A New Year

Dear friends,

 

Over the holiday break I took my kids to see the new blockbuster film Avatar: The Way of Water. This sequel, a compelling narrative on its own, is a continuation of the story of the original Avatar, which debuted in 2009. Good series are like that: able to stand on their own, yet enriched by having familiarity with the original.

 

Epiphany, and the Sundays that follow, could be seen in a similar light: Epiphany is the sequel to Christmas - Christmas continued, if you will. Epiphany, twelve days after Christmas Day, celebrates the arrival of the Magi, and the traditional name for this Principle Feast of the Church is The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. This season is all about living out the implications of what we experienced at Christmas. God has appeared in human flesh; and you and I are now called to participate in his incarnation, of bearing Jesus into the world.

 

Immediately on the heels of Epiphany we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, and the Sundays that follow focus on the calling of the disciples, the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, and the implications of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. The movement of God is always outwards, bringing into the fold those who have longed to hear the Good News. The story of Jesus is a continuation of the story of the people of Israel - a people whom God has blessed, in order that they might in turn be a blessing to all the world.

 

This week we will be celebrating Epiphany with a simple noonday Eucharist on Friday, January 6th. At this liturgy we will follow an ancient custom of blessing chalk, which can then be used to write the inscription of the wise men on the door of your home for an Epiphany house blessing. This chalk and the accompanying prayers will be available in the cloister hallway for the next several weeks (until we run out) for those who would like to observe this custom.

 

I have always viewed church as a type of “home base,” or charging station. A place to come and recall who I am in Christ. All of our worship and all of our programs are carefully crafted to be a source of strength for you to go out into the world and share the love of God. If you, like the Magi, are still looking for the Christ child; if you, like the disciples, are still longing for the Messiah; if you are looking to live out the implications of Christmas, come and be a part of our parish community this season of Epiphany.


Grace & peace,


More Announcements

March 3, 2026
Lent invites us to slow down and look again at the story that shapes our faith. On Tuesday, March 10 at 2:00pm in the Parish Hall, our March PrimeTime Saints program will do just that. Our own Rev. Kelley will guide us through The Passion through the Arts, exploring how the story of Christ’s Passion has been portrayed in art, media, and music across generations.  Together we will reflect on how countless artists have interpreted this sacred story and how their work continues to speak to us today. We hope you will make this part of your Lenten journey. Light refreshments will be served.
March 3, 2026
All Saints Family,  The vestry is excited to share that we have completed the first major step in the calling of our next rector. Following meetings with the Canon to the Ordinary and prayerful consideration of many wonderful people suggested by vestry members and parishioners, the vestry is excited to announce the Search Committee for our next rector! Philemon Croft (co-chair) Ellie Jo Malki (co-chair) Susan Anderson Kate Barber Campbell Jeffery Colvin Sally Elwood John Bryan Ennis Stephen Hill Martha Miller Lizzie Shepherd Duke Terrell Under the current guidelines for the rector search process, the Search Committee will be tasked with listening to the parish, creating the parish profile, considering candidates, and making a recommendation to the vestry. The Search Committee will soon begin seeking input from the parish to prepare a parish profile for rector candidates. Your participation is crucial, so please keep an eye out for information about completing a survey and attending listening sessions. We are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process. Please keep the committee in your prayers as they plan, work, and discern who God is calling to be the new Rector for All Saints. The Search Committee will be commissioned at the 11:00 am service on Sunday, March 1 st . Please join us! Faithfully, Alexa McElroy and Drew Hataway
February 27, 2026
Stories on the Way: Stories and Poetry for Lent Our faith is built on a collection of stories shared over generations. Jesus taught in stories. Stories are interwoven in our identities as beloved children of God. As we make our way through the season of Lent, you are invited to join us for three evenings of sharing stories and poems on Wednesdays, February 25, March 4, and March 11 . We will begin each evening at 5:30 with a simple supper. We will close out each evening with Compline (a short night prayer service). Use the link below to let us know if you will be joining us for dinner and if you will be bringing children. The Wednesday Atrium will be available. Please RSVP for dinner here Each evening, we will be joined by featured storytellers and poets. You are also invited to bring your own poetry or a favorite poem to share. Your host: The Rev. Kelley Hudlow Featured storytellers:  February 25 Topic: Repentance The Rev. Kelley Hudlow The Rt. Rev. Kee Sloan March 4 Topic: Mercy The Very Rev. Richard Lawson, Bishop-elect Beverly Brasell Susanna Whisett March 11 Topic: Hope Jamie Parris The Rev. Dillon Green Dr. Shanti Weiland
February 26, 2026
All Saints Preschool families, we are excited to offer new kid T shirts this year! Shirts will be Gildan and available in sizes 2T through 5T and Youth XS. They do tend to run small. We have a few sample shirts at the Preschool front desk if you would like to check sizing before you order. We have also added adult sizes S through XXL. Shirts are $18, and XXL is $20. All orders will be charged to the card on file. If you do not have a card on file, we will reach out by email, or you can call the Preschool front desk at 205-879-1092 to make payment. If you would like to order more than one shirt, simply submit another response.
February 25, 2026
Have you learned how to play Mahjong but need a consistent group to keep up your knowledge of the game? Do you like to meet different people at All Saints and gather in fellowship? Well, open to all ages and genders, meet the Mahj Squad, a group that meets 2-3xs a month at All Saints to play Mahjong. We meet next March 29, from 3pm-5pm. If you are interested in joining the Group Me list, text Emily Holm at emilyeholm@gmail.com
2025 Contemplative Service Series
February 24, 2026
2026 Contemplative Service Series
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