A Lent of Mercy or a Lent of Sacrifice?

A Lent of Mercy or a Lent of Sacrifice?

Sermon by The Rev. Ed Bacon

March 1, 2026


This sermon reflects on how God’s mercy invites us into new life each day. Through the images of the shepherd and the vine, we are reminded that divine love already flows within us, though we sometimes block it through our choices. Even in moments of failure, God’s response is not condemnation but mercy that restores and renews us. Lent becomes an invitation to let that love flow again, living each day as a new beginning shaped by grace rather than guilt.


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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