December 12, 2019
Dear All Saints' Parents and Families,
Happy Advent!

Every year, I have great plans for how I will wait for Jesus’ birth, how I will prepare, how I will slow down – and then I look at our calendar! How can I stay in my real life and live Advent the way I would like to live it? I often feel like a failure at “Adventing” and spend time regretting not getting myself in the “right” state of mind. And then I read this article ( click here to read "Advent at 80 miles per hour"). Here is the pearl of wisdom that I pulled from it:

“The Buddhist writer Sharon Salzberg has a wonderful piece about how to deal with rambling thoughts in meditation. Rather than regarding our rambling thoughts as an enemy to mindfulness, she says, the 'magic moment' is actually when we realize we’ve been distracted. 'That’s when we have an opportunity to be really different, and not judge ourselves, and not condemn ourselves, but simply let go and begin again.'"
 
That’s my Advent resolution this year. Rather than desperately trying to measure up to whatever absurd definition I have of what families “ought” to do for Advent, I’m going to just keep beginning again. Beginning again as the candles shrink down to stubs. Beginning again as too many evening meetings or school events take us away from our table together. Beginning again, listening for the real meaning of Advent that has nothing to do with how we do or don’t measure up.

So, I am beginning again today – listening for the real meaning of Advent. Wanna join me?

In Peace,

Kathy
Caroling with the Saints at the MARTA Station

Wednesday, December 18 at 5:00 p.m.
North Avenue MARTA Station (across from the church)

Join All Saints’ clergy, members of the choir, and fellow saints in making a joyful noise by singing carols at the entrance of the North Avenue MARTA station. Afterward, we'll enjoy refreshments in Ellis Hall. Bring your favorite Christmas cookie to share!
Come As You Are Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 22 at the 9:00 a.m. worship service in the church

Our Christmas Pageant is meant to be a non-stressful telling of the story – for both parents and kids!

The way it works is that all the young kids dress up as whoever they want to be from the story – an angel, a shepherd, a magi, or an animal from the stable. We have plenty of costumes available if your child doesn't have something to wear. We have even had a Tigger and a lobster in the stable! 

Parents bring their children to the 2nd floor of the Pritchett Children's Center between 8:00 and 8:45 a.m. to put on a costume and then your children sit with you in church. When it's time to read the story, the bulletin provides cues to let you and your child know when it's time for them to go up to the front of the church with the other same characters (example: the shepherds go up at the same time). It is very easy and non-threatening.

I have 4th and 5th graders that have roles as leaders in each category of character and they will help the younger children see where they need to sit. When the story is finished, the kids come back to sit with you for the rest of the church service.

After the service, there will be a cookie reception in Ellis Hall, where kids can can also drop off their costumes.

If you have any other questions, feel free to call or write.
St. Nicholas Shoe Collection for
Threads and Midtown Assistance Center (MAC)

Drop Off Donations in Ellis Hall Foyer, 1st Floor, Parish House
Through Wednesday, January 8

As a way of sharing the spirit of St. Nicholas, our children are leading the charge in collecting shoes for Threads and Midtown Assistance Center. Throughout Advent and Christmas, bring in new children’s shoes (all sizes) and/or gently used shoes and work boots for adults.
Reminders
Wednesday Night Supper Takes a Break on
December 18, 25, and January 1

We will resume on Wednesday, January 8, 2020!
Children's Formation Takes a Break on
December 22 and 29

On Sunday, December 22, everyone is invited to join us in Ellis Hall for the cookie reception after the 9:00 a.m. worship service / Come As You Are Christmas Pageant. There is no formation on Sunday, December 29. We will resume on Sunday, January 5, 2020!
PLEASE VOLUNTEER!
Sign up to help with Little Saints’ and/or Children’s Church! Please take a minute to sign up for a Sunday or more if your child/ children attend our children's services. The Little Saints’ service is led by parents (Shawnne will help you!) and Children’s Church is led by me (Kathy) and Karol with parent assistance.
Registration

If you haven't already, please register your children for Children's Formation and Children's Choirs for the 2019-2020 program year.
Love to you all,
Kathy Roberts
Director of Children's Ministries
For more information email Kathy Roberts