Just Mercy. These words grab my attention every time I catch sight of the movie billboard by my local grocery. Brian Stevenson’s powerful book, on which this recent film is based, long ago arrested my imagination, confronting me with how little I really know about mercy, or even justice. I’ll admit I have yet to marshal a meaningful response to systemic injustice within our nation’s criminal justice system. But Stevenson’s witness to the truth goads me: there’s no time to waste when human lives are at stake.
The prophetic mandate of our baptism (to work for justice) does not lend itself to any quick fixes we might prefer. The slow burn of truth keeps discomfiting, calling us to pursue real justice, whatever its cost. Laying down privilege to pick up the cross of Jesus, joining his people who suffer, will lead us away from faithfulness in the abstract. Micah 6:8 may sound simple—urging us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. But compassion for individuals and communities who suffer because of unjust human systems stirs us to risk solidarity with them—a solidarity that will change us, as it did Stevenson.
This Sunday, February 9, Midtown neighbors considering this urgent call afresh will gather together to screen a documentary about Stevenson’s life, engage in panel discussion, and dialogue together over dinner. Even if you’re not planning to participate in this conversation, there are still plenty of ways to discern your part in this crucial work. Maybe you have not yet seen “Just Mercy” and could rally a group of friends to see the film while it’s still in the theater. Maybe you will investigate the work of the
Georgia Justice Project
and invite peers from All Saints’ to get involved with an upcoming event. Whatever sets our passions and imaginations aflame for justice, like Stevenson, we can choose to make a difference for others. If Micah the prophet was summing up your life in a hashtag (#just______) , I wonder what would that single word might be?
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Trusting God’s grace to work through us,
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The Rev. Sarah Stewart
Associate Rector for Young Adults and Innovation
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Refugee Ministries Volunteer Orientation Session
- Sunday, February 9
- 10:20 a.m.—11:05 a.m.
- Fireplace Room, Tate Hall
This Sunday, join Louisa Merchant, our Director of Refugee Ministries, and experienced volunteers for an orientation session to support everyone, from those who have served with Refugee Ministries for many years to potential volunteers who would like to learn more about how to get involved. Topics include: cultural sensitivities, self-care when working with survivors of trauma, living out faith through service, and more.
If you cannot attend this session, there is another one on Wednesday, February 19 from 6:15—7:30 p.m. in the Ross Room on the 3rd Floor of the Parish House.
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True Justice: A Movie, Panel, and Conversation about Racial Inequality in our Criminal Justice System
- Sunday, February 9
- 4:30 p.m.—7:30 p.m.
- The Temple, 1589 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta
Join members of the All Saints' community and The Temple’s Racial Justice Committee for a screening of the documentary about the life and work Bryan Stevenson, the public interest lawyer and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative.
The event includes a condensed version of this film, which tracks the intertwined histories of slavery, lynching, segregation, and mass incarceration, followed by a panel discussion and conversation over dinner. The cost is $12 per person;
click here
to register online.
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Young Adult Formation Series:
In Faith
- Sunday, February 16
- 10:20—11:05 a.m.
- P202, 2nd Floor, Parish House
On the third Sunday of each month, join us to explore resources from our Christian tradition that can support us in our daily lives.
Winter/Spring Dates
: February 16, April 19, and May 17.
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All Saints' Quiet Night
- Tuesday, February 18
- 7:30—8:30 p.m.
- Chapel
Join us for a peaceful evening of prayer and contemplation, featuring music familiarized by the monastic brothers of Taizé, France. Bring friends, family, and your whole selves to rest and be restored in God’s presence.
We invite volunteers to help prepare the space, read the lessons and prayers during the service, and welcome newcomers into the quiet of this communal nights. To volunteer, please email me at
sstewart@allsaintsatlanta.org
.
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February Saints on Tap
- Thursday, February 20
- 7:00—9:30 p.m.
- Pijui Belly, 678 10th St NW, Atlanta
Join our young adults to get a taste of what the Westside has to offer at Pijiu Belly, a Korean Chinese Gastropub. Please RSVP to Michael Asmussen at
michael.asmussen@gmail.com
.
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Sunday, February 9
Sunday, February 16
Tuesday, February 18
Thursday, February 20
Tuesday, February 25
Wednesday, February 26
- Ash Wednesday Worship
- 7:30 a.m., 12:05 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes, in the church
- 5:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Worship Service for All Ages, in the church
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Big thank you to
Alexsis Skeen
, who organized our dinner with Covenant Community last Thursday, and to all those who contributed with funds, food, and fellowship with the fellas. It was a fun evening!
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Will you help us? Take this survey about service!
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The
All Saints' Young Adults Service Team
wants to gain a better understanding of the types of service opportunities that you are interested in and which days of the week work best. Please take a few minutes to provide your input via this survey. Thank you!
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We publish this email newsletter every week or two to provide updates about what's coming up for young adults at All Saints', as well as parish-wide events that might interest you. If you do not wish to receive these updates, you can unsubscribe at any time (scroll to the bottom of the email). If you'd prefer to receive the parish-wide weekly newsletter instead (or in addition),
click here
and select the Main Parish-Wide Email List.
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For more information contact The Rev. Sarah Stewart
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