w/ Joie Hoke

When I was asked to write about being a part of Children’s Formation at All Saints of course I jumped at the chance. There are few things I love more than talking about the atrium and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. 

When you first begin Level 1 CGS training, it becomes quickly apparent that although the atrium is a place to grow closer to God with children, it also allows adults our own unique spiritual journey that goes much deeper and further than within the walls of the atrium. There is, quite literally, not one aspect of my life that doing this work hasn’t touched. It’s helped me to be a better mom, Christian and all around, a better human. I’ve made some of my closest friends while working in the atrium and discovered so much about myself. It has given me the space to begin a faith journey that I had longed for all of my life. It lead me to do EFM (another ministry I could rave about). After being a catechist for 15 years, I can say that the gifts I have received from this work have truly formed me.

When in 2005 my husband, Chris, and our one-year old son, Braden moved to Homewood, it only seemed right to register him for preschool at All Saints. After all, it had been where my husband spent his formative years. Little did I know the impact it would have on our lives would be so profound. Soon after Braden started preschool in the 2’s class, preschool parents were given the opportunity to get an atrium “lesson”. I jumped at this chance, as I had seen the atrium when I toured the preschool and was immediately intrigued. I also felt strongly about seeing what type of religious formation my child was going to be exposed to. When Stephanie (Diethelm), who started atrium in Alabama at our very own All Saints Episcopal Church, gave the Good Shepherd lesson, it was like my eyes had finally been opened. I’d been waiting for a method like this my whole life. An opportunity to hear words from the Bible and to be asked, “What did you hear?”. Well suffice it to say it brought me tears of joy. My heart was so full knowing that Braden (and later Callen) would have a space to explore and think deeply about Jesus’ words on his own terms, and not to be told by someone what they meant. I’ll never forget that day. 

Soon after we joined All Saints and I began Level 1 training (for 3-6 year olds) of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. I dug in deep. The first Sunday I was scheduled to volunteer in the atrium, my then 4 year old Braden said to me, “This is such a special day for you!”. And he was so right. Shortly thereafter, in addition to volunteering at the church, I started as a catechist for the preschool and joined the All Saints Children’s Formation staff.

I believe we are currently at a crossroads in our country in exposing young people to Christianity. Younger generations are going to church less and less these days. The current Christian climate doesn’t always allow for wonder. We have such an invaluable opportunity to grow our flock at All Saints in this work. I believe that there are parents with young children who are searching for a method like CGS to expose their children to the Gospel in a space which allows them to quietly contemplate and ponder the Kingdom of God. The atrium is a place that invites children to quiet their bodies, minds, hearts and souls; to “be still” and grow to closer to God.

Just a few weeks ago when we had our Atrium open house, a group of All Saints EYC teenagers, on their own, visited Children’s Formation. The joy and the memories these teens experienced being back in the atrium again, was palpable. I also see the lasting effects it has had on my own kids. Not only has this work formed me, it has formed my two sons (20 and 16), and has guided them to be the people they are today; full of love, empathy and knowledge in our Lord. There are countless others I have met from all over our country (and beyond) who credit the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as a true gift from God. I am beyond thankful that All Saints continues to consider this work a vital part of our community.

God Bless,

Joie Hoke

w/ Lisa Hallman

Pastoral Care at All Saints lives out our mission, “Embodying Christ’s Transforming Love,” through the ways we care for one another in times of joy, uncertainty, and grief. Clergy and parishioners work together to meet needs as they arise.

One ministry available to everyone is our confidential prayer ministry. It provides a private way to request prayer when you prefer not to be on the public list used during services. A phone tree spreads requests quickly, and you can share as much or as little information as you wish. Peggy Gilbert and Sally Vick have faithfully led this ministry for more than 30 years.

Our card ministry sends over 30 cards each month to those who are sick, homebound, grieving, or simply in need of encouragement. Sally Vick has led this ministry for more than three decades.

The Meal Team delivers 10–12 meals each month to parishioners who are ill, recovering from surgery or an accident, grieving an immediate family member, or celebrating the arrival of a new baby. Michele Suttle, Pam Phillips, and Lisa Hallman coordinate this ministry.

