SAINTS ALIVE

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MESSAGE FROM OUR SENIOR WARDEN

Christmas is next Thursday and Santa delivered an early blessing from God to All Saints. We now have an Interim Rector, The Reverend Virginia Tyler Smith, who is from Webster, NY. Rev. Virginia will start here on January 19, 2026, and she will deliver her first sermon on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Rev. Virginia is married to Brad Smith, a retired healthcare executive, and they have three grown children and four grandchildren.

Rev. Virginia most recently served as the Director of Ministry (aka the Canon to the Ordinary) for the Diocese of Rochester. In that role, she oversaw all rector transitions, congregational development, clergy formation, and the Bishop's special projects. She has worked with nearly 50 parishes in transition, helping to resolve outstanding conflict, identify future direction, and listen for God’s presence in their midst. Rev. Virginia is a graduate of the University of Rochester and Harvard Divinity School. She loves to read, explore new areas, cook, and binge Netflix. We are truly blessed to have her join our All SaintsParish family at this time as we navigate the transition process. Thanks be to God for this early Christmas gift. Please say a prayer of thanksgiving. We are moving along swiftly!

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that

love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28

SPECIAL THANK YOU!

CHRISTMAS MARKET! CHRISTMAS MARKET!! CHRISTMAS MARKET!!!

A special thank you goes out to Eileen Everhart and Beth Aune who chaired the

Christmas Market this year, and a special thank you to everyone involved in this

awesome event. What a success! Everyone helped, and as a result, you could

see and feel the energy, enthusiasm, love, support, drive, and accomplishments.

Kudos to all. People who attended the Christmas Market left with smiles on

their faces and goodies in their shopping bags.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA!!!!

A special thank you also goes out to Martha Hyde for planning, organizing and

executing the Wreaths Across America Ceremony. We were so happy to have

many veterans from All Saints participate in this ceremony. Our Sunday School

children, under the leadership of Avhlee Reist, also helped along with the

scouts. It is always a pleasure to recognize and honor our veterans.

I hope and pray that all will have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS, and I pray that you

all found meaning in the waiting. Thanks be to God.

Peace,

Adriane Hope Sayles

Dear Heavenly Father,

           We come before you, acknowledging that you are the source of all          

           wisdom. In this time of discernment for our parish, we ask for clarity

           to see your will, wisdom to make sound choices, and the help of your

           Holy Spirit to guide our steps. Walk with us, good and loving God. Grant

           us in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would

           have us do, that the Spirit of Wisdom may save us from false choices, and

           that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not

           stumble, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

Christmas IS Coming!

Come and enjoy the ancient and joyful custom of “greening the church” – a time when all are invited to help hang the greens, illuminate the trees, and place the poinsettias. It’s a lovely time, and we invite you to come this year on Tuesday, December 23rd, at 10:00 a.m. We hope to see you there, enjoying fun and fellowship with your Parish family!

See photos below from the past to see how much fun it is to “Green the Church”! If you have any questions, please call Patti At Lee at 202-669-5594.

Lessons and Carols Service – December 28th

Sunday, December 28th, will be a little different at All Saints as we celebrate the Christmas season.

We will come together for one service, Lessons and Carols, at 9 a.m. During Lessons and Carols, nine stories from Scripture, including the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus, are read aloud. Our service includes singing Christmas carols and hymns.

Calling All Potential Vestry Members!

It is that time of year again when we are looking for parishioners who are willing and excited to serve on the vestry at our Annual Meeting. If you are interested in being on the vestry OR have questions about vestry membership, please get in touch with Deb Watson, Julie Schardt, David Lippe, or Deb Shupe (Vestry Nominating Committee members) as soon as possible.

To be eligible to sit for election to vestry, you must:

• be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church
• attend worship regularly
• be at least 16 y/o
• commit to a 3-year term
• make a financial pledge

Safe Nights - SAVE THE DATE!



All Saints will host Safe Nights from February 8-15, 2026. Safe Nights helps protect Calvert County’s unhoused population from the cold by providing food and shelter in a clean and secure environment. To this end, we will need volunteers to set up the Parish Hall with cots, provide meals, serve as monitors, and help with clean-up. To sign up, please visit the link below. For more information, contact Fane Lineback or David Lippe.



Click this link to volunteer: LINK

Making Gingerbread Houses

ECW Updates

Our next business meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, December 20th, at 9:00 in the parish hall. Please join us for a Christmas Market recap and find out what is going on in the 1st quarter of 2026. We will talk about results, what worked, what we can improve, and ideas for the future. We hope to see you tomorrow!

Join the ECW Community

All parish women are welcome to join us in our mission to serve the parish and community. Whether you can attend our monthly meetings (held on the third Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. in the upstairs parish hall) or not, we invite you to get involved. Contact Jill Dowell at (443) 610-5294 to find an ECW mission that meets your passion!

