you know it will be well-done. On Sunday, October 6 we'll gather in the courtyard to grill steaks. Please join us for fellowship and dinner, beginning at 6:30 p.m. After dinner, we’ll learn what other churches offer for men’s groups, and ask what we’d like to begin here. Contact Trav Carter at trav@travcarter.com for more details.
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Diocesan Commission on LGTBQ+ Ministry Joins the Atlanta Annual Pride Parade
Sunday, October 13, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., MARTA Civic Center Station to 10th into Piedmont Park
The parade kicks off from the Civic Center MARTA Station at noon. Look for the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta’s sign and march with us in celebration! There are limited spots available—up to 200 marchers will be permitted this year, so don't miss out—reserve your spot here to march alongside us. Register at Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta Registration
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Novel Theology October Meeting
Wednesday, October 16, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Ross Room
On Wednesday, October 16, Novel Theology will discuss “The Netanyahus” by Joshua Cohen. Please join us in the Ross Room or on Zoom! Contact Laura Trott at lmtrott@gmail.com to join the mailing list and for Zoom information!
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Weekly Children & Youth Formation
Nursery/Little Saints: Birth-Pre-K, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., 1st floor of the Pritchett Center
Children’s Church: K-5th grade, 9:00 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)
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Playdate for Nursery Families
Saturday, September 21, from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., on the Playground
Nursery families, join us on the playground for fun, snacks and fellowship. The kids can play while the adults chat! Bring a water bottle and a blanket to sit on. I will have snacks for the kids and beverages for adults. RSVP with our Director of Children’s Ministries, Kathy Roberts, at kroberts@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Bridge of Light Service Event
Saturday, October 19, 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., The Atlanta Capitol Building
Join us in our work with Bridge of Light, providing services and dignity to individuals experiencing homelessness in Atlanta by utilizing mobile resource centers to offer showers, hygiene kits, and clean clothing. For more information, please contact Tasia Blair, our Young Adults Coordinator, at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org
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Young Adults’ Brunch & Bible Study
Sunday, October 20, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., The Ross Room
Come enjoy a delicious catered meal, lively conversation and Bible study with the All Saints' Young Adults'. All are invited—whether you're looking to connect for the first time, reconnect after a long while, or keep connections going! Childcare is available upon request. Please contact Tasia Blair, our Young Adults Coordinator, at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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 | |
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Midtown Assistance Center (MAC) is Calling for Volunteers
MAC is looking for Volunteers to serve our community by meeting with clients, packing grocery bags, office maintenance, and more! Please contact MAC to schedule a shift. We also need essential donations such as laundry detergent, food, and hygiene items. Thank you for helping us serve our neighbors in need! Please contact Savanna Keo at savanna@midtownassistancecenter.org for more details and to schedule a volunteer shift.
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We Need You! Volunteer Receptionists
Become a volunteer receptionist at All Saints’! Our volunteers work on a bi-weekly schedule covering a four-hour shift. If interested, please contact Marie Louise Muhumuza at mlmuhumuza@allsaintsatlanta.org or Tracey Sage at tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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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 at threads@allsaintsatlanta.org.
Current Needs:
- Tween boys shirts in sizes small to extra large
- Tween boys' pants in sizes 6, 8, 10
- Tween girls' tops and pants in sizes 12, 14, 16
You may purchase items please via the Threads Amazon Wishlist: bit.ly/ASECThreadsSeptember2024
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Read The Faith and Justice Collective's
September Newsletter
The September issue includes the following highlights:
- F&J Luncheon spotlights legislation affecting Core Ministries
- Faithful Advocates providing voter registration assistance
- Climate and democracy conference at All Saints'
- Atlanta Race Massacre remembered
- New Sacred Ground opportunities
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! | |
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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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