From the Desk of the Rector…

In this week’s Gospel lesson from Matthew, Jesus shares with the disciples the parable of the Ten Bridesmaids as part of his continuing eschatological discourse. This parable delineates the consequences for not being ready for Jesus’ return. There were ten bridesmaids – five of them were wise and five of them were foolish. When the foolish ones took their lamps, they took no oil with them, whereas the wise took flasks of oil. Oil here represents faithful, active, and obedient discipleship.

The bridegroom was delayed in his return and as such all the bridesmaids become drowsy, and they slept. However, at midnight there came a shout that the bridegroom had arrived, and the bridesmaids were asked to come out to meet the bridegroom. All of them got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish bridesmaids said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” They did and while they were away the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet and the door was closed. The other bridesmaids returned and asked for entry saying, “Lord, Lord open to us.” But the bridegroom replied, “Truly, I tell you, I do not know you.”

The foolish bridesmaids were not prepared as they had not taken the time to go to the dealers and to buy oil before the bridegroom arrived. No excuses were accepted for being unprepared for the bridegroom’s arrival.

This parable elucidates the responsibility we have to be prepared at any time for Jesus’ return as there will be no excuses for unpreparedness and/or for a lack of faithful discipleship when He does come back.

Every generation since the first century has been waiting for Jesus’ return; nonetheless, let us not be caught empty handed and unprepared because it has been 2000 plus years since His ascension. Let us be like the wise bridesmaids who bought oil for their lamps and who were able to trim them when the bridegroom arrived. The door will be shut for those of us who are unprepared just as it was for the foolish bridesmaids in this parable.

Ordinary Time Blessings,

Fr. Reginald  

Join us for Worship Services



Live streaming via Facebook and our website under the "Worship" tab. 

Bulletin for Sunday, November 8th, 2026

8:15 AM (Rite I)

11:00 AM (Rite II)

The 11:00 AM Service is live-streamed, and Children's Chapel is available

Online Book of Common Prayer

We pray blessings on the following people who are celebrating their birthday this week:

Richard Schmidt, John Mann, Tons Dokubo, Dee Mills,

Sophie Brison, Tom Horner, Tina Taylor, Claire Thorne,

Chris O'Brien, and Bobbe Frank

We pray blessings on the following people who are celebrating their anniversary this week:



Theo and Andrea Manos and Dr. Ruth Clemens and David Hunt



Thank you!

To Marty McPherson for all she does to support the Backpacks of Love ministry. Not only does Marty organize our collection of food for the ministry every month, but she works with other churches to encourage participation, does food drop offs at schools that need the food, volunteers in the warehouse, donates her treasures and serves as an advocate for those who need it most. Thank you, Marty, for leading a priceless ministry and for the years you have represented St. Aidan's for Backpacks of Love.

Please read more information about Backpacks below and see how you can donate and volunteer!

With the 2027 Stewardship campaign underway and as we approach year-end, did you know there are several ways to support St. Aidan’s beyond traditional cash donations? Some may also offer meaningful tax advantages.

• Gifts of Stock or Other Assets: Donating appreciated stocks, mutual funds, land, or other property may provide significant tax advantages, including avoiding capital gains taxes.
• Make Your 2027 Gift in 2026: Consider fulfilling all or part of your 2027 pledge before December 31, 2026, to potentially receive a charitable tax deduction this year.
• IRA Charitable Distributions: If you are age 70½ or older, you may be able to give directly from your IRA, potentially reducing taxable income and satisfying required minimum distributions.
• Other Tax-Smart Giving: Donor-advised funds, employer matching gifts, and charitable giving through estate plans or beneficiary designations are additional ways to support our ministries.
• New for 2026: Even those who do not itemize deductions may qualify for a federal deduction of up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly) for eligible cash gifts.

Interested in learning more? Please email the church office at office@staidans.org or see the Treasurer to explore these giving opportunities and how they can support St. Aidan’s future. Tax benefits depend on individual circumstances. Please consult your tax or financial advisor. Gifts of noncash assets require advance coordination with the church.

Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service

at St. Aidan's Tuesday, November 17th

And we want to see all of you at the service at 7:00 PM.

