“In those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken, then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven... and what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” Mark 13:24-25, 37

Narcolepsy isn't me, but I can fall asleep at strange times. Slipping into slumber sitting straight up started in college, thanks to the strain of semester finals. Later in life, hectic shifts at the bar where I worked left me passing out in seconds, mid-conversation with roommates or (awkwardly) with my significant other. (Try explaining "it's not you, it's me" when you can't stay awake for those connections!)

Creaturely wakefulness comes easier with sensory stimulation. Whether we're sipping caffeinated beverages, doing burpees in high intensity interval classes (or yoga stretching), or relishing that invigorating fresh-cut Christmas tree scent, we can choose to keep awake in this time, that we might see, smell, taste, and touch Christ's coming among us.

Here are some seasonal ideas for consideration (as always, I'd love to hear how you are keeping Advent, especially this year):

This Advent, may we keep awake, that we might see the One who is coming with power and great glory, to renew and to restore us!

Please click here to sign up for this gathering, which is led by Justin Averette.

Weekly communal prayer using the Compline service from the Book of Common Prayer happens from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays. If you're interested in being one of our prayer leaders in the new year, please talk to Sarah Stewart or Justin Averette!

During Prophetic Mysticism, explore Howard Thurman's writings with renowned scholar Luther Smith, investigating the relationship between contemplative spirituality and activism.

In Sin: Our Eyes Gravitating in Choir, join Candler theology professor David Pacini to “discern the role of the conception of sin in legitimating institutional racism."

Meanwhile, Andy will lead a discussion about the Anglican theology expressed in God’s worship at All Saints’ during Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow: Worship in the Church.

This Sunday, December 6 at 11:00 a.m ET, join the Rev. Zack Nyein for "Join the Cloud: All Saints' Online," an exciting update about our communications and for the official unveiling of our new website!

This forum will be broadcast live to the All Saints’ Facebook page and Vimeo account at 11:00 a.m.

Please click here to sign up for this gathering, which is led by Mark Kolojejchick-Kotch.

We'll decorate Christmas Cookies on Zoom during our time together this month! To ensure you receive a cookie decorating kit for delivery on December 16, please email Sarah at sstewart@allsaintsatlanta.org by December 7!

Click here to sign up and Michael Asmussen will send you the Zoom meeting link and password.

Join an All Saints’ dialogue circle on Zoom (a small group of no more than 8 people) and be among the over 1200 dialogue circles nationwide using this 10-session curriculum from the national Episcopal Church.

Entitled “Sacred Ground: A Film-Based Dialogue Series on Race and Faith,” the curriculum consists of videos, articles, discussion, and two core books, Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman and Waking Up White by Debby Irving.

If you would like to be among fellow parishioners committed to six months (meeting approximately every other week for 1.5 to 2 hours) to learn, listen, and share stories in a brave space, please send an e-mail to sacredground@allsaintsatlanta.org.

In December we’ll send out a survey to participants to help us form the circles based on schedule availability.

Whether or not you participated in an All Saints' Connects Small Group this fall, you are welcome to contribute your perspective as we imagine the way forward in 2021, shaping transformative conversations to engage the saints in the year ahead.

Watching, waiting, and preparing is what Advent is all about, after all. Email sstewart@allsaintsatlanta.org for more details and to get involved.

Young Adults use our Slack Channel to communicate about activities such as hikes and socially distanced service projects. Haven't yet joined? Email Sarah Stewart at sstewart@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Daily Prayer in Contemporary Language

Pray As You Go (Ignatian Prayer)

Daily Disconnect Podcast (Carmelite Prayer)

Livestream of Taize’ Prayers with the Brothers in France (9:30 p.m. ET every night on Facebook)