Dear Friends

"The Episcopal Church Welcomes You" is more than just a slogan. It's a statement I reflect on often and take great pride in. At its core, it's about inclusion over exclusion, hospitality over indifference, and the deep belief that all are truly welcome. But what does it actually mean to welcome someone?

To welcome is to greet someone with kindness and warmth. It's more than just words, it's a combination of actions, gestures, and an atmosphere that tells someone, "You belong here."

It's about creating space, both physical and emotional, where others can feel safe, seen, and valued. It means offering hospitality, not just as politeness, but as a deep spiritual practice, opening a space for others to dwell, connect, and be transformed.

This past Sunday, I witnessed that kind of welcome in action. The Episcopal Church’s commitment to radical inclusion was visible as the youth group marched with All Saints’ and the Diocese in this year’s Pride Parade.

The joy I experienced that day was deeply moving, because it wasn’t just about celebration. It was something much more personal: the feeling of being welcomed, seen, heard, and loved. You could hear it in the conversations, feel it in the energy, and see it in every smiling face along the parade route. Being part of a church that offers love without conditions and community without judgment was a powerful reminder of what it truly means to be welcomed by the Church. It was God’s children walking together.

Yes, we heard voices of judgment from the sidelines. But they were easily drowned out by something far louder and more powerful: love. The faces of joy, lit up with belonging and acceptance, were the real testimony that day. That’s what we mean when we say, “The Episcopal Church Welcomes You."

This Sunday join us this Sunday for SNL in the attic from 6:00–7:30 PM, for our Pumpkin Painting Apparition Contest! We'll provide the pumpkins, you bring your imagination and a little painting skill



Pet Blessing at New Realm Brewery, October 18, 11 am to 1 pm

We are joining our partners at VCA Pets are People Too (a local vet), Lifeline Animal Project (pet adoption), and New Realm Brewery to celebrate God’s creation with our neighbors on the beltline. We will have white versions of the "God takes pride in you" shirts Saturday so make sure to swing by and grab one. Bring your family, friends, and pets, and enjoy a great lunch on the patio.

Peace,

Luke

Email Luke - lnolfa@allsaintsatlanta.org

Youth Ministry Phone Number

470-590-3471

To help build stronger connections and make this year meaningful for our youth, I’ve put together a Sign-Up Genius and a Google Doc with a variety of ways you can get involved in youth ministry. The Google Doc lists all the volunteer roles—please check the boxes for anything you're comfortable signing up for. The Sign-Up Genius includes specific dates and time slots for each opportunity.

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or looking to jump in for the first time, there’s something for everyone: 

Google Form Volunteer Roles

Link to the Sign-Link Genius

Volunteer Roles Available:

• Provide Dinner for Sunday Night Youth Group (SNL & Y'all Saints'): Help feed our hungry youth by cooking, ordering, or bringing dinner. Fan favorites include Moe’s and Papa John’s Pizza—always a hit! Please note you do not have to bring a separate dinner for SNL and Y'all Saints, because we all eat together!

• Sunday Formation Teacher: Join a team of volunteers to lead Sunday morning formation. Don’t worry—you won’t be doing it alone. We’re building a team-based structure to make it collaborative and low-pressure, even for first-time teachers.

• Sunday Greeters (Morning and Evening): A warm hello makes all the difference. Greeters help our youth feel seen and welcomed as they arrive for programming.

• Drivers & Chaperones for Local Outings: Occasionally, we’ll head off-site for events like bowling, laser tag, Braves games, or other local activities. We’re looking for adults willing to drive and actively participate—whether that means scoring strikes or just being a supportive presence.

• Retreat Drivers & Chaperones: If you’re able to spend a weekend away, we’d love to have you join us as a chaperone or driver. It’s a chance to connect deeply with our youth and experience God’s presence in new ways.

• Home Gathering Hosts: We’re looking for hosts willing to open their homes for small-group gatherings, game nights, or seasonal celebrations. You choose what you’re comfortable hosting.

• Letter Writing: Help send notes and flyers to members in our community

We’re looking forward to an amazing year together, and I’m so grateful for your time, support, and energy as we continue building a meaningful youth community!

Google Form Volunteer Roles

Link to the Sign-Up-Genius

YOUTH CHOIR CORNER

YOUTH CHOIR (Grades 7-12)

Youth Choir meets in the second Floor of the Prittchet Center. Handbells are from 4:15-5 PM handbells and youth choir 5-6 PM!

SCHEDULE & INFORMATION:

allsaintsatlanta.org/music/children-and-youth-choirs/

QUESTIONS:

Emily Halbert, Director of Children & Youth Music:

ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org

10/12

9:00AM

Bailey Sullivan C

CeCe Sullivan

Hannah Sullivan

Cade Reinking

Frances Shepherd

Margaret Shepherd

Prestin Aiken

Jane Aiken

Lector: Frances Shepherd

11:15AM

Fiona Sullivan C

Darcy Gaynor

Lucas Wrammert

Patrick Wrammert

Brendan Sullivan

Ingrid Mabry

Lector: Ingrid Mabry

Luke Nolfa

Director of Youth Ministries

Lnolfa@allsaintsatlanta.org

Youth Ministry Phone Number

470-590-3471

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