Christmas Market Bake Day Collage

Wreaths Across America 2025 “Laying the Wreaths” Ceremony

Thanks to all who attended this moving ceremony to honor our veterans, past and present. Our heartfelt gratitude to Martha Hyde and all who helped plan and execute this special event last Saturday. To all our veterans, thank you for your service!

December Outreach Breakfast



Hey there, amazing All Saints community! Don’t forget this Sunday is Outreach Breakfast at All Saints Parish! This is not just any breakfast; it’s a fantastic opportunity to come together, share some yummy food, and connect with fellow parishioners who are passionate about justice, peace, and loving our neighbors! Whether you’re a long-time member or new to our parish, you’ll find a warm and welcoming environment that embodies our commitment to love and acceptance.

The Crafting/Needlework Group will NOT be meeting on Thursday, December 25th, but will resume on Thursday January 1st. 

Please RSVP or call or if you have any questions or want to be on the distro list: Cindy Overstrom at cynthiaoverstrom@gmail.com or 410-286-8060.

Christmas Baskets

As we begin to think of Christmas Day and a feast with family and friends, our thoughts turn to Turkey or ham dinners, our many Blessings -- and to those less fortunate. We can share our blessings by providing families with Christmas Dinners they would otherwise not enjoy. Please consider joining other All Saints parishioners in our CHRISTMAS BASKET ministry. The cost for each basket again this year is $50.00. You can write a check with a notation in the memo section and put it in the offering plate, or use Easy Tithe and select “Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets”. We will be collecting gifts for these Holiday baskets through December 24^th. Thank you for sharing your blessings!

The Men's Breakfast is always the first Saturday of every month at 9:00 am at Traders Restaurant in Chesapeake Beach. Jim Thrift, our convener, will be in attendance setting up the room before 9:00. The breakfasts are for all Christian men for fellowship and fun. We discuss most everything except religion. Plan to attend and bring a friend as all are welcome, especially newcomers. If you attend you'll have fun, if you don't, we'll talk about you.

Don’t Forget to Order Your Christmas Poinsettias

Share the Joy of Holiday Greens and Flowers!

Join our beloved tradition and make our church shine this Christmas!

Three Ways to Participate:

• Poinsettia Dedications: Honor/remember loved ones with a poinsettia ($25 suggested donation). Please provide names and dedication type by Dec 20th.
• Easy Tithe: Select General Giving Fund, and enter “Flower Fund” in the note field
• Check: Offering plate with notation or mail a check to the church (100 Lower Marlboro Rd, Sunderland, MD 20689)
• Flyers are available at the church or below.
• Friends of Christmas: Support “greening the church” costs with a generous donation. Contact Patti At Lee.
• Join the “Greening of the Church”: Help decorate on Tuesday, December 23rd,10 a.m. - noon.

Your Support Continues a Cherished Tradition

Thank you for your time, funds, and generosity!

Heartfelt Thanks from the ECW Christmas Market Team!

What an absolutely magical day we had on Saturday! Our campus was overflowing with joy, holiday cheer, and community love. We’re still beaming with gratitude!

A huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who supported and participated in our Christmas Market 2025 - a milestone 20th Anniversary Celebration! It truly meant the world to us to see so many familiar faces from our church family and beyond come out to join in the fun.

We’re deeply grateful to Nick’s of Calvert for their incredible sponsorship of our Back Door Café. Working with them was an absolute pleasure!



Special shoutouts go to our phenomenal Co-Chairs and Team Leads, whose meticulous planning and organization brought their respective areas to life. Your dedication and hard work didn’t go unnoticed - thank you!

A big round of applause for the amazing Boy Scouts who lent a helping hand with setup, teardown, and making the s’more fire pit a roaring success with Glenn. And...thanks for your continued support year after year. You guys rock!

We also want to thank Deacon Chip for volunteering in various spots throughout the day. We hope you had a day of community joy, supporting us in many ways.

Special thanks go to Sue Pierce for joining us on Saturday. She has supported the ECW and Christmas Market for many years, and we were thrilled to see her helping again this year at the craft table.

And, of course, our jolliest thanks to our fantastic Santa! Ho Ho Ho, you’re the icing on our holiday cake! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas from the ECW!

CALVERT ARTS FESTIVAL

Building on the momentum of our successful Christmas Market, planning is underway for the 2026 Calvert Arts Festival, and we need your help!

We are seeking three key volunteers to strengthen our planning team, and I promise only one 75-minute meeting per month:

• Admin Tent Lead: Oversees the welcome tent and primary on-site sales. Best for those who like organizing.
• 50/50 Raffle Lead: Coordinates ticket sales for one of our biggest fundraisers. Best for those who aren’t afraid to ask for money.
• Program Team Lead: Manages the festival program, graphics, printing, etc. Best for someone comfortable with graphic design software.

If you’re interested in serving—or just want to learn how the festival comes together—please contact Pat Lineberry. 

