Easter Vigil
From a liturgical/theological perspective, the Great Vigil of Easter is possibly the most important service we do all year! Join us this Saturday, March 30, starting at 7:15pm for a pilgrimage from the King Garden, to the Great Hall, then the front patio for the baptism, and finally into the church for the first Eucharist of Easter. This special service consists of four parts:
- The "Service of Light" which includes kindling of a new fire, lighting the Paschal candle, and the Exsultet. This will be in the King Garden starting around 7:15pm (sunset).
- The "Service of Lessons" that are readings from the Hebrew Scriptures interspersed with psalms, canticles, and prayers that are a record of our salvation history. This will take place in the Great Hall after a procession from the King Garden.
- Christian Initiation that consists of Holy Baptism or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows. This will be on the front patio.
- The Holy Eucharist in the Nave.
Through this liturgy, The Book of Common Prayer recovers an ancient practice of keeping the Easter feast. Believers would gather in the hours of darkness ending at dawn on Easter to hear scripture and offer prayer. This night-long service of prayerful watching anticipated the baptisms that would come at first light and the Easter Eucharist. Easter was the primary baptismal occasion for the early church. This practice linked the meanings of Christ's dying and rising to the understanding of baptism.
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As Christians, we believe all of creation was called into being by the very word of God. The Bible reveals that our Creator calls us to be stewards of creation and to love our neighbors. Inspired by the unsurpassed love God showed us by sending Jesus Christ, God’s only son, to redeem us through his death and resurrection, we respond to God's commands. The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama and the All Saints Creation Care Committee is committed to environmental education, advocacy, and action for our neighbors and all of creation. Here are some great opportunities to get involved! April 4 Nature at Noon at Red Mountain with Alabama Audubon Preregistration required at https://alaudubon.org/event/nature-at-noon-red-mountain-park-venice-rd-entrance-free April 4 Party on the Porch, Alabama Outdoors benefitting DRIFT https://www.instagram.com/alabamaoutdoorsofficial/p/DHMW_Iqx1_6/ April 5, 12, 19 & 26 Native Plant Sale at Ruffner Mountain https://ruffnermountain.org/calendar April 5 Gate City Clean up with Black Warrior Riverkeeper https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gate-city-cleanup-tickets-1261569391009?aff=ebdsoporgprofile April 10 Alabama Environmental Council Green Drinks https://aeconline.org/event/04-10-2025/ April 11-12 Spring Plant Sale including native plants at Birmingham Botanical Gardens https://bbgardens.org/event/spring-plant-sale/ April 12 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event https://www.jccal.org/Default.asp?ID=2294&pg=Electronics+Hazardous+Materials April 19 Earthbound’s Earthfest 2025 for Black Warrior Riverkeeper https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dazrg3CMb/ April 21 Cahaba River Society Earth Week Clean-Up https://cahabariversociety.org/event/earth-week-clean-up-series-jefferson-county-april-21/ April 25 Document Shredding & Electronics Recycling at Homewood Public Library https://homewoodpuregionsbliclibrary.org/event/12823689 April 26 Cahaba River Society Earth Week Celebration https://cahabariversociety.org/event/earth-week-celebration-april-26-2025/ April 26 Alabama Environmental Council Earth Day Clean Up https://aeconline.org/events/ May 4 Darter Festival https://aeconline.org/darterfest/ May 10 Jefferson County Electronic Recycling & Paper Shredding https://aeconline.org/event/jefferson-co-electronic-collection-paper-shredding-2/
Ready to spruce up your spring? Join the PrimeTime Saints for "Lunch and Landscape Design" on Tuesday, April 8 at noon in the Great Hall! Bring your favorite dish to share, and settle in for some handy landscaping tips—Do’s and Don’ts—shared by our very own Duke Terrell. If you have any questions, reach out to Susan Ponder: suponder@bellsouth.net
Easter Memorials Honor your loved ones at Easter with a donation to the Flower or Music funds. Complete the online form and pay online or by check. Contributions are $50. You may pay through Realm or send a check directly to the church office. Please remember to write “Easter Memorial Flowers” or "Easter Music Fund" in the memo section of the check or on Realm so the contribution will be directed to the right fund. The deadline for memorials is Monday, April 14th.
Calling all women ages 21 and up! Save the date: April 11-12 . Join us for part or all of the weekend. DEADLINE to sign up is April 4! All women 21+ are invited to join for an amazing and restful weekend at Camp McDowell! This weekend is open to parishioners and friends. Whether you stay the whole weekend, just one night, or only for the day on Saturday, we can’t wait to share this time with you. Embrace free time, fellowship, delicious food, and fun activities in "God’s Backyard!" You may enjoy camp-style activities and/or simply relax in a rocking chair. Renew friendships and discover new connections in a setting that brings us closer together! Click HERE for more information about this weekend! One night stay - 1 Room (Each motel-style room has two queen beds): $130 Day only Per Person Cost (includes meals) - No overnight stay: $50.00 Meals - $60 per person *price includes food, t shirt, welcome bag, and supplies for activities! You may pay by check or on Realm through online giving -- please click the dropdown labeled "Women's Retreat"!
April 13 Palm Sunday 8:30am: Liturgy of the Palms & Holy Eucharist 11:00am: Liturgy of the Palms & Holy Eucharist LIVE STREAM 5:30pm: Holy Eucharist April 17 Maundy Thursday 6:30pm: Proper Liturgy for Maundy Thursday with Holy Eucharist. LIVE STREAM *There will be child care for this service 8:30am: Prayer Vigil April 18 Good Friday 12:00pm: Proper Liturgy for Good Friday LIVE STREAM April 19 Holy Saturday 9:00am: Proper Liturgy for Holy Saturday 10:00am: Inter-generational Easter Festival 7:15pm: The Great Vigil of Easter April 20 Easter Sunday 8:30am: Holy Eucharist 11:00am: Holy Eucharist LIVE STREAM 5:30pm: Holy Eucharist
Spring Session 2025 is coming up fast at Fiddlesticks Music! 10-week Spring Session: March 30 - June 7 These classes are perfect for infants to 5-year olds and their "grown-ups." Parents, grandparents, or nannies can come make music with their little one through singing, dancing, and musical play. Classes fill up fast! Register today! All Saints members receive 20% off tuition. We also have need-based scholarship options. www.fiddlesticks-music.com