Flowers used on Sundays are divided on Mondays and delivered to those who may need a lift. Pam Holby has overseen this work for many years. Our knitting group, “In Stitches,” meets weekly to make prayer shawls that clergy share with parishioners who are hospitalized or facing serious illness. Memily Colvin leads this group.

Nancy Terrell leads our Wedding Guild, offering guidance and support to couples as they plan their wedding, attend the rehearsal, and celebrate their day. She has served in this role for many years and helps us extend love to those beginning their life together.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors bring communion to those unable to attend church, sharing God’s love in a deeply meaningful way for both giver and receiver. Joseph Slane and Bryson Waldo lead this ministry. When a parishioner has ongoing or complex needs, a Care Team may be formed to provide additional support. Clergy can help coordinate this when needed.

The funeral hospitality team shows love and comfort to grieving families by providing a reception during visitation on the day of the funeral. Martha Miller and Donna Gooch led this group for many years, and Janet Guest has recently taken over for Martha. The Pastoral Care Committee meets once a month and includes clergy, ministry leaders, and volunteers.

I am committed to this ministry because of the care shown to my parents, Diane and Larry Wilson, and to our family during their declining health and death. They were touched by nearly every ministry, and I will never forget the kindness shown to us. I grew up at All Saints, spent 30 years in Tuscaloosa, and have been back home for about three and a half years. I believe Pastoral Care is one of the things All Saints is most known for in the diocese, and I hope it always will be. Please let the church know when you are in the hospital, have a death in your family, or have any needs one of our ministries can help meet.

If you would like to be involved in any of these ministries, we would love to have you. You can contact me, Lisa Hallman, at Hallman.lisaw@gmail.com.

w/ Erin Donahoo and Kathleen Pridgen

Program Description: The Acolyte Ministry at All Saints provides children and youth with a meaningful opportunity to actively participate in worship services. The role of an acolyte in the Christian church has evolved over centuries, and today in the Anglican tradition acolytes serve as lay leaders who help guide worship with reverence and purpose. In our church, acolytes assist in the liturgy by carrying crosses, candles, the Gospel book, and by helping prepare the altar for Eucharist. By serving as acolytes, young members of our congregation take on leadership roles that foster reverence, responsibility, and spiritual engagement.

Volunteer Background: Erin Donohoo and Kathleen Pridgen have been serving as acolyte co-masters since 2023. Erin and her family have been members of All Saints since 2009, with her children serving as acolytes since 2018, and Kathleen and her family have been members of All Saints since 2017, with her children serving as acolytes since 2021.

Why We’re Committed to This Ministry: We are deeply committed to the Acolyte Ministry because we believe in empowering children and youth with appropriate levels of responsibility within their families and faith communities. This kind of engagement helps them develop a sense of purpose beyond themselves, encouraging them to recognize their unique gifts and roles. The Episcopal liturgy is rich and beautiful, but for some, it can feel formal, mysterious, or even inaccessible. Involving children and youth in the liturgy reveals its inclusivity—it shows that they are not only welcome but capable of deep appreciation and reverence. Serving as an acolyte nurtures their spiritual growth and sense of wonder, and helps them connect more fully to the rhythms and meaning of worship.

Why This Work Matters to All Saints and Our Mission: Serving as an acolyte offers younger members a tangible and impactful way to participate in the life of the church and enact what they’ve learned in children’s formation. We especially appreciate how the liturgy, sacraments, and life of the church that are introduced to children as young as 3 years old in the Atrium come to life as children walk through the service. Our earliest children's formation is grounded in the belief that children have an inherent relationship with God and desire to understand and celebrate that relationship, and we see the acolyte ministry as a natural continuation of this work. This hands-on experience deepens their understanding of our traditions and reinforces the spiritual education many of them have already received.

In what ways does the ministry's work embody the mission of our church? The Acolyte Ministry beautifully embodies All Saints’ mission to be a reverent, nurturing, and inclusive community of seekers. By inviting children and youth into active liturgical roles, we honor the Image of God within each person and affirm that reverence is not limited by age—it is a posture of the heart held toward God and one another. The ministry fosters intergenerational connection and inclusion in worship and introduces children and youth to just one way they can seek and serve Christ in service to others.

