From the Desk of Tom Reynolds, Lay Worship Leader

Thank you all so much for your love, prayers, and support for

“Groovy Grover” and Tommy and Mallie. Last week was especially challenging: It started with the surprise news that a scheduled Tuesday appointment to check Grover’s progress would proceed directly to the long-awaited surgery to repair his esophageal atresia. An unexpected complication meant more surgery on Wednesday, a third surgery on Thursday to finish the repair of his esophagus, and a three-day weekend under sedation to begin recovering. A week later, Grover’s doctors are thrilled with the results and today (Friday), our Groovy One is celebrating his 4-month birthday!

Grover has a world-class medical team supporting him around the clock. You, my friends, also are part of Team Grover; your prayers for him, his parents, and his medical team have been and continue to be incredibly powerful.

Despite my best intentions, sometimes I got so caught up in work and all the other “stuff” that comes up during the day I would forget at that very moment our precious grandson was undergoing surgery that would affect the rest of his life. Sometimes all I could muster was a quick “I hope everything’s going well,” before turning back to work.

I wondered: Am I praying enough? Am I praying the “right” way?

Then I read an article about that other lovable kid named Grover (the furry blue one) and his friend Kermit. You might remember an episode of Sesame Street when Kermit is trying to teach kids about LOUD and quiet. Grover, being Grover, keeps yelling “HEYYYYYYY FROGGYBABY!” while smacking Kermit on the back. Kermit gets increasingly agitated. His voice gets louder and louder, until eventually he loses his cool completely, skinny green arms flailing about while he’s shouting about how important it is to be QUIET! Grover is suddenly quiet, there’s a beat, and then that cute furry blue monster says . . . “You don’t have to shout, Froggy, I’m right here.”

We often think that when we pray, we need to use the right words, quote the right Scripture, assume the right posture, do it all “by the book.” We think God will really listen to us if we are loud enough, strident enough, eloquent enough – all at the right time of day. Take comfort, however, in the assurance that God knows the things we need before we ask Him, and because we do not know how to pray as we ought, the Holy Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. Even if all I make time for is: “I hope everything is going well,” a simple “I love you, Baby G,” or just picturing him in my mind, God already knows all that is on my heart.

Just as He already knows all that is on your hearts.

We don’t need to shout . . . God is right here, listening, always.

Yours in Christ,

Tom

Join us for Worship Services



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

Bulletin for Sunday, November 1st, 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:

Tate Mills, Laura Squibbs, Victor Catanzaro,

Anna McCarthy, Becky Fricton, and Dorothy Uidel

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

Jeff and Allison Fisher



Thank you!

To Noelle and Jim Webb for organizing and leading the Chili Kick Off this past Saturday!

The winner for this year, and the new champion, is Gerry Goodendorf!

We appreciate all the work it took, and a good time was had by all with much delicious chili consumed!

Thanks to all the people who shared their special chili recipes too!

Another Thank You!

To Jeff Fisher for coordinating our latest blood drive that took place this past Sunday! And to the donors who supported the drive.

For the donations on Sunday, once separated by the components team, the units collected at St. Aidan's will support up to 21 patients in need at our local hospitals. 

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 type of 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

Sunday, November 1st

Music Milton at St. Aidan's!

Just Jazzin' Around

The Gary Motley Trio

4:00 PM

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)

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

Hymn Singing Reflects the Life of a Church 

As the son of a Senior Minister (Priest) and a Church Organist, I learned from a very young age in children's choir and at church about the importance of the "marriage" of music and the spoken word in a worship service. 

Following in my parents’ footsteps, it has been my life's love and mission to help churches grow through the combination of thrilling music and captivating sermons.

Participation in robust hymn singing by the congregation is a biblical, spiritual and communal practice in churches that deepens worship, unites the body of Christ, and fuels the growth and vitality of a church. For that to happen, a church must place its emphasis and resources into the music ministry. 

Listen to the vibrancy of any church's hymn singing, and that alone will indicate either a church’s growth or decline. 

Hymn Singing in a church service has multiple functions, among them:

1. Biblical and Spiritual Significance- Scripture repeatedly commands the church to sing: "Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16). The Bible contains over 400 references to singing, many of which are direct commands. Singing is a centerpiece and a corporate act of declaring, believing and applying the gospel of Jesus Christ as it transforms worshippers from passive listeners into active conduits of God's truth.
2. Building Unity and Community-Hymn singing creates a "harmony effect." When voices join together, isolation diminishes and belonging increases. Research shows that if a church's hymn singing reflects its identity, then feelings of belonging among the membership will rise by 30%. 
3. Enhancing Personal Worship- Many churches report a 40% increase in prayerfulness when joining in hymn singing. Music engages both the heart and mind, and it helps the congregation to internalize biblical truths in ways that sermons alone can't. 
4. Encouraging Growth and Engagement- For any church that wants to grow and remain relevant, congregational singing is a "secret ingredient" for retention and attraction. Familiar, well-chosen hymns which match the scripture lessons and sermon make worship accessible to first-time visitors and long-term members alike. When a congregation sings the hymns robustly with confidence, it signals a healthy, vibrant faith that draws others in.

I place intentional research, prayer, and thought into the selection of the hymns every week.  And I hope you feel it in the music that you have come to enjoy each week.

This Sunday, we will observe the "Feast" of All Saints, as we in the Episcopal Church term it.  The congregation's hymns and the choir's anthems will be centered around remembering those who have passed from this life into the next. As believers in Christ's resurrection, we are an "Easter" people who believe in the majesty and power of eternal life. Consequently, this Sunday's music will reflect those themes. 

Come and be transformed by music and the spoken word this Sunday!

"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 is Back!

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

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

October 29th, 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.

PRAYER CONCERNS:

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

Ron Woodard, brother to Jo Woodard

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 Bradley family

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.