I Am Because We Are
"I Am Because We Are"
Sermon by The Rev. Ed Bacon
Nov. 2, 2025
It is All Saints Sunday, a time to remember those who live on in our hearts—parents, friends, teachers, and saints like Desmond Tutu and Martin Luther King Jr. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who remind us that “I am because we are,” bound together in the interrelated structure of reality where no one stands alone. Life is changed, not ended, and the energy of those who came before still lives within us. As three children are baptized into this communion of grace and love, we celebrate that the saints past, present, and future are one.
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Join us for our annual "Shrove Tuesday & Pancake Supper" Tuesday, February 17, 5:30pm-7:00pm! You can sign up to help by donating supplies and working a shift! The meal will cost $8 per person or $30 per family, and all proceeds will benefit our youth programs. SIGN UP HERE Shrove Tuesday, also know as "Pancake Tuesday" or "Pancake Day" is the final day before the 40-day period of Lent begins. Its name comes from the Germanic-Old English word “shrive,” meaning absolve, and it is the last day of the liturgical season historically known as Shrovetide. Because it comes directly before Lent, a season of fasting and penitence, this was the day that Christians would go to be “shriven” by their confessor. Shrove Tuesday also became a day for pre-fasting indulgence. In particular, the need to use up rich ingredients such as butter, milk, sugar and eggs before Lent gave rise to the tradition of eating pancakes on this day. On Shrove Tuesday, we also burn the palms distributed during the previous year's Palm Sunday liturgies to make the ashes used during the services held on the very next day, Ash Wednesday.
A Contemplative Service: Epiphany Evensong
Wednesday, February 4 at 6:00pm This evensong in the Epiphany season will be presented by the choirs in the All Saints Choir School. Blending the choral traditions of evensong with the intimate setting of our All Saints Contemplative Service series, this sacred service will give space for beautiful, light-filled, meditative evening prayer. See all Contemplative Services Here
Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, February 18! Services will be at 12:00pm & 6:00pm . The nursery will be available for infants - 6 years old. Falling six and half weeks before Easter, this will mark the beginning of the forty days of Lent in preparation for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. The ashes are a sign of penitence and a reminder of mortality, and may be imposed with the sign of the cross. The Ash Wednesday service is one of the Proper Liturgies for Special Days in the BCP (p. 264). Imposition of ashes at the Ash Wednesday service is optional.
The Very Rev. Richard T. Lawson III, dean of Saint John’s Cathedral in Denver, has been elected the 13th diocesan bishop of Alabama. He was chosen on the first ballot at today’s special convention at the Cathedral Church of the Advent. Following the required consent process of The Episcopal Church, Bishop elect Lawson will be ordained and consecrated on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Birmingham. We give thanks for all who served in this search and ask for continued prayers during this time of transition.
We will have an all ages Bingo Night in the Great Hall on Wednesday, February 11 from 5:00 to 6:30pm . We are leaning into a Valentine theme and making it a relaxed evening for all generations to gather, play, and enjoy time together. This timing also works well if you are coming before or after choir rehearsals. We will have Roly Poly sandwiches, chips, and dessert available, with a suggested donation of $5 to help us plan for food. Come for a round or stay for the whole evening. Everyone is welcome.
Introducing Saints Social Clubs! Looking for a fun, easy way to connect with fellow parishioners? Saints Social Clubs brings adults together once a month to enjoy great food and great company. Here’s how it works: • Complete the short preference questionnaire HERE • Small clubs will be assigned in early March • Each club decides how they want to gather, in homes, at restaurants, or a mix of both. Each participant can choose the vibe for their assigned month • Days, times, and locations are set by each individual club • No pressure, no agenda, just a social gathering with fellow parishioners Whether you’re new to All Saints or have been here for years, this is a wonderful way to meet new people and strengthen connections within our church community. If you have any questions connect with Ginny May, ginmay@bellsouth.net