We had a big crowd for Children's Church this past Sunday with old and new friends, so I did a lot of explaining "why we do what we do." I have two stories of Grace from our service to share with you.

As we came to the Collect, I explained that it was a prayer for the day and asked if anyone would like to make up their own Collect. One young girl excitedly waved her hands in the air and came forward. She visibly quieted her body, closed her eyes, and folded her hands. She then shared the most beautiful prayer from her heart. I don't even know every word that was said, but It went something like this: "Thank you for the water that helps us grow and the plants grow, thank you for the food that helps our body, thank you for the people we love and who love us, and be with the people who are sick." This was a 7 year old saint, who was praying with her whole body—a body that is usually in motion. She has listened to the prayers of her family, the prayers of her church and friends, and the prayers of her own curious mind.

The second explanation I gave was about the offering and how the money we get helps our core ministries, those in need, and pays to run the church. We haven't been in our space in a while, so no one had remembered to bring their offering. I explained that we have a tradition that if you forget your offering, you can lay your hand on the bag and think of what you will offer to the world this week—love, friendship, help for someone in need. I then reminded them that they could talk with their parents about what they might pledge—a part of their allowance or job money, a share of gift money, etc. After the service, a 3rd grader came up to me in private and said, "I found these dollars in my wallet and I want to give them to the church to do the good work they are doing."

There is a scared and holy power at work in these children's lives and we were blessed to witness it.

Come to the playground this Sunday during the formation hour for our Fruit Party and talk to these young saints. Get to know them and their families. And let the Holy Spirit do Her good work!

Kathy

In case you missed it: nursery care is back! The nursery is now open during regular hours on Sundays: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Children's Church (we will come over to church at the Peace)

We gather in Kenan Commons at 8:45 a.m. to say hello, make a craft or color, and sign up for jobs to do during our service. Then we process into the chapel at 9:00 a.m. for our service.

We join the parents in “big church” during the Peace and announcements (unless we have Holy Eucharist). Parents: please stay standing so that we can find you; you are also welcome to attend anytime with your kids.

This Sunday, K-3rd grades are having a Fruit Party to celebrate having learned about the Fruit of the Spirit. We have talked about when we create space for the Spirit of God in our bodies, our hearts are gently opened up to Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control (Gal 5:22-23).

The whole parish is invited to come share some fruit with us and get to know someone new or deepen a friendship with someone you know. It will be a "fruitful endeavor"!!

Morning Run is a group of runners and walkers who meet on Saturday mornings to explore the neighborhoods around the church. After about an hour run (10-11 min pace) or walk, we go to Starbucks at 4th Street and Spring Street for coffee and conversation.

Interested in leading the walking group? We invite a volunteer to lead the group of walkers each Saturday.

Registration is not required, but it is the best way to get updates in case of inclement weather.

St. Cecilia's women and their friends, partners, kids, and pets are invited to join us for a morning hike at beautiful Vickery Creek Falls! We'll meet at the Park Trail Entrance (1 Mill St, Roswell, GA 30075) at 9:00 a.m. and head out around 9:10 a.m. Feel free to hike at your own pace! Please register online to let us know if you plan to attend and you can indicate whether you need a ride.

Parenting With God now meets on the fourth Sunday of each month!

All parents, grandparents, godparents, and caregivers are welcome to join us to share and learn from each other as we travel this parenting journey together.

This spring, we're using Faith at Home: A Handbook for Cautiously Christian Parents by Wendy Claire Barrie as a guide for discussion.

All Saints' women in their 20s and 30s are invited to join us for monthly (online) gatherings. You might be a college student, graduate student, young professional, newlywed, new mom, or "old hat" mom, but one thing we all have in common right now is CHANGE. We will spend an hour together on the fourth Sunday of each month in fellowship, digging in to how Christ will carry us through all of these transitions of our lives.

Do you LOVE pancakes? Enter our pancake making contest for Shrove Tuesday!

Make your creations at home and send us a picture by Monday, February 28 to enter the contest (send photos to Jill Gossett at jgossett@allsaintsatlanta.org).

There will be prizes for: most colorful, most creative, funniest, and most unique. Please describe the pancakes you have made and the ingredients.

Winners will be announced at our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, March 1!

In preparation for MAC’s return to the block, please help us stock the shelves of the MAC food pantry. Look for grocery bags and requested donation lists after services during Lent and return donations to the MAC receptacles in Ellis Hall. If you have questions or want to help with the food drive, please contact Jill Gossett at jgossett@allsaintsatlanta.org.

K-1st Leaders: Sarah Bryant, Kathy Compton, Laura Gandy, Anne Elzemeyer, Elinor Hitt, and Beth Frilingos

Curriculum: The Fruits of the Spirit

2nd-3rd Leaders: Danny Johnson, Sue Bess, Sintra Constant, Meg Fogel, Ashley Thompson

Curriculum: The Fruits of the Spirit

Club 45 Leaders: Jack Norton, Tim Frilingos, Julia Wilson, Steve Davis, Emily Pheil, Emi and Michael Gragnani (subs)

Curriculum: Connect

If you haven't already, please don't forget to register on Realm for Little Saints, Children's Ministries, and Children's Choirs.