From the Desk of Anita Hilbun, Parish Administrator,

Director of Communications and Licensed Lay Minister…

Carrying the Light with Me

I am writing to share that I am leaving St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church and my role at the end of the year.

Andy and I are moving to a new home in LaGrange and planning for our retirement early!

This is difficult because this parish has become a meaningful part of my life, faith, story, and Andy's too.

I leave with deep affection and gratitude for the welcome, grace, and companionship I have received here.

The Gifts I Carry

I leave with friendships that have helped me grow. I have been nourished by shared worship—prayer, Scripture, music, silence, laughter, and the grace of gathering together—and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve alongside you.

These gifts and blessings will stay with me long after this season has ended.

Keeping Faith and Carrying the Light

The parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1–13, that Father Reggie preached on this past Sunday, has been on my heart. Its themes of readiness and faithfulness remind me to tend the light entrusted to me and to remain awake to God’s presence in the patient work of daily life.

Leaving does not erase what we have shared. I will carry forward the light of worship, compassion, community, and ordinary acts of love, grateful for the ways St. Aidan’s has helped kindle it.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

This departure is bittersweet. I will miss the people, prayers, worship services, the staff and vestry, our conversations, and the quiet sense of belonging that have made St. Aidan’s such a gift.

Thank you for welcoming me, encouraging me, challenging me, and allowing me to share in the life of this church.

I leave honoring what has been built here by Father Reggie, Trey, by Tom, our lay leader, by LeeAnne, our Preschool Director and by all the active members of our parish.

May you continue to welcome those who are seeking, encourage those who are weary, worship with open hearts, and serve your neighbors with courage and compassion.

May God bless St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, its people, and its ministry. May you be strengthened for every good work, guided by wisdom, sustained by faithfulness, and surrounded by the love that has made this community such a blessing to me.

With deep thanks, I will carry the light of St. Aidan’s with me.

In God's Peace,

Anita

Join us for Worship Services



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

Bulletin for Sunday, November 15th, 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:

Debbie Parkinson, Tommy Reynolds, Sue Lawton, Keisha Jackson and Joan Cousins

Thank you!

To Reid Parkinson, John Foley and Theo Manos for doing the new striping in the parking lot. Although the work is in progress and not quite complete, the staff wants to thank the team for giving their time and talents to a project that needed to be done and would have been costly for us to hire someone to do!

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.

Flower Guild Advent Wreath Sale

Our sale date is Sunday, Nov. 29th, which is the first Sunday in Advent.

9:00 AM to Noon

We will be selling large wreaths at $25 and small ones at $15 and they include the candles.

Once we sell all of them, that's it!

 We will also have a few "kits" available to sell for those who wish to make their own Advent Wreaths at home.  

Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service

at St. Aidan's Tuesday, November 17th

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!

We need all of these treats by 6:00 PM on Tuesday,

November 17th, and if you are volunteering, please try to be in Burtenshaw Hall to assist at 5:30 Tuesday.

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

November 16th-23rd

Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child

Details below

Monday, November 16th

Vestry Meeting

6:30 PM

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

Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th

Office Closed for Thanksgiving

Sunday, November 29th

Advent Lessons and Carols, First Sunday in Advent

One Service-10 AM (Rite II)

(No Breakfast)

9:00 AM to Noon

Flower Guild Advent Wreath Sale

Wednesday, December 2nd and each Wednesday through December 23rd, 2026

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

1:00-5:00 PM

All are invited!

We will visit Arbor Terrace at 1:00, Mayfield Oaks at @2:30 and Cottonwood Estates at @4:00 PM.

We would love to see you at all three, but you can also sing at one or two places, your schedule permitting!

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

6:00 PM
Reception following in Burtenshaw Hall

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.

🎁 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!

Thank you St Aidan’s for this past Sunday food donations. Every can, oatmeal packet and crackers etc. helps us to be able to deliver to 198 food insecure kids. If you forgot your donations, the barrel is always Open in the Narthex

Peace

Marty McPherson

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

Sunday, December 13th, 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 12th, 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:

Robert Shirley Mansell, brother to Barry Mansell and brother-in-law to Suzanne Mansell

Ron Woodard, brother to Jo Woodard

PRAYER CONCERNS:

Cyrus Colbert, son to Milbrey and Cory and baby brother to Kira, grandson to Steve and Laura Van Riper, and nephew to Steven Van Riper

Ron Woodard’s family and friends, especially for our own Jo Woodard

Robert Shirley Mansell’s family, including Barry, his brother, and Suzanne, his sister-in-law

Jospeh Steman, son to Pam Wheeler Bond

Carys Greene’s 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, and 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