More details can also be found in our SOP

ACTIVITIES IN THE SOMD REGION

Upcoming Events at Middleham Parish

Coping with Grief - Presented by Hospice of the Chesapeake

December 21, 11 a.m.

Smith Hall at Middleham Parish

Join others in the Southern Maryland Region for a conversation on grief and grieving.

Aging and Memory presentation – Dr. Alden Gross

Sunday, January 4, 11 a.m.

Smith Hall at Middleham Parish

Save the date! More details are coming.

IN THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF MARYLAND

Men’s Retreat

January 30 – February 1, 2026

Start the new year grounded, connected, and inspired.

Join us for the Claggett Men’s Retreat, a weekend of fellowship, spiritual renewal, and fun. Step away from your daily routine and into a supportive space where men of all ages explore faith, purpose, and community together.

Enjoy meaningful worship, small group conversations, hearty meals, and classic camp fun—including indoor putt-putt, games, and plenty of laughter.

Come to connect. Come to reflect. Come as you are

Register HERE

Women’s Weekend

February 20–22, 2026

Step into a weekend of rest, renewal, and reconnection.

The Claggett Women’s Retreat is a sacred pause in the middle of winter—a time to gather with women of all ages for meaningful conversation, inspiring worship, creative workshops, and joyful community. Whether you’re seeking spiritual refreshment, new friendships, or simply some quiet time away, this retreat offers space to breathe deeply and be fully yourself.

Enjoy cozy accommodations, delicious meals, time in nature, and plenty of laughter as we explore the theme of God’s presence in every season of life.

Come for the community. Stay for the peace. Leave renewed.

Register HERE

Healing Services at All Saints

What is a healing service? The Church of England’s Diocese of Worcester website approaches it this way: “Healing was central to the ministry of Jesus and through the Holy Spirit, God brings healing to people today … We may receive healing through prayer, through the touch of another’s hands or anointing with oil. Healing may come through hearing the Word of God in scripture or in preaching, or in receiving bread and wine in communion, or through being listened to and valued…”

Each Wednesday, All Saints hosts a 10 a.m. Healing Service for about 30 minutes. We listen to scripture, reflect on the example of saints who have gone before, receive anointing with oil, share communion, and pray fiercely for others and ourselves. We invite you to join us! We mostly meet online, with an in-person service in the sanctuary on the last Wednesday of each month. If this speaks to you or you want to share the name of someone in your life in need of healing, please reach out to Senior Warden Hope Sayles or to your deacons Chip and Lisa.

Please join us for our weekly Healing Service. We begin at 10 a.m.

Here is the link:

By pc, laptop, or smart device, click on this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/479413263

If asked for a password, enter 015568

Donate online through EasyTithe

Don't forget you can make donations online for your pledge, our various outreach missions and special projects. You can make individual donations or recurring donations. It's easy-peasy! Instructions can be found in the 7/26/24 newsletter found link:

https://conta.cc/3WzfKxy

The lessons for the Fourth Sunday of Advent are available online.

https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Advent/AAdv4_RCL.html

Sunday 8 AM:

For those not attending in person, the 8 AM liturgy is live streamed on our Facebook page. You may tune in at 8 AM by clicking on this link:  

https://www.facebook.com/allsaints1692  

The bulletin may be found just below. [Please note: Unlike our 10:30 AM service on Zoom, the 8 AM service is not interactive. You will be able to view the liturgy and the sermon, but will not be able to see or speak with the other viewers.] 

Link to our 8 AM  >>> BULLETIN



Sunday 10:30 AM:

To join the 10:30 AM service by pc, laptop or smart device, click on this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/715310766  

If you are asked for a password, enter 014954

(You can join directly through the Zoom app by entering the Meeting ID: 715 310 766 and then the Password: 014954)

To join by cell phone (audio only)

Call in number: 1-301-715-8592 When asked for the access code, enter: 715310766# When asked for the password, enter: 014954#

To join by landline:

Dial: 1 301-715-8592 Meeting ID: 715 310 766 Password: 014954

Link to our 10:30 AM >>>     BULLETIN

December Birthdays

2 - Bryan Dowell

3 - Wilson Reist

4 - Bud Miller

6 - Bridget Westlund

12 - Michelle Crosby

16- Maggie Dougherty

19 - Aryanah Jones

20 - Xavier Dailey

20 - Joy Sadler

24 - Sam Schatz

25 - Gloria Fleshman

27 - Betty MacDonald

28- Shiloh Jenkins

31- Paul Deal

A very happy anniversary to David & Cammie Weaver on the 6th, Joseph & Betsy VanAuker on the 20th and Josh & Meghan Westlund on the 27th

PRAYER LIST

Please remember each and every one on their healing journey.

Info and flyers to be posted in the weekly newsletters need to be received via email by Wednesday at 8 a.m. Please send information to allsaints1692@allsaints1692.org & 

allsaints1692connections@gmail.com

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