January 8, 2026 Edition

It is season of revelation.

The season of Epiphany invites us to recognize the divinity of Jesus by the weekly Gospel lessons designated for this season. 

Born human to Mary, we find in our first Gospel lesson after the Epiphany, Jesus being baptized in the River Jordan by John. At first, John protests, recognizing Jesus divinity and wondering why he needs to be baptized. But the answer is in large part God’s opportunity to affirm Jesus’ humanity – one of us – who needs to be baptized. However, as Jesus leaves the water of baptism, God sends a dove as the Holy Spirit, setting Jesus apart from us in his divinity. The revelation to us is that Jesus is both human and divine. Click to continue reading Rev. John's article.

You are invited to a Conversation about Adult Formation at 10 AM on Sundays facilitated by Rev. Stephanie Nagley.

What do you hope for when you think about adult formation on Sundays? What would make adult formation compelling enough to shape your week – not just fill an hour? And just as important: what gets in the way of participation? Time? Energy? Previous experiences that didn’t quite fit? A sense that the offerings weren’t meant for you? 

We’re not launching a new program. We’re starting a conversation to help plan adult formation in the coming months. Join us for the next two Sundays (1/11 and 1/18) to imagine together what Adult Formation could be in this season of our life as a parish. Your questions, hopes, and hesitations are part of the discernment. Come listen. Come speak. Come help shape what comes next. The Rev. Stephanie Nagley will facilitate this important conversation at 10 AM in the Parlor.

New church office hours for 2026! Effective immediately, the church office will be open 9 AM-4PM, Mondays-Thursdays and 9 AM-Noon on Fridays.

We are pleased to welcome our new Church Administrator – Erin Vanasse! Erin comes to us with an extensive background in administrative roles. She was onboarded in December and started full time on January 5, 2026. You can reach Erin at 704-782-2024 or admin@allsaintsconcord.org.

Ahead of the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 25, we are asking that parishioners check the Canonical Members list posted in the Welcome Center. In order for business to be conducted, we'll need a quorum of canonical members at the Annual Meeting. Please make sure your information is correct. If you have any changes or questions, please contact Erin Vanassee, Church Administrator, at 704-782-2024 or admin@allsaintsconcord.org.

As a reminder: A Canonical Member is an adult (16+) member of All Saints' who is:

• Confirmed – someone who has been confirmed or received into The Episcopal Church by a Bishop;
• A Communicant – someone who has received Holy Communion in the past year; and
• In Good Standing – someone who is known to the treasurer.

A New Year, a Continuing Gift | As we enter a new year together, we do so with gratitude for God’s faithfulness and hope for what lies ahead. Each new beginning builds on the life we already share – rooted in worship, sustained by generosity, and shaped by love.

If you have not yet returned your 2026 Estimate of Giving, we invite you to do so prayerfully. Your estimate helps your vestry plan wisely and continue the ministries and mission God has entrusted to us in the year ahead. Thank you for the many ways you support this parish and participate in our common life. May this new year be filled with blessings as we continue God’s work together.

New & gently used coats are being collected! Bring your donations to church. There is a a collection box in the Welcome Center. We will regularly distribute donations to local ministries providing warm coats to those in need of one this winter.

Dinner @ Mothers and Children Home | Are you able to help provide dinner for our neighbors, mothers and children, that are working towards independence and financial stability? In addition to providing food, we are welcome to eat with families, which is a joyful experience. Tuesday, January 13 is the next opportunity! Contact Gary Kovar (contact info in realm) for details.

Don't forget perishable food – feed our neighbors! Every Sunday morning you can bring non-perishable food for our neighbors. Place food in the baskets in worship spaces or the food donations bin in the Welcome Center. Current needs are canned chicken, canned fruit, and tomato soup.

You are invited to a Education for Ministry (EfM) Community Gathering on January 19 | Curious about EfM? We would love for you to attend a class! On Monday, January 19, we will have the first of two "community gatherings," at which time anyone is welcome to join us for fellowship and discussion. If you would like to attend, please watch the three short videos below and come to class prepared to discuss. No need to RSVP. If you have been considering joining EfM, this is a great way to get to know more about the class. If you have questions, please reach out to Lisa Brandyberry or Christiana Holyer. We meet from 6-8:30 PM in the Community Room. We hope to see you there!  

After Dark @ All Saints' is back! Our annual community fundraiser will take place from February 19-March 1 this year. Click here for descriptions of the many fun and informative classes that will be offered. There is a link to the registration and payment page. This event offers you the opportunity to learn something new, have fun, and enjoy time with others, all while contributing to community organizations through our Outreach fund.

Want to be part of making this fabulous event happen? You are invited to volunteer for an afternoon or evening (2 hours) to greet and check-in the participants. Sign up here. 

We offer prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Beatrice Elmen, mother of Kris Benshoff, who entered the Resurrection on December 28, 2025. Beatrice was 102 years old. We pray for God's comfort and love during this time.

We offer congratulations and praise for the birth of Leonard Paul Rivkin, child of Laura Benshoff and Jacob Rivkin, born on December 16, 2025. Lenny is the grandson of Al and Kris Benshoff. We join this precious family in celebrating and give thanks for the arrival of this child. Congratulations!

Prayer is the foundation of the ministry of this parish. If you would like to request prayers, please share here. If you are hospitalized, please let the church know. If you are unable to make the call yourself, ask for the chaplain on call and they will make it for you. The church phone number is 704-782-2024.

This week prayers have also been requested for: Carol, AJ, Lyndsey, Wayne, Janice, Jim, and Harriet.

If you or people you love are ill or hospitalized, it is our pleasure to support you with prayer and presence. We just need to know. So, please reach out and contact the church office (or call us at 704-782-2024). Alternatively, you can use the online prayer request form to let clergy and the prayer team know what you need.