March 12, 2026 Edition

The vestry of All Saints' is delighted to announce the Rector Search Committee will be comprised of the following people: Joy Marie DeBlock (co-chair), Randy Brantley (co-chair), Julia Wagner, Ragan Kearns, Brenda Trott, Katy Ernst, Michelle Bohrer, Charles McKinley, Chris Manns, and Tina Luckey.

The vote was unanimous. The vestry thanks the Rector Search Committee for their commitment to serving the parish in this important work. The vestry also thanks all those who submitted applications. Your interest and volunteerism are greatly appreciated.

The Rector Search Committee will be commissioned this Sunday, March 15 at both the 9 AM and 11:10 AM services.

Jesus’ last meal on earth according to the Gospel of John was breakfast on the beach with seven of his disciples. Afterwards he commanded Peter, “Feed my sheep.” We can follow Jesus’ words by helping feed our food insecure neighbors through Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM). The need is great. CCM’s food bank provides assistance to over a thousand families each month. Please help by bringing shelf-stable food THIS Sunday, March 15. Here are the most needed items:

Canned protein, especially chicken

Canned fruit

Canned beans

Canned soups and stews

Rice

Pasta and pasta sauce

Cereal

Oatmeal, grits

Peanut butter

Paper towels 

If you prefer to make a monetary donation: you can write a check payable to All Saints’ with “CCM Food Bank” on the memo line. OR you can donate on the church website by clicking here and selecting "CCM Food Bank" in the dropdown giving list. If you have any questions, please contact Don Foskey or Gary Kovar. 

Education for Ministry (EfM) Community Gathering on March 16 | Curious about EfM? We would love for you to attend a class! On Monday, March 16, we will have the second of two "community gatherings," at which time anyone is welcome to join us for the evening. For this gathering, we will have read Chapters 1-8 of Sue Monk Kidd's memoir God’s Joyful Surprise: Finding Yourself Loved. However, please do not feel obligated to read the book. Come for the fellowship and discussion! No need to RSVP. We meet from 6-8:30 PM in the Community Room. 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 co-mentors Lisa Brandyberry or Christiana Holyer. Their information is in Realm. We hope to see you there!  

Help Kids Buy Books! The Fred L. Wilson (FLW) mentor program through the Academic Learning Center is a ministry with All Saints’ volunteers, who tutor first and second graders. FLW is a Title I school that supports low-income families to improve academic achievement and provide a high-quality education. The week of April 13-17 is the Spring Book Fair. Last year your donations supported both the Spring and Fall book fairs. We will be supporting FLW’s book fairs again. If you would like to make a monetary donation to allow students who otherwise would not be able to purchase a book, you can make a donation. You can donate online by clicking here and selecting "FLW Book Fair" in the dropdown giving list. Or checks can be made out to ASEC with a notation of "FLW Book Fair," in the memo line. The school’s guidance counselor and media specialist will coordinate the disbursement of funds to identified students. Contact Karen Robinson with questions or to learn about this ministry. Her information is in Realm.

All Saints' Altar Guild would like to extend an invitation to any parishioner who might be interested in joining this ministry. We welcome all to participate. There are four teams who serve so each team serves once a month with the exception of months that may have five Sundays. Teams prepare the Lord's table for Holy Eucharist on Thursday or Friday mornings. However, for stay-at-home parents and anyone who works, there are still opportunities to participate on Sundays following both the 9 AM and the 11:10 AM services and this option is invaluable. Also, assistance is needed for special services during Lent, Easter, Advent and Christmas.

Please consider joining and serving this meaningful ministry. Contact Brenda Trott, or any Altar Guild member, if you are interested. Team leaders are: Jill Trull, Jeanne McCarthy, Teka King, and Felicity Ray. They will be happy to answer any questions, and their contact information can be found in Realm. The Guild welcomes any time you can devote to serving, whether it be setting up for Holy Eucharist services or assisting with clean up following Sunday services.

We offer prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Kathleen Dunn, mother of Amy Channell, who entered into the Resurrection on March 9, 2026. May God's love and comfort surround her family during this time.

We offer prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Gwen King, who entered into the Resurrection on Thursday, February 26, 2026. During her many decades at All Saints', Gwen actively participated in numerous ministries, including serving on the Altar Guild, establishing the Stitches with the Saints Ministry, and coordinating many celebrations as the church's wedding director. She also served on the Cooperative Christian Ministry's Board of Directors. Gwen was the matriarch of a large and loving family. Beth Simpson is her precious daughter. Gwen's obituary can be found here.

Gwen's Celebration of Life Service will be held at All Saints' Episcopal Church on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11 AM, immediately followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. In keeping with Gwen's famous hospitality, all are invited and welcomed!

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be given to the All Saints' Memorial Fund. We cherish Gwen's memory and pray for her family.

Fraudulent texts impersonating Fr. John | Please be advised that another bad actor is texting parishioners impersonating Fr. John, asking for gift cards. The number that this individual is using ends with 9094. Of course, the number can change. Please do not interact with this individual. You should delete and even report the text as spam. Also, do not click any links from any number that is not familiar. Staff and clergy will never ask for gift cards through any medium. This applies to questionable emails, as well. But, this is the first occurrence by text that we are aware of. Stay vigilant and stay safe, dear friends.

Prayer is the foundation of the ministry of this parish. 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.

Prayers have been requested for Bill, Dick, Amy, Tom, Don, Kristin, Peter, Carol, Ken, Mary, Christopher, Della, and Joan.