How has your work personally impacted your life? Serving in this ministry has connected us more deeply with families across our congregation and helped our own children grow in maturity and responsibility. We’ve come to know so many of the children in our church—their personalities, interests, and gifts—and in turn we also stay connected to their families. Erin notes that it’s profoundly moving to see children she’s known since they were toddlers now leading the processional. We often reassure nervous new acolytes that mistakes are part of learning, and that our congregation is not only forgiving but genuinely delighted to see young people taking part in worship. This ministry sends a powerful message: everyone is welcome, appreciated, and loved.

What unique needs does it address in our congregation? As children grow older and their schedules become increasingly full, the Acolyte Ministry offers an anchor to their spiritual lives. Choosing to serve—especially when it means waking early on a Sunday—helps them stay connected to something larger than themselves: the church community, our liturgical traditions, and the sacred celebration of the Eucharist. It also strengthens relationships between youth and clergy, musicians, and lay eucharistic ministers, forming a truly intergenerational worship team.


What lasting and positive changes have you witnessed as a direct result of the work? Through the Acolyte ministry, we’ve witnessed remarkable growth in the youth of the church. Many begin with nervousness, unsure of their role, but with practice they gain confidence and capability. Some of the most hesitant children blossom into enthusiastic leaders—often the first to volunteer when a substitute is needed. This transformation speaks to the supportive environment we’ve cultivated and the value that the children see in their work. The most common feedback we hear is that they enjoy having both a practical job and a meaningful role in the service. That joy and sense of purpose is the heart of this ministry.

w/ Julie Jurotich

Eric and I have been at All Saints for 23 years. I’ve worked with Invite, Welcome, Connect (IWC) for two years, drawn in by Sally Elwood & Trisha Trigg when we returned to Homewood from Atlanta.

IWC is the heart of All Saints to me. We are a small but mighty group of clergy, staff and parishioners that works to bring new people into All Saints and energize and engage current members. Our role is connection through fun and fellowship with the Holy Spirt guiding our actions. We try to create and foster positive interactions between visitors and members with Coffee & Connect each month and follow up notes and gifts to visitors. We facilitate annual events including Trunk or Treat and All Saints Loves Homewood Day.

IWC has fostered a deeper connection to All Saints for me. My role in IWC prompts me to reach out to new people with a purpose, giving me a comfort factor that I wouldn’t normally have. We’ve worked hard to create more inviting spaces, from the transformed Narthex to refreshed public areas. The guiding hand of Cindy Carter was invaluable over the last two years. Ed Bacon tells me he wants to get to know and be a part of our group. The future is bright and we’d love to add more people to IWC.

Julie Jurotich

w/ Ron May

⦿ How has your work in our outreach ministries personally impacted your life?

My participation in Avondale Breakfast Ministry (ABM), in particular, has taught me that we all need and want to connect to other people. Everyone wants to be seen, heard, and loved. Each week, ABM presents opportunities to give to others and receive from others as well. All of the outreach ministries allow us to exercise our compassion and know that God's grace is for all of us no matter what our circumstances.

⦿ In what ways does the work embody the mission of our church?

To me "outreach" means showing other people how much we love God by loving other people. Giving someone a cup of coffee and a sausage biscuit is a first step in letting that person know that they matter to you and that they matter to God. We are all "One Body".

⦿ What unique needs does it address in our congregation?

I believe people need and want to give of themselves. ABM and the other outreach ministries are organized ways for our parish to give back materially and spiritually to those in hunger, in pain and in need of belonging.



⦿ What lasting positive changes have you witnessed as a direct result of the work in the ministry?

When we participate in our outreach ministries, our ability to see the needs around us expands. We see additional ways to reach out to our community and the world. "Love begets Love". The real challenge is to use our resources as effectively as possible. Needs will always outpace our ability to address them, but we should not give up helping just because we cannot satisfy all the needs we identify.