August 27, 2026 Edition

Tour de Saints is this Saturday! Thank you to all our parishioners who came out to Cabarrus Brewing Monday evening! We had a fun night of fellowship, and Cabarrus Brewing donated $1/per beer to Tour de Saints!

If you picked up a cookie or lemon bar mix on Sunday, or plan to bake another recipe, please drop off your baked goods to the church tomorrow (Friday, 8/28). For those making lemon bars, our kitchen volunteers will cut the bars and package them for each rest stop.  

On Saturday, don't forget to bring non-perishables for CCM. All volunteers should have received an email yesterday with some last-minute reminders. Any questions? Please stop at the Volunteer Table Saturday morning.

And it's still not too late to become a "Friend of Tour de Saints" sponsor! Click here to make a donation!

Let’s make this year’s Tour de Saints the most successful yet!

Adult Formation Class: Sacred Rhythms – led by Mary Beth Ward-Bowman in the EYC room downstairs. 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.

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.

Planning has begun for next year's After Dark @ All Saints' 2027. Please help us to schedule the most fun and interesting sessions by giving us your input.

If you attend the 9:00 service, here is an opportunity to serve! The AV Desk team is looking for additional members. Once a month, you would sit at the computer desk and advance the PowerPoint slides through the service. If you are interested or curious, come over and sit by the desk and watch what we do. Questions? Contact Debby Smith (info in Realm).

Share your ideas! An Adult Education Survey is being compiled. Please share your ideas and interests for classes in 2027 by taking this survey!

Rector Search Update | The 30-day application window for priests discerning a call to serve at All Saints' has closed, and the Search Committee has been fully engaged in prayerful preparation to begin the interview process.

What can you do? We ask for your prayers during this important time, for both the priests discerning a call and the members of the Search Committee as we seek God's guidance throughout the process. The following is an excerpt from a prayer the Search Committee has adopted:

Gracious and Loving God, guide the Search Committee as they continue this sacred work of seeking our next Rector. Give them wisdom to discern your call, patience to listen, courage to ask difficult questions, and humility to set aside their own expectations. Help them to recognize the gifts, faith, and leadership you are preparing to bring to All Saints'. 

Bless all those who are discerning a call to serve with us. Bless their families and their ministries. Bless our congregation as we wait faithfully for what comes next.

May everything we do be guided by your Holy Spirit and serve your greater purpose. Give us the assurance that, even when we cannot see the path ahead, you are already there. Amen.

As the search has moved into the candidate review and interview phase, the Search Committee also has entered 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.

We offer prayers and condolences to the family and friends of James A. Huggins, Sr., who recently passed away. He was the father of Kim Windisch. A Celebration of Life Luncheon was held on August 15 in Elkton, MD. Loved ones gathered to remember the wonderful man James was. Please keep Kim and her family in your prayers.

Fall Music Ministry | The five groups that meet or serve weekly as part of the Music Ministry at All Saints' are starting up now. I pray that you and your children will consider being part of something beautiful.

• Combined Children's Choirs – for Grades 1-6 – Tuesdays, from 5:30-6:15 PM, Room 106
• Bells of All Saints – Grade 9 through Adult – Wednesdays, 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 – Wednesdays, from 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.