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

Lemonade Sundays Start June 1

May 16, 2025
Beginning Sunday, June 1 , join us for lemonade and cookies after the 10:00am service. It is a wonderful fellowship opportunity. Please consider signing up (above) to provide cookies and serve lemonade . You can serve as a family or get a fun group of friends together to serve. The lemonade and cups will be provided by All Saints and located in the kitchen with detailed instructions. We ask that you provide the sweet treats. Plan on 8 dozen. Please have everything set up in front of the church by the conclusion of the service. This will be for the months of June and July, with the exception of June 8 which is Pentecost.
It is a red background that does n't have a pattern or texture.

Pentecost is June 8

May 5, 2025
Sunday, June 9, is Pentecost! We will be taking a large group picture of parishioners outside after each morning service. Be sure to wear your red (we wear red to remind us of the fire of the Spirit). The Sunday that is seven weeks (50 days) after Easter Day is the Feast of Pentecost. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks , as described in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1–31 ). 40 days after the resurrection (Easter) Jesus ascends into heaven (Ascension Day). But before he ascends, Jesus promises that he will not leave us “comfortless”, but will send the Holy Spirit to strengthen and to guide us, to guide the church. Ten days later, on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the people gathered.

Join Our Pastoral Care Team!

May 5, 2025
Want to help others in simple, meaningful ways? Join our Pastoral Care Team! This ministry provides support to individuals or families in times of need due to health challenges. We use a team approach so volunteers can do what they enjoy doing when they are able. You can help however you’re able, whether that’s visiting, giving rides, babysitting, or making a meal. If you are interested, connect with Memily Colvin, memily.colvin@gmail.com , Lisa Hallman, hallman.lisaw@gmail.com , or the Rev. Brad Landry, blandry@allsaintsbhm.org .

Vestry Spotlight

May 4, 2025
At All Saints, our Vestry plays a vital role in guiding and supporting the life of our parish. Made up of 15 dedicated members, with one-third elected each year at our fall parish meeting, the Vestry helps shape the future of our church. To help you get to know the faces behind the decisions, we're offering a Vestry spotlight series. First up is our Senior Warden, Martha Bains . A member of All Saints for about 15 years, Martha is now in her third year on the Vestry. “One of my favorite things about All Saints right now is that in this position I get to work closely, not just with our amazing vestry, but also with our wonderful church staff and clergy,” she says. Two traditions close to her heart are the way so many come together on Holy Saturday morning and December 23rd to prepare our church for Easter and Christmas—moments that reflect the spirit of community she loves most.

New Nursery Director

May 1, 2025
We’re excited to welcome our new Nursery Director, Jenni Koehler , who has been part of the All Saints community since 2016. Join us in congratulating her on her new role! From Jenni: I have been a part of the All Saints community since 2016, working primarily in the nursery and supporting our youngest parishioners. Working closely with children inspired me to learn more about how to best support them, and I earned my PhD in child development (with a special focus on play behaviors!) from UAB in 2023. I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing space where children can grow through play. I am also the mother of two (soon to be three!) wonderful children: Vance (5yo) and Nora(3yo) with Baby Sister expected to join us in July. I am so excited to be stepping into this role to continue to serve in such a wonderful and welcoming community and getting the opportunity to inspire playfulness in your children.
A poster for a summer sunday worship on june 4 and july 30

Summer Sunday Worship Begins May 25

May 1, 2025
Beginning Sunday, May 25, All Saints will have two Sunday worship services at 10:00am (+ Live Stream ) and then 5:30pm! Sunday, August 3 , we will get back to three services as normal, 8:30am, 11:00am and 5:30pm. What else is happening? A light breakfast will be served from 8:45am - 9:45am. The nursery will be available during the morning service for children six weeks old to six years old. Of note, six weeks to two years old parents will drop-off AND pick-up. Three years - six year olds will be escorted by staff into the 10:00am service for the Eucharist (Communion). If you are unable to attend our services, find our live stream archives HERE , and our sermons HERE .
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