August 13, 2026 Edition

Christian Formation Classes start this Sunday, August 16 during the 10:00 hour. There are two options for adults to consider!

Estate Planning – led by Al Benshoff in the Church Parlor. Session one was held in June. Click here to review materials. Come and learn more about planning for the future.

Sacred Rhythms – led by Mary Beth Ward-Bowman in Room 106. Sacred Rhythms is a brief series exploring how we can create meaningful rhythms of faith in the midst of our everyday lives. Each week, we'll look at simple spiritual practices that help us slow down, reconnect with God, and find sacred moments in the ordinary. This is a relaxed welcoming class designed for conversation, reflection, and practical ways to carry our faith beyond Sunday morning.

Our Youth and Family ministry is in full swing, with a slate of Sunday school classes and EYC resuming weekly gatherings this Sunday! All are welcome!

Fall Music Ministry: Let's get started! The five groups that meet or serve weekly as part of the Music Ministry at All Saints' start up soon. I pray that you and your children will consider being part of something beautiful.



• St. Nicholas Choir – for Grades 1-3 – Starting Tuesday, 8/18, from 5:30-6 PM, Room 106
• Jr. Choir of All Saints' – for Grades 4-7 – Starting Tuesday, 8/18, from 6-7 PM, Room 106
• Bells of All Saints – Grade 9 through Adult – Starts Wednesday, 8/19, from 6-7 PM, Nave Loft
• Resurrection Choir sings at 9 AM service – Each Sunday at 8:15 AM, Parish Hall
• Choir of All Saints' sings at the 11:10 AM service – Starting Wednesday, 8/26, 7-8:30 PM, Room 106

Please reach out to me if you have any questions or are interested being part of the fun!

Brian Sapp-Moore, Dir. of Music & Coordinator of Communications.

The Tuesdays at Three Zoom book study group begins a new book on August 18, 2026 We will be discussing “Context: Putting Scripture in its Place” by Rev. Josh Scott. In the introduction he writes: “So often I encounter people who feel like the Bible, because of the way in which it’s been interpreted and understood, has been taken away from them. My hope is to offer it back to you. That what was once a source of wounding might be transformed into a source of healing. . . seeking to ground our interpretations of the Bible in the context of those who created it is the most honoring and loving way we can approach Scripture. It also unlocks a depth and meaning that we previously might have missed.” Contact Charles McKinley for more information or with questions about Zoom.

Acolyte Training to be held Sunday, August 23 at 10 AM | Any adult or student (6th-12th grader) interested in serving as an acolyte is welcome to attend this training designed for new and experienced acolytes. We'll meet in the Nave. Questions? Contact Father John.

The excitement is building for the 14th Annual Tour de Saints charity cycling event on August 29th! As we are in the final stages of preparation, here are a few dates you will want to mark in your calendar:

• Sunday, August 23 – Volunteers, please stop by the Welcome Center during the 10:00 hour to pick up your t-shirt. We suggest a $20 donation to cover the cost of your t-shirt and lunch. In this way we can maximize the event's net proceeds that will be distributed to our eight beneficiary charities.
• Monday, August 24 – Join us at Cabarrus Brewing between 5 and 9 PM. This is our early t-shirt pick-up for riders, and Cabarrus Brewing will be donating $1 per beer sold that night to Tour de Saints! Join us for some fun, fellowship and beer (plus, their food menu is fantastic!)

The fundraising will continue through September at Cabarrus Brewing! Tour de Saints will be the Cabarrus Brewing "round up for charity" beneficiary for the entire month. Plan to stop by anytime during the month, bring some friends, and celebrate the success of our 14th annual Tour de Saints.

Check out our sponsor board in the Welcome Center and consider patronizing the local businesses that are helping us raise funds and awareness for eight local charities. 

We also welcome everyone to become a "Friend of Tour de Saints" individual sponsor. Click here to make a donation of any amount, starting at $10.

Diocesan News: Applications are open for the Bishop Search and Transition Committees | The Standing Committee of The Diocese of North Carolina seeks names for both the Search Committee and Transition Committee. These groups are crucial in shared leadership in identifying and calling our next bishop. Click here for details. Application deadline is August 25.

Fred L. Wilson Tutoring Ministry | This Fall All Saints’ will begin it’s 4th year of the "Hero in Me” tutoring ministry at Fred L. Wilson Elementary School in Kannapolis. This is program, supported by the Academic Learning Center, takes place during the school day. We tutor first and second graders in reading for one or two days a week. Last year, nine All Saints’ volunteers mentored 33 students. If you are interested in learning more about this rewarding and impactful program, contact Karen Robinson (contact information in REALM).

Inquirer’s Class: Introduction to the Episcopal Church | September 6-October 25

The Rev’d Mary Reese will be leading a welcoming and informative Inquirer’s class beginning Sunday, September 6 at 10 AM in the Church Parlor.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Episcopal tradition is invited to attend, including:

• Those baptized as children who are ready (or are considering whether they might be ready) to make an adult profession of faith through Confirmation, and thereby becoming full members having the opportunity to vote on parish matters;
• Those with prior confirmation in a liturgical tradition, who are interested in being Received into the Episcopal Church;
• Those who have been baptized in other traditions who are interested in learning more about the beliefs and traditions of and membership in the Episcopal Church.
• Adults who have not been previously baptized; and
• Youth (10th-12th grade) who are ready and seeking Confirmation.

Participation in this seven-week class can lead to Baptism, Confirmation and/or Reception into the Episcopal Church, which will be conducted when Bishop Sam visits on Sunday, November 1. Questions? Talk to Father John or Rev’d Mary Reese.

Baptism being offered October 11 or November 1 | Baptism will be offered at the 11:10 AM service on Sunday October 11. If you or someone you know would like to be Baptized into the Christian faith, please contact the Church Office and ask Erin to send you the forms that need to be completed. However, arrangements can be made for Baptism by the Bishop on November 1, if desired. Please contact Father John ASAP if you or your child desires to be Baptized by the Bishop instead of on October 11.

We offer prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Carol Bentley, beloved member of All Saints' Episcopal Church, who entered into the Resurrection on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Carol's Celebration of Life Service will be held at All Saints' on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 3 PM, immediately followed by a reception in the Welcome Center. Members of the Choir of All Saints' and Resurrection Choir are invited to help lead congregational singing.

Back-to-School and fall ministry programming kicked off on Sunday with Blessing of the Backpacks and a Ministry Expo!

Rector Search Update | The 30-day application window for priests discerning a call to serve at All Saints' will be closing next week. The Search Committee has been engaged in prayerful preparation to ready ourselves to begin the interview process.

We ask for your prayers during this important time, both for the priests discerning a call and for the members of the Search Committee as we seek God's guidance throughout the process.

As the search moves into the candidate review and interview phase, the Search Committee also enters a period of strict confidentiality. To protect the integrity of the process and honor those who are discerning a call, the Search Committee will be unable to discuss any information regarding candidates. We appreciate your understanding and patience, and we remain committed to sharing updates with the congregation as appropriate.

If you would like to speak with a member of the Search Committee at any point in the process, look for the blue ribbons on our name badges. You are also welcome to reach out directly to our co-chairs, Randy Brantley or Joy Marie De Block. Their contact information can be found in Realm.