September 14, 2023 Edition

We read from 1 Chronicles this past Sunday and talked about this phrase during the Gratitude Gathering breakfast. Since then, several people have approached me about their own response. Though each of the conversations is specific, people have shared two lines of thinking – “I never thought about God being the source of everything” or “I realize that I tend to take God’s generosity for granted.” 

Our culture focuses on individual contributions, on our personal achievements, and on the work that we do. But it has less to say about our dependence on God’s gracious gifts for our capacity to do, well, literally anything. That has important implications for our personal generosity. Click to read more.

The All Saints’ Vestry has developed a robust management process for the church’s finances that extends from receiving contributions from our parishioners to carefully monitoring our income and expenses. Click for a detailed update.

We are delighted to welcome Rachel Grossman-Zack to the leadership team of the Lockhart Child Development Center. Rachel comes to us with an array of experience working with children, most recently serving as the Guardian ad Litem District Administrator. Rachel brings experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm along with excellent organization and management skills. 

Rachel will start as Operations Manager and transition to Executive Director as she completes her certifications in May 2024. Jackie Whitfield will continue as Executive Director, as we take positive next steps moving forward with outstanding child care in Cabarrus County. Click to read more.

Announcements during Sunday worship services are to be given by the Vestry Person of the Month (VPOM). Please submit any content for verbal announcements to the VPOM. Only events or information about the week ahead will be shared during worship services. The September VPOM is Don Foskey.

Children's Choirs Rehearsals start on Tuesday, September 19! For Grades 1-3, St. Nicholas Choir meets on Tuesdays from 5:30-6 PM. For Grades 4 and up, Junior Choir meets on Tuesdays from 6-7 PM. Let Brian Sapp-Moore know if you have children who are interested. He's excited to hear from you!

Energy Saving Trees are being ordered at a record rate! There are only 87 trees left. Don't miss out! Order your tree by clicking here.

In celebration of completing our study of Phillip Yancey's book on Prayer, the Men's Ministry invites the men of the church to a social gathering on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at Cabarrus Brewing Company, 329 McGill Ave NW, Concord. We will gather between 5:30 and 6 PM and enjoy some relaxed conversation, local craft beverages, and dinner. We hope you can join us. Questions? Contact Mark Robinson or Chuck Collier.

Cooperative Christian Ministry Needs Our Assistance | Last month was the busiest month ever for CCM’s food bank. As a result, their shelves are almost empty while the need for food remains very high. They have an urgent need for our assistance. Please help by bringing shelf-stable food with you to church. CCM needs canned vegetables, fruits, soup, stew, chili, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, and mac and cheese. You can leave the food in the permanent food donation box in the Welcome Center or food donation baskets near the altar in the Parish Hall and in the rear of the Nave.

All Saints' will be hosting its annual Blessing of the Pets on Sunday, October 1 at 4 PM in the Church courtyard. 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. 

We will have exhibitors from local rescue and pet charities, including Cabarrus Humane Society cat shelter, Kreitzer's Critter Corral Puppy Rescue, and the Splashpaw Foundation. In conjunction with this year's service, we are having a pet food drive to support rescued animals and those needing assistance in feeding their animal companions. You can bring pet food to with you to church or to the event. The collected food will be given to animal shelters to help defray some of their costs and also to the Splashpaw Foundation, which provides pet care assistance to shut ins and others that may not have the resources to properly care for their pets.

So bring your furry, feathered and scaly companions to All Saints' at 4 PM on October 1 to have them blessed and enjoy some fun and fellowship with fellow pet owners. If you have questions about the event, please contact Fred Weber.

Pick your own soybeans for edamame! The cover crop in our corn garden space has blessed us with an abundance of soybeans. You are invited to pick your own soybeans to enjoy some edamame. Feel free to pick as many as you can use (since every bean we pick is one less that will sprout next spring amidst another crop). Wear boots and long pants and watch out for fire ants. You can store the pods in the freezer. Note: this cover crop will be mown the last week in September. Questions? Contact Mark Robinson.

(Re)Introducing Tom Lowe, Deacon Intern | Since leaving in February, Tom has become a postulant and is now coming back to All Saints' for a second internship! His first internship focused on discerning a call to ordained ministry, this second will be about developing skills for leadership as a deacon. Welcome back, Tom! We're so glad you are here! Click for more.

Dear All Saints' Family – Thank you so much for the dozens of sweet cards you sent to my mother, Bea Elmen, in honor of her 100th birthday. She enjoyed opening each one. The cards along with the beautiful altar flowers helped to celebrate her special day. You are a blessing to our family. Kris and Al Benshoff

The Thursday small group is starting a new series using the book Devotional Classics, edited by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith. Please join us for a taste of classic devotional writing and fellowship/discussion. We meet on Zoom at 5 PM. Contact Alice Baxter or Michelle Boehrer for the Zoom link or more information.

Prayer is the foundation of the ministry of this parish. If you would like to request prayers, please share here. If you are hospitalized, please let the church know. If you are unable to make the call yourself, ask for the chaplain on call and they will make it for you. The church phone number is 704-782-2024.

Prayers have been requested for Julie, Don, Rebecca, UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty, staff, and their families, Susan, and Robert.