There is a reception following the service and we really need your help bringing finger food desserts.

We only need things that you can hold in your hand easily:

Cookies, brownies, bar type cookies, mini cupcakes etc.

We can not use:

Whole pies, cakes or items that you cannot hold in your hand.

If everyone brings one dessert item that would be great!

Please contact Corrine Hofstetter if you need more information at chhhofstetter@aol.com.

Key Dates for your Calendar

Breakfast Every Sunday

Between 8:15 and 11:00 AM Services

Tuesday, November 10th

Worship Committee Meeting

7:00 PM

Wednesday, November 11th

Office closed for Veterans Day

Monday, November 16th

Vestry Meeting

6:30-8:30

November 16th-23rd

Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child

Details below

Tuesday, November 17th

Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service

Hosted by St. Aidan's this year!

7:00 PM

Reception following!

Saturday, November 21st

Angie's Kitchen Thanksgiving Feast

8:00 AM-2:00 PM

Sunday, November 29th

Advent Lessons and Carols, First Sunday in Advent

One Service-10 AM

(No Breakfast)

Wednesday, December 2nd and each Wednesday through 12/23/26

Advent Book Study

11:45 AM to 1:00 PM

"Light of the World: A Beginners Guide to Advent"

By Amy Jill Levine

Please bring a salad/soup/dessert to share.

Here is the Amazon link if you buy on Amazon:

Light of the World: Levine, Amy Jill: 9781791045968: Amazon.com: Books

Saturday, December 5th

St. Aidan's Christmas Caroling

Various Assisted Living Locations

1:00-4:00 PM

All are invited!

Please contact Keith Richards at

(631) 834-4061 or by email at golfpawkr@aol.com

Sunday, December 6th

St. Aidan's Annual Christmas Concert

The Messiah

7:00 PM

Reserve your tickets via EventBrite:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-aidans-presents-handels-messiah-tickets-2004042130961?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile

Holly Days Craft Fair

Saturday, December 12th

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

We will have tables for crafters, a raffle and a Bake sale. 

Please call Ida Parker at (910)660-1047 with questions or if you want to reserve a table to sell your items.

Also, please call if you would like to run the raffle or bake sale or have an item to donate to the raffle.

A Note from Trey

Why Hymn Singing Is Important

Every congregation’s active participation in robust hymn singing in any church is a biblical, spiritual and communal practice that deepens worship, unites the body of Christ, and fuels the growth and vitality of a church. Find a congregation that doesn’t boldly participate in congregational singing, and you’ll discover one of two extremes: either an apathetic church in decline, or a church that relegates all participation to the worship leadership, therefore making the worship service a secular performance.

Either of those two extremes are unhealthy for the God’s people. Let's examine why.

I spend a great deal of time in research, prayer, thoughtful attention and care into the selection of the hymns every week.  In some churches, this is all lost because the congregation simply sees music as "background" to everything. For example, the omission of stanzas in hymns simply to save time or to move on to the next moment in a service just so they can “get in and get out” will kill the worship experience, or at the very least will damage it. Stanzas of hymns tell a story, so omitting stanzas of the hymn leaves the congregation hanging in the middle of the story. We would never omit verses of a scripture lesson, so it is at best injurious to omit stanzas of a hymn. The omission of stanzas from a hymn sends the congregation a message that music is not important in the church (and statistics show that those churches are in decline). That is a ditch I’m willing to die in. 

In a vibrant, growing and relevant church, congregational singing is a biblical command and a ministry tool. Singing together unites us and deepens our faith. If a church doesn’t want to grow, then it doesn’t understand the concept of God’s love and welcoming spirit. I have never believed that any church should ever be small and content to be so. After all, our responsibility as Christians is to reach people for Christ. Without that, church simply becomes a meaningless and secular “country club” that isn’t even as alluring as an actual country club. Jesus repeatedly warned the Pharisees against these types of behaviors and beliefs among believers. 

Let’s be about the edification of one another, the welcoming of new members, and the dynamic worship of God through music and the Word. 

After all, that is why we exist as a church. I love to sing, and I hope you’ll robustly sing with me!



