October 1, 2026 Edition

“What can I give back for all the blessings God has poured out on me?” — Psalm 116:12

At All Saints', our giving makes our ministry possible. It supports worship and learning, cares for our parish family, feeds our neighbors, sustains our sacred spaces, and helps us serve our community.

And as we look toward 2027, we have two goals for our stewardship campaign.



First, we want our parishioner pledges to fully fund our annual budget. Doing so would reduce our reliance on rental and investment income for our day-to-day ministry. It would give us greater flexibility to use those resources for future needs, new opportunities, and the dreams God places before us.

Second, we want 100% participation in pledging. This goal isn't about how much anyone gives. A pledge is simply an expression of commitment—an intention to give that helps us plan wisely for the year ahead. Whether large or small, every pledge matters.

When we pledge, it's a way we say, “I belong here. I want to be part of what comes next.”

Together, our gifts make a difference. Together, we can help All Saints continue its ministry and step confidently into the future.

In the next few weeks, you will receive a stewardship packet that includes a pledge card. We ask everyone to prayerfully consider a pledge for 2027 to help continue and grow our mission and ministry here at All Saints.

Every pledge matters. Everyone has a part in what comes next.

On Sunday, All Saints' kicked off its 2027 Stewardship Campaign with a Gratitude Gathering and breakfast fellowship. Click the video below to hear the message Beth Simpson shared about All Saints' ministry and stewardship goals.

This Sunday's offering goes to Assistance Fund | This is a reminder that undesignated cash or checks placed in the offering on the first Sunday of each month go directly into the Rector's Assistance Fund, which provides financial relief to people both within and outside the congregation. This fund is used to help people with rent, food, and utility expenses as well as other needs that are, at the discretion of the rector, worthy of financial help from the congregation. There is a lot of hardship in our community and requests for this type of assistance have been increasing each month. Your generosity is deeply appreciated by the recipients, who often have no other place to turn. Thank you for giving!

All Saints' will be hosting its annual Blessing of the Pets Sunday, October 4 at 4 PM in

the Courtyard at the church. This service is traditionally the closest Sunday to Saint

Francis of Assisi's Feast Day. All pets are welcome – dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, snakes, birds, lizards, etc. So bring your furry, feathered and/or scaly companions to All Saints' at 4 PM on October 4 to have them blessed and enjoy some fun and fellowship with fellow pet owners.

Sunday Hospitality Table Sign Up! Sign up to bring a food item to enhance the Hospitality Table after the 9 AM Service or after the 11:10 AM service. Everyone is invited to stop by to enjoy a bite and connect with our parish community! For questions or comments, see Kathy Thompson or Abby Dobs.

Read the Bible for the first time – again! The Tuesdays at Three Zoom discussion group will start a new book on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. In Bible Stories for Grown-Ups: Reading Scripture with New Eyes, pastor Josh Scott looks at familiar Bible stories and reveals new details and interpretations for an adult audience. This six-week Bible study will consider stories many of us read as children, including Noah's Ark, the binding of Isaac, Jonah and the big fish, Jesus and Zacchaeus, Jesus healing a blind man, and the Parable of the Talents. Rev. Scott dives into the context, culture, and meaning of these stories and opens new visions for us to understand well-known pieces of Scripture in our own cultural environment. Please contact Charles McKinley for information on how to log in and for tips and tricks in using Zoom!

2026 Candidate Forum | Hosted by Central United Methodist Church, 30 Union St North, Concord, NC | October 6: Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners (7-8:30 PM) | These civil, non-partisan events are open to all and will give each candidate an opportunity to introduce themselves and speak directly to members of the community. Each evening is designed as a forum, not a debate, with a focus on respectful conversation and helping voters hear directly from those seeking to serve Cabarrus County. The forums will be live streamed. In addition, they will be recorded and placed on the Central United Methodist Church website. Both candidates for Senate District 34 and all 7 candidates for the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners have accepted invitations to participate.

Key Dates for the Upcoming Election, and an Offer | The midterm election is coming Tuesday, November 3rd but there are some items you can do to prepare.

Check your registration with North Carolina's Voter Search Tool. Your address should be correct and your status Active. If you have moved, you will need to update your registration by Friday, October 9, at 5 PM.

Early voting starts Thursday, October 15, at four locations in Cabarrus County (three of which are new), and 3 locations in Rowan County. You can update your registration or register to vote during Early Voting but you need to bring something that confirms your address: NCDL, utility or bank statement.

You can request a mail-in Absentee Ballot but you must do so by 5 PM Tuesday, October 20. To count, the ballot must be received at your Board of Elections office by 7:30 PM Election Day.

Once you have voted, see Martin Ericson for your "I'm an Episcopalian and I VOTED!" sticker or magnet.

At All Saints' last blood drive, we collected a record 39 units. Can we do more this time? The next American Red Cross blood drive is Wednesday, October 7 with appointments from 2:30 until 7:00 PM. Use this link to sign up or use the QR code. See Martin Ericson with any questions.

Piedmont Choral Society Piedmont Choral Society presents an old-fashioned Hymn Sing, Sunday, October 11 at 3 PM at Calvary Lutheran Church, 950 Bradley St, Concord. Share an afternoon of uplighting, inspiring, and fun singing! Admission is free.

One of the best things we can do to Care for Creation is to plant a tree! Homeowners in Concord zip codes 28025 and 28027 will be able to order one free tree from the Arbor Day Foundation. You may choose from six different species of native trees that are ready to plant. Trees can be ordered from this website, whiles supplies last. There are only 180 trees, which get reserved quickly. So don’t delay. Pre-ordered trees will be available for pick up at All Saints' on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Contact Karen Robinson for more information or to volunteer.

All Saints’ members give generously of their time and talents! In early September, we asked everyone to complete a short form to tell us where they served in the greater community of Cabarrus County. You responded telling us that we actively serve over 50 different non-profits to help poor and marginalized people in our community. Continue in your work for our Lord by serving others!

We offer condolences and prayers for the family and friends of Georgianne "Gigi" Guthrie, who entered the Resurrection on Friday, September 25, 2026. Her graveside service was held earlier today. Gigi will be lovingly remembered for her passion for art and music. Her obituary can be found here. We cherish Georgianne's memory and pray for her family and friends.

The Search Committee thanks everyone who filled Room 106 on September 20 for a search update. Brenda Trott, committee member, recapped the steps that took place between All Saints’ congregational meetings in March through preparation and approval of the Vocation Hub Profile and posting the rector vacancy on various websites in July. Randy Brantley, committee co-chair, explained recent activities, such as virtual interviews and next steps. Randy also explained why the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina has discouraged sharing specific details on the number of applicants, details on individual applicants, or the search timeline. The Search Committee will continue to provide as much information as possible in Weekly Word. The Search Committee covets your prayers as the process continues to move forward.

New Bible Study – The I AM Statements of Jesus – started Friday, September 18- November 6, in the parlor. Gathering time at 9:45 AM for greeting and prayer, with study time from 10-11 AM. Facilitators are Lynda Waller and Barbara Lewis (contact information in Realm). Bring your Bibles and a friend! Hope to see you tomorrow as we meet to study God's Word.