September 3, 2026 Edition

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.

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.

The Church Office will be closed on Monday, September 7 for the Labor Day holiday. Regular office hours will resume Tuesday-Friday.

Piedmont Choral Society presents a Remembrance Program, Friday, September 11 at 7 PM at Calvary Lutheran Church, 950 Bradley St, Concord. Please join this talented choir for an unforgettable tribute to all those who lost their lives during 9/11. Admission is free.

This year's festival is Saturday, September 12 at the Bell Tower Green in Downtown Salisbury. The festival is from 11 AM to 5 PM, with setup happening around 9 AM. We need help with booth setup and takedown, as well as folks to be present at our booth throughout the day in shifts. More information will be available as we get closer to the festival date. We will receive our load-in time and booth location a week or so before the festival. Sign up here to help us welcome our neighbors and affirm that all people are created in the image of God!

New Bible Study – The I AM Statements of Jesus – starts Friday, September 18

(If you have sung "I Am the Bread of Life" during Sunday worship, you already know one of them!) Here are the study details – Fridays, September 18-November 6, in the Church 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 on September 18 as we meet to study God's Word.

You are Invited to a Celebration of Gratitude! Please join us for our annual Gratitude Gathering on Sunday, September 27 at the 10 o'clock hour, between the 9 AM and 11:10 AM services.

Come hungry! Breakfast, fellowship, and fun will be on the menu, along with a brief program about how our church finances work and, most importantly, how our response to God’s abundance with generosity makes our ministries and mission possible. The Psalmist asks, “What can I give back for all the blessings God has poured out on me?” (Psalm 116:12). Together, we’ll hear how our gifts make a difference in the lives of others.

All are welcome! Whether you worship with us regularly, are visiting for the first time, or simply want to learn more about our church community, we hope you’ll join us. To help us plan for breakfast, please register by September 23.

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.

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).

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 on this survey.

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

Tour de Saints was an Amazing Success! What an incredible day we had last Saturday at the 14th Annual Tour de Saints! We welcomed 248 cyclists – an amazing 50% increase over last year! We are still putting the finishing touches on the accounting and will announce the net proceeds as soon as they are finalized, but one thing is already clear: this year’s Tour de Saints was an incredible success!

And the best part? Every dollar of net proceeds will go right back into our local community, benefiting eight local charities that serve people in need. This is something we can all be proud of!

A huge THANK YOU to the army of volunteers who made the day possible. Whether you worked registration, staffed a rest stop, helped with parking, cooked and served lunch, or served as an ambassador welcoming our cyclists, you made a difference. Your time, energy, and hospitality are what make Tour de Saints so special.

And we heard it again and again from the riders: they love this event! Many return year after year, and so many told us that Tour de Saints is the best-supported charity ride in the area. That is a wonderful reflection of the incredible community that comes together to make this event happen.

But the opportunity to support Tour de Saints didn’t end on Saturday!

Throughout the entire month of September, Cabarrus Brewing Company is donating its round up for charity funds to Tour de Saints! So, please consider stopping by Cabarrus Brewing once, twice, or even more this month—and when you check out, “Round Up for Tour de Saints!”



Thank you to everyone who rode, volunteered, sponsored, donated, cheered us on, and helped make this year’s Tour de Saints such a tremendous success. We couldn’t do it without you!

Rector Search Update | Please continue to pray for the Rector Search Committee as we begin the candidate interview process, praying both for the priests discerning a call and for 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.

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.