"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and encourage one another with all wisdom through Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs from the Holy Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."   ---Colossians 3: 16-17

I love you, St. Aidan's Family. Let's worship God and grow together!

Love and Blessings,

Trey

🎁 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

It’s almost time to pack shoeboxes!

❤️ Join us in sharing the love of Jesus with children around the world through Operation Christmas Child.

The boxes to fill are in the Narthex.

Our collection week will be November 16–23!

There are so many ways to get involved, whether you pack a shoebox, donate items, or help with collection week. Every shoebox is an opportunity to share the joy of Christmas and the Good News of Jesus with a child.

Let’s work together to make a difference!

Thank you for being part of this wonderful ministry!

🎄 If you have any questions, please contact

Paisley Cate Samples at pc.samples@icloud.com.

For details about what to pack in your shoebox(es), please refer to this information: Official Shoebox Gift Suggestions

Backpacks of Love!

The donation bin is in the Narthex, and we will have our next collection

this Sunday, November 8th, 2026.

We are struggling to keep delivering 196 plus bags every other week to the students in need and paying our rent at our warehouse unit.  

Simply put, we need your help to keep this ministry of over

sixteen years alive!

Please remember Backpacks of Love with the holidays coming.

Our donations always drop off the months of November, December and January!

 Praying we can continue serving food to insecure children in North Fulton and Forsyth Counties.

Thank you

Marty McPherson

Questions- mmdmac@yahoo.com

770-639-5643

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in",... (NIV)

Weekly at St. Aidan's!

Sundays

Breakfast between services

Starts at 9:15

CHRISTIAN FORMATION

9:45 AM - 10:30 AM

The Gift of Years

Burtenshaw Library

(through Sunday, 11/22/26)

Heroes and Heroines of Faith

Preschool Hall

Children’s Chapel

11:00 AM

Children will return to the sanctuary during the Peace.

Mondays

Handbell Choir

5:30-7:30

Tuesdays

A Study of the Lectionary

9:45 AM to 10:45 AM

Burtenshaw Library

Prayer Shawl

11:00 AM in the Parish Hall lobby

Wednesdays

Confession and Spiritual Direction with Father Reggie

4:00 PM-6:00 PM

Please email Father Reggie at fr.reginald@staidans.org if you would like a time slot or just stop by!

Bible Study

5:30-6:30 PM

Burtenshaw Hall Library

Adult Choir Rehearsals

7:00 PM-9:00 PM

Thursdays

Retired Men's Group

9:30 AM-10:30 AM

See FULL calendar at www.staidans.org

St. Aidan’s Prayer and Praise List

November 5th, 2026

 St. Aidan’s Prayer Warriors pray for all listed below as part of their commitment to service and prayer. Names listed under Prayer Concerns appear for six weeks. Long Term Concerns, Healthcare Workers, and First Responders continually appear.

To place someone on the prayer list, please contact Annie Metcalfe at email annierae@bellsouth.net.

THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED:

Ron Woodard, brother to Jo Woodard 

Carys Greene, senior at Cambridge High School

PRAYER CONCERNS:

Jospeh Steman, son to Pam Bond

Carys Greene’s family and friends

Ron Woodard, brother to Jo Woodard, for Ron's wife extended family and friends

Mike Bradley, husband to Carol and father to Laura Shack

Ansley Parris, daughter to Sandra Parris

Fr. William McCarthy’s family, son Brian McCarthy, daughter-in-law Anna and grandchildren Claire, Duncan, Eilis McCarthy

Martha Ann FitzHugh, sister to Foster FitzHugh

Jennifer Atanasio, daughter to Kathy Bump

AJ Youngblood, stepson to Kim Zamonis

Laurie Cronley

Charles Carroll, father to Lucy O’Neill

Kristin Eastabrooks

Ed and Pat Malloy, good friends to Keith and Maureen Richards

Mary Sorenson, coworker to Aaron Hottenstein

Joanna and Tim Watson, friend and colleague to Tom Reynolds

Ms. Kariatu, long-term teacher at St. Aidan’s

Dottie Mack, very dear friend to Anita Hilbun

Mandy Antonio, friend to the Bradleys

Laura Van Riper, parishioner and member of the choir at St. Aidan’s

Brent Werling, brother to Vicki Freeman

The Kimmitt Family, dear friends of Corrine and Dave Hofstetter

Linda White, sweet parishioner of St. Aidan’s.

Thomas Grover Reynolds VI, son to Tommy and Mallie Reynolds and grandson to Tom and Heidi Reynolds

Caroline Newton, great niece to Tyron Newton who is a best friend to Anita Hilbun

Jillian Locklear, daughter to Sam and Pam Locklear

Becky Searles, sister to Marty McPherson

LONG TERM CONCERNS:

Carol Bradley, wife to Mike Bradley

Andy, brother of Cathy Biondi

Dr. Tom Reynolds, father of Tom Reynolds

Cindy Tieken, sister of Celeste Gravois

John and Jean Kelleher

The Jackson Family, godparents to the Bowerman boys and family friends

David Rich, son to Joe Rich

Clyde and Betty Appling, Nancy Babcock’s neighbors

Norm Dobbs & wife Sally, friend of Charles Higgs

Samual Pucket, brother of Aaron Hottenstein’s neighbor, Adam Pucket

Ed Richardson, friend of Charles Higgs

Adi Roosekrans, friend of Stephanie Beckham

Dru Edelmann and daughter Debbie

Bill and Rae Bond, Don Young, Kathy Meyers

Jack Mills, son of Curtis Mills

Geraldine Thompson, mother of Tanya Cassidy

Silas Thompson, father of Tanya Cassidy

Todd Thompson, brother of Tanya Cassidy

Sandra Hurley, daughter-in-law of Gail Hurley

Margaret Rayburn, beloved mother of Lewis Rayburn

Pam Pritchard, sister of David Pritchard

Suzanne Cassidy, daughter-in-law of Fred Cassidy

Bruce Towner, brother of Kay Towner Stalle

Regina Crofut, cousin of Aaron & Kim Hottenstein

Lynn Isenberg, friend of Keith & Maureen Richards

Rosa and George Allen, friends of Dee and Curtis Mills

Farrington Family, friends of Janice Howard

Jack Lukianchuk, grandson of Jennifer and Emil Hoffman

Reid Parkinson, husband of Debbie

Rene’ V. friend of Lynnette Clayton

Alicia Oberholzer, friend of Susan Basile

Sean Haven, Claudia Haven

Nicholas Haven, Claudia Haven

Tish and Bill Chambers, sister of Carol Phillips

Noah Pope, son of Leyna and Ryan Pope

Jeff Heal, friend of Charles

Joy Cox, friend of Marty McPherson

Linda Slocum, friend of Pat Bull

Joan Cowart

Dianne Rogers

Amber Nance, niece of Phyllis Arshun

Camille Johnson and Family

Jeff Smith, friend of Keith Richards

St. Aidan’s Church Family

FOR OUR HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS:

Laura Wakefield, AGACNP, Emory Neuro ICU, daughter of Anne Monroe; Mikayla Van Riper, Ultrasound Tech Northside, daughter-in-law of Laura Van Riper; Evelyn Tran, EMT Grady Hospital; Dr. Kasey Shapp-Reilly, OBGYN, Susan and Jay Reilly’s daughter-in-law; Anne Dickson, RN-Northside Duluth Surgery and Mobile IV Nurse, daughter of Evelyn Goodendorf; Will Hembree, Paramedic at Grady, son of Wade and Melanie; Dr. Greg Melnikoff; Emma Lamb, RN Trans-Med, organ transplants and Grace Campbell, RN NICU at Children’s Hospital, Granddaughters of Bonnie Moore; Caroline Eastabrooks Cochran, RN; Dr. Richard Shack; Sam Biondi Jakubiszak, OT, daughter of Cathy & Daryl Biondi; Jamie Vernon, PA at Emory Decatur Hospital ICU, Daniel and Karen Vernon’s daughter-in-law; Hannah Collins, Nurse Case Worker at Fort Benning, daughter of Anita Hilbun; Jessica Naunas, PA at Atlanta Cancer Care, wife to Jason